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

Hi Anne, what do you attribute your success to?
As I event planner, my strong sense of empathy ends up being a huge part of my success time and time again. When planning a wedding, it’s not just a party for the bride and groom, but truly for all the family and friends who support and play a role in the couples lives. Listening closely to what’s important to everyone helps me to uncover the hidden expectations for the big day. I want to please everyone attending the event as happy guests also make for a happy bride. Those happy guests who notice these details end up being my future clients!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I saw Father of the Bride when I was 7 years old and immediately wrote to Martin Short who played Franck to let him know that his role had inspired me to be a wedding planner. I literally never changed my tune. I started my career in hospitality working on weddings of all shapes and sizes before I broke out on my own. I learned that it’s best to listen to each couples wants and wishes and creating a day that’s specific to them. There are so many different opinions and feelings when planning a wedding. I feel I do my best work in listening to everyones point of view and leading couples in making the best decisions. While I love designing feasts for the eyes, what truly brings me joy is watching the happiness unfold after hours of behind the scenes work. .

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.
Ooh! My favorite thing to read is the New York Times “36 Hours” series. So in that vein, here’s 24 hours in Los Angeles. 9am – I’d start in Echo Park where I’d grab a pastry and coffee at Clark Street. I’d enjoy that coffee on a stroll around the Silverlake Reservoir. 11:30am – Next I’d head to Beverly Hills and play Pretty Woman and shop around before sitting down for lunch al Fresco at Louka, a divine Greek-California style restaurant. 4pm – Hit up small town feeling Larchmont Area. You’re likely to see movie stars (probably sans makeup) picking up a bottle of Amarone at Larchmont Wine and Cheese or grabbing an ice cream at Jeni’s. 6pm – Head to Perch LA in Downtown for a drink on the rooftop while taking in an incredible LA sunset. You’ll feel like you’re in love with the world while taking in the romantic views and nightly live music. 8pm – Walk over to the NoMad Hotel for a memorable dinner. Order the chicken for 2, trust me, it’s unlike any chicken you’ve ever had. Sneak off to the restroom downstairs which is located through the original bank vault, a must see. Finish with an espresso at their coffee bar and watch the eclectic night life unfold!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been so lucky to have been supported and inspired by my truest friend and fellow female entrepreneur, Tina Fine Travlos. Tina lost her mom when we were young and it had a profound effect on me. I watched my friend go through one of the hardest experiences life can throw at you. It’s funny how horrible moments like this simplifies life and purpose. While Tina and I are always there for each other during the tough times, we constantly celebrate even the littlest achievement! Life is short, stress less and find fun in the everyday moments.

Website: annewilner.com
Instagram: @annewilner
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegiapapas/

Image Credits
Max & Friends, Miki and Sonja, Michelle Flores Photography, Jessica Claire Photography, Brian Leahy Photography, Retrospect Images, Josh Reiss Images

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