READING TIME: 7 min 24 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/04/2025
UPDATED: 09/04/2025
Some entrepreneurs start with a business plan; this one started with a feeling. Unfolding Events planning her own wedding unlocked the exact blend of adrenaline, empathy, and orchestration she’d been looking for.
“Like a lot of people, I fell in love with weddings while planning my own. It was this wild combination of stress and adrenaline that I loved—and I knew I wanted more of it.”
That spark turned into a ten-plus-year apprenticeship in the broader events world—catering, hotels, a museum, even fintech—where she learned how guest experience, logistics, and design truly interlock.
“After getting married, I landed an internship with a local wedding planner who initially told me I was “overqualified” because I had already graduated. But after some persistent (okay, borderline annoying) follow-up, I joined their team and never looked back. That was over a decade ago.”
“Since then, I’ve worked in all corners of the events industry—from catering and hotels to a museum and even corporate fintech—gaining valuable experience and building a deeper understanding of how events come together.”
Eventually, the question became unavoidable: why not build a studio that marries high standards with human connection?
“Eventually, I found myself wondering: If I want more… why not go for it? So I took a massive leap of faith, quit my full-time job, and started my own company—hoping couples would believe in me as much as I believed in myself.
It started slow, but thanks to an incredible network of vendor friends and past clients who spread the word, things gained momentum quickly. Three years later, here we are—with a team of three, the best couples, and so much gratitude.”
The throughline is psychology—practical, compassionate, and present. It shows up in how timelines are built, how rooms are set, and how families are heard.
“What I love most about wedding planning is getting to know our couples and their families. I actually went to school for psychology, and while I always joke that I never use my degree, the truth is—I use it every day.”
That lens helps navigate the swirl of opinions and emotions with steadiness and care.
“Weddings are emotional, layered, and full of family dynamics, and I love immersing myself in that side of the process. There are so many moving parts—the endless questions from well-meaning relatives, the weight of big decisions, the growing pressure as the day gets closer. I always remind our couples that I (and our team) am their go-to person. Vent, celebrate, spiral—I’ll never get tired of talking about your wedding. My favorite part of the job is helping people feel lighter after a call, meeting, or even just a quick email.”
Every celebration begins with story: how you met, what you love, how you want guests to feel when they step in.
“And then, of course, there’s the creative side. I love designing weddings that feel deeply personal. Every couple presents a new set of challenges and inspirations: How do we weave in how they met? Their favorite food? The experience they want their guests to feel the moment they walk in? Coming from a hospitality background, I was taught to always "surprise and delight"—and I try to infuse that philosophy into every wedding we plan.”
The studio’s philosophy keeps the aesthetic grounded in meaning.
“At Unfolding Events, our philosophy is rooted in care, connection, and creating weddings that feel like home.”
“We believe your wedding should be a reflection of who you are—not a template or a trend, but a celebration that feels personal, thoughtful, and unmistakably you.”
“We take a hospitality-first approach to planning. That means showing up fully, handling the behind-the-scenes logistics, and making decisions easier—so you can stay present and actually enjoy the moment.”
“We believe in down-to-earth excellence—where high standards meet human connection. Our design work is intentional and personal, rooted in your story and brought to life through thoughtful, meaningful details. We care deeply about creating experiences that are not just beautiful, but memorable.”
“Above all, we want every couple to feel supported, understood, and genuinely excited—for a day that looks stunning, but feels even better.”
Full-service planning and design is the backbone, but flexibility is built in.
“We specialize in full service wedding planning and design—guiding our couples through every step of the process from initial ideas to the final farewell. Our work is highly personalized, and no two weddings (or couples!) are the same.”
“While full service is at the heart of what we do, we’re happy to create a custom package if you have something different in mind. Whether you're planning from out of state, juggling a demanding career, or just need help in specific areas, we’ll work with you to build a planning experience that fits your life, your vision, and your needs.”
Cadence is tailored to each couple, with an internal system that keeps progress steady and visible.
“We tailor our planning process to each couple, starting with scheduled meetings based on where they are in the journey. That might mean monthly check-ins, every three weeks, biweekly, or even weekly as the wedding approaches. Our custom client checklist keeps couples on track, while our internal systems make sure everything continues progressing behind the scenes.”
It’s a tight, intentional team: design-savvy, detail-minded, and guest-focused.
