Alison Events

Alison Events is a trailblazer in the world of event planning and design, known for crafting deeply personalized and creatively distinct experiences that reflect each client’s unique story. Based in Northern California, her team spans coast to coast—from the West Coast to the East Coast, and across the South and Midwest—bringing both a national perspective and local expertise to every celebration.

More than just a boutique planning firm, Alison Events is a global team with the creative capacity to design and execute unforgettable events—whether it’s a destination wedding, a corporate experience, or a big-bash birthday. We believe in crafting meaningful moments that inspire. What sets us apart? We listen deeply. Every celebration is shaped around our client’s vision, and we pride ourselves on translating those desires into one-of-a-kind environments through a thoughtful mix of lighting, floral design, furnishings, and linens. We collaborate with the best designers, fabricators, and chefs in the industry to bring each experience to life. Our partners are more than collaborators—they’re our friends. As are you.

Our work has earned the trust of discerning clients—from cultural icons and tech visionaries to professional athletes—including Jesse Bongiovi, Seth Rogen, Sophia Bush, Evan Williams (Twitter), Chad Hurley (YouTube), NBA’s Alex Lopez, and former NFL star Jay Cutler. Recognized globally as one of the top event planners, Alison Events has been featured in leading publications such as Vogue, Over the Moon, Martha Stewart Weddings, Goop, Brides, and more.

With 24 years of experience planning and designing weddings and events, Alison Events has also published three books—the most recent, Gorgeous Gatherings: Designing Unforgettable Weddings and Luxurious Celebrations, was released in October 2024. 

MEET ALISON EVENTS

  • PRINCIPAL

    “Life is an experience, and I’m all about living it.”

    Me in three words: fun, adventurous, creative.

    I started traveling early. With the East Coast as my home base, I had lived in Japan, New Zealand, and Colorado by the time I graduated college. Today, I fly 100k miles a year, exploring destinations, building relationships with the best venues in the world, and bonus — feeding my insatiable passion for adventure and design.

    Much happened between college and today. Most notably, I started Alison Events in 2003. I live my life the way I design events — surrounded by beauty, a healthy dose of fun, scrappy resourcefulness, and what looks like perfection (acknowledging perfection doesn’t exist). I’m not a rule follower, but I’m not a rule breaker, either. When etiquette calls, I answer. I love luxury hotels (who doesn’t?), but I’m not at all stuffy. I’m a hustler, a chaser of awesome. I do whatever it takes to host and enjoy unforgettable experiences. I’ve written three books — All the Essentials Wedding Planner and Destination Wedding Planner — and my third, which came out in Fall 2024 titled Gorgeous Gatherings. All published with Chronicle Books.

    When I’m not working, I’m designing interiors (mostly my own), surfing in Mexico, chasing powder in Aspen, hiking in Marin, and dancing in my living room with my 10.5-year-old daughter, Vivi.

    Something I know after 24 years in the business: You can’t control everything, so enjoy the process. If something comes up that’s different than you envisioned, and it will, let it roll (also, we’ll handle it). Everyone’s eyes will be on you — where they should be.

    A few of my favorite people and brands are Kelly Wearstler, Ulla Johnson, Architect David Backen, Aman Resorts, Design Within Reach, and Marla Aaron.

  • SENIOR EVENT PRODUCER & CREATIVE MANAGER

    “Change doesn’t scare me; it excites me.”

    Me in three words: adventurous in every way — travel, new foods, new people — caring and personable. (That’s more than three words, so I guess I don’t always follow the rules).

    I lived in London until my early teens. My father was in the hospitality industry, so travel was introduced to me at a very young age. Bitten by the bug, I visited 36 countries on five continents and have made a home in 13 cities.

    My family lives on the East Coast, as does my beloved horse Trevita (I grew up riding competitively). And, yes, I have an accent — British, not Floridian.

    Before joining Alison Events, I fed my passion for fashion and design in roles with leading retailers and high-end luxury brands. Today, as the senior event producer and travel designer, I touch every detail of an event and enjoy every single step of the process. If details, logistics, and style had a baby (don’t ask me how that’s possible), I’d be the result.

    My free time is spent, you guessed it, traveling. If I’m stationary for any length of time — I’m reading fiction on the beach, listening to music (Fred Again is playing currently), keeping up with F1, exploring restaurants, and road-tripping to Tahoe and Napa — it looks like I’m on the move again.

    My must-have ingredient for the perfect event: A great band! Nothing creates the environment and mood better than the entertainment.

    A few of my favorite people and brands are Jenni Kayne, Zimmerman, Serena & Lily, and Claire Rose Cliteur.

  • DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

    “When I commit, I’m ALL in.”

