We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Juliana Holmes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Juliana below.

Hi Juliana , thanks for joining us today. Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I absolutely wish I had started my business sooner.
I officially launched my wedding planning business in late 2019, I was beyond excited. I had poured my heart into the planning, built a wonderful relationship with the couple, and felt like I was finally stepping into the career I was meant for. After kicking my first wedding season in February 2020 a month later; the world shut down due to COVID-19.
Everything changed overnight. Weddings were postponed, venues shut their doors, and couples were left heartbroken and uncertain of when they would be allowed to celebrate their new chapter with their loved ones. As a brand new business owner, it was terrifying. I hadn’t yet built a client base, my network was still forming, and I didn’t have the cushion of experience or referrals to fall back on. I was basically trying to keep a fire alive in the middle of a rainstorm.
Looking back, I often think, what if I had started just a year earlier? I would have had more experience under my belt, more industry relationships, and a better understanding of how to pivot. I would have had the momentum to carry me through the unknown. Instead, I had to learn in real time how to be incredibly flexible, how to manage crisis-level emotions with grace, and how to reinvent my services to serve couples in completely new ways.
That said, while I wish I had started sooner, I’m also deeply grateful for what launching during such a chaotic time taught me. It forced me to be resilient, resourceful, and deeply empathetic. I think that made me a better planner in the long run. But yes, if I had the chance to rewind and start earlier, I would. Without hesitation.

Juliana , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hola, soy Juliana Holmes, the founder and lead creative behind Beyond the Event. My journey into the world of weddings is one that began with a love of creativity, rooted in community, and driven by a deep desire to help people feel seen and celebrated.
I grew up in Long Beach—though I often affectionately call it Mi Playa Larga. I earned my degree in Child Development from CSULB and spent eight fulfilling years as a kindergarten teacher. Teaching young children taught me patience, empathy, and how to plan just about anything. But what really stood out during those years was how much I loved planning and decorating for school events. Whether it was a themed open house, a classroom celebration, or a parent night, I found myself going above and beyond to make those moments special.
It wasn’t until I became a bride myself that I realized just how powerful event planning could be. I poured myself into every detail of my own wedding crafting the look, curating the vibe, obsessing over the flow. But when the big day came, it was hiring a day-of coordinator that truly made the experience magical for me. I could be fully present, knowing someone was there to bring everything together behind the scenes. That experience lit a spark.
After my wedding, I reached out to my own coordinator and asked if I could shadow her. From the first event I helped with, I was hooked. Seeing a couple’s vision come to life, being the calm in the chaos, and adding intentional beauty to such an important day; it felt like the perfect fit for who I am and what I love.
That’s when Beyond the Event was born.
Today, I serve couples as a wedding planner and designer, offering a thoughtful blend of logistics and artistry. I help take the weight off clients shoulders so they can focus on what matters most: celebrating their event with their friends and loved ones. Whether it’s ensuring every detail runs smoothly, crafting breathtaking florals, or transforming a blank space into their dream setting, I’m here to make your day feel effortless and unforgettable.
What sets Beyond the Event apart is the personal connection I build with each couple. I believe in telling your story, in a way that feels uniquely and authentically you. When you work with me, it’s a partnership; I’m not just a vendor; I’m someone who’s fully invested in your day, your peace of mind, and your joy.
What I’m most proud of is being able to do work that matters. Weddings aren’t just events they’re memories, turning points, and love stories brought to life. Being trusted to guide and support my clients through that is something I hold with deep gratitude.
So whether you’re planning something grand or intimate, floral-forward or minimal, I’d be honored to walk alongside you and create something beautiful; beyond the event itself.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Keeping in touch with my clients and building lasting relationships is at the heart of my business. For me, it goes far beyond the wedding day; it’s about being part of a milestone and showing up with genuine care, before and after the event.
I stay connected with clients through social media by sharing behind-the-scenes moments, celebrating their milestones, and staying engaged with their lives long after the wedding. It’s a space where I can continue the relationship, offer inspiration, and make every client feel like part of the Beyond the Event family; even after their big day. During the planning process, I check in consistently—whether it’s through emails, planning meetings, or quick texts to reassure them or share updates. I like to keep things warm and approachable so they always feel comfortable coming to me with questions, ideas, or concerns.
After the wedding, I make it a point to follow up and check in. I’ll often send a handwritten thank-you note or write something in their guest book before I depart the event, and I love reaching out on their anniversaries or special milestones just to say hello or celebrate with them. Many of my past clients stay in touch through social media too. I love seeing their journeys unfold and cheering them on from the sidelines.
Fostering brand loyalty, to me, comes from showing clients that I see them as people first, not just as projects. I work hard to create a planning experience that feels personal, not transactional. I want every couple to walk away from their wedding feeling like they were deeply cared for and that trust connection often lead to referrals, repeat bookings for future events, and genuine friendships.
At the end of the day, my goal isn’t just to create beautiful events, but to leave lasting impressions. When clients feel valued, heard, and celebrated that’s what builds loyalty that lasts well beyond the wedding day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What’s truly helped me build my reputation has been a combination of heartfelt client reviews, word of mouth, and strong relationships with venues and vendors. After each event, I take the time to thank my clients personally and ask if they’d be open to sharing a review. It’s never just about getting a five-star rating; it’s about letting future couples hear real, honest experiences from people who’ve walked the journey with me.
Those words mean everything. They build trust in a way that no marketing ever could.
I’ve also been incredibly grateful for the genuine connections I’ve built with venues and vendors. When you show up with professionalism, kindness, and a team-first mindset, people remember that and they recommend you not just because of what you do, but how you do it.
And of course, word of mouth has been a beautiful part of my growth. When a past couple refers me to a friend or family member, it’s the highest compliment and I don’t take that trust lightly. It’s been a slow and steady process, rooted in relationships, gratitude, and showing up with care every single time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyyondtheevent.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyyondtheevent/

Image Credits

Carissa Woo Photography

Coyprint

Take Two Photos

Stunning Portrait Photography

Karen Khuc Photo

Kellie Jane Photography

Melanie Janel Photography