READING TIME: 4 min 36 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/2024
UPDATED: 11/13/2024
When it comes to weddings, Marissa Daniella Events does more than plan a day; they craft a lifetime memory that encapsulates the couple’s unique love story. Marissa, the founder, sees her work as a canvas to reflect each couple’s journey, seamlessly blending her creativity with her clients’ personalities to bring forth a beautiful, meaningful experience.
When asked what she loves most about wedding planning, Marissa lights up. “Curating designs that tell the love story of each of my couples,” she shares, “Finding ways to incorporate details into their day that share a little about who they are and their life together.”
For Marissa, a wedding isn’t just an event but a chance to reveal something deeply personal. Each detail, from the color palette to the floral arrangements, reflects the essence of the couple, making every wedding distinctly unique and deeply meaningful.
Marissa’s journey into wedding planning began on the East Coast, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Event Management with a focus on weddings and social events. While still in college, Marissa turned her internship at a boutique wedding firm into a part-time job, gaining hands-on experience that would lay the foundation for her career.
“During my junior year of college, I had the opportunity to turn my internship into a part-time job planning weddings,” she recalls. After graduation, she ventured into the corporate world, working for a major real estate company in Detroit. “This started my career in the wedding planning industry before, three years ago, launching my own brand, with now nine years of experience in both weddings and corporate events.”
Marissa’s first wedding as an independent planner was unforgettable. “The first wedding I ever planned was by far one of the craziest asks I have ever had,” she says. The couple, who contacted her just three months before their wedding date, wanted a fresh start, rethinking every detail except for the date.
“They basically asked me to re-plan the entire wedding starting with finding them a new venue,” she explains. The result? A jaw-dropping event that involved closing down one of Boston’s trendiest restaurants to host a celebration for 150 guests. “We ended up closing down one of Boston's coolest restaurants and celebrated their epic wedding day with 150 of their favorite people.”
The philosophy behind Marissa Daniella Events is rooted in the belief that weddings should feel intimate and personal, reflecting the journey that brought each couple to their special day. “At Marissa Daniella Events, we believe that, much like our photographs, our events become a reflection of our personal history,” Marissa explains. “They capture the essence of where we’ve been, who we’ve loved, and the moments that define us.”
Her favorite weddings are those that bring out the couple’s individuality. “My favorite weddings to plan are ones that want to incorporate colors, textures, and design features that make their wedding unique,” she says. A floral enthusiast, Marissa finds herself drawn to weddings where flowers play a central role. “Florals are one of my favorite details of weddings, so when that is a focus for the bride, I know it's going to be a good one!”
Marissa Daniella Events offers a range of services designed to fit the needs of each couple, from full planning and design to partial planning packages. “We offer a range of services, with our focus on full planning and design,” Marissa says, adding that her team often collaborates with couples to create custom packages based on their vision.
By offering tailored support, Marissa ensures her clients have the freedom to enjoy the planning process while staying true to their vision. Her approach fosters deep connections with clients, many of whom she stays in touch with long after their wedding day.
Marissa emphasizes that trust is the foundation of her relationship with each client. “I value our relationships with our clients, ones where you become lifelong friends,” she shares. “Trust is easily achieved, allowing us to aim higher, think bigger, and create exceptional moments that will be cherished forever.”
From wine and charcuterie during big decisions to creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, Marissa’s goal is to make the planning process as memorable as the wedding day itself. “Style and comfort can go hand in hand,” she explains. “Memories aren't only made on your wedding day but throughout the journey.”
One of the biggest challenges in wedding planning, Marissa says, is helping clients avoid outside pressure and trust their instincts. “Clients listening to outside noise and feeling pressured to do things in a certain timeline,” she notes, “Therefore they want to make rush decisions that they end up changing back to our recommendations.”
Her advice for staying on budget also reflects her practical approach to planning. Marissa encourages couples to set expectations early, emphasizing the importance of guest count in budgeting. “$100,000 can be spent very differently for a couple inviting 85 guests versus 150 guests,” she explains. With her budget estimating system, she helps couples prioritize spending, ensuring every aspect of the wedding is just as they envisioned.
For couples amid planning, Marissa has a heartfelt message: “Take time to enjoy each step of the process,” she advises. “The absolute best thing you can do on your wedding day is to build a timeline that truly allows you to enjoy your significant other.” She encourages couples to create space in their schedule for intimate moments, from a quiet morning coffee to a private cocktail hour for just the two of them.
“Find 20 minutes in the morning to have a cup of coffee before you get ready,” she suggests, “Take a few more photos and then enjoy your guests. Have a room reveal and a private dance, enjoy the space you worked so hard to create, take a moment to sit in the feeling of this day.”
When asked about her dream location, Marissa doesn’t hesitate. “Anywhere in Napa Valley! Private estate or any of the wineries,” she says with a smile. The region’s landscape, culture, and hospitality make it an ideal spot for a romantic, unforgettable celebration. “I have a deep love for the landscape, culture, and experience that Napa has to offer,” she adds, envisioning a wedding that blends scenic beauty with meaningful moments shared among family and friends.
For Marissa Daniella Events, every wedding is a chance to tell a couple’s story. With a blend of creativity, empathy, and nine years of experience, Marissa brings each celebration to life, making her clients feel at ease while crafting memories that will last a lifetime.
