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DWP Insider Powerlist 2024-25: North, Central, South America & The Caribbean

Americas especially the United States has been at the forefront of promoting high-end weddings. A lot of the world’s leading wedding specialists have risen to the top who belong to this region. Be it celebrity wedding planners, luxury special event planners, wedding designers – the Americas is home to some of the finest names in the wedding fraternity. And with exotic destinations such as Mexico and a lot of Caribbean Islands to boast, the Americas stays popular in the wedding realm as the destination of choice for not only weddings & celebrations but also honeymoon and romance travel!

We’ve rounded up some of the top luxury planners and designers from North, Central, South America & The Caribbeans who’ve made a significant difference in making 2024 the year to remember for the global wedding sphere. Check them out…

Adrian Pavia, Adrian Pavia – Creating Unique Events, Argentina

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Bringing love stories to life and creating unforgettable memories drives my passion for wedding planning every day

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the trust of my clients, the dedication of my team, and the inspiration I draw from every love story I have the honor to celebrate

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is spending quality time with my family, sharing laughter, good food, and creating memories that remind me why I do what I do

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that time passes faster than we realize. It’s essential to embrace every moment, enjoy the present, and not wait for the ‘perfect moment.’ Life is made of small moments that are worth living to the fullest

Akeshi Akinseye, Kesh Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The one thing that drives me towards my passion and craft is the profound joy of creating meaningful connections through beautifully curated celebrations

Who/what do you owe your success to: It truly takes a village. I owe my success to a combination of personal drive, the unwavering support of my incredible husband, my loving friends and family, our amazing clients who trust us with their most special moments, and my hardworking, dedicated team

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is all about self-care and relaxation—a peaceful day at home filled with my favorite TV shows or movies, unwinding, and resetting my mind and body. It’s the perfect way to recharge and feel refreshed!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest lessons for me has been understanding the power of resilience and adaptability. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how you rise, adapt, and move forward that defines your journey. Trust the process, celebrate small wins, and know that every setback is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser

Alison Hotchkiss, Alison Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Traveling! 

Who/what do you owe your success to: Working hard, staying positive, being easy-going, making things fun!

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Hiking in Marin with my 9-year-old or traveling somewhere

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: You get back what you put in

Amy Abbott, Amy Abbott Events, Mexico

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Excellence! I strive to elevate my clients’  expectations with every experience we create and execute

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the drive and determination inspired by the people and experiences that shaped me. Each vision starts with a dream, and I am a dreamer at heart. Mentors, loved ones, and challenges have fueled my desire to excel and improve

What is an ideal day off from work for you: It starts with a long walk with my three rescue dogs while listening to my favorite podcast. If I’m lucky, the day ends with a relaxing boat or beach day, or dinner with family and friends. There’s nothing I enjoy more than connecting with people in the beautiful place I call home

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: For me, anything and everything can be accomplished with kindness, composure, determination, and creativity. These four mindsets are essential in our field, and when I approach my day with that mentality, life is truly good!

Barbara Diez, Barbara Diez Event Planners, Argentina

Beth Helmstetter, Beth Helmstetter Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: I am passionate about making others feel celebrated

Who/what do you owe your success to: I have a wonderful crew of women all with their own speciality who bring different insights and expertise to the table. This culminates in events that are just as beautiful as they are logistically sound. This is a key reason we are successful

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Workout, meditate, spend time with my husband and friends and a little time alone

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Slow growth is better than explosive growth, especially in terms of entrepreneurship. It can be tempting to go very quickly, but being methodical in your growth leads to happier clients, better service, and more intentional work!

Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of creating moments that leave a lasting impact—whether it’s celebrating a milestone, a couple beginning their life together, or a community coming together for a cause

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the people who have trusted me with their most personal stories and moments. Their belief in me has inspired and challenged me to continually innovate. I also owe much to my team—every success is the result of incredible collaboration

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off involves time with my husband and our dogs, a personal training session, time enjoying our home and outdoor space, perhaps a bit of shopping and ending the day with a negroni and dinner with close friends and family

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Never underestimate the power of listening. Understanding someone’s vision or need starts with being fully present and open. It’s through truly listening that you build trust, create connections, provide value and achieve something extraordinary together

David Beahm, David Beahm Experiences, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: We are all very fortunate to have jobs that are our passion. We are all people pleasers and seeing that smile at the end of the aisle is what drives me every day to do my job better and better

Who/what do you owe your success to: When I first started my job I asked my best friend who is a very successful businessman for advice and he said to surround yourself with great people and that’s what I have done and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Lying on the hammock, by the creek on my farm, with my dog Jim

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: I believe it was Plato who said, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Approach with gentle understanding

David Stark, David Stark Designs, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Innovation and artistic excellence in service of our clients

Who/what do you owe your success to: Our success is attributed to our team and the magic made in our fabrication studio, filled with the most wonderful storytellers, artisans, carpenters, engineers, florists, producers, strategists and leaders that anyone could ever ask for

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Living in NYC, I have such incredible culture at my fingertips and having time off to actually enjoy it is a gift. Whether it’s visiting museums, and galleries, going to the theater, trying new restaurants, spending time in the city’s many outstanding parks, or doing all of the above in a single day, that’s truly a jolt of inspiration for me

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: It’s not about “I,” it’s about “We.” The world of events is a team sport. Investing in the team is a catalyst for growth and gratification

David Tutera, David Tutera Luxury Events, USA

Eddie Zaratsian, Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The reaction of my clients

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to the Universe for creating me

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Detached from work and in nature

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Always believe in yourself, be fearless and disruptive

Edgar Hayrapetyan, Edgar Hay Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Bringing happiness and joy to people. Creating magical moments for them that they will forever remember and cherish

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to God and to my mom

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Being home and watching a movie without having to stress about responsibilities and phone calls

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Staying true to yourself and not giving up. Those are the most important things. In our industry ( and overall ) you have to have a signature, and you have to keep working hard to achieve your goals and dreams

Erik De Abreu, Erik De Abreu Events, Mexico

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Seeing my ideas come to life—whether through thoughtful design or perfectly executed events—and witnessing the joy on people’s faces when everything comes together fuels my passion

Who/what do you owe your success to: My family is the foundation of my success. Their love gave me a safe place to grow, and their wisdom taught me hard work, integrity, and resilience. Success doesn’t come from talent alone but from showing up consistently. I owe them everything I am

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal workday for me starts with a relaxed and mindful morning. I use this time to recharge, enjoy a good breakfast, and draw inspiration from movies or shows, which fuel my creativity and ideas

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: One of life’s biggest lessons I’ve learned is that life moves quickly, and we can’t afford to get stuck in the difficult moments or stress ourselves too much. Life is short, and we should live it one day at a time, cherishing each moment to the fullest. Be kind, polite, and gentle with others, and always strive to work as a team. Together, we are stronger. Remember, be more like a bee—working in harmony and contributing to something greater—rather than a fly, always struggling alone

Indira Fodor, Indira Fodor Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: My children!! They are definitely the driving force to make my work something wonderful. Always looking to be an example for them and seeking excellence in everything we do

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to my discipline and perseverance. To that desire of always seeking to be at the top with honesty and integrity in my work

What is an ideal day off from work for you: My perfect day off is curiously in the comfort of my home, sharing with my family, away from the noise of an event. That is my happy place

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: The best life lesson I have had was when I emigrated to another country. Many told me it was wrong to leave a place where I was well known to go to a place where no one knew me. And my mind said the opposite. Undoubtedly, the greatest lesson has been to trust my instincts and show the world that if you love your work and are good at it, you will be recognized wherever you go

Jennifer Zabinski, JZ Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: One thing that drives my success in the events industry is the dynamic nature of the work and the freedom to express creativity every day. I’m passionate about traveling the world and crafting unforgettable experiences for clients, which fuels my dedication