“We have a team of three - Shelbi, our Assistant Planner, helps manage meetings and vendor communication to keep the planning timeline moving, while Elisabeth, our Executive Assistant, handles the details like your wedding website, personalized client portal, and budgeting tools—so everything stays organized and accessible.
Most of our couples are drawn to us for our design aesthetic, and we’re incredibly proud of that. We never design two weddings the same way. Each event is rooted in the couple’s story, style, and priorities. A lot of our clients see our past work and get excited not to copy it—but because they know we’ll create something just as intentional and unique for them.
We also make a point to meet our couples where they are. Some are ultra-organized and love being in the weeds—we’re here for that. Others want us to take the lead and bring ideas to them as we go—we love that too. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach. Once we understand how a couple operates, we adapt accordingly.”
Asking for one favorite misses the point. The magic is cumulative—built from a hundred thoughtful choices.
“This is never a fair question! Each of our weddings is unique and special in its own way. I can point to something memorable from every single one—whether it’s a custom escort display, a creative floorplan, or a one-of-a-kind guest experience. But what really makes a wedding unforgettable is the couple at the center of it. The things they get excited about, the people they surround themselves with, and the way they want their guests to feel—that’s what sticks with me. So instead of one most memorable wedding, I have dozens of moments that I carry with me. And that’s exactly what I love most about this work.”
From beloved hometown venues to clean-slate properties and private estates, the team thrives on variety and problem-solving.
“We work wherever love takes you—both in Nebraska and beyond. Whether it’s a well-loved venue, a private estate, or a completely blank canvas, we’re experienced in planning weddings in a wide range of settings and love the creative challenge each one brings.”
Great planning relies on candid conversation. The studio invites it, protects it, and acts on it.
“One of the biggest challenges in wedding planning is encouraging open and honest communication. It can feel uncomfortable for couples to speak up if something doesn’t feel quite right—but it’s so important. I always tell our couples: if you don’t love something, tell me. You’re not going to hurt my feelings—I just want to get it right for you. Not every idea is going to be the perfect fit, and that’s okay. If you’re honest about what’s not working, we’re one step closer to finding something even better—something you’ll love. The best planning experiences come from mutual trust, clear communication, and knowing we’re all working toward the same goal: a day that feels like your.”
Start with priorities, hire a planner early, and spend with intention. That’s the blueprint.
“Be honest about your priorities—and hire a planner first.”
“I know that might sound biased, but the truth is: we can help you spend smarter from the very beginning.”
“A good planner can keep you from blowing your budget in one or two areas before you’ve even accounted for guests, rentals, or design.”
“We’ve seen couples book their venue, band, and photographer before hiring us—only to realize most of their budget is already gone, and they haven’t even fed anyone yet.”
“We help you prioritize what matters most, offer realistic insight into what things actually cost, and recommend trusted vendors or creative alternatives that align with your budget and vision.”
“Budgeting well isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about spending intentionally.”
“And that’s where we come in.”
Presence is the goal; priorities are the path. Let them guide every yes and no.
“Start by identifying your top three to five priorities.”
“Is it the band? The food? Time with your fiancé and family? Whatever those are, they should drive your decisions.”
“If one of your top priorities is quality time with loved ones, then you absolutely need a planner or coordinator—otherwise, you risk spending the whole day managing logistics instead of actually being present.”
“When those priorities come with a higher price tag, know that you’ll likely need to shift or scale back in other areas. And anytime you hit a budget question mark, go back to that list. It’ll keep you grounded in what really matters.”
“And if you're looking for the most effective way to cut costs? Cut the guest list. If you wouldn’t pick up the tab for dinner with someone, you probably don’t need to pay for their entire night at your wedding. It’s that simple.”
Courage now; the timing will make sense later.
“Just do it. I waited longer than I should have—spending years supporting other people as they launched their businesses, while holding back on launching my own. I was the creative engine behind so many great ideas and events, and I sometimes kick myself for not making the leap sooner. That said, I wouldn’t trade the experience I gained before starting my business. I needed those years to get to where I am now. What I have today isn’t just experience—it’s expertise, and that’s what makes me so confident in the work I do. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to keep believing in my abilities. To say yes when someone offers help. To trust the process. It’s hard—but you’re doing so dang good. Keep going.”
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