Meet Christina Sorensen of Ciao Bella Wedding & Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Sorensen.

Christina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in a huge Italian family, my father Steven Lomonaco, who was the youngest of six children, and my grandmother Josephine Lomonaco who was one, out of 11 siblings. I’m half Italian and half Japanese. My father was, and still is huge influence in my life, and has impacted my life in so many ways. I know there are so many great Dads out there but my Dad takes the lead ! His strength is like no one I have ever encountered. He taught me at a young age how to be humble and how to give back, how to pay it forward, and how to treat other people; not how they treated me; but how I wanted to be treated. He gave me a sense of value, and showed me what it takes to have integrity. He is more than just my father he is my best friend. He is my biggest fan, and he takes pride in everything that I do and I love that!

Our family was always holding Family reunions or planning huge events. I knew I had it in my blood, I found out at early age I love to plan and get creative. When I was little I told my mom, Yumi, —“I wish I could have a job where I can make everything pretty for people and get paid for it.” And she told me with excitement in her voice, “there is such a thing, it’s called a party planner ! ” I immediately knew this is what I wanted to be, when I got older!

My mother, grandmother and Aunties were all very creative and hands-on, with any and all projects! Whether it was designing clothes, sewing, planning parties or just getting creative! I looked up to her, my Grandmother, my Aunt Kathi and my Aunt Marie; and always admired their talents from a far !

During high school, I realized I wanted to study Business Management as well as Wedding & Event Planning. I took the appropriate courses in college and maintained a degree in Business Management and Guest Services. I became licensed in Laguna Beach and filed for my business right after college.

I knew I had to get my feet wet first. Before jumping in, I started giving out weddings for free to build my portfolio. I was then at the age where everybody around me was getting engaged, I had a lot of older friends since my brother Michael, was three years above me.

I knew I found my niche. Not only did I want to plan but I wanted to save people time and money! I knew it was a very competitive world but that didn’t stop me. While everyone was out partying drinking or having fun, I wasn’t. Instead, I knew what I wanted to be and I was dedicated to spending my time in the books and learning. I paid my dues at early age and began my business.

While others around me still didn’t know what they wanted to be when they grew up, I was laser focused. I got my feet wet right away and started planning party’s and doing Weddings!

I found out when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life! I did what it took, to get me where I needed to be, to enjoy the life I love today.

I dated a lot of toads before meeting my Prince Charming. I never took any of them seriously, until I met my husband, Matty Sorensen. I wasn’t even looking for a boyfriend at the time we met, and actually came out of a bad relationship myself. We had a lot in common to say the least, and most of all we started a friendship first. This friendship turned into a relationship, and blossomed into the love we share today. It happened naturally and organically. I couldn’t have asked for a better boyfriend, lover, friend or husband ! He was everything I have ever wished for and more!

Soon after meeting Matty my Business started taking off, and with his Sales skills and Entrepreneur mindset, he helped me take my Business to the next level. He spoke very highly and  eloquently of my Company and knew my worth. He taught me how to showcase this and benefit my Business. He loved how pro-active I was and could see my potential.

Two years later after meeting Matty at The White House, in Laguna Beach, for a Fashion show I did, for a local Laguna Beach Boutique June 2010— Matty and I started dating. We dated for 3 years until we got serious.

He proposed at one of my favorite spots, by where I grew up, down the street from my parents Laguna Beach House. He knelt down at Look Out Point, at The Montage Resort, during sunset. It was the sweetest and most heartfelt moment ever, in my life, I was overwhelmed with happiness, and in this moment…. I remember thinking to myself “I must be dreaming!!! ”

We were engaged by November 2015, and then married come that May on the 21st in 2016. We found out we were expecting a baby on our 1 year Anniversary, while we were staying at The US Grant in San Diego. And come this January 2018 we will be celebrating our first child together !

I love that quote that says “Once in awhile right in the middle of an ordinary life, loves gives us a fairytale. ” When you least expect it god, plays Cupid and sends you the love of your life! I’m a catholic and I totally believe in a higher power, knowing this brings comfort to my heart.

