Ever wondered what makes an event truly unforgettable? The secret often lies with exceptional event planners who turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. While many attempt to create memorable experiences, only a few manage to elevate every occasion to a masterpiece.
In this article, we spotlight ten standout event planners renowned for their unique creativity, groundbreaking concepts, and flawless execution. These professionals transform events into unforgettable experiences, setting new standards and redefining what’s possible.
Let’s explore who they are, celebrate their artistry and discover the innovative ways they craft exceptional moments.
1. Jessica Boskoff
Jessica Boskoff, Founder and Creative Director of Twenty Three Layers, brings nearly two decades of experience to the event planning industry. She founded her boutique agency 13 years ago, combining design expertise with a talent for storytelling to create unique, high-end events. By taking on a select number of projects each year, Jessica and her skilled team deliver exceptional, personalized experiences. Renowned for her innovative use of color and unconventional ideas, Jessica has positioned herself as a leading figure in the industry. Upcoming projects include exclusive brand pop-up events and a multi-city workshop series offering insider insights into event planning. Her advice to aspiring planners: build genuine connections, stay authentic, embrace mistakes, and explore the unknown. Discover Twenty Three Layers’ visionary events on Instagram.
2. Debi Lilly
With over two decades of experience, Debi Lilly is a renowned party planner and author celebrated for her sophisticated yet approachable event designs. She has crafted unforgettable moments for The Oprah Winfrey Show, including Oprah’s on-air birthday celebration and “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episodes. Debi’s work is regularly featured in top-tier media and publications, and her signature style is reflected in her exclusive floral and décor line for Safeway Albertsons. Her collaborations with prestigious brands like Bloomingdales and Martha Stewart have solidified her reputation as a household name. She specializes in creating bespoke experiences for elite clients, including Oprah Winfrey, Dom Perignon, and Bentley. In addition to her event planning, Debi manages A Perfect Event, a retail store, and DL Loft, a chic event space. Discover more of her enchanting designs on Instagram.
3. Jessica Hennessey
For the past eight years, Jessica Hennessey has been the visionary behind Jessica Hennessey Weddings, creating custom wedding experiences that highlight each couple’s unique love story. With a background in film production, she seamlessly blends meticulous attention to detail with a talent for storytelling. Her luxurious, innovative wedding designs have earned her recognition as the “Best Wedding Planner” by Boston Business Women and features in esteemed publications like BRIDES and Style Me Pretty. Jessica is celebrated for her ability to craft emotionally rich weddings that honor the couple’s vision, avoiding passing trends in favor of timeless elegance. Her advice to aspiring planners? Focus on the couple’s journey and curate celebrations that stand the test of time. Explore her stunning work on Instagram for endless inspiration.
4. Josephine Baah
Josephine Baah, Creative Director and CEO of Blissful Royal Creations, is a standout in the wedding and event planning industry. With a rich cultural heritage from Ghana and extensive international education, she brings a unique flair to her meticulously crafted celebrations across the U.S. and abroad. Known for blending personal touches and cultural elements, her work has gone viral on social media and has been featured in top industry publications. An award-winning planner and trendsetter, Josephine has been honored as one of Connecticut’s premier wedding and event planners. Follow her exquisite designs on Instagram for a glimpse into her world of tailored elegance.
5. Brett Galley
Brett Galley, the visionary behind Hollywood POP Gallery, leverages her rich artistic and entrepreneurial background to orchestrate spectacular events. Under her leadership, the gallery has become renowned for its extraordinary celebrations, from star-studded weddings with Tony Bennett and Seal to high-profile corporate events featuring Jennifer Hudson and Barack Obama. Celebrated by LOOK Magazine as a leading luxury event design firm, Hollywood POP Gallery excels in delivering all-encompassing planning, design, and entertainment solutions. Their unique, innovative style ensures each occasion is a remarkable success. Explore Brett’s remarkable work and event highlights on her Instagram.
6. Giorgia Verdi
Giorgia Verdi, the mastermind behind Boutique Weddings Sagl, has been a leader in creating extraordinary events since 2007. With a passion for crafting exceptional experiences, Giorgia’s approach blends personalized service, innovative design, and flawless execution. Her portfolio includes a prestigious VIP wedding in Lake Como and an upcoming celebration for an American football player in Sicily. Known for embracing trends like sustainability and tech integration, Giorgia excels in making intimate weddings both deeply personal and artistically inspired. For aspiring planners, she recommends immersing yourself in hands-on experiences, honing organizational skills, and staying abreast of industry trends. Explore Giorgia’s remarkable events and creative journey on Instagram.
7. Rachael Glaws
Rachael Glaws, founder of RGI events, brings to discerning clients worldwide nearly 25 years of expertise in the special events industry after transitioning from major-label artist concert production to full-service event planning and launching her namesake company with a bold and innovative approach. Known for her strategic vision, Rachael focuses on connecting organizations and audiences through shared experiences, prioritizing the mission behind every event. Her impressive portfolio includes prestigious events like the presidential inauguration, national Independence Day celebration, and national Christmas tree lighting. Honored as one of the top 100 event professionals in the U.S., Rachael is most proud of her consistent client retention rate, exceeding 80% year over year. With a passion for diverse events, Rachael continues to push boundaries and deliver exceptional results. Follow Rachael on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at her extraordinary events and endless inspiration.
8. Valerie Joy Edwards
Valerie Joy Edwards, founder of Valerie Joy Events and based in Bozeman, MT, has been transforming weddings into unforgettable experiences since 2014. With a decade of prior experience as an events coordinator, Valerie’s unique approach involves understanding her clients’ most important wedding elements and weaving their special qualities into the celebration. Known for handling elaborate productions, she has managed everything from mimes and helicopter arrivals to cultural ceremonies and themed weddings. Notably, she orchestrated a stunning four-day Indian anniversary celebration and is currently designing a Twilight-themed wedding. Valerie’s favorite events are intimate weddings, where she maximizes the budget on personalized decor and entertainment. Her advice to aspiring planners emphasizes gaining hands-on experience in conference services and catering to master the industry’s intricacies. Witness her exclusively planned events on her Instagram.
9. Ana Veronica Colón
Ana Veronica Colón, founder of Glam Decor Events, has been transforming events since 2008, starting with family and friends before turning her passion into a thriving business. Ana’s commitment to making each event unique and unforgettable shines through her meticulous attention to detail and customized approach. Recognized for her creativity, Ana was featured in Merrimack Valley’s bilingual newspaper, Rumbonews.com, for an 80th birthday celebration. Her favorite events to plan are weddings, where she connects deeply with clients to create heartfelt moments. Ana’s advice to aspiring planners is to embrace individuality and let their talents shine. Discover more of Ana’s stunning creations by following her on Instagram.
10. Jennifer Evans
Jennifer Evans of Events by Jennifer Evans brings 16 years of expertise and a background in teaching to her event planning career, focusing on strategic, guest-centered experiences for all personality types. Inspired by Priya Parker’s “The Art of Gathering,” Jennifer uses innovative approaches to create memorable and engaging events, significantly boosting the success of nonprofit fundraisers and earning her accolades such as Best Nonprofit Gala and Best Food Event. Notable events include the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture’s 125th Anniversary and Shriners Children’s Hospital’s 100th Anniversary Gala. Jennifer’s dedication to collaboration, humility, and strategic creativity ensures each event delivers exceptional results, making her a standout in the industry. Follow Jennifer on her Instagram to unveil more about the magical events she creates.
