Meet Dawn – Owner & Lead Planner Behind Event by Dawn

With over a decade of experience planning weddings throughout Santa Cruz, Carmel Valley, Monterey, Big Sur and the Bay Area, Dawn is known for her calm leadership, eye for detail and love of bringing people together. She founded Event by Dawn to turn her lifelong passion for hospitality into a full-time career helping couples plan unforgettable celebrations in some of California’s most beautiful settings, whether it’s a beachside ceremony, a vineyard reception or a forest wedding beneath the redwoods.

Dawn is deeply committed to transparency and trust throughout the planning process. She takes the time to understand each couple’s vision and priorities, offering honest guidance and connecting them with the best vendors to match their unique needs and style. Her extensive vendor relationships, personalized approach and meticulous attention to timelines ensure nothing is overlooked.

With a background in restaurant management, bookkeeping and photography, Dawn brings a well-rounded, detail-focused perspective to every event. She’s organized, approachable and genuinely dedicated to making sure her couples feel supported and stress-free from start to finish.

Outside of weddings, Dawn is a proud wife and mom of two, a dedicated school volunteer and a lover of gardening, camping and animals of all kinds. She’s not just a planner, she’s a trusted partner in your wedding journey, guiding you with professionalism, care and heart.

Meet Stella – Event by Dawn Day-of Wedding Specialist

Stella is the calm, capable presence you’ll want by your side on the wedding day. With a strong background in restaurant management, she brings exceptional organization, attention to detail and a natural ability to keep things running smoothly.

While Dawn leads the planning process and works closely with you leading up to the big day, Stella steps in to expertly manage the timeline, coordinate with vendors and ensure everything unfolds seamlessly. Her intuitive understanding of event flow and her ability to solve issues on the fly make her a true asset to every celebration.

More than just a teammate, Stella and Dawn have been longtime friends with a bond that feels like family for over 15 years. Their strong bond and mutual trust allow them to work together effortlessly, creating a calm, cohesive experience for clients from start to finish.

If Stella is your day-of coordinator, you can breathe easy knowing you’re in the hands of someone who cares deeply and is backed by a team that feels more like family.

Now Booking Wedding Planning and Coordination Services in Santa Cruz, Carmel Valley, Monterey and Bay Area

At Event by Dawn, my goal is to make your event planning experience smooth, stress-free and enjoyable from start to finish. I am dedicated to ensuring that your unique vision shines through in every detail, creating an event that truly reflects your personality and style. With personalized attention and expert guidance, I’ll help bring your ideas to life, making your special day not only memorable but seamless. I offer a wide range of wedding planning services tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring you receive the support you need every step of the way. -Dawn-