READING TIME: 4 min 17 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/28/2025
UPDATED: 05/28/2025
For the founder of Bridal Bliss, weddings were never just events—they were magic. “Growing up, my mom did bridal alterations from our home,” she recalls. “I was mesmerized by the brides and their stunning gowns—it felt like magic unfolding right in front of me.”
That spark ignited a lifelong passion. While studying at Gonzaga University, she took a bold leap: submitting a wedding planning business plan to a university competition. The result? First place—and the startup funds that launched Bridal Bliss in 2002. “And what a journey it has been!” she adds with a smile.
She’ll never forget her first clients. “They were married almost 23 years ago, and we still keep in touch to this day!” she says warmly. “That wedding was an unforgettable experience—it was exhilarating, and I loved every second of it.”
Despite the sore feet that followed a long day in stylish (but regrettable) heels, she knew she’d found her calling. “That day also taught me an important lesson: stylish heels may look great, but they are definitely not a wedding planner’s best friend!”
Ask her what she loves most about planning weddings, and she doesn’t hesitate: “The relationships I build with my clients.”
Some of her dearest friendships started with wedding consultations. “Being by their side throughout the planning process and witnessing their joy on the big day is incredibly rewarding,” she shares. “Seeing a couple truly happy and knowing I played a role in bringing their dream wedding to life is the best feeling in the world.”
Bridal Bliss is grounded in three pillars: exceptional service, creativity, and seamless execution. “Our philosophy revolves around providing a stress-free and personalized planning experience, ensuring that every event reflects the couple’s unique story.”
The team values strong relationships with both clients and vendors, allowing them to design events that are both stylish and soulfully authentic. “It’s not necessarily the type of wedding that excites us—it’s the people,” she explains. “When clients trust us to curate something special, the magic truly happens.”
Bridal Bliss offers full-service planning, partial planning, and day-of coordination. “We have two teams,” she explains. “A senior team for full-scale productions and a lead planner team that handles partial and day-of events.”
Flexibility is key—but never at the cost of quality. “It is a priority that each event is set up for success,” she affirms. Couples can also work with the team to create customized packages, ensuring their day reflects their unique needs, vision, and vibe.
Some weddings stay with you forever, and one stands out vividly in her mind. “The bride wasn’t particularly into the planning process, but the groom was—and he was absolutely hilarious.”
With his creative, unconventional ideas and infectious energy, they crafted a celebration that truly reflected their personalities. “We had the best time collaborating, and thankfully, the bride was blown away. We’ve stayed in touch, and in a fun twist, I recently found out we’re going to be neighbors!”
Planning a wedding today demands more than checklists—it requires modern tools and a human touch. Bridal Bliss combines both.
“We use industry-leading planning software, interactive timelines, guest management tools, and digital mood boards,” she says. “Our goal is to blend creativity with efficiency, taking the stress out of planning while delivering a flawlessly executed event.”
Whether couples know exactly what they want or are just beginning to explore their vision, Bridal Bliss helps them find clarity and confidence.
While based in the Pacific Northwest, Bridal Bliss travels often. “We work at all types of venues throughout the region, and we love traveling nationally and internationally as well,” she says. Her dream? “I’m dying to coordinate an event on the Italian Riviera. We’ve come close several times, but in the end, couples have chosen alternate locations!”
Wedding planning is as unpredictable as it is rewarding. She recounts two events that tested her team’s resilience—both involving last-minute venue cancellations.
“One was a 500-person wedding where the ceiling of the venue collapsed just days before the event,” she shares. “My team sprang into action, secured a new venue, and redesigned the entire wedding in three days.”
The second challenge came during the pandemic. “The venue canceled two weeks out. We had to pivot quickly—and it actually ended up being even better than the original.”
She credits her team’s adaptability and grace under pressure. “Teamwork, a strong vendor network, and gracious clients made these success stories possible.”
At Bridal Bliss, budgeting is not just about spreadsheets—it’s about strategy. “We provide realistic breakdowns, vendor comparisons, and creative solutions to make the most of every dollar.”
They use budgeting software to track expenses and guide couples through every decision. “Our goal is to help couples make informed choices that reflect their priorities and financial comfort zone.”
What’s her advice to couples? “Enjoy the process!” she says with genuine enthusiasm. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so lean into it. Set clear priorities, focus on what matters most to you, and don’t stress over perfection.”
She also emphasizes the value of trusting your planner. “Our job is to handle the logistics, keep things organized, and bring your vision to life. Planning a wedding should be fun—and with the right guidance, it absolutely can be.”
Reflecting on her own journey, she offers this advice to newcomers in the industry:
“You don’t have to do this alone. Find a mentor or a strong peer group to lean on. Learning from others and building a support system will make all the difference.”
She also encourages confidence and clarity in pricing:
“Know your value and charge accordingly. As you grow and refine your process, don’t be afraid to raise your prices. Confidence in your worth will attract the right clients.”
And above all, trust the journey:
“There will be highs and lows, but staying adaptable, continuing to learn, and keeping the passion alive will pave the way for long-term success.”
Bridal Bliss isn’t just a wedding planning company—it’s a celebration of human connection, resilience, and love stories beautifully told. With over two decades of experience and a heart-centered approach, the team continues to transform dreams into reality—one unforgettable event at a time.