    Me in three words: patient, direct, passionate.

    Born in Northern California, I went east for College, attending Philadelphia University for a degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in Environmental Sustainability. After four frigid winters in Philly, I rushed back to envelope myself in California sun (though the Bay Area isn’t exactly tropical).

    If you remember when magazines were solely physical, you’ll appreciate how I’d wait by the door for my subscriptions to arrive — anxious to devour the latest trends and incorporate them into my life.

    I may not be the most vocal in the group, but I’m taking it all in and making mental notes. I’m fanatical about details and diligent about organization. I ensure everything is ironed before the event — linens, yes, but anything that could cause a wrinkle is spotted and solved ahead of time so the event is smooth as silk.

    By the way, my ego does not get invited to any events. My focus is 100% on my clients.

    When I’m not working, I’m on walks with my two very active and adored dogs, Ace and Ava, who are Jindos we rescued from Korea. If not hiking, I’m likely reading on the couch beside my husband Sam while he watches sports. I may be silently gearing up to cook a delicious meal, which I love doing — except the book is often too good to put down, so home cooked dinner can easily become takeout. I’m lucky these are my dilemmas.

    My must-have ingredient for the perfect event: No one wants to wait at the bar for a beverage. Therefore, impeccable service is a must.

    A few of my favorite people and brands are Amber Interiors, Isabel Marant, and Chloe.

  • DIRECTOR OF HOSPITALITY

    “There is no magic in magic, it’s all in the details.”

    Me in Three(ish) Words: Spirited, Meticulous, Motivated + Adventurous

    Born from an artist who celebrated all of life’s little moments, I became obsessed with events at a very young age. I loved creating connections and making memories out of even the most simple moments.

    Truth be told, I was President of my senior class in High School SOLELY so I could plan the reunion (and no, I am not joking).

    After graduating from the University of Florida, I bound to The Big Apple, diving head first into the wedding industry. Working several years with a luxury wedding planner, creating elevated events for discerning clients, I found my true passion.

    As a lover of details, design and fine dining, I continued to broaden my scope to the catering side, where I worked with Creative Edge Parties NYC, a full-service catering and event production firm, for 10+ years. As a senior member of the Creative Edge team, I produced over 150 events a year, from New York City’s most prestigious benefits to luxury weddings to Fortune 500 corporate launches. One particular highlight was Calvin Klein’s 50th Anniversary Party for the opening of the Highline. I learned how to give extraordinary service, because no matter what the space looks like, how we take care of our guests is truly the key to an extraordinary experience.

    I am thrilled to now be an East Coast member of the AE team!

    When I am not creating beauty and sorting spreadsheets, you can find me chasing the other lights of my life, my two children, Gray and Parker, around town, balancing all things from ballet to baseball. And, at the end of the day, you can find me with an inch of bourbon, sitting next to my husband, researching our next great travel adventure as a family.

    My must-have ingredients for the perfect event: good lighting, great music and embedded surprises through the event. Above all, extraordinary service.

    TODAY, a few of my favorite brands are Cara Cara, Alice Lane Interiors and Claire V. with a side of Scribe Winery and Donna Hay.

  • SENIOR EVENT PRODUCER & CREATIVE MANAGER

    The three words that best describe me: personable, structured and service-oriented (people pleaser to a fault)! 

    Ashton grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and brings her Southern charm and sense of calm to every event she plans. Before diving into the world of weddings and events, she played Division I softball at the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech — an experience that shaped her grit, teamwork, and ability to thrive under pressure.

    With nearly a decade of experience, Ashton has produced everything from high-end corporate galas to unforgettable weddings across the country — from Vancouver to Charleston and everywhere in between. She’s managed a premier wedding venue for six years and worked with brands like Novant Health and Goodwill Industries, earning a reputation for her clear communication, logistical expertise, and guest-first mindset.

    Her approach is rooted in thoughtful planning, strong relationships with vendors, and making sure every detail feels effortless for her clients — so they can be fully present on the big day. She believes a truly great event is one where guests feel cared for, memories are made, and the energy feels just right (a great cocktail doesn’t hurt, either!).

    When she’s not planning events, Ashton is at home with her husband Anthony, their sweet son Ace, and two very energetic pit bulls, Juna and Annie. She loves working in the yard, traveling with her family, visiting her mom down the road, or heading to NYC to spend time with her brother. She’s also a big fan of Danielle Frankel wedding dresses, Studio DB interiors, MOTHER jeans, and never boards a plane without her Vuori sweats.

  • SENIOR EVENT PRODUCER & CREATIVE MANAGER

    The three words that best describe me: innovative, driven and forward-thinking!

