READING TIME: 4 min 17 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/31/2025
Michelle Leo Event's story begins in corporate boardrooms rather than bridal bouquets. Often reflecting on that transition, she shares, “I started my career in corporate event planning,” but amid the economic upheaval of 2009, she “lost my job during the 2009 recession.” It was a pivotal moment: “To make ends meet, I launched Michelle Leo Events, shifting my focus from corporate gatherings to weddings.”
That shift wasn’t just practical—it felt deeply resonant. “My thought process was simple: while companies were cutting back on events, couples were still falling in love and getting married.” From the very start, she understood the emotional core of weddings. “It didn’t take long to realize that weddings gave me the unique opportunity to blend my logistical expertise with creative expression — in a way that felt far more personal and fulfilling than anything I’d done before.”
Over the past 15 years, Michelle has evolved her business into an award-winning model of thoughtful luxury. “We’ve grown into an award-winning business specializing in luxury destination weddings across Utah and beyond,” she explains, adding, “we’ve evolved to focus on inbound destination clients, curating not just wedding days, but full wedding weekend experiences that prioritize the guest experience from start to finish.” Each moment of the weekend—from welcome gatherings to farewell brunches—is infused with intentional design.
What fuels Michelle’s creativity? “No two weddings, couples, or aesthetics are ever the same,” she smiles. “Every event brings a new vision, fresh challenges, and exciting opportunities to create something completely unique. It keeps the work dynamic, creative, and rewarding in all the best ways.” And, beyond the aesthetics, there's a deeper satisfaction: “We’re not just designing a beautiful day; we’re making sure the entire journey is just as memorable and enjoyable.”
At the heart of Michelle Leo Events is a simple but powerful philosophy: “Every couple deserves a wedding that feels as good as it looks — one that’s personal, meaningful, and reflective of their story.” She adds, “We believe the planning process should be just as enjoyable as the celebration itself.”
Multi-day celebrations in Utah’s breathtaking scenery are her signature. “Our favorite weddings to plan are multi-day celebrations that prioritize the guest experience,” she says, highlighting the opportunity to weave a narrative across time—and across landscapes.
Michelle Leo Events provides flexible services to match each couple’s needs:
Full-Service Planning & Design
Partial Planning
Month-of Coordination
Micro-Weddings & Elopements
Editorial Styling
And she’s clear that the packages are just starting points: “We understand that every couple’s needs are unique. We’re happy to discuss and customize a planning approach that aligns with a client’s specific priorities and vision.” Her ultimate goal? Clients who feel “confident, cared for, and excited throughout the process.”
When asked about the “most memorable” wedding, Michelle shifts perspective. “It’s hard […] because every wedding we plan offers a unique opportunity to customize and personalize the experience for our clients.” Instead, she cherishes a deeper connection: “What stands out most to me isn’t a particular event, but rather the couples who truly appreciate what we bring to the table and fully trust our expertise.” That trust transforms the process, making it rewarding for both sides.
Her approach to working with clients is all about openness. “Our approach is highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on complete transparency from day one.” She emphasizes building a foundation of understanding: “We take the time to truly understand our clients’ vision, priorities, and personal style, then combine that insight with our expertise to guide them every step of the way.” The result: a process where couples “feel informed, involved, and confident in every decision.”
Michelle’s preferred canvas is the wild beauty of Utah. She shares that most weddings take place in “venues in the Park City and Deer Valley areas, as well as the beautiful ranches and private estates in the surrounding regions.” But she’s not limited to traditional venues: “We also love planning private residence weddings, which allow for even more customization and personalization.”
The greatest challenge the industry—and Michelle—ever faced? COVID-19. The constant shifts, reschedules, and safety concerns were overwhelming. “Navigating constant changes, reschedules, evolving safety protocols, and the emotional toll it took on our clients was incredibly difficult.” But it came with lessons, too: “It taught us a lot about flexibility, problem-solving, and the importance of clear, compassionate communication.” More than anything, it reinforced the critical role of a planner when the unexpected happens.
Transparency isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s financial, too. Michelle explains, “The key to helping couples stay on budget is transparency from the very beginning.” She guides couples in prioritizing what truly matters, whether that’s décor, guest experience, or culinary offerings. “My main advice: Be clear about your priorities, trust your planner, and hire experienced vendors who understand your goals and your budget.”
For couples currently planning, Michelle’s advice is firm yet supportive: “Hire a planner.” It’s the best way to protect their investment and enjoy the process. She also urges couples to define who’s making decisions early, “stick to your budget, be open and honest with your planner, and focus on prioritizing what matters most.” And she reassures: “Not every detail will go perfectly, and that’s okay — the most memorable celebrations happen when couples let go of the little things.”
Looking back, she’d have told her younger self something invaluable: “Don’t expect it to get easier. The challenges will evolve, the industry will change, and growth will come—but only if you’re open to learning and adapting along the way.” And importantly: “Embrace every experience as an opportunity to improve. And most importantly, I’d stress the value of establishing work/life balance early on.”
Finally, what’s her dream wedding venue? It’s not defined by scenery or grandeur—it’s defined by spirit. “My dream wedding venue isn’t necessarily about a specific location—it’s about the mentality of the team behind it.” She explains that the ideal venue “trusts the planners they promote and collaborates as a true partner.” When planners, vendors, and venues unite in purpose, “the process is smoother, more enjoyable, and ultimately, more successful for everyone involved — especially the couple.”
