READING TIME: 3 min 4 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/08/2025
Some people stumble into wedding planning; for others, it’s written in their story from the very beginning. For the founder of MMJ Events, the journey started in 7th grade with a notebook full of bridal magazine cutouts. “My passion for event design and planning was cultivated from an early age. I clipped images into my notebooks to create fake events—so the love for weddings has always been a part of me,” she shares.
That early passion grew into a career when she launched MMJ Events right out of college in 2009, transforming a childhood dream into a thriving business.
When asked what she loves most about her work, her answer is as thoughtful as her designs: “What I love most about wedding planning is the opportunity to blend beautiful design with meaningful, personal touches. A wedding should reflect who you are as a couple—not just in the big, wow moments, but in the thoughtful details that tell your story.”
From textures and florals to lighting and entertainment, every detail is carefully curated to ensure it feels “undeniably them.”
The philosophy behind MMJ Events is simple yet profound: elevate each couple’s love story into a one-of-a-kind celebration. “We bring magazine-worthy planning, design, and production to weddings around the world with a modern, seamless, and fun approach.”
From sleek, contemporary celebrations to lush tented weddings, the team thrives on variety and customization.
Every planner has a favorite memory—and for MMJ Events, it’s deeply personal. “Getting to plan my mom's wedding in Malibu, California will always be a favorite of mine. Having the privilege of designing and executing the perfect day for my mom and family will always be hard to beat.”
This moment reflects not only her skills as a planner but also her love for the people closest to her.
Though the team works across central Ohio, a few venues stand out: “In the last two years, we’ve been at the Columbus Museum of Art pretty frequently along with The Stack (previously known as MLP). Our team also specializes in tented weddings, and we’ve been doing quite a bit of those at private residences.”
This versatility—working seamlessly at art museums, industrial spaces, or backyard estates—has become a hallmark of their expertise.
When asked about challenges, the answer is immediate: “This year specifically, the biggest challenge has definitely been the weather. From extreme heat to wild wind and what felt like full-on monsoons, we’ve truly seen it all. But through it all, our team has stayed calm, creative, and flexible—always keeping the guest experience at the center.”
That adaptability, paired with calm leadership, is what makes MMJ Events stand out.
Budget conversations can feel daunting, but MMJ Events approaches it with clarity and compassion. “The best way to stay on budget is to look at the big picture first. Start by identifying your top two priorities. Then choose two areas that matter less to you. From there, you can shift your budget accordingly, investing more where it counts and scaling back where it doesn’t.”
The focus? Being intentional and making choices that reflect what’s most important.
For couples currently planning their wedding, the team offers a grounding reminder: “Try not to let too many outside voices get in your head. Friends and family will have opinions, but remember—this is your day. Trust your planners; we’re here for a reason. We’re experts, we know how to bring your vision to life, and we have your best interest at heart. Let yourself enjoy the process.”
Reflecting on her journey, she shares candid advice for her younger self: “This job is amazing, but it’s not as glamorous as it might look on Instagram. There’s so much behind the scenes—long hours, high-pressure decisions, emotional clients, even family drama. You have to love problem-solving and thrive under pressure. But if you have a heart for service, a love for design, and the ability to stay calm in chaos, it’s one of the most rewarding careers.”
While Ohio is home, MMJ Events dreams of international celebrations. “Take us to Europe! Italy, Spain, Greece, France—we’re ready to pack our bags and make some magic abroad!”
✨ MMJ Events is proof that passion, creativity, and heart can transform a couple’s vision into an unforgettable celebration. From notebook sketches in middle school to magazine-worthy weddings across Ohio (and hopefully soon, Europe), their journey is as inspiring as the love stories they bring to life.
