50 States, 50 Event Planners Slideshow

Once branded by The Knot founder Carley Roney as the "talk of the South," Christopher Confero is a creative genius at his craft. With expertise in lighting, graphic, and floral design, there is no space he can't transform into a magical setting, which has lead him to become one of the most popular wedding event planners in Georgia, Alabama, and the Southeast. For a peak at his undeniable taste and impeccable charm, see his work here.

Connie Tracy and Andrea Engbretsen are intent on creating memorable experiences and events that are reflective of the couple, the brand, or the occasion at hand. Born from a love of entertaining, do-gooding, and a great network, their company has flourished and made them a staple of the Anchorage wedding and event scene. See their work here.

Ara Farnam and team consider themselves event designers, bringing the aesthetic of interior design to each event, one tabletop, rental, and arrangement at a time. Although not technically "planners," the team at Rock Paper Scissors Events focuses on the details that will personalize your day rather than the planning from A to Z, making their services more affordable and easy to work with. Their creativity holds no bounds as they carry their creative genius to whichever venue they may end up at. 

Ashley Henderson began her career as an event designer before people in her life, both professionally and personally, urged her to pursue event planning full on and so, Ashley Ann's Events was born. Known for her unique outlook and whimsical flair, she specializes in affairs of all sizes, from weddings and balls to galas and corporate shindigs. Her unexpected accents and details are what make her one of the most sought-after planners in the South.

Paige Appel and Kelly Harris, two gals who are making it happen in the world of Los Angeles weddings and events, are bringing their expertise cross-country. With their brilliant showcase, The Cream, they have created an outlet for couples to match themselves with the right vendors based on their tastes. With two sold-out events in Los Angeles and one in New York City, they're planning to take The Cream nationwide. As for Bash, Please, their full-service production and design house, it's not only taking the California party scene by storm, but also the world, since they'll travel around the globe to create custom soirées anywhere you want.

Specializing in eclectic events, from farm dinners to tented affairs, Jubilee Events, made up of a trio of women, is well-versed in the art of the party. Although they're based in the New England area, they have created events everywhere from Connecticut to Massachusetts and even across the pond in Paris, Spain, and Costa Rica.

With a solid team of five women who boast more than 14 years of combined experience in the industry, it's safe to say these ladies have a strong hold on their field. Creating bashes ranging from corporate affairs to weddings, they pride themselves on bringing the vision of each and every client to life.

Heather Lowenthal has taken her role as a planner and made a mini empire from it. Her service list reads more fun than tedious. With tasks including theme creation, fashion trends, and etiquette, she makes the world of events and weddings an enjoyable experience before the actual soirée even begins. With three types of packages named — we love this — The Glam, The Glitz, and The Glitter, we can assure you that she is bringing a certain panache to every event she curates.

With more than 10 years in the business, Susan Graham knows what she's doing. Handling each event in a series of milestones, she works with clients from one big piece of the puzzle to the next. Aside from creating dramatic affairs, Graham and her award-winning team not only provide week-of exclusivity to your event, but they provide with you consultations leading up to the event and handle all issues, both major and minor, to ensure a memorable occasion.

You'd think planning Hawaiian weddings would be a dream come true, but that is only if you know what you're doing. Season of Life Events' various types of coordination, from full-service packages for destination couples to day-of wedding coordination, help you execute your vision for whatever type of event you want to have.

With a background in creating floral arrangements and coordinating high-profile Beverly Hills events, Taylor Sturges brings big-city professionalism to Sun Valley, Idaho. With services ranging from single floral arrangements to holiday décor to full-service event planning, Sturges has executed some of the biggest-name events in Idaho since opening her business in 2003.  

Bliss Weddings & Events will help you plan every detail of your event — and that's not all. With their whimsical and fun attitude, the dream team of three women — Katie, Kara, and Renny — has garnered praise from some of the biggest bridal publications in the country.

April Foster was a mental health specialist in the National Guard before entering into the world of event planning, which has given her a unique knack for combating the stresses of curating events and dealing with difficult situations that might arise. 

It's simple as this: Nona Via will help you coordinate, execute, and budget for your big day or bash. Whether it means day-of coordination or help creating a theme, this team knows how to bring dream parties to life. 

Another award-winning team, Simple Elegance has won praise from titles such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, Style Me Pretty, and Brides, making them a premier destination when preparing to wed in Kansas. Offering everything from budget planning to etiquette lessons, these ladies will help you coordinate your big day down to the last detail — whether it's a black-tie affair or a rustic intimate setting.

