Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Hopkins. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

1. A Boutique Experience with Big-Picture Vision
Unlike larger planning firms, Pretty + Planned offers a highly personalized, boutique approach. Clients work directly with lead planners from day one, receiving hands-on attention and curated guidance tailored to their vision, style, and budget.

2. Custom Stationery & Planning—All in One Place
Pretty + Planned is one of the few planning studios in the region to offer in-house custom stationery design alongside full-scale planning services. This integration ensures cohesive event branding from invitations to day-of signage, saving clients time while creating a polished and unified aesthetic.

3. A Relationship-First Philosophy
The team prioritizes building genuine, lasting relationships with clients. They’re not just planning events—they’re invested in each couple’s experience, offering emotional support, honest advice, and a calm, collaborative process that helps clients feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.

4. Expertise That’s Grounded and Accessible
With nearly two decades of combined experience, founders Stephanie and Lauren bring deep industry knowledge without the ego. Their process is grounded, efficient, and refreshingly approachable—balancing expert-level coordination with the warmth of a trusted friend.

5. Transparent Processes + Cloud-Based Tools
Pretty + Planned streamlines the planning journey using a custom cloud-based client lounge, giving couples easy access to timelines, vendor lists, budget breakdowns, and more. This tech-forward, transparent approach keeps everything organized and stress-free.

6. Flexible Packages for Real Couples
Not every couple needs the same level of service, and Pretty + Planned embraces that. From full-service planning to month-of coordination and hourly strategy sessions, their offerings are structured to meet couples where they are—making professional planning accessible to more people.

7. A Physical Studio That Welcomes You In
In an industry that’s increasingly digital, Pretty + Planned offers a welcoming in-person studio experience. Couples can meet face-to-face, touch paper samples, view design proofs, and feel supported in a physical space that reflects the brand’s creativity and care.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Pretty + Planned began with Stephanie Hopkins, who started coordinating weddings part-time in 2007 while still working in corporate banking. She quickly discovered that her true passion lay in combining her creativity, love for weddings, and entrepreneurial drive. When she became a mother in 2015, Stephanie shifted the business to full-time—seeking flexibility and a way to merge her corporate acumen with her creative calling. Since opening the Parkville storefront in 2016, Stephanie and her expanding team—including Lauren and several lead and associate planners—have handled around 30–40 weddings yearly, with over 150 events completed to date.

What we offer :
Wedding Planning & Strategy

1. Full-service planning (“The Total Package”) for couples who need support from early vision to final execution.

2. Partial planning for those who have started but want structured check-ins and expertise.

3. Event Management (day‑of or month‑of coordination) to ensure the day runs perfectly—even for clients who have mostly handled planning themselves.
Additionally, they offer one-on-one planning strategy sessions and workshops for targeted support.

In-House Custom Stationery
Clients can design full invitation suites, save‑the‑dates, menus, place cards, thank-you notes, and more—right at the studio. Their physical storefront lets clients see ideas take shape on a screen in real-time, plan seating charts, select paper swatches, and view design mocks together in person.

Problems We Solve :
– Overwhelm in Wedding Planning: By offering tiered packages, cloud-based planning tools (Client Lounge), and strategic checklists, couples have clarity at each step.

– Stress on the Event Day: Their Event Management and full-service offerings ensure vendors run smoothly, timing stays on track, and couples can fully enjoy their day without worry.

– Disjointed Design Aesthetics: Because stationery and planning are handled in-house, Pretty + Planned ensures cohesive branding from invitations to venue signage.

– Need for Personal Connection: They cultivate a relationship-first approach—clients receive direct access to Stephanie, including her cell phone, fostering trust and friendship during a meaningful season

What sets us apart :
– In-Studio Experience: Unlike many planners who work remotely, Pretty + Planned invites couples into their Parkville studio for collaborative planning and design sessions—making creative decisions tangible and engaging

-Trust & Reliability: The firm’s reputation hinges on professionalism—they deliver what they promise and treat every detail with respect and precision

-Technology & Strategy: The Client Lounge gives real-time access to timelines, budgets, vendor lists, and shared calendars—keeping couples organized and empowered.

– Deep Vendor Network: Their curated vendor relationships help clients get quality matches for their style, budget, and vision

What we are most proud of :

-A growing boutique agency rooted in genuine relationships and client referrals—families and friends routinely refer Pretty + Planned because of their experience working with the team and strategic support

– Maintaining a physical storefront that couples love, where they can visualize, collaborate, and plan together—an uncommon but defining element of their brand

– Bringing hundreds of weddings to life with elegance, structure, and peace of mind—making the planning process itself enjoyable, not burdensome.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

We have a very confident approach in our contract presentations and meetings with our clients. Knowing our value of our offerings and accepting that what we offer is not a one size fits all. All of our packages are tailored uniquely to our couples. Additionally we never want our clients to feel forced or obligated to book us. We encourage them to shop around and find the best fit package, personality, and experience wise.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Our best source is and will always be our referrals. Between word of mouth from vendors, venues, and client referrals. We have not had any form of advertisement in over 5 years and have met our yearly goals or exceeded them consistently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prettyandplanned.com/
• Instagram: Pretty_and_planned
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/Prettyandplanned

Image Credits

Bailey Pianalto (Instagram : @bailey.pianalto)