    Paris was born and raised in sunny South Florida, where strong family ties shaped the person she is today. She’s incredibly close to her mom, Donna, and shares a special bond with her younger sister, Madison, who now lives in Colorado. A former Division I athlete, Paris played softball at the University of South Carolina Upstate — an experience that sharpened her discipline, drive, and team-first mentality.

    Today, she splits her time between New York and Florida with her fiancé, Alex Johnston, and their delightfully spoiled pup, Lilly. Together, they love to travel, explore new places, and soak in every adventure life throws their way.

    Over the past nine years, Paris has built an impressive career managing weddings and events across top hospitality markets — from Los Angeles to Atlanta — working with celebrity and corporate clients including NASCAR, Bloomingdale’s, NYX Cosmetics, and Microsoft. Her secret weapon? Unmatched creativity and an eye for the unexpected.

    Paris is passionate about designing celebrations that are anything but ordinary. Every event she creates is deeply personalized, thoughtfully curated, and built to leave guests in awe. For her, it’s never just about a pretty setup — it’s about telling a story, creating connection, and crafting a moment that lives far beyond the day itself.

  • STUDIO MANAGER

    Best three words to describe me: compassionate, curious and resourceful.

    Born and raised in Marin County, with strong ties to Thailand, I developed a passion for travel and diverse cultures from a very young age. By the time I was three, I already had a full passport, having traveled extensively from luxurious destinations like Amankila, Amandari, and Aman at Nusa Dua to experiencing significant events such as the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand. These experiences fueled my desire for adventure, shaping my anything-but-static lifestyle and profoundly influencing my personal and professional life.

    I've visited over 15 countries, including living in Australia and Mexico. I’m proud to hold both Thai and American citizenship and speak English, Thai, and Spanish. An international perspective has undoubtedly shaped my worldview and professional path, enabling me to approach challenges with a unique, cross-cultural lens.

    After high school, I embraced my wanderlust. I spent a gap year doing nonprofit work across China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Fiji, where I also earned my advanced scuba license. These experiences not only deepened my connection to global communities but also inspired me to pursue higher education at Hawaii Pacific University. There, I became the first in my family to graduate from college, earning a degree in International Studies with a concentration in Sustainability and Development.

    I landed an architecture internship with one of Mexico’s top architects, which brought me to Mexico City. After the internship, I spent two years gaining hands-on experience in industrial real estate and the hospitality industry. Immersing myself in the local culture and professional landscape greatly enriched my perspective. Now, back in California, I'm a proud member of the talented team at Alison Events, where my global insights and creative energy contribute to creating extraordinary experiences for our clients.

    When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the kitchen experimenting with recipes, capturing moments through the lens of my film camera, getting lost in music at a festival, taking dance classes, or spending quality time with my family. I try to escape cold winters to the islands in Thailand, spend summers inner tubing down the river in the Sierra Nevadas, and slip away to a secret beach in Sayulita whenever I can.

    A few of my current favorite designers and brands are Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Mirror Palais, Aman Hotels, and Petra Collins Photography.

  • LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR & HONEYMOON SPECIALIST

    The three words that best describe me: Thoughtful, passionate, and organized. I like to cover the gambit! 

    As a Bay Area native with an insatiable love for travel, I’ve always been drawn to discovering new places and immersing myself in different cultures. Growing up, my summers were spent soaking up the magic of Maui, while winters meant hitting the slopes in Utah—experiences that sparked my passion for adventure and luxury travel.

    To me, travel isn’t just about seeing new places—it’s about immersing in different cultures, deepening connections, and gaining fresh perspectives on the world and yourself. I take pride in creating bespoke experiences tailored to each client’s unique style, making every journey seamless, personalized, and unforgettable. Whether it’s an exclusive island escape, a world class ski adventure, or an immersive cultural experience, my goal is to bring dream trips to life in the most memorable way possible 

    When I’m not traveling you’ll most likely find me involved in philanthropy, whether it’s co-chairing galas, volunteering at my son’s school, or supporting causes close to my heart. I also love walks and hikes with friends (hard not to when Mt. Tam is my backyard), unwinding with a needlepoint project, and, most of all, cherishing time with my family. 

    Talk about a full-circle moment—over 20 years ago, I got my start as Alison’s assistant, and last year, AE made my own wedding dreams come true, from a dreamy elopement in Costa Rica to an epic celebration in San Francisco. Through it all, I realized my love for planning luxury travel and unforgettable intimate events never left me. I am psyched to be joining the AE team, turning dreams into incredible experiences for others!

    Designers and artists that I am loving right now are Nicole Hollis, Schiaparelli, Khaite, Billie Zangewa, and Aman Resorts.