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to my loving and supportive family, my hardworking team, and my clients who trust in the process and in my ability to create truly one-of-a-kind events

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off would be spent soaking up the sun, sipping on a Patron Silver, and enjoying the company of my two pups, Gunner and Abby

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Life’s biggest lesson has been recognizing the value in every relationship, whether it’s with the doorman who helps deliver welcome bags or the CEO of a major corporation. Every connection holds significance, and building lasting, meaningful relationships has been key to getting me where I am today

JoAnn Gregoli, Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: My passion is driven by your deep desire to create unforgettable moments and bring joy to others. It’s the combination of your love for storytelling, your appreciation for beauty and artistry, and your commitment to making every event uniquely personal

Who/what do you owe your success to: My innovative approach to wedding and event planning, coupled with a deep understanding of your clients’ desires and dreams

What is an ideal day off from work for you: My ideal day off would be sitting on a beach with a frozen drink just taking in the sounds of the ocean, mixed with a luxurious spa treatment or some personal pampering, like a massage or skincare session

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Navigating a demanding industry and overcoming obstacles has shown me the importance of persistence. Setbacks can be stepping stones when approached with a solution-oriented mindset. Adaptability is key; success often lies in how you adapt to unforeseen circumstances

Josh Spiegel, Birch Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The idea of taking nothing and creating something beautiful!

Who/what do you owe your success to: My grit

What is an ideal day off from work for you: I love exploring a new city!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Trust yourself sooner, own your seat in the room

Jung Lee, Fete NY, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The ability to create unforgettable moments for our clients, their families, and their guests. What we craft becomes a cherished memory that they have forever!

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to our clients. Their trust in us to create extraordinary milestones in their lives has been the foundation of everything we do

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off involves spending quality time with my kids, enjoying the things we love together, immersing ourselves in nature, and experiencing the culture and vibrancy of life around us

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: I’m always learning and that never stops. That’s what makes life so much fun!

Karen Tran, Karen Tran Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Bring a vision into reality

Who/what do you owe your success to: My humble father who grounds me

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Golfing and Gardening

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: There is no TOP. Keep going! Always learn and gain new expriences

Kevin Lee, Luxury Events by Kevin Lee, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Art – immersing myself in the creative space gives me fulfilment and drive!

Who/what do you owe your success to: Mary McCucci

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Spontaneously looking for new ideas!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too:  8954 W Pico Boulevard

Lindsay Landman, Lindsay Landman Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: I love a new challenge, so I’m always working towards that

Who/what do you owe your success to: Never settling for “good enough”

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Brunch on a sunny, warm day in the West Village with nowhere to be!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: You can’t expect others to know or understand your value without you making it clear to them

Lisa Vorce, Lisa Vorce CO, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Making our clients happy

Who/what do you owe your success to: My sister and business partner Gina. We have an effective collaboration

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Early AM walk, gardening and baking in the afternoon, sauna, then ice bath, and finally in bed by 8 pm!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: When you approach event planning with kindness and grace, collaboration all over the world is possible

Lynn Easton, Easton Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: I feel obligated to leave the industry in better shape than when I began nearly 30 years ago. I am channeling those efforts through Easton Education and our new App eventPERCH

Who/what do you owe your success to: My inability to believe that there is a work-life balance

What is an ideal day off from work for you: We are lucky enough to live by the ocean, so my ideal day off is at the Beach with my family and grandchildren, with or without a little Sauvignon Blanc!

