In the world of luxury event planning, creating experiences that linger in memory requires a blend of creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of aesthetics. From accidental beginnings as a fashion designer who loved hosting stylish gatherings, I ventured into event planning with a blend of trepidation and excitement.
What started with a friend’s request to plan her daughter’s engagement party has evolved into a flourishing career, marked by signature events that set trends and redefine standards in the industry.
Join me as I share insights from my journey, advise budding planners, and reveal the intricate details that make an event truly spectacular. Whether you’re an aspiring event planner or simply a lover of beautiful celebrations, there’s a wealth of creativity and inspiration in the transformative power of exceptional event design.
1. How did you begin your journey in the luxury event planning industry?
Well, believe it or not, it all happened accidentally. As a fashion designer, I used to host parties and dinners at my home that I designed and styled. Still, I never thought of it professionally until a friend approached me to plan her daughter’s engagement party. I was scared but very excited about the challenge, as I wanted to give the guests a unique experience to remember. I have never looked back since.
2. Can you tell us about one of the stand-out wedding designs you have created?
One of the standout wedding designs I’ve had the privilege to create was a very personal event for me – my daughter’s engagement party in 2017. Dubbed the “Circus of Love,” this event marked a significant turning point for MY Event Design for several reasons.
Collaborating closely with my daughter, we were free to unleash our creativity without any constraints, resulting in a truly memorable and unique celebration. The event was an immersive experience from start to finish, meticulously crafted to tell a captivating story and delight guests at every turn.
From extravagant decorations and elaborate installations to vibrant colours and bold prints, every detail was carefully customized to create a sense of wonder and excitement.
Entertainment played a pivotal role, with a lineup of acts including emotional performances, roaming magicians, saxophonists, a party band, and renowned singers, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
One of the highlights was the buffet area, named “La Dolce Vita”, in homage to the Italian lifestyle and Dolce & Gabbana market. Guests entered through a creative dessert table tunnel, leading them to marquee-sign-adorned food corners offering a variety of delicious treats.
A standout feature was the dramatic dining table, stretching the length of the venue and adorned with exquisite tablescapes, floral installations, and hanging industrial circus lamps. Butlers attended to guests, providing personalized service and enhancing the luxurious dining experience.
This event wowed guests, celebrated my daughter’s love story, and set a new trend in the event planning industry. The innovative ideas and creative concepts introduced at the Circus of Love became sought-after elements in subsequent events, marking a turning point in my career as an event designer.
3. Where do you typically find inspiration when orchestrating a wedding?
My inspiration comes from everything around me: nature, travelling, home décor fairs, interior design, fashion shows, concerts and festivals, music videos, Met Galas, and last but not least, petite social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. Everything visually beautiful inspires me to create events. Thanks to my experience in my retail shop, I still get inspiration from the fashion designers I work with.
Matthew Williamson instilled a love for vibrant colours and bold prints. Moschino taught me the art of thinking outside conventional boundaries. Dolce & Gabbana’s celebration of La Dolce Vita resonates deeply in my work. Balmain’s sharp, sculptural outlines inspire precision and elegance. Roberto Cavalli’s unparalleled use of animal prints remains a timeless muse. Icons like Dior, Bureau Betak, and Gucci, among countless others, have been invaluable mentors, laying the foundation for my transition into event design and wedding planning.
4. What advice would you give to those starting in the wedding industry?
Dream big, work hard and make it happen! Believe in your abilities and nurture your creativity through continuous practice and exploration.
While drawing inspiration from weddings around you is valuable, don’t limit yourself. Look to diverse fields such as fashion, home decor, and other sources of beauty for fresh ideas.
Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Regardless of your current level of success, stay humble and driven, knowing there’s always room for improvement. Never settle into complacency.
Cultivate innovation and pay attention to even the most minor details. The meticulous touches often elevate an event from ordinary to extraordinary.
Patience is vital in the inherently stressful realm of event planning. Stay composed and resilient, knowing that patience and perseverance will ultimately lead to success.
5. What is your favourite part of working in the event planning industry?
My favourite aspect of working in the event planning industry is turning vision into reality.
6. What are your go-to indulgences when you treat yourself, and how do you unwind and relax after a busy day?
There’s something comforting and satisfying about indulging in a rich piece of chocolate after a long day. As for unwinding and relaxing, I find scrolling down on Instagram or Pinterest incredibly soothing. Browsing through beautiful images and inspiring content helps me decompress and recharge, allowing me to unwind and clear my mind after a busy day.
7. What are your goals or aspirations for the future?
Create a Book of Creative Work: I aim to compile a comprehensive book showcasing my past and future event designs. This book will serve as a visual journey through my creative process, featuring photographs, sketches, and anecdotes that capture the essence of each event.
It will be a testament to my artistic vision and a source of inspiration for others in the event design industry.
Establish a Concept Store with a Twist: I envision creating a concept store that offers a unique and immersive shopping experience. Beyond simply selling products, this store will reflect my creativity and aesthetic sensibilities. I plan to infuse it with elements that surprise and delight customers, such as curated collections inspired by my event designs, collaborations with emerging artists, and interactive installations that engage visitors on a deeper level. By reimagining the traditional concept store model, I hope to create a space that sparks imagination and fosters connection among customers and creators alike.
8. What is the most valuable advice you have been given?
“He who truly seeks shall find.” It conveys that you will achieve your goals if you put in genuine effort and work hard.
9. If you could invite any three people, living or dead, to a dinner party, who would you choose and why?”
I would choose my late mother, Her Majesty Queen Rania and Lady Gaga. I would invite my mother, who passed away, to share this special moment with me. I miss my mother dearly as time flew by too quickly, and I didn’t get enough of her. I would have loved to spoil her and share with her the achievements I’ve accomplished.
Though she is no longer with us, her love, guidance, and presence influence me daily. Having her at
the table would be a cherished opportunity to reminisce, celebrate her life, and feel her spirit. Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan embodies grace, intelligence, and compassion. Her presence would undoubtedly enrich the conversation and inspire us all with her wisdom and perspective. Lady Gaga is an incredibly talented musician and performer and a fearless advocate for self-expression and acceptance. Her vibrant personality and unique insights would add a special spark to the evening.
Together, these three remarkable women represent strength, resilience, and compassion. Their diverse perspectives and experiences would create an unforgettable dinner party filled with laughter, inspiration, and meaningful connections.
10. In your opinion, what makes a 5 Star Wedding?
In my perspective, a 5-star wedding is characterized by its ability to engage all five senses, creating a multi-dimensional experience that immerses guests in luxury and refinement:
Sight: Every detail, from the venue’s grandeur to the intricate design of the décor, delights the eyes and creates an ambience of unparalleled elegance.
Sound: A carefully curated selection of music, live performances, and ambient sounds
sets the tone for each moment, ensuring that every note enhances the atmosphere of
celebration and joy.
Touch: Luxurious fabrics, plush furnishings, and thoughtful tactile elements invite guests to immerse themselves fully in the comfort and opulence of the occasion.
Taste: Culinary masterpieces, expertly crafted cocktails, and decadent desserts tantalize the palate, offering a symphony of flavours that reflect the couple’s unique tastes and preferences.
Smell: Fragrant florals, scented candles, and delectable aromas from the cuisine awaken the senses, infusing the air with romance and enchantment.
By harmonizing these sensory elements, a 5-star wedding creates a multi-dimensional
experience that captivates guests and leaves a lasting impression of luxury, sophistication, and sheer delight.
http://www.my-eventdesign.com/
