READING TIME: 3 min 19 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/28/2025
UPDATED: 02/28/2025
For over two decades, Calluna Events has been a name synonymous with excellence in wedding planning. The journey began in 2004 when a night out with friends turned into a pivotal moment.
"Calluna Events was born out of a night out with some girlfriends who urged me over martinis that wedding planning was my calling. I honestly never saw myself as a business owner or an entrepreneur, but in 2004, I saw the need for a wedding planning company in our area."
This realization led to the creation of a company that has since transformed countless wedding dreams into reality. Before founding Calluna Events, she spent ten years working in non-profit and corporate events. The transition to weddings felt like a natural progression—one that combined her love of working with people and her passion for creativity.
"I've always had a desire to do work that impacts people in a positive way, work that is rewarding and challenging at the same time. Wedding planning combines my love of working with people and leaning into my creative side. It can be the hardest, yet most rewarding work."
Every wedding planner remembers their first wedding—the one that set the stage for the career that followed. For Calluna Events, that wedding took place in September 2004 on a ranch outside of Steamboat, Colorado.
"A tented wedding, in the mountains of Colorado, and we woke up to a dusting of snow on their wedding day. It was a true reflection of that couple, and I’m so very proud of where Calluna has come from that very first wedding!"
One of the most fulfilling aspects of wedding planning is the relationships formed along the way.
"Planning someone’s wedding is very personal. We often develop a close bond with our couples, so when we get to the wedding day, it’s like watching a friend get married. The emotional connection and intimacy we have with our couples is one of my favorite parts of the wedding planning process."
This deep connection allows Calluna Events to craft highly personalized experiences, ensuring each wedding is as unique as the couple themselves.
At its core, Calluna Events is more than just a wedding planning company—it’s a partner in creating memories that last a lifetime.
"We are more than just wedding planners. We are your partners in creating a celebration that is memorable and a true reflection of our couple. Our approach is centered on building a personal connection with our couple and creating an experience for not just our couple, but their guests."
The team thrives on curating unique guest experiences, incorporating intentional design elements, and executing seamless productions. They are also proud to work with couples from all backgrounds, celebrating love in all its forms.
"We are honored to work with couples who choose us and celebrate love in all its forms, welcoming multicultural, interracial, and LGBTQ+ weddings."
Over the years, Calluna Events has had the privilege of planning countless breathtaking weddings, but one stands out among the rest.
"I planned the wedding of Governor Jared Polis and First Gentleman Marlon Reis. It was a historic, truly momentous, and very moving occasion where friends and family witnessed the marriage of this extraordinary couple on the 18th anniversary of their first date. It was the first same-sex marriage of a sitting Governor."
Moments like these highlight the deep impact of wedding planning, making each celebration a profound and unforgettable experience.
Like any industry, wedding planning comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to budgeting.
"Typically, being the first vendor a couple speaks with and having the role of educating them on what weddings truly cost to accomplish their vision. Social media has made this harder because there are no price tags on weddings people share, and this lack of transparency in cost can sometimes create distrust."
Calluna Events tackles this challenge head-on, emphasizing transparency and education throughout the planning process.
"We are believers in being very upfront and transparent about what a wedding will cost based on their guest count, vision, and overall experience. One of the very first things we do is put together a comprehensive budget, prior to vendor recommendations, so they have full control over decisions for vendors."
For couples currently navigating the wedding planning process, the advice is simple:
"Hire a wedding planner if you haven’t done so already. They can be your trusted adviser and help you navigate budget, vendor decisions, and make it a stress-free and memorable experience for you!"
Even with a thriving career, there are always new dreams on the horizon.
"Being half Scottish, I would love to plan a wedding at a castle in the Highlands of Scotland!"
With an eye toward the future and a commitment to creating extraordinary experiences, Calluna Events continues to redefine luxury wedding planning, one unforgettable celebration at a time.
