Today we’d like to introduce you to Shumaila Panhwar.
Hi Shumaila, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
SoCal Event Planners started over 13 years ago as a passion project built on the belief that every celebration deserves to feel seamless, meaningful, and truly unforgettable. Founder Shumaila Panhwar recognized early on that while couples and families dreamed big, the industry often lacked the coordination, communication, and calming guidance needed to bring those visions to life. She stepped in to fill that gap — blending creativity with structure, and artistry with organization.
What began as a love for crafting beautiful, one-of-a-kind events has since grown into a full-scale planning and design company known for its meticulous attention to detail and heartfelt client experience. From intimate backyard gatherings to elaborate multi-day weddings, from local celebrations across Southern California to destination events overseas, Shumaila and her team have done it all — and done it with intention.
Today, SoCal Event Planners has proudly curated over 1,000 events, each one tailored to reflect the personalities, cultures, and stories of the people at the center of it. The brand has become synonymous with reliability, creativity, and that feeling of having a trusted partner who handles every detail so you can actually enjoy your moment.
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?
“I wish I could say it was smooth—but like most entrepreneurial journeys, mine came with its share of twists, lessons, and moments that pushed me to grow,” says Shumaila.
“When I launched SoCal Event Planners, I was entering a highly competitive industry where experience, trust, and reputation matter more than anything you can buy or advertise. In the early years, the biggest challenge was simply proving myself. I didn’t come from a long line of planners or inherit a massive client list—I had to build everything from the ground up. That meant long nights, countless styled shoots, saying yes to opportunities that stretched me, and constantly refining my systems so every client felt seen, heard, and cared for.”
“Another struggle was balancing creativity with logistics. Event planning isn’t just about pretty décor—it’s a high-pressure environment where you’re solving problems in real time, managing dozens of vendors, honoring cultural traditions, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. Early on, I had to learn how to scale from being the person who did everything to building a team, delegating, and trusting others with the standards I’d set,” says Founder, Shumaila.
“And of course, life doesn’t pause just because you’re growing a business. There were seasons where I was juggling motherhood, unexpected challenges, and events that required 150% of me. Those moments taught me resilience, boundaries, and how to build a company that supports clients and supports my own well-being.
But every struggle became a steppingstone. The difficult clients taught me clarity. The tight budgets taught me creativity. The last-minute emergencies taught me grace under pressure. And the wins—big and small—reminded me why I started: to create unforgettable experiences for families celebrating their most meaningful moments.
Looking back, the road wasn’t smooth, but it was worth every bump. It built the company, the brand, and the confidence I have today.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about SoCal Event Planners?
SoCal Event Planners is more than an event planning company—it’s a storytelling studio where every celebration is crafted with intention, cultural understanding, and flawless execution. We serve clients across Southern California and beyond, specializing in luxury weddings, multicultural celebrations, modern desi events, destination experiences, and elevated corporate gatherings.
What we’re known for is simple:
Exceptional detail, seamless logistics, and designs that feel personal—not cookie-cutter. This is why some of our clientele includes celebrities, influencers and the trend-setters of our communities.
Our clients come to us because they want someone who understands the full picture—not just décor, not just coordination, but the emotional weight, the family dynamics, the cultural traditions, the timing, the vendors, the guest experience, and the hundreds of moving pieces that make an event unforgettable. We don’t copy Pinterest boards; we create events that reflect who our clients are, where they come from, and what they want their guests to feel.
One of the biggest things that sets SoCal Event Planners apart is our expertise in multicultural and fusion weddings, especially South Asian and cross-cultural celebrations that require in-depth knowledge of rituals, timelines, hospitality, and aesthetics. We know how to honor tradition beautifully while still giving the event a fresh, modern, and elevated SoCal look.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Most of our clients come from referrals—mothers, sisters, cousins, and friends who’ve attended one of our events and felt the SoCal touch. Our brand stands for calm energy, creative vision, and a level of care that makes the planning process feel easy, even joyful, no matter how complex the event may be.
We offer everything from full-service planning and design to day-of coordination, production management, vendor sourcing, custom signage + printables, and destination event support. Whether it’s a backyard Mehndi with 60 guests or a three-day wedding with 600, we approach every celebration with the same intentionality and professionalism.
What I want readers to know is this:
We don’t just plan events—we curate experiences and create memories that leave families talking for years.
If you want a team that sees your vision, elevates it, and handles every detail with heart, that’s exactly what SoCal Event Planners is built for.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’d love readers to know that behind SoCal Event Planners is not just a business—but a woman who truly loves people, storytelling, culture, and the magic that happens when families come together. I’m incredibly grateful for every couple and every parent who has trusted me with some of the most emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments of their lives.
As the founder, I bring not only years of experience but a deep personal commitment to making the planning process feel calm, organized, and meaningful. My favorite part of this work isn’t just the décor reveal or the perfect timeline—it’s the relationships. It’s watching a mother tear up when she sees her daughter’s mandap, or the joy on a groom’s face when the baraat finally starts, or the quiet little behind-the-scenes moments where everything just clicks and a family feels truly cared for.
SoCal Event Planners was built on heart, cultural intuition, and a love for creating beautiful, purposeful celebrations—and that will always be our foundation.
If you’re a couple or family looking for someone who will treat your event like it’s their own, who will blend professionalism with warmth, and who will stand by you through every decision, I’d love to meet you and be part of your story.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey. It means more than you know.
Pricing:
- Contact us for pricing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socaleventplanners.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socaleventplanners/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/ms.socalevents/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@socaleventplanners
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/so-cal-event-planners-tustin
