We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Avista Holland a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Avista, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I have always been a big romantic since I was a child. I loved dreaming of the weddings with big ball gowns, flowers and Prince Charming. As I got older, I started to love celebrating my friends and coming up with ideas to celebrate their milestones and accomplishments. Eventually, I started to love helping them plan weddings and baby showers. I even planned my own wedding. By that time, all of my friends were asking me if I might be interested in starting a business and doing it for other people since it was clear that I had enjoyed it so much. I have to be honest, I had never even considered being a business owner and creating something that was mine. That thought process completely changed when I had my daughter. I realized that I wanted to create a legacy for her and begin a path to building generational wealth. I wanted something that I could leave for her. Once I realized that was what I wanted I got to work researching everything that I could find about starting my own wedding and event planning business and completely went down the rabbit hole..lol. There was so much information out there, but I knew that I needed something more in depth and in person. That is when I discovered a workshop held in Charleston SC called Behind the Veil. I contacted the host, Atosha Bennett, and bought my ticket. So much valuable information was shared during that workshop. I learned solid knowledge about the startup process and how to launch. I made some great connections and friends there. I went back home and got to work. I had to figure out my ideal client, where I wanted to market and what services I was going to offer. Not to mention, what was I going to charge and what would be my process for clients? I registered my business with the state of South Carolina, I found a designer to create my branding and website and I started to create my social media pages. It took about four months after that conference, but in January 2017, Sophisticated Affairs Weddings and Events was born and I had my first client by the end of the month.

Avista, 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?

I have a background in the hospitality industry and I managed restaurants for 15 years. I have always enjoyed being of service to others and focusing on excellent customer service. That background combined with my love of romance made the wedding and event industry a natural fit. I am always so humbled and blessed by the couples, families, and individuals who allow us to play a part in their milestone celebrations. At Sophisticated Affairs, we curate elevated wedding experiences for busy, career-driven couples who desire a celebration that’s as meaningful as it is stunning. We specialize in full-service wedding planning with a boutique, concierge approach—handling every detail with intentionality so our clients can be fully present for every moment of their wedding weekend.

Our services go beyond logistics—we design multi-day experiences rooted in elegance, personalization, and faith. From welcome parties to farewell brunches, every touchpoint is crafted to reflect the couple’s unique love story while honoring timeless traditions with a modern twist.

Our clients often come to us feeling overwhelmed, time-starved, and unsure how to bring their vision to life. We solve that by offering clarity, structure, and trusted expertise. Whether it’s navigating vendor selection, managing a six-figure budget, or designing a cohesive aesthetic that feels both luxe and heartfelt—we guide them with grace, precision, and care.

What sets Sophisticated Affairs apart is the way we blend high-end service with genuine care. Our work is rooted in purpose , and we believe a wedding is more than an event—it’s the beginning of a sacred union. Our clients feel that from the first consultation to the final send-off. They trust us to steward this chapter of their life with reverence and joy.

At the core, I want people to know that Sophisticated Affairs is where beauty meets intentionality. We’re not just here to plan weddings—we’re here to create unforgettable experiences that feel like an answered prayer.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been the trusted network of incredible vendors I’ve had the privilege of working with, as well as the heartfelt referrals from past clients who’ve entrusted me with their most meaningful celebrations. There’s something powerful about having your work spoken for by those who have seen it up close—whether it’s a photographer, florist, or newlywed couple. That kind of trust and word-of-mouth is priceless.

When vendors recommend me, it’s not just about logistics—it’s about shared values, consistent excellence, and a mutual commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for our clients. And when a former client sends a friend my way, it tells me that not only did I meet their expectations—I exceeded them. That’s the most rewarding part of this work.

At the end of the day, relationships are everything in this business. The connections we build—with clients, creatives, and collaborators—are what sustain and elevate the work we do at Sophisticated Affairs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of trust, consistency, and heart-led service. From the very beginning, I made it my mission to show up with excellence—not just in the aesthetics or execution, but in the way I care for my clients and collaborate with fellow vendors. Every detail matters, but so does every interaction.

What’s helped me stand out is my ability to bring calm to the chaos. My clients are high-achieving, often juggling demanding careers, and they trust me to hold space for both the practical and the personal. I take that responsibility seriously. I guide them with grace, advocate for their vision, and always stay grounded in purpose and professionalism.

And within the creative community, I’ve built strong relationships by being reliable, respectful, and fully invested in the success of the entire event—not just my role in it. That kind of integrity builds trust, and trust builds reputation.

Ultimately, people remember how you made them feel. At Sophisticated Affairs, we lead with intention, serve with love, and plan with precision—and that has become the heartbeat of our reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sophisticatedaffairs.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophisticatedaffairs/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophisticatedaffairsweddingsandevents

Image Credits

@theaneriscollective

@dornlongphotography_films

@photosbysbr