Meet Maricela Alicia Matos | Wedding and Events Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maricela Alicia Matos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maricela Alicia, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?

Conventional Advice I Disagree With:
“You don’t need a planner if your venue has a coordinator.”

Why I Disagree:
Venue coordinators are incredible at managing the venue not the wedding. Their priority is the property, the food service, and their internal operations. But your wedding includes your story, your vendors, your family dynamics, your timeline, and all the details that happen outside the venue’s scope.

As your planner, I’m focused entirely on you, from making sure your grandmother has a seat in the shade to confirming your photographer knows when golden hour is. I liaise with every vendor, manage the full event flow, and anticipate your needs before you even realize you have them.

Your venue coordinator is there until cake cutting. We’re there until your exit and long before that, We help shape the entire vision.

You deserve a team that’s committed to your full experience, not just one part of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey into wedding planning wasn’t a straight path. It was one built on love, faith, hustle, and a lot of heart. I started this business not just because I love beautiful events, but because I believe in marriage and the power of shared moments. I wanted to create weddings that feel deeply personal, not just pretty.

What sets Alicia & Co. Events apart is how we serve.
We don’t just show up with timelines and checklists. We show up with intention. We guide, we protect your peace, and we help you be present with the people who matter most. Our clients trust us to hold space for both logistics and emotion and that’s something I’m really proud of.

I’ve planned weddings in the U.S. and abroad, for couples with huge guest lists and for those who kept things intimate. No matter the setting, we create moments that reflect your story and values. Often faith-centered, always joy-filled.

Was it easy? Not even close. I’ve juggled weddings and motherhood, worked through burnout, and had to rebuild parts of my business from the ground up. But I’ve learned that grace, grit, and God truly carry you. I’ve also learned the power of asking for help and surrounding yourself with a strong team and I’m incredibly grateful for mine.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that Alicia & Co. Events is more than a planning company, we’re your advocates, your calm in the chaos, and your biggest cheerleaders. We care about your experience, not just your timeline.

If you value family, faith, and fun and want a wedding that feels true to you, we’re here to make it happen.

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.
If my best friend were visiting LA, I’d want the week to feel like a mix of sunshine, soul, and good food. We’d kick things off with some delicious homemade pasta and wine at home with maybe even some ice cream for dessert, then spend the week exploring both iconic spots and local gems.

Brunch in Studio City, shopping at The Grove, and beach time in Malibu or Manhattan Beach. We’d do a little self-care, maybe a spa afternoon or blowouts before dinner at a rooftop spot like Elephante or Perch with city views.

We’d make space for a quiet devotional morning to ground the trip in gratitude. And one night, I’d plan a dreamy backyard dinner party with music, candles, and close friends, the kind of night you never want to end.

It’s not about doing all the LA things. It’s about curating moments that feel personal, beautiful, and full of heart.

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 couldn’t do this without my people. My husband is my steady anchor. Thoughtful, analytical, and always reminding me to keep going when things get overwhelming. My kids bring so much joy and perspective to my life, and my mom has been my biggest cheerleader since day one, always showing up with love and support.

I also have to shout out my incredible team. Claudia, my right hand, is always the first to jump into any project with heart, hustle, and total dedication. She’s been instrumental in helping me build this dream. And to the rest of the Alicia & Co. team, thank you for bringing your talent, kindness, and excellence to every event. You make our clients feel seen, cared for, and celebrated. I’m truly grateful to do this with all of you.

Website: https://www.aliciaandcoevents.com

Instagram: @aliciaandcoevents

Linkedin: Maricela Matos

Facebook: @aliciaandcoevents

Other: Tik tok- @aliciaandcoevents

Image Credits
@alyssalizarragaphoto
@kellibeephotography
@ildefonso_gutierrez
@love_is_wed
@christineliphotography
@gabbygandara
@kathleenlantosphotography
@tiffanyfrankphotography