READING TIME: 2 min 48 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/16/2025
UPDATED: 08/16/2025
For Suellen Fernandes, becoming a wedding planner wasn’t just a career choice — it was a calling shaped by love, family, and heritage.
“My journey as a wedding planner began in 2012, the year I married Nick — the love of my life, my prince — and also the year I officially started working in Italy,” she recalls. “But if I look back, this passion was born long before that.”
Raised in Brazil, Suellen grew up surrounded by the enduring love of her parents — a love strong enough to inspire a family move across the world when she was just 14. This early lesson in resilience and cultural pride would later influence her signature approach to wedding design: blending emotional depth with authentic cultural details.
“When I planned my own wedding, I dreamed of combining the elegance of an Italian celebration with the joyful spirit of a Brazilian one,” she explains. “I couldn’t find anyone who truly understood how to do that, so I planned it myself — and realized I wanted to offer this experience to others.”
Thirteen years later, Suellen still finds herself deeply moved by the heart of the wedding day.
“What touches me most is witnessing the beginning of a new family,” she shares. “The ceremony isn’t just a ritual — it’s the foundation of everything. The emotion is raw, the words are sacred, and the energy shared is unforgettable.”
Her ability to capture that emotional core has made her a sought-after planner for couples seeking more than just a beautiful event — they want a wedding with soul.
Suellen’s process is both structured and deeply personal. Every couple begins with an in-depth conversation, sharing their values, vision, and unique love story. From there, she crafts a tailored concept, balancing design, logistics, and cultural influences.
Each couple receives a Planning Process Guide and a warm Benvenuti Letter, along with access to an exclusive planning platform to track timelines, budgets, and contracts in real time.
“My goal is for them to arrive at their wedding day calm, excited, and fully present — knowing every detail has been thoughtfully planned,” Suellen says.
Suellen has worked in Italy’s most celebrated locations — Villa Balbiano, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Villa Cimbrone, Villa del Balbianello, and more — yet she never limits herself to a set list.
“With our Location Manager service, we’re always scouting new venues,” she notes. “It’s about finding a place that feels like their Italy — authentic, beautiful, and unforgettable.”
When it comes to vendor contracts, Suellen’s advice is clear: never sign without a careful review.
“In Italy, cultural and legal nuances can affect everything from service charges to music licensing,” she explains. “I review each agreement personally to protect my couples and ensure it aligns with their expectations.”
Weather? She plans for that too — not as a backup, but as an equally beautiful alternative.
“Beauty and romance don’t depend on the weather — they depend on preparation,” she says.
One of Suellen’s most difficult professional moments came shortly after the loss of her son.
“I had to fulfill the dream of two people while my own heart was in pieces,” she remembers. “Their joy became a source of healing for me. Love, in all its forms, is worth honoring.”
Suellen helps couples see their budget as a creative tool rather than a constraint.
“Invest in what creates unforgettable moments,” she advises. “Be willing to simplify or rethink what doesn’t add genuine value to your celebration.”
“A well-structured timeline is the backbone of a seamless day,” Suellen says. She builds schedules around the couple’s priorities and guest experience, adding generous buffers for unexpected delays.
“The goal isn’t just to stay on schedule — it’s to create space for joy, spontaneity, and memories.”
While Italy remains her home and specialty, Suellen is now expanding to Greece, Spain, and France.
“I see my role as a storyteller — weaving together dreams, culture, and moments so that each wedding is truly unforgettable,” she says.
