Meet Michelle Sheppard | Wedding Planner & Designer

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

Hi Michelle, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in New York, and despite spending the last ten years in California, New York will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I learned the value of hustle, resilience, and staying true to who I am.

From a young age, I knew I wanted a career that was both rewarding and meaningful, which initially led me to pursue psychology. However