By Elise Events & DesignElise planned our wedding at Filoli Gardens in the summer of 2025, and I…read moretruly cannot sing her praises enough. Before meeting her, we had spoken with several planners and were getting the sense that a Filoli wedding might not be possible within our price range. Before we were about to give up on our dream venue, Elise thankfully took our call. From our very first conversation, she immediately put us at ease and reassured us that we could absolutely create something beautiful within our budget.
She was intentional from the beginning, taking the time to genuinely get to know us--our personalities and preferences--before diving into the planning process. Because of that, every idea she presented felt thoughtful, personal, and curated to who we are as a couple.
Throughout the year of planning, Elise was attentive, patient, and a joy to collaborate with. There were many times when she'd proactively suggest ways to stay within budget, even when it meant prioritizing us over her own bottom line. That level of integrity and care speaks volumes about her character.
On the day of the wedding, I was stressed and anxious (as many brides are!), but having Elise at my side helped me find a sense of calm. She has this grounding presence that lets you know that everything is under control. Somehow, she managed to greet guests as they arrived, oversee every moving part of the event, and still remain by my side whenever I needed her.
There were countless "save-the-day" moments. One that stands out: minutes before walking down the aisle, I was frantically trying to handwrite my typed vows onto notecards, hands shaking and overwhelmed. Out of nowhere, Elise stepped in and told us there was a printer on the property and promptly took care of the situation, thoughtfully printing my vows in index-card format so I didn't have to hold a big piece of paper at the altar.
It wasn't until the wedding day itself that I fully realized just how much coordination she and her team had handled behind the scenes. She had even thought of small but meaningful touches, like IV hydration packets for our guests.
Throughout the evening, I kept thinking, "Wow, Elise really pulled all of this off." Friends and family told us that it was the most beautifully organized and seamlessly executed wedding they had ever attended. Many also commented how stressful it must have been for my husband and me to plan a wedding of such scale and beauty, and I'd laugh and say, "Not at all--that was all Elise!". We gave her a vision, and she handled the rest!
Our wedding was truly the best day of our lives, filled with joy and memories we'll cherish forever. And it was largely due to Elise and her team, whose kindness, foresight, and meticulous preparation were evident throughout the entire day. All of this is to say that if you are considering working with Elise, know that you will be in the best hands. Thank you, Elise and team!