Meet Shannon Dexter | Event Designer and Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon Dexter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of All You Need Is Love Events has been heart-centered storytelling and intentional design.

From day one, our focus has been on connection—deeply listening to our clients, understanding their love stories, and translating that into celebrations that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable. We don’t just plan events—we craft experiences that reflect the couple’s values, culture, and vision with authenticity and care. We begin each project by asking: How do we want guests to feel? From there, we design environments that evoke that feeling through every detail—lighting, music, scent, flow of space, even the way a napkin is folded or a menu is presented. The design becomes the storytelling tool that guides guests through the day, layer by layer.

Equally important has been our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and going above and beyond in service. Word of mouth, repeat clients, and vendor referrals have fueled our growth because people trust us—not just to execute, but to support, advocate, and bring calm to what can be a chaotic process.

At the core, love really is the secret ingredient—our love for the work, for the details, and for making people feel seen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets All You Need Is Love Events apart is our heart-first approach to planning and design. We don’t believe in copy-and-paste weddings or events that feel like they could belong to anyone. Every celebration we create is deeply personal, intentionally designed, and rooted in the story and values of the couple or client we’re serving. That emotional layer—combined with logistical excellence—is what truly sets us apart.

I’m most proud of the way our brand has grown through word-of-mouth, trust, and real relationships. We’ve focused on building a reputation for integrity, creativity, and showing up fully for our clients, vendors, and the venues we work at. Seeing the impact that has—when someone says, *“This was more than we ever dreamed of”—*that’s everything.

The road to get here wasn’t easy. Like many in the events world, I started by saying yes to every opportunity. I worked long hours, wore all the hats, and navigated the growing pains of being both a creative and a business owner. There were moments of burnout, of self-doubt, of wondering if I could really make this sustainable. What got me through was a deep love for the work—and the people I was doing it for and doing it with—and the belief that meaningful, beautiful moments matter.

Along the way, I’ve learned a few key lessons:

Boundaries and balance are essential for longevity.

The right clients will find you when you stay true to your vision.

And your energy is your brand—how you treat people matters just as much as what you deliver.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about All You Need Is Love Events, it’s that we’re not just planners—we’re storytellers, collaborators, and champions for our clients and vendors. We create experiences that feel like home, that honor who you are, and that leave lasting impressions for all the right reasons.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Who would I be without a planned out itinerary?!?
Day 1:Santa Barbara Bound
Stay: Rosewood Miramar Beach (Montecito)
3:00 PM – Check in, freshen up, and sip something bubbly on the balcony.
5:30 PM – Sunset walk along Butterfly Beach—barefoot, if you’re doing it right.
7:00 PM – Dinner at AMA Sushi—stay for the Omakase experience
9:00 PM – Nightcap at Pearl Social or a cozy fireside drink back at the hotel.

Day 2: Santa Ynez Wine Country
Stay: Mattei’s Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection (Los Olivos)
9:30 AM – Scenic drive to Los Olivos and check into Mattei’s (hello, vineyard views + rustic elegance).
11:00 AM – Tasting at Sunstone Winery—Tuscan vibes, dreamy stone architecture.
1:00 PM – Private tasting at Brave & Maiden or Story of Soil—small-batch and soulful.
4:00 PM – Back to Mattei’s for a poolside spritz or spa treatment.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Bar Le Côte—elevated seafood meets wine country cool.

Day 3: Wine & Wanderlust
8:30 AM – Breakfast at Mattei’s Tavern or Bob’s Well Bread (worth the carbs).
10:00 AM – Explore the tiny, charming town of Los Alamos—vintage stores, antiques, and quirky art.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Bell’s (Michelin-starred French bistro in a sleepy Western town).
3:00 PM – Optional horseback ride or olive oil tasting at Global Gardens.
7:00 PM – Casual dinner and cocktails back at Mattei’s Tavern—the Tavern Bar is moody perfection.

Day 4: Ojai Getaway
Stay: Ojai Valley Inn
9:00 AM – Drive to Ojai (a scenic 1.5 hrs through rolling hills).
11:00 AM – Check into Ojai Valley Inn—drop your bags, exhale.
12:30 PM – Lunch at The Nest because it is a must see in Ojai
2:00 PM – Explore Bart’s Books—an outdoor book lover’s dream.
4:00 PM – Spa time because you deserve it
6:30 PM – Dinner at Olivella—refined dining, locally sourced.
8:30 PM – End with stargazing on the lawn or a fireside glass of wine.

Day 5: Slow, Sunny Ojai
8:30 AM – Morning yoga or tennis, followed by coffee at Beacon Coffee.
10:00 AM – Walk through the Ojai Meadows Preserve or browse the local makers at In The Field.
12:30 PM – Lunch at Ojai Rôtie—Mediterranean rotisserie, garden seating, and a crisp rosé.
2:00 PM – Lounge by the Indigo Pool at the Inn or book another spa service (you deserve it).
6:00 PM – Casual dinner at Nocciola—tucked into the hillside with a warm, romantic vibe.

Day 6: LA for Culture + Cocktails
Stay: The Pendry Hotel
9:00 AM – Head to LA (about 1.5 hrs).
11:00 AM – Coffee at Maru + shopping stroll along Sunset in Silver Lake.
1:00 PM – Visit The Broad or Getty Villa for a dose of culture and architecture.
3:00 PM – Check in and relax.
6:30 PM – Dinner at Gigi’s—a glam, candlelit evening with a splash of old Hollywood.
9:00 PM – Drinks at Bar Stella or Tower Bar, depending on the vibe.

Day 7: Malibu Closeout
10:00 AM – Smoothies and ocean air at SunLife Organics in Malibu Country Mart.
11:00 AM – Beach time at Little Dume or a quick hike at Solstice Canyon.
1:30 PM – Lunch on the pier at Malibu Farm—sun, sea, and sangria.
3:00 PM – Hit up Malibu Yogurt because it is a staple
5:30 PM – Final dinner at Nobu Malibu—nothing else compares.
8:00 PM – Drive back with sandy feet, full hearts, and playlists on.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely—I’m a firm believer that no one builds something meaningful entirely on their own. My biggest shoutout goes to my family and friends, who have been my backbone through every stage of this journey. Their support—whether it’s cheering me on, helping with late-night installs, or simply being a listening ear when I needed it most—has been priceless.

I especially want to recognize my sister, who has worked alongside me through it all. From the early days to the biggest weddings, she’s been in the trenches with me—problem-solving, lifting, building, creating, and laughing through every challenge. Her loyalty, work ethic, and unwavering belief in what we’re building together have been nothing short of inspiring.

And most of all, my husband. His steadfast support, especially during the moments when I doubted myself, has been one of the greatest gifts. He’s the first to celebrate the wins and the one reminding me of my “why” when things get hard. The long hours, the weekends away—it’s not easy, but he’s never made me feel like I’m doing this alone. His encouragement, patience, and quiet strength have played a huge part in my success.

It truly takes a village, and I’m lucky to have one that shows up with love, humor, and open arms every step of the way.

Website: https://www.allyouneedisloveevents.com

Instagram: @allyouneedisloveevents

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllYouNeedIsLoveEvents

Image Credits
Lacie Hansen, Heather Kincaid, Gregory Ross, Kristina Adams