READING TIME: 4 min 56 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 10/16/2024
UPDATED: 11/06/2024
In the world of luxury wedding planning, few names evoke a sense of style, creativity, and unparalleled service like Elle Ellinghaus & Co. Founded by Elle Ellinghaus, a former interior design enthusiast, the company has grown into one of the most sought-after wedding planning studios in the industry. With two beautiful locations in Baltimore and Charleston, Elle & Co. offers couples bespoke wedding experiences, blending meticulous design with deeply personal touches. As the company celebrates its 15th anniversary, Elle reflects on her inspiring journey and what it means to plan a perfect wedding.
It all began more than 15 years ago when Elle was asked to design a wedding for her client’s daughter. At first, she was hesitant. "I initially declined, but eventually, I gave in," Elle recalls, sharing how this pivotal moment marked the beginning of her wedding planning career. The success of that first wedding ignited a new passion for event planning, eventually leading her to establish Elle Ellinghaus Design in 2010.
She went from a one-woman studio to a team of six incredible planners. Today, Elle Ellinghaus & Co., affectionately known as Elle & Co., is a nationally acclaimed studio known for its pioneering designs and commitment to meticulous details. The team, comprised of highly skilled wedding planners with 8 to 14 years of experience each, has earned the trust of prestigious clients, including NFL stars Torrey Smith and Ray Rice from the Baltimore Ravens.
What makes Ellinghaus & Co. stand out is Elle’s unwavering dedication to the creative process. "One of the things I adore most will be no surprise—the design aspect," she says. For Elle, every wedding is a canvas for creativity. “Each couple's wedding is a unique expression of their love story, and it’s incredibly gratifying to sit with a bride or groom, listen to their mishmash of likes and dislikes, and then translate that into a vision.”
She describes the joy of witnessing a bride’s reaction to her design work: "There's an indescribable feeling when presenting the design to the couple and the bride's eyes light up with love and awe, followed by an exuberant 'YES!!! This is perfect!!'"
Beyond the design, the personal relationships Elle forms with her clients are equally significant. "By the end, it feels as if we've become an honorary part of their family," she says, highlighting the deep connections she fosters with the couples and their families.
The philosophy behind Ellinghaus & Co. is simple yet profound: "This is the first party you will be throwing as a married couple. Make it exceptional. Make it the fondest memory. Make it you," Elle emphasizes. This belief is central to everything they do, ensuring each wedding reflects the couple’s unique personality and vision.
Elle and her team offer a range of services to suit every couple’s needs, specializing in Full Planning & Design, though they also provide coordination services for couples who prefer a more hands-on approach. "Elle & Co has curated collections to ensure that every couple can have the precise level of planning and involvement that they desire. We primarily specialize in Full Planning & Design, but we also offer coordination services for couples who are planning their own weddings but would like expert assistance," Elle explains, noting that every wedding they plan is distinct and meticulously curated.
When asked about the most memorable wedding she’s ever planned, Elle doesn’t hesitate to recount her experience with Chanel and Torrey Smith. "It was our first 'big-time' wedding and the first of many NFL weddings," Elle shares. "Their trust in me was incredibly humbling, and their reaction upon entering the ballroom and seeing our vision come to life made my eyes tear up."
This wedding marked a turning point for Elle’s career, solidifying her reputation as a planner who could effortlessly handle high-profile events. “Torrey broke records & made touchdowns, and Chanel’s accomplishments are awe-inspiring, yet my work still made them speechless,” she reflects. It’s moments like these that have kept her passionate about wedding planning for over a decade.
No wedding is without its challenges, and Elle has navigated her fair share of obstacles. "I do not mean to laugh at this, but our planners and myself have had significant challenges to overcome," she says with a chuckle. From rescheduling entire weddings within 24 hours due to riots and hurricanes, to an unexpected tornado that destroyed a wedding setup the night before the event, Elle’s team has faced it all. "We had less than 12 hours to get the ruined out and the new in. No guest knew!" she recalls with pride.
One particularly memorable challenge occurred in 2016. "I went into labor during a dreamy wedding at a client's private vineyard," Elle laughs. "Yes, I stayed until the end!" These moments are a testament to her commitment and passion for creating flawless events, no matter the circumstances.
When it comes to managing wedding budgets, Elle’s advice is clear: "Do not plan beyond your means." She’s seen firsthand the negative impact of overspending on weddings. "Starting a marriage in debt is not a great way to begin a life together. I promise that you can have an exceptional and memorable wedding within any budget if you allocate your funds to the right places."
Elle encourages couples to hire a wedding planner, as it can alleviate much of the stress associated with budgeting. "Hiring a planner to assist with these ideas will be crucial to its success and will alleviate your anxiety, allowing you to enjoy the planning process and the big day."
For couples currently planning their wedding, Elle offers her top five tips:
"Your guests will come to the wedding knowing you, but you want them to leave feeling like they truly learned a lot about you."
"Little details aren't little."
"Don't go cheap on a photographer; this is your only memory of the day."
"Get the videographer. Wouldn’t you want to see your grandmother’s wedding video if you could?"
"Hire a wedding planner. Every worry, question, or idea you have, we have already conquered 1000 times."
While Elle & Co. has worked at countless dream venues, Elle has a special place in her heart for New Orleans. "The weddings I have planned in New Orleans have been some of the most enchanting but also the most fun I've seen guests ever have," she says.
Each planner on her team has their own favorite destination. "Jillian would answer that her Southern California Coast weddings offer an unparalleled ambiance, Lauren will forever be enamored by the timeless allure of New England venues, and Chelsea already lives in her dream wedding destination—Charleston’s marshes," Elle shares.
As she continues to oversee her studios and mentor her team of planners, Elle remains deeply involved in ensuring that each wedding planned by Elle Ellinghaus & Co. reflects the same passion and commitment. She had when she started the company 15 years ago.
Elle Ellinghaus’s journey from a design enthusiast to a leading wedding planner is a testament to her creativity, resilience, and ability to craft unforgettable moments. With Elle Ellinghaus & Co., couples are guaranteed a wedding that’s not only stunning but deeply personal—just as it should be.