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: I live by: Work Hard, Have Fun, Fight Nice, Hire Well

Marcy Blum, Marcy Blum Associates, USA

Matthew Robbins, Matthew Robbins Designs, USA

Mauricio Kirschner, House of Kirschner, Mexico

Mindy Weiss, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: I love the challenge of creating something new and different each time – something that reflects the clients so personally that when guests walk into an event they immediately know it’s them

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe so much to the people and creatives around me, and to my family that have put up with this round-the-clock schedule. One thing that I know has helped me have longevity is kindness. That’s something that has always been very important to me

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Staying in bed as long as I can and spending time with my family and grandkids. Sometimes the grandkids even climb in bed with me. Or I visit a flea market with my kids. Family time is everything, no matter what we’re doing

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: I think it’s a lesson I’m still learning, to remember to take care of ourselves. We can only give so much before we have to give to ourselves. I’m in a constant state of learning to put my needs in the mix

Nikki Khan, Exquisite Events, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Starting from a blank slate and seeing it all come together

Who/what do you owe your success to: A constant desire to learn, experiment, adapt and thinking outside of the box

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Going for a very long walk and observing my surroundings and being in a constant state of gratitude

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Never take anything for granted. Always stay humble, help the less fortunate and have a strong work ethic. This is what I have instilled in my children also. 

Preston Bailey, Preston Bailey Designs, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Always hoping to design a concept never seen before

Who/what do you owe your success to: Learning from my mistakes & my endurance

What is an ideal day off from work for you: A few of my favorites pastimes are working out, Netflix and The Theater

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: In the almost 50 years in business (started in 1980) I have learned that you’ll have good years and also not so good years. What has always kept me going is my faith in my God!

Roberto Cohen, Roberto Cohen Cerimonial, Brazil

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Creating and realizing new projects

Who/what do you owe your success to: Never fearing challenges

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Relax by the pool, soak in the sun with drinks & food…

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with others too: Never copy yourself or someone, thinking it’s the easiest way…It’s the wrong way !

Shade Fatusin, A Conceal Affair, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The joy of making things beautiful and creating beautiful memories

Who/what do you owe your success to: God & my family!

What is an ideal day off from work for you: My ideal day off work will be reading, and getting inspiration for my next event. Investing time into learning more about my craft

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with
others too: Learning to trust God in all that you do and constantly being of service to others

Sharon Sacks, Sharon Sacks Productions, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: Creating beauty and making each event “its own piece of art”

Who/what do you owe your success to: Our clients, who have allowed us to deliver their dream

What is an ideal day off from work for you: Having a spa day with my husband

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with
others too: To make every moment matter

Simone Tostes, Aonde Casar, Brazil

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: The opportunity to create unforgettable moments for couples and their loved ones. Being part of such a significant chapter in their lives, while weaving their story into a unique and personalized celebration, is what fuels my passion every day

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to my dedication, my clients’ trust, and the support of talented industry professionals

What is an ideal day off from work for you: An ideal day off for me is spent exploring a charming town, enjoying good food and wine, spending quality time with my family, and ending the day with a peaceful sunset by the water

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with
others too: One of life’s biggest learnings for me has been the importance of staying adaptable and resilient. Challenges often lead to growth, and embracing change with a positive mindset opens doors to new opportunities

Sonal Shah, Sonal J Shah Event Consultants, USA

What is the one thing that drives you towards your passion/craft: What drives me is the thrill of thinking outside the box to create unforgettable experiences that go far beyond expectations. There are no dress rehearsals in this craft—each moment is unique, unrepeatable, and deeply significant for the couple

Who/what do you owe your success to: I owe my success to a relentless commitment to creativity, the unwavering trust of my clients, and the incredible team that supports me every step of the way

What is an ideal day off from work for you: It’s all about recharging in the simplest yet most meaningful ways. I love spending time cleaning and organising (it’s oddly therapeutic!), spending time with my daughter, and reconnecting with family and friends

What has been one of life’s biggest learnings for you, that you would like to share with
others too: One of life’s biggest lessons for me has been never taking no for an answer and learning the power of adaptability and resilience. Plans don’t always go as expected, but when you face challenges, it’s essential to stay persistent and keep finding creative solutions

Tara Guerard, Tara Guerard Soiree, USA