We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ariana Hodges. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with ARIANA below.
Hi ARIANA, thanks for joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I’ve always had a deep love for design and planning, and for years, I dreamed about turning that passion into something more. But the real turning point—the moment I knew I had to do this—was my own wedding.
Less than a week before my big day, my wedding planner completely bailed on me. What was supposed to be the happiest time for me and my partner instantly became one of the most stressful. Instead of soaking in those final moments before saying “I do,” I was scrambling to make sure everything would come together. I remember the overwhelming feeling of panic, the disappointment of knowing I didn’t have the support I had counted on, and the heartbreaking realization that I couldn’t get that time back.
That experience changed everything for me. It made me realize just how crucial a great planner is—not just someone to organize details but someone who truly cares, who shows up, and who makes sure couples can be fully present on their most important day. I never wanted another bride or groom to go through what I did, and that’s what pushed me to take this business seriously.
Looking back, I truly believe I started my business at the perfect time. If I had started sooner, I wouldn’t have had the firsthand understanding of just how much a couple needs someone they can rely on. If I had waited, I might not have had the same drive and purpose that fuels my work today. Every wedding I coordinate now is a reminder of why I do this—because no couple should ever have to feel the way I did on my wedding day. And that’s why I pour my heart into every single event, making sure my couples feel supported, stress-free, and completely in the moment.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Ari Hodges, the owner, lead planner, and designer of West Coast Creatives SLC—a wedding coordination and design business built on creativity, passion, and a deep understanding of what couples truly need on their wedding day.
My journey into the wedding industry started with a love for design and planning, but what truly solidified my path was my own wedding experience. Less than a week before my big day, my planner bailed on me, turning what should have been the happiest time of my life into one of the most stressful. That experience was heartbreaking, but it also became my motivation. I knew I never wanted another couple to go through what I did, and I realized I had the skills, the vision, and—most importantly—the heart to make sure they never would.
At West Coast Creatives SLC, I specialize in planning, coordinating, and designing unique, eclectic weddings that fully reflect each couple’s personality and love story. My services range from full-service planning to day-of coordination, along with creative design that brings together intentional details to make a wedding feel cohesive, stylish, and deeply personal. In addition to planning and design, I also create custom stationery and signage, adding a personalized touch to everything from invitations and seating charts to welcome signs and menus. These details help bring a couple’s vision to life in a way that feels truly one-of-a-kind.
What truly sets me apart is the relationships I build with my couples. I pour my heart into every wedding I plan, and I become more than just a coordinator—I become their advocate, their problem-solver, and sometimes even their therapist during the planning process. It means so much to me when, at weddings, guests come up to me and ask if I was friends with the couple long before the wedding because they see the closeness and trust we’ve built. They’re always surprised to hear that I only met the couple when they booked me. That connection is everything to me, and it’s why I do what I do.
One of the things I’m most proud of is creating a stress-free, joyful experience for my couples. I handle all the behind-the-scenes details so they can be fully present on their wedding day, soaking in every moment without worry. I’ve built this business on trust, creativity, and a deep commitment to making sure every couple feels supported from start to finish.
For anyone considering working with me, I want them to know that their wedding isn’t just another event—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and it deserves all the care, attention, and expertise I can give. My goal is to bring wedding dreams to life in a way that feels effortless, exciting, and uniquely them.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building my reputation in this industry has been a combination of passion, dedication, and a commitment to constantly learning and growing. From the start, I’ve focused on creating an experience where my couples feel genuinely supported, knowing they have someone in their corner who truly cares about their wedding as much as they do.
One of the biggest factors in my growth has been the relationships I’ve built—not just with couples, but with vendors and other industry professionals. Collaboration is such a huge part of this business, and I’ve been fortunate to work alongside some incredibly talented people who inspire me and push me to continue evolving. Word-of-mouth referrals, both from past couples and trusted vendors, have played a major role in helping me reach more clients, and that means the world to me.
I also believe that consistency and reliability have helped set me apart. I show up 100% for my couples, not just on their wedding day, but throughout the entire planning process. Whether it’s helping them navigate tough decisions, offering creative solutions, or simply being someone they can lean on, I take that responsibility seriously. Weddings are deeply personal, and I want every couple I work with to feel like they’re in the best hands.
At the same time, I know I’m still growing, still learning, and still excited for what’s ahead. Every wedding is different, and I love the challenge of adapting, refining my skills, and pushing my creativity further. I’m also eager to continue branching out, meeting more incredible professionals in this industry, and expanding the ways I can serve my couples. The best part of this journey is that there’s always more to learn and new opportunities to create unforgettable experiences.
More than anything, I’m grateful for the trust my couples place in me. That trust has been the foundation of my business, and I’ll always strive to deliver an experience that makes them feel valued, cared for, and completely at ease on one of the most important days of their lives.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source of new clients for me has undoubtedly been word-of-mouth referrals. There is truly nothing more rewarding than having past couples and trusted vendors recommend me to others. When a couple refers me to their engaged friends or a vendor reaches out because they loved working with me, it reassures me that I’m making a real impact and providing an experience that people genuinely value.
Vendor relationships have also been a huge factor. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with some amazing professionals who share my commitment to creating seamless, beautiful weddings. When vendors trust me enough to refer their couples my way, it speaks volumes, and I never take that for granted. Building strong relationships in this industry has been key to my growth.
In addition to referrals, social media and my website have played a big role in connecting me with new clients. Platforms like Instagram allow me to showcase my work, share my personality, and give potential couples a glimpse into what it’s like to work with me. My website has also been a great tool for inquiries, giving couples a clear idea of my services and approach before they even reach out.
Ultimately, I’ve found that the best marketing comes from simply showing up, doing my job well, and forming real connections. When couples feel truly taken care of, they remember that experience and share it with others. That’s been the biggest driver of growth for my business, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Westcoastcreativesslc.com
- Instagram: Westcoastcreativesslc
- Facebook: Westcoastcreativesslc
Image Credits
Alimorganphoto
Kaatlynroseweddings