Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Wilner.
Anne, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
It all started with the father of the Bride. I wanted to emulate “Franck Egglhoffer,” and at the wise age of 7 years old, I announced that I would be a wedding planner. I never changed my tune.
I attended Cal Poly in beautiful San Luis Obispo where I immersed myself into the community. Upon graduation, the city’s most prominent developer, Rob Rossi, took me under his wing. I not only planned events for his various properties but he acted as a mentor and taught me about business, networking, and working hard for what you’re passionate about.
From there, I jumped into hotels and ended up back in LA, working for the Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel Air, two of my favorite event venues. I was honored to plan beautiful weddings and events for celebrities and heads of state. It truly was the opportunity of a lifetime and set the stage for me to branch out on my own and begin Anne Wilner Events.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Leaving the security of working for 5-star properties was tough, to say the least. I had many anxious days and nights wondering if I was making the right choice. I worried that I would have to build up my book up business from the ground up, but luckily thanks to years of networking, I already had clients ready to hire me!
The properties I had previously represented were referring me to their brides and grooms to coordinate and design their weddings. Corporate clients were excited to bring me on board to design and execute meetings, conferences, and galas. My husband and I ended up living in Napa during the inception of my company, where connections of mine were bringing me on board for winery events.
Finally, my business had taken off in Northern California… only to have my husband come home and announce we were relocating back to LA for his career. I spent that entire wedding season flying back up to Napa every weekend for work. While I was initially worried that clients would be upset that I had moved, I realized that with the phone and internet, it really didn’t make that much of a difference.
In fact, I had now lived and worked in Southern, Central, and Northern California which gave me an edge as a statewide planner.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Coming from a hotel background in catering is a real advantage for my clients. I have long-standing relationships with chefs, catering teams and banquet managers. I’m able to better negotiate contracts and rooming blocks having had come from that side of the desk.
Weddings are also very emotional and touchy when it comes to blending two families together trying to make many decisions that many times often requires a large financial investment from one or both sides. Coming from a big fat Greek family, I specialize in “family matters” and work hard to help brides and grooms navigate successfully down this path in trying to keep the peace.
Every event can have its highs and lows, and I work hard to keep everyone happy and enjoying the moment. It what gives me the most pleasure in my career.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A successful event is one that keeps people pleasantly surprised. I always strive to under promise and over deliver. I’ve often times had couples that think their wedding went perfectly without a hitch. This is never the actual case, but this is how I want every client and guest to feel about an event.
Planning repeat events for a corporate client or a baby shower or first birthday for a couple whose wedding I planned is the ultimate compliment.
Pricing:
- We work with wedding budgets ranging from $50k to beyond
- Wedding planning pricing ranges from $3500-$35k
Contact Info:
- Website: www.annewilner.com
- Phone: 805.305.1620
- Email: anne@annewilner.com
- Instagram: @annewilner
Image Credit:
Michelle Flores Photography, Molly Jane Photo, Miranda Lee Morgan, Hardy Wilson Photography
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