Conversations with Jilla Siounit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jilla Siounit.

Jilla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in event planning began in 1990, long before it became my full-time career As an assistant principal, I organized large scale banquets, gatherings, carnivals, and special events. Over time, those responsibilities sparked a passion, leading me to plan weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, engagements, baby showers, and other celebrations in addition to the corporate events and large functions I managed. .

About ten years ago, my life took an unexpected turn when my daughter was involved in a serious accident. After more than 20 years in education, I left my position to focus on her recovery. As she began to improve about a year later, I returned to the work I had always loved: event planning Rather than going back to the school

Since then, my former part-time passion has grown into a thriving business built largely on relationships, referrals, and the trust of my community. Through my deep connections within the Jewish community, I have become especially known for planning Jewish weddings and celebrations, including Orthodox events, where an understanding of traditions, customs, and details is essential to creating a beautiful and meaningful experience. Looking back, I see how every stage of my journey—from education and large-scale event management to the personal experience that changed my life’s direction—helped shape the planner I am today.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the first major challenges along my journey was going through a divorce, which brought a significant transition into my life and required me to rebuild and move forward in a new direction. Later, my daughter’s serious accident completely changed the course of my life once again. For a period of time, everything else had to take a back seat as my priority became caring for her, supporting her recovery, and doing everything I could to help her regain the life she had before.

There were certainly moments when the path ahead was not easy or clear, but I have always believed that the obstacles we encounter in life have a purpose. They shape us, polish us, teach us resilience, and ultimately make us stronger than we were before. Those experiences gave me a deeper sense of patience, compassion, determination, and perspective—qualities that have not only shaped me personally, but have also become an important part of the way I approach my work and the people I serve.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What sets me apart as an event planner is that, for me, this has never been simply a job or a way to earn a living. I genuinely love what I do. I love the creativity, the attention to detail, and most importantly, serving people and making what can be an overwhelming process feel smooth, organized, and enjoyable while maintaining the highest level of professionalism. Very often, I find myself going far beyond what is written in my contract because I become personally invested in helping my couples and their families have the best possible experience.

Over the years, I have learned that being a wedding planner requires much more than creating timelines, coordinating vendors, and executing a beautiful event. Weddings bring together families, personalities, expectations, emotions, and sometimes difficult situations. In those moments, I often find myself becoming a counselor, a peacemaker, a calming presence, and sometimes even a mother figure to my brides and grooms. I believe a great planner needs to understand people just as much as she understands events—to know when to listen, when to guide, when to step in, and how to keep everyone moving forward while remaining calm and professional. At the end of the day, my goal is not only to create a beautiful and flawlessly executed celebration, but to take care of the people behind it and allow them to truly enjoy one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
The greatest source of guidance and inspiration throughout my journey has been my faith and the presence of God in my life. I have always believed that whatever path we are given, we have a responsibility to give it our very best—to work with integrity, dedication, gratitude, and purpose. My beliefs have been the foundation that has guided me not only through the challenges and transitions of my personal life, but also throughout my professional journey. They have taught me to trust the process, continue moving forward even when the road is uncertain, and always treat people with honesty, kindness, and respect. I am grateful for every person who has trusted me, supported me, referred me, and allowed me to be part of such meaningful moments in their lives, but ultimately, I credit my faith for giving me the strength, direction, and determination to continue building what I have today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cloud9events_/
• Facebook: Cloud 9 Event Planning

Image Credits
@eventsbysammyla

@jaredkahnphotography