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

Cortney, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

I chose the name Manifestive Events because I wanted something that felt both intentional and a little ‘woo’; something that reflected the magic of turning dreams into reality. The word manifest is all about bringing something to life through clarity and intention, and that’s exactly what I do as a planner. Events aren’t just about logistics; they’re about creating an experience, a mood, and likely a core memory .

Mindfulness is a huge part of my process because the most important thing is how you feel on your wedding day. When you’re present, grounded, and surrounded by the right people, it becomes an experience you’ll treasure forever. My job is to make sure of that.

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?

Manifestive Events is all about creating intentional, unforgettable celebrations. We focus on blending creativity and mindfulness to design an event that feels deeply personal and effortlessly aligned with our clients’ vision. From full-service planning to day-of coordination, we take care of the details so you can be fully present in your moment. Every celebration is unique, and my job is to make sure it’s everything you ever wanted—and more.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I always imagined a career in the arts—whether in film, television, or theater. I grew up in a family where loving what you do mattered more than the paycheck, so I chased what I thought was my dream. At the same time, I was working in events, gaining experience, and unexpectedly climbing that ladder faster than I anticipated. When the world hit pause in 2020, both events and auditions came to a standstill. But when things picked back up, I realized I felt more excitement planning a tablescape than prepping a self-tape. That shift made it clear where my focus belonged, and I’m still so grateful to have found a career that brings me the same joy as performing once did.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale comes down to clear communication, trust, and leading by example. In the events world, the stakes are high, and energy is everything—so I make sure my team feels supported, valued, and in sync. I believe in setting expectations early, empowering people to take ownership of their roles, and keeping the atmosphere collaborative rather than hierarchical. A calm leader creates a calm team, and when everyone feels confident and appreciated, that energy translates directly into the client experience. At the end of the day, people work harder and with more heart when they feel seen, so I always prioritize respect, gratitude, and making sure my team knows we’re all working toward the same goal: creating something unforgettable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.manifestiveevents.com
• Instagram: @manifestive_events
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/manifestive-events-los-angeles

Image Credits

Ria Georgia, Kaley Kocinski, Lauren Scott