We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Reneille Velez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Reneille, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I grew up in a home where celebrations were at the heart of everything. As a Filipino family, we didn’t just host events—we brought people together in a way that made every person feel seen and celebrated. Whether it was birthdays, holidays, or spontaneous gatherings, there was always a reason to open our doors and create unforgettable moments. That deep-rooted love for hospitality and community became the foundation for my business.
When I started Gian Events, I quickly noticed a gap in the Seattle event industry. While the events here were beautiful, they often followed a similar aesthetic—rustic, lush greenery, very much in line with the Pacific Northwest vibe. But I wanted more. I wanted to challenge the norm and introduce something fresh, bold, and modern. My vision was to disrupt the Seattle wedding scene by pushing boundaries and bringing in influences from cities like Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston—places known for their statement-making designs.
But beyond aesthetics, I also saw an opportunity to make a deeper impact. When I launched in 2017, the representation of Asian-American weddings and diverse cultures in Seattle’s wedding industry was lacking. I wanted to change that. I built a team that reflected the brides we served—hiring bilingual staff and creating an environment where couples felt truly understood. Over the years, Gian Events became known not just for its innovative designs but for the inclusivity and representation we brought to the table.
When I started, I knew nothing about running a business. No formal training, no extra funds to take courses—just a vision and an unstoppable drive. I researched everything on my own, reached out to other planners for guidance, and when no one responded, I figured it out myself. That’s why giving back is so important to me now. I want to be the resource I didn’t have, to mentor aspiring planners, and to create a space where learning and collaboration thrive.
Gian Events was born out of a passion for celebrating people, breaking industry norms, and creating space for diversity in luxury events. And that’s exactly what we continue to do—one unforgettable event at a time.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into this industry started with my Filipino roots—where celebrations were a way of life. That passion for creating moments of joy stuck with me, and when I launched Gian Events, I knew I wanted to do more than just follow trends—I wanted to disrupt Seattle’s event scene.
For years, Seattle’s events leaned heavily into the classic Pacific Northwest aesthetic. I saw an opportunity to shake things up and bring in bold, statement-making designs. We’re the team that’s not afraid to go big, break norms, and introduce luxury in a way that Seattle hadn’t fully embraced before. Whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or social gatherings, we push our clients to think differently—starting with one simple question: What do you NOT want at your event? That’s where the magic begins.
What sets Gian Events apart isn’t just our ability to create stunning events—it’s our energy, our mindset, and the way we work. We’re a small but mighty team of women who love what we do, keep things fun, and thrive in high-pressure environments. We have a ‘get it done’ attitude, and we invest in our people the same way we invest in our clients. Every team member—whether an event assistant or lead planner—has a role in the bigger picture. That energy translates into how we collaborate with creative partners too. Their success is our success, and we make sure every detail aligns with the vision of those we work with.
At the core of Gian Events is a commitment to luxury with personality—we curate elevated, high-end events while keeping things approachable. Our clients trust us not just to execute, but to innovate. They come to us because they want something different, something bold, something unforgettable.
What am I most proud of? The fact that we’ve reshaped Seattle’s event industry. We’ve created a space for diversity in luxury weddings, built a team that reflects the clients we serve, and proven that Seattle is ready for more than just rustic barn weddings. Gian Events is here to set the new standard for modern, elevated, and trend-forward events.
For those looking to create an event that is truly next-level, we’re here to make it happen. Let’s do something different.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
At Gian Events, our reputation has been built on a mix of authenticity, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration. From day one, I knew I didn’t want to build just another event planning company—I wanted to create a brand that felt real, approachable, and fearless in pushing creative boundaries.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously—we’re casual, we like to have fun, and our team thrives in high-energy environments. But behind that, we have a ‘get it done’ attitude that sets us apart. No matter the challenge, we find solutions and execute at the highest level. Clients and creative partners know that when they work with Gian Events, they’re working with a team that’s not only deeply invested in the design and logistics but also in the overall success of everyone involved.
What has truly solidified our reputation is our approach to partnerships. We don’t just plan events; we create experiences where our creative partners’ measurements of success become our own. Whether it’s ensuring a photographer gets the perfect lighting setup, a floral designer’s arrangements are showcased as intended, or a venue team has seamless coordination, we make sure every detail aligns with the vision of those we collaborate with. This mindset has helped us earn trust and respect in the industry.
Any advice for managing a team?
At Gian Events, I’ve learned that building a strong team isn’t just about hiring talent—it’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, invested, and genuinely excited to be part of something bigger.
We like to have fun, and that energy is a big part of what makes our team dynamic work. Events can be stressful, but when you build a team that enjoys working together, it makes a huge difference. We keep things lighthearted, but at the same time, we maintain a ‘get it done’ mentality. That balance keeps morale high, even in high-pressure situations.
I also believe that when you invest in your people, they invest in your brand. We focus on developing our team’s skillsets, from planners to event assistants, giving them opportunities to grow within Gian Events. Whether it’s hands-on experience, mentorship, or encouraging creative input, I want my team to feel like they’re constantly evolving in their careers.
Recognition is also a huge part of how we maintain morale. We’re a small team, but every single person plays a major role in our success. Making sure everyone feels seen, appreciated, and included in the bigger picture is key. When people understand the impact of their work, they feel more connected to the brand and our mission.
At the end of the day, managing a team isn’t just about delegation—it’s about leadership. And for me, that means creating an environment where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to show up every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gianevents.com
- Instagram: @gianevents
Image Credits
Chris Evans