Viva Bella is all about making memorable moments. They pride themselves on sensational professionalism and thorough imagination, and that has made them one of The Knot's top companies to work with in the state three years in a row.

New Orleans is a magical place all on its own, and Plan B Production seeks to play up the city's charm in their events. From sourcing photographers to coordinating a Bourbon Street parade, they certainly bring life to the party.

Here's the thing about these ladies: they know their state and they love it, so when you choose Sweetest Thing, you're not only getting fabulous planners who believe in the power of a stiletto and the practicality of a flat, you're getting dream makers — two women who really know what they're doing and want to make you happy. 

Romance of Flowers draws their event inspiration from blossoms — each soirée starts with the flowers and the ideas grow from there, one bloom at a time.

A boutique event planning agency, Simple Details Events focuses on the posh and the high-end, letting no detail, either large or small, go unnoticed. With a Rolodex of only the best professionals, from florists to paperies, every party is nothing short of fabulous.

With a flair for the dramatic, Faith O. Folayan and company think of creating magnificent events as bringing art to life. With attention to minute details, from the groom's face when he catches sight of his bride to the favors, Urbane Montage remains a beloved Twin Cities brand.

Shanna Lumpkin Events was born from a bridal boutique named A Southern Affair, and has now flourished into a household name in Mississippi. Lumpkin creates detail-oriented events and has been featured on WE's The Wedding Planner as well as a number of bridal publications.

Simply and Forever is not only favored when it comes to putting on decadent weddings, but they're also there for other big events in your life like holidays, bat mitzvahs, and anniversaries. From building inspiration boards to executing the most important details on your special day, Simply and Forever has planning down to a science.

An import from New York City, Pagliaro brought her style, her knack for design, and her cutting-edge flair to Montana, where she now heads her own business creating stunning environments for entertaining and hosting. She uses indigenous and local materials to set the scene for an unforgettable experience — so much so that after seeing these "environments" at events, couples often ask for her aesthetic advice when designing and decorating their homes. 

Candace Kalasky knows there's much more to events and weddings than coordinating where everyone should be at any given moment during the big bash, which is focuses not only on the art of planning, but on designing as well. Embracing her quirky side, she brings color and a certain sparkle to each soirée, from birthdays to weddings.

With more than 20 years under her belt in the world of entertaining, Felicia Gantar puts her knowledge to use for every event, looking at each one as a blank canvas and a new opportunity to bring something special to the table. "Inspiration starts with each client," her website says.

After planning her own big day, Leslie Barbini used her personal experience to begin assisting close friends and family with their own nuptials. After a plethora of weddings in her belt and The Wedding Belle getting a push from bridal publications, the brand has made a name for itself.  Barbini also serves as a chair for Wish Upon a Wedding, a charitable foundation that believes that no one should be denied the right to marry their soul mate, no matter how long they have left to live.

A professional background in musical theater, the arts, and a dash of Vera Wang would make for an uber-savvy event planner, right? Well then, say hello to Eileen Kaden Dean, owner of An Affair to Remember. With the resources of both New York City- and New Jersey-based vendors, this company is an unstoppable force. 

Heidi Anderson has brought with her to New Mexico a seasoned knowledge of the culinary world (she has a degree from the California Culinary Academy) and experience in some of the greatest restaurants on the West Coast. In addition, she has planned celebrity events for famous faces like Oprah Winfrey, Kirk Douglas, and Jeff Bridges. Soirée was born out of all of these combined successes along with her time as a private chef and a love for weddings, and the company is now thriving, making couples and clients happy one event at a time.

Nothing says New York like champagne, confetti, and a palm full of glitter. That's exactly what Glitter+ Rye is — a party cracker of an event planning company. The company prides itself on its mix of vintage finds and fresh-faced artistry, and uses the inspiration of happy couples to make each event or wedding come alive with a certain pizzazz.

Ivy Robinson's inspiration comes from her years of traveling abroad in Europe and acquiring a taste for the architecture and culture of a few Western cities — her brand is based on bold colors, strong patterns, and a heavy emphasis on menus. Getting to know the style and personality of a couple or a client gives her a good sense of what their event should look like and she builds from there.

Alicia Weigel knows what it means to work within a budget, which is why when it comes to parties of any size — from 50 to 500 people — she knows how to work within her means. The creation of Bliss was inspired by Weigel's own wedding, which hosted 500 guests, and she believes every event should be a stress-free and blissful experience. Hmm, wonder where the name Bliss came from?

Something Blue was built on the idea that a truly successful event is a result of teamwork, which is why this firm has a tight-knit connection of vendors and planners. By using these resources and working in the customized needs of each client, they make sure each event a memorable one.

