Meet Claudia Terrazas | Wedding & Event Planner

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

Hi Claudia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Ever since I was young, I’ve been deeply inspired by the work ethic of my parents and grandparents. Their dedication and drive planted a seed in me early on; I knew I wanted to forge my own path and eventually start a business. That vision began to take shape when I planned my 15th birthday. I fell in love with the creativity, organization, collaboration, and intentionality involved in event planning, and it was then that I realized this was the direction I wanted to pursue both personally and professionally.

My thought process was very intentional: I wanted to build a solid foundation of knowledge and experience before launching my own business. I studied Hospitality Management in college and earned my bachelor’s degree, and I also had the opportunity to work alongside five different planners across a range of specialties. Each experience helped me grow my skills, broaden my perspective, and strengthen my planning “toolbelt.”

Fast forward to 2018—as I continued to navigate the wedding and event space, I launched Time With Terrazas Wedding and Event Planning. It was important to me to approach this step with confidence, knowing I had done the work to prepare myself and create a brand rooted in heart, excellence, and intention.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets us apart, what we’re most proud of, and how we’ve overcome challenges:

What sets us apart in the wedding and event industry isn’t just our experience or knowledge—it’s the heart and intention we bring to every client relationship. While there are many talented planners and coordinators out there, we focus intensely on creating meaningful, detailed, and personalized planning experiences. Our conversations with couples are rooted in care and respect. We listen intentionally and meet with them thoroughly to bring their wedding vision to life in a way that feels true to who they are.

Another element that distinguishes us is the positive, fun, and collaborative energy we bring throughout the planning process. From laugh-out-loud moments to honest conversations, we’re present with our couples every step of the way—both behind the scenes and on the big day. There’s never a dull moment, and we’re proud of the trust and joy we cultivate with every couple we serve.

One of the things we’re most proud of at Time With Terrazas is the genuine relationships we build. It’s not just about planning a beautiful event—it’s about creating a warm, friendly, and uplifting experience. We love seeing our couples flourish in their marriages, careers, and personal lives long after the wedding day. Many of them stay in touch, and that continued connection is truly an honor.

Our journey to where we are today began with humble beginnings. Before college, we worked in the grocery industry, gradually moving into management roles. That experience helped shape our hospitality mindset and taught us the value of kindness, respect, and integrity in every interaction. After earning our degrees, we maintained strong relationships with the planners we previously worked for, gaining valuable insight as we transitioned into the world of corporate and social events, all while laying the foundation for Time With Terrazas.

It hasn’t been an easy road. There were many moments of juggling responsibilities and navigating challenges behind the scenes. One of the toughest seasons came during the pandemic. Like so many in the industry, we faced uncertainty, cancellations, and significant setbacks. However, we stayed grounded, leaned into creativity, and produced styled shoots that were ultimately published, helping to keep our passion and brand alive during a challenging time.

Through all of this, one lesson remains constant: integrity, hospitality, kindness, and respect leave a lasting impact. Even when we don’t know someone personally, we believe in learning and growing alongside fellow professionals. This mindset has helped us stay grounded and inspired, and it’s a core part of who we are and how we serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in Southern California means we’re fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most delicious and diverse food available. From LA to Orange County, San Diego to Santa Barbara, there are so many amazing spots to explore—it just depends on what you’re in the mood for. We especially love supporting small, locally owned restaurants and giving them a little extra love whenever we can. There’s nothing better than finding a hidden gem and sharing a great meal with the people you love!

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?
I want to give a special shout-out to someone significant in my life—my husband, Guillermo Terrazas. He is not only my best friend and life partner, but also my business partner. From the early days of our relationship, Guillermo has encouraged me, believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself, and stood by my side through every step of building not just a business, but a brand that truly represents who we are.

We are both proud Mexican-Americans and the first entrepreneurs in our immediate families. It brings us so much joy to walk this path of entrepreneurship together. Guillermo’s dedication and unwavering support mean more to me than I can express in words. I am endlessly grateful for his belief in our vision, his steady encouragement, and his never-ending admiration.

Website: https://www.timewithterrazas.com

Instagram: @timewithterrazas

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/time-with-terrazas-buena-park

Other: our Google page https://g.co/kgs/oCbE7EN

Image Credits
Lily Tapia Photography
Peterson Design & Photography
Imartinez Photography
Summer Field Photo
Belinda Philleo