Meet Claudia Terrazas | Wedding and Event Planner

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

Hi Claudia, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
When I think about my life, I think about all the people who I have encountered, and had the opportunity to get to know. I am a person who loves hosting and making people feel welcomed. This has definitely come about from so many amazing childhood memories and experiences. I come from a Mexican American background, and I love learning and adapting all the hospitable traditions. I have learned a lot from my grandmother, the family peacekeeper who loved to host. Her love and hospitality have been deeply ingrained in me forever. Fast forward to the present, I want my legacy to be known as the “Hostess with the Mostest” It is without a doubt that I strive to make everyone I encounter in life to feel exceptional and give them a completely positive experience. I want people to remember me as someone they could naturally gravitate to. I want people to feel that they can come and talk to me about anything without judgment. I have graduated with a bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Cal State Long Beach. I love meeting new people and I love diversity. I love contenting with people. I believe in making people feel heard and welcomed. I want people to know I always welcome a big bear hug and look forward to seeing their beautiful smiles. In these Covid times that is definitely something that I have missed tremendously. I am extremely grateful to be in the people business. I love planning weddings and special events because I love co-hosting when families gather together. I love the noise of people’s chatter and soft music in the background. There is something so magical when I hear people laughing and glasses clinking together. I want people to remember me as someone who truly loves people and loves to entertain people. It is pure joy to my ears and my heart.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Hosting is in my DNA. At a very young age, I knew that I wanted to plan and host events every weekend of my life and I wanted to make a profession out of it. Well, here I am literally living out my goals. I am most proud of never giving up and always pushing myself to get out of my comfort zone. I am the first generation to receive a college degree and become an entrepreneur in my family. There have been challenges and bumps along the way, however, if it wasn’t for making mistakes, and finding solutions, I would not be the person I am today. I am grateful to have such a supportive network of people in my life to help me overcome my challenges. I have learned that it is OK to take the time to do things correctly. I have learned to be confident in who I am. It is important to stay focused and humble though out the process. Time with Terrazas is a brand that celebrates all of life‘s beautiful moments. We give our clients a memorable experience. We are here to build a lifetime relationship with our clients and celebrate with them every milestone in their life. Beginning with the day of their wedding, to their first born’s baby shower, birthday parties, graduation events, and anything that life gives them to celebrate. We are in the people business to serve and bring people together time after time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week-long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am definitely a SoCal girl who loves to try out different restaurants in town. Living in Southern California allows me to drive less than two hours to be in 3 of my favorite cities.  Long Beach What can I say, it is the place to go. Well, let’s start with a night stay at The Hotel Maya- A DoubleTree by Hilton. They have an amazing restaurant called Fugo. I am obsessed with the ocean views. Here is a list of my favorite restaurants, Agaves Kitchen and Tequila, Congregation Ale House, The Federal Long Beach, Saint and Second, Open Sesame and Ballast Point. I would highly recommend you trying at least one of these amazing restaurants! You’re welcome! San Diego, I love all the fun vibes that San Diego brings to life. There are so many great places to stay in. At our most recent say in San Diego, my husband, and I have a blast at Paradise Point Resort and Spa! You can do all the fun things there, like rent boats, go to the pools or try their restaurants. My husband and I had an incredible experience. I would highly suggest going. Another place to visit is the Old Town, Rockin’ Baja Lobster, El Agave Restaurant and Tequila. There are so many cute shops and fun things to look at and walk around. You can literally make a whole day and evening there. Here are some of my favorite restaurants in San Diego, Bali Hai Restaurant, Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, and Royal India. Los Angeles Of course, LA baby! Omg, where do I even start? You have to go to Grand Central Market! Trust me you are going to be in foodie heaven. Here are my top 3 favorites LA restaurants, Barton G. The Restaurant, Madera Kitchen, and The Burrow. They all have amazing food and drinks! Each place has its own cool fun vibe. I had an amazing experience at these restaurants with close friends. What can I say, I don’t just have one favorite city! I love the big city lifestyle mixed with the cool beaches here in California. I am always excited for a new adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shout out to my dear friend and mentor Linsey from The Double Knot wedding planners! I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Linsey allowing me to join her team many years ago. Linsey and her twin sister Leah are the owners and lead planners for their business. I have also had the opportunity to work with other amazing wedding planners and companies in the Orange County Area. I could give you a list of all the amazing strong women entrepreneurs that I have learned from in-person and virtually. I am grateful to learn from some of the hardest working, honest ladies I know. Hard work, passion, constantly learning and networking have led me to where I am today! Thank you to all my teachers and mentors who have always supported and believed in me!

Website: https://www.timewithterrazas.com/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timewithterrazas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timewithterrazas
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/time-with-terrazas
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Hl7yJPnXN4&t
Other: https://cakeandlace.com/colorful-retro-mid-century-modern-spring-wedding-in-the-city/

Image Credits
Lily Tapia Aileen Aurora Jessica Jackson Ron Goodger