Meet the Team: Alana

1. What inspired you to become a wedding planner?

Becoming a wedding planner is something that happened gradually for me. While I had a dream of being a wedding planner when I was a little girl, I never gave it much thought after everyone told me it was the most stressful job in the world. At 8 years old, that's definitely not what I wanted to hear, so I quickly moved on and never thought about it again until the position kinda just happened to me. I spent most of my life in and around events - whether it was performing as a Polynesian entertainer, hosting as Miss Pacific Islander of San Diego, or being a helping hand for friends and family. My first "big-girl" job out of high school was working as an Event Planner for a nationwide non-profit organization where I helped create events for upwards of 3,000 people around the country. From that point on, I was hooked in the event world. My transition into weddings was a natural progression as an assistant planner position was offered to me almost 5 years ago now. After my first wedding, I knew that this role was meant for me. 

 2. How long have you been working as a wedding planner?

I have worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade, worked as an event planner for 8 years and have been in the wedding industry for just over 5 years. The largest wedding I've ever helped organize was for 850 people and the most intimate wedding I've worked on was for 5 people. 

3. Can you share some memorable experiences or success stories from past weddings you've coordinated?

I have so many memorable wedding stories I could talk about them for hours. My favorite stories are the ones with the biggest saves - like the time I had to rescue the mother of the groom who fell into a pond 10 minutes before the ceremony (believe it or not we actually started right on time), or the time I had to be an officiant because a reverend was over an hour and a half late. 

My least favorite wedding experience was when I had to transport the couple's decor between venues and as I was going to check out of the venue, I returned to the parking lot to find my car window was smashed in and all their decor was stolen. After giving myself a moment to cry, I asked the couple if I could use photos and personalized items from their house to take the place of the reception decor that was stolen. It all worked out and the couple was happy at the end of the night, but it's a moment I wouldn't wish on anyone. 

My absolute favorite memories are the unique experiences couples include for their guests and the times my clients turn into friends. From brides sharing the news with me that they're expecting a baby, couples asking to double date with me and my husband, to wedding party members asking me to plan their wedding, the relationships I build with our clients are priceless. 

4. How do you handle unexpected challenges or emergencies during weddings?

With lots of grace and patience. The thing about weddings and events, is that there are bound to be challenges. There are so many moving parts involved, you should expect some margin of error. The key is to be detailed in the planning process and to meet people where they're at. While some situations might require a stern approach, I've found that most unexpected challenges or emergencies can be resolved with a deep breath, fast thinking, and a sympathetic, solution-forward plan. 

5. What sets you apart from other wedding planners?

 My cultural background and diverse work experience truly set me apart in  the wedding planning industry. I have a deep appreciation for culture  and love incorporating our clients' unique backgrounds and traditions  into their big day. I embrace challenges and unique requests because I  believe every wedding should highlight what makes the couple special.  Whether it’s building a custom arch, designing stationery, emceeing,  doing bridal hair and makeup, or creating floral arrangements, I have  the skills and experience to make it happen. I’m proud to be someone who  can turn visions into reality and ensure each wedding is as unique and  memorable as the couple themselves. 

6. What do you enjoy most about being a wedding planner?

The relationship I get to build with my clients, watching their vision come to life, and the smiles on everyone's face as they dance the night away. There are certain milestones in the planning process that are so fulfilling to complete, but there's nothing more rewarding than hearing how happy our clients and their guests are the day of the wedding. 

7. What do you do for fun/ hobbies?

I stay pretty busy outside of wedding planning as a Polynesian dancer, emceeing The Catamaran Resort's Summer Luaus, and helping my husband run his business, Lifestyle Movement. But when I'm not planning, working, or performing, you can usually find me reading a good book, listening to podcasts, being a creative (writing, drawing, designing, dancing, singing), traveling, or watching Grey's Anatomy for the 10th time. 

8. What’s your favorite wedding aesthetic?

I'm not sure I have a favorite! I truly love anything unique and interactive. I'm all about creating an experience so the more fun you throw into an aesthetic, the more I love it. I have a "Wedding Inspo" Pinterest board with a ton of different themes that I randomly come up with. Last month I created a Scooby Doo themed board and now I wish I did it for my own wedding. 

The wedding aesthetic that we're most known for is definitely tropical chic - Island style elegance that can range from an all-white theme to really bringing in those bright pops of color. 

I also love when we can incorporate lots of candles into any aesthetic. There's something so timeless about those beautiful flames that will always elevate an event.