We recently had the chance to connect with Allyssa Stevenson and have shared our conversation below.
Allyssa, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about what I do is that it’s easily replaceable—that anyone with a clipboard and a timeline can step in and coordinate a wedding. But the truth is, this role goes so far beyond checking boxes. It’s about having the experience, intuition, and calm presence to anticipate problems before they happen, to juggle a dozen moving parts at once, and to manage vendors, family dynamics, and last-minute changes—often all within the same hour.
A good wedding coordinator brings a level of leadership, decision-making, and behind-the-scenes strategy that most people don’t even realize is happening. It’s not just about setting up décor or telling people when to walk—it’s about being the point person for everyone involved, maintaining the flow, and protecting the couple’s peace of mind. That level of responsibility can’t be improvised, and it certainly is difficult to hand it off to someone without the training or the experience.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Allyssa—owner and lead planner at Allyssa Elaine Events, a wedding planning and design company based in St. Louis. I launched the business in 2016 after falling in love with the wedding industry during a college internship, and I’ve planned and designed over 250 weddings since.
We specialize in creating seamless, stress-free wedding experiences that allow couples to truly be present on their day. What sets us apart is our calm, organized approach, personalized service, and strong relationships with trusted vendors. I’m also a wife and mom, which keeps me grounded and reminds me why celebrating life’s meaningful moments matters so much.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
Definitely my relationship with my husband. He’s been my biggest supporter since the very beginning—long before I started my business. He’s grounded, steady, and believes in me in moments when I question myself. His encouragement and perspective have helped me see myself as capable, resilient, and worthy of the success I’ve worked for. He reminds me to slow down when I need to, to celebrate the wins (big and small), and to enjoy things – for my business, our family, and myself. I truly wouldn’t be who I am today without him.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell her, “It’s okay to fail.” Not everything will go as planned, and not everyone will show up for you the way you expect—but that doesn’t mean you’re not strong or capable. A lot of people will let you down, and some seasons will feel heavier than you thought you could carry. But you’ll get through them. You’ll learn, you’ll grow, and you’ll find the people who stay. Trust yourself, keep showing up, and know that even in the messiest moments, you’re building something beautiful.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no. The version of me that shows up on a wedding day is definitely me—but it’s a more amplified version. I like to say I “put on my wedding day hat,” where I step into the role of leader, problem-solver, and calm in the chaos. But if you caught me outside of work, you’d probably be surprised at how introverted I really am. I’m actually much quieter and way less assertive in everyday life. In this industry, I’ve learned how to speak up, take charge, and hold space for others—which I love—but it’s definitely a hat I wear with intention. The heart is the same, but the energy is different.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. At the end of the day, my own belief in myself and how I feel about the work I’ve done matters more than outside recognition. Of course, it’s always nice to be appreciated—but that’s never been my driving force. I care deeply about the quality of what I create and how I show up for others. If I know I gave something my all, that I was intentional, prepared, and led with integrity—that’s enough for me. The pride I feel when I reflect on a job well done is more lasting than any praise.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allyssaelaineevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allyssa_elaine_events/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allyssaelaineevents/
Image Credits
Jacoby Andrick Photography
Sean Mac Media
Abby Rose Photography
Rebecca Nicole Photography
Ali Brassel Photography