A self-described "girlie-girl" with a background in dance and cheerleading, Christina Leigh knows the true essence of a bride's dream. So whether she's working with an extra feminine bride or a minimalistic one, she's got it covered. 

Luxe Events Productions was voted the "Best Portland Wedding Planner" in 2012 by Wedding Industry Experts and that's just one of the recent awards the company has received. Since its inception in 2008, the firm has been praised by industry experts and insiders as a top choice for any Oregon couple.

This Philadelphia-based event and wedding planning design firm's client list reads more like a Hollywood who's who than it does a list of party guests — past events have featured famous faces like Elton John, Vera Wang, Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, Luciano Pavarotti and more, so it's safe to say this firm can handle the big leagues. Brian Kappra and his team have mastered the art of the event and prove it time and time again, putting on such high-level events as the opening of the Kimmel Center as well as fabulous bashes like weddings, bat mitzvahs, and birthdays.

With such a gorgeous setting as Newport, R.I., it may seem the atmosphere would be enough to make any event a success. However, to bring important occasions to life, a team of experts is required. With more than 25 years in the business, Exquisite Events of Newport is experienced at putting on local and destination events, both large and small, as well as coordinating flawlessly on the day of. 

Using South Carolina as inspiration, the team at WED has created stunning soirées throughout the state, but it doesn't stop there. Their work has been scattered across the globe and the company continues to grow. From the preliminary consultation to parting favors, the team at WED has all of the bases covered with a big-city mindset and a boutique flair.

It's all about paper, private events, and party rentals at this South Dakota wedding studio. Led by Leah, she likes to emphasis minimalism and "randomness." With a knack for vintage finds and innovative style—Envision specializes in the art of invitations as well as props for your big bash.

Jessica Sloane creates her events based around each individual client, making sure to incorporate personal touches into every aspect of the day. Starting with a concept, Sloane draws up a blueprint of sorts before diving into the details, from floral design to paper choices and all the important specifics in between, to make the day as special as it can be.  

With a balance of creative elegance and corporate structure, this firm stresses the importance of the extraordinary, from weddings to baby showers to all occasions in between. The Dallas company creates a true couture experience, letting each client decide what they need, whether it's an à la carte service or the full package.

LMG's motto is "la mireasa cu gust," Romanian for "for the bride with great taste." This company is the premier stop for couples looking for exceptional service and they have a stellar reputation for theatrical ambiances created by a team of experts. 

Three planners, all from different backgrounds and different states, each bring something unique to the firm at Storied Events. With their love of entertaining and the gorgeous setting of Vermont as a backdrop, they are set on producing stunning events every time.

From "I do" to the honeymoon farewell, Roberts & Co. has all of the essentials covered. With a near-never-ending list of services, from full planning to month-of coordination, they will be there in whatever capacity you need them to be, every step of the way. The company specializes in favor bars like s'mores and popcorn bars, bringing a fun and interactive aspect to any bash.

After learning from world-renowned event designer Preston Bailey, Perfectly Posh's Holly Patton knows how to bring a certain panache to any party. With a full-service event planning firm, she can assist you in any way you need, with everything from planning packages to advice sessions on offer. 

And one more for good luck! Even though Washington D.C. isn't a state, we couldn't leave it out. Specializing in the lavish, opulent, and over-the-top, Blue Box Luxe knows how to throw a no-holds-barred bash. The name was pulled from the idea of a "little blue box" from iconic jeweler Tiffany's, so you know they strive for elegance and classic details at every Blue Box Luxe event. 

With a savvy minded team, this firm can create a wedding that works with any budget. This and their ideal professionalism and eye for design has lead them to be named 2012's Wedding Planner Award in Charleston, WV.  

Cherry Blossom Events has planning down to a science. They're willing to work with clients on any budget to execute their party to its fullest potential; the company even offers hourly coordination for couples who have a strict financial limits.

With a resume that needs an accompanying passport, Emily Campbell has executed events in over 40 countries and 5 continents before stationing herself in Colorado and planning weddings in surrounding states like Wyoming. With expertise in event planning and invitations, she can also write a killer toast as a reflection of being a diamond level National Forensic League Speech Coach.

After learning from the best at Chicago's Birch Design Studio, Brooke Hill, owner and designer of Boulder's The Celebration Studio, gained top-notch knowledge and experience in the event-planning industry. After planning her own nuptials, Hill and her husband decided to build on their success. Marrying old traditions with new ideas, the company can create high-impact yet sentimental and personal events and experiences.