Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaina Collaco.
Hi Elaina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and growing up in a big family naturally shaped who I am. I’ve always been the one in my family and friend group who stepped in to plan our gatherings and create meaningful moments. Organizing, paying attention to details, and making sure everyone felt taken care of has always come naturally to me.
The moment I realized planning was something I genuinely wanted to pursue was for my wedding on October 8, 2022, I planned every detail for our 170 guests including the design, the vendors, the layout, and the overall flow. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, it actually felt natural and fulfilling.
My husband noticed it too and encouraged me to take the leap. Starting a business felt intimidating, but I also felt like God was opening this door and revealing purpose through it. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I trusted the process.
In the beginning, my first clients were family and friends who believed in me and gave me opportunities to plan their gatherings and weddings. From there, everything grew through referrals. Word of mouth became the foundation of my business, and I’m still so grateful for the people who trusted me early on.
Since then, I’ve built a full-time career in planning weddings, private events, and milestone celebrations. My work has expanded into larger creative projects as well, including day-of coordination for weddings like Kate Scott’s, design and décor for Bella Thorne’s birthday, Emmy and BET after-parties, and serving as the project manager for Affinity Nightlife. These experiences strengthened my coordination skills, vendor relationships, and ability to thrive in high pressure, high detail environments.
What started as something I did for the people around me has become a career I’m truly proud of. I bring intention, organization, and genuine care into every event so my clients feel supported and able to enjoy their most meaningful moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. The event world comes with a lot of learning curves, and every event teaches you something new. In the beginning, the biggest challenge for me was managing the workload and the pressure that comes with planning meaningful, once in a lifetime moments for people. There were times where it felt overwhelming, especially when I was taking on large events with limited resources or learning things through trial and error.
Balancing the workload definitely took some learning. Event days are long and require a lot of focus, and there is always more happening behind the scenes than people realize. I had to learn how to set boundaries, manage my time well, and stay organized while planning multiple events at once.
I also had to grow through the emotional side of running a business. Real life does not pause just because you have a wedding or event to execute. I went through seasons where life felt heavy with stress, grief, heartbreak, and personal challenges, and I still had clients counting on me. Learning how to show up during those moments taught me emotional discipline, balance, and how to stay focused under pressure.
Those experiences did not take away from my work. They shaped me. They taught me how to stay grounded under pressure, how to take care of myself while still showing up for others, and how to move with empathy and resilience. That is the steadiness I bring into every event I take on!
As you know, we’re big fans of Evision. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Evision is a wedding and event planning company where I focus on creating smooth, organized, and well-supported experiences for every client. I specialize in wedding coordination, full-service planning, private events, and milestone celebrations. The heart of my brand is making the planning process feel clear and manageable while bringing each client’s vision to life in a way that feels true to them.
As the founder and planner behind Evision, I stay hands-on through the entire process. I take the time to understand each client, their style, and what matters most to them. I’m known for staying calm under pressure, keeping everything moving behind the scenes, and showing up with steady, positive energy, even on the busiest event days!
Evision has grown through referrals and genuine relationships, which is something I’m really proud of. Over time, my work has expanded from intimate celebrations to high-profile events and creative projects that pushed me to grow even more. No matter the size of the event, clients can expect consistency, professionalism, and someone who truly cares about their experience.
What sets Evision apart is the relationship I build with my clients. I’m with them every step of the way guiding, supporting, and making sure the process feels good, not overwhelming. My goal is to create events that feel special, personal, and memorable in the best possible way.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for anyone starting out with event planning is to just start. The hardest part is taking that first step. Don’t let fear intimidate you or talk you out of something that’s been sitting on your heart. If this is something you’ve been thinking about, get yourself out in the field. Shadow a planner, follow their lead, and learn by watching how real events flow. That’s where you figure out what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and how you naturally move.
You’re not going to know everything in the beginning, and you’re not supposed to. You learn the most by actually doing the work. Every event teaches you something new, and over time you find your rhythm and your own style.
Communication, effort, and reliability go a long way in this industry. People remember how you made them feel throughout the process and how supported they felt on their special day. And give yourself grace as you grow. You’re not meant to have all the answers right away. The confidence comes with experience. Stay true to who you are, stay teachable, and trust the opportunities that come your way. God will open the right doors at the right time!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/evision_22