We believe that everyone has a soulmate and once you have found him/her never let them go! We are a Team of Local Wedding & Event Pros who take pride in planning. Making dreams a reality, licensed in Laguna Beach. Our mission is to alleviate as much stress as possible. We have recently been rated top 10 in Orange County. Our experts have years of training and experience in the field of wedding planning. We have a wealth of knowledge in choosing the right vendors, locations, caterers, and party professionals to meet your unique needs. We know how to save you time, stay within your budget and coordinate all vendors from start to finish. We are Local Wedding & Event Professionals who are dedicated to providing you with excellent services.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To be honest, this day and age it’s a lot tougher than it was back in the day especially with social media. At such a fast-paced world and learning where to market is key! Nobody picks up the phone book and finds your business, this is not the case anymore. Focusing on what gives your business lead generation is prime! I found out that referrals and word-of-mouth is the best way for people to trust you. If one of your friends or family members tells you about somebody you are more likely to hire them. You automatically gain trust. This is huge in the Wedding and Event planning world.

But knowing your competition and what they offer is a great advantage to you. There are always struggles when it comes to lead generation, so keeping up with today’s social media outlets, are the keys to success! The trick is, to stay current with what’s trending, keep your creative juices flowing, think outside of the box, and continue to create designs nobody has ever seen!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
What sets us apart from others is our passion. We are Planning Professionals and who dedicate our heart and soul into planning. It shows in our work, and when we are face-to-face in our meetings with our clients. Not only can they see it in our Portfolios but they feel it in our energy. We bring our A-Game to each and every Event, Wedding or Celebration.

Find Ciao Bella Weddings & Events featured in The Knot, E! , Us Weekly Magazine, PEOPLE Magazine, Life & Style Magazine, Carats & Cake, and Grey likes Weddings.

We specialize in:
-Celebrity Wedding Planning
-Luxury Design
-Extraordinary Events
-Corporate Planning
-Birthdays Bridal & Baby Showers

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was the youngest of two. I’m was very loud, outgoing and full of passion for whatever life had to offer me.

I have an older brother named Michael, who, I love so very much, and look up to in so many ways! He is still like a best friend to me. My family is very tightknit and we are all very close. I spent most of my childhood growing up in Laguna Beach.

I was born in Hollywood on Sunset Blvd at Kaiser, the same hospital my father was born at. I moved to Laguna at an early age and spent all of Elementary, Middle, and High school in Laguna Beach. I was a Local Laguna Beach girl who spent most of her time in Dance class and Cheerleading at Football Games.

I’m very dedicated in anything and everything that I do, I give it my all. I take pride in everything I plan!

I have a ton of respect for my community, and giving back to those who need it most.

Congratulations to all of you that are newly engaged ! I hope to work with you in the near future. Now that you have an idea of who I am and what my Company represents, please feel free to call me for Professional advice, or speak to one of our Consultants today, about your Dream Day!

This is a very exciting time in your lives so take every second of it in. “Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this!” Enjoy your fiancé, and don’t stress him or yourself out, leave the planning to the Professionals !  We are here at your service.

Pricing:

• Full Planning 1 Year Plus – $6,500
• 9-12 Months of Planning – $5,500
• 6-9 Months of Planning – $5,000
• 3-6 Months of Planning – $4,500
• 1-3 Months of Planning – $3,500
• 1 Month Out – $2,500
• Day of Coordination – $2,000
• Design & Staging Package – $500
• Party or Event Planning Services -$500

Contact Info:

• Address: 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy Ste 137
• Website: CiaoBellaWeddingPlanning.com
• Phone: 949-514-1651
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Instagram.com/CiaoBellaWeddingPlanning
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/CiaoBellaEvents
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/ciao-bella-wedding-planning-irvine

Image Credit:
True Photography
Mike Colon
Sun & Sparrow
Ciao Bella Wedding Planning
Lin & Jirsa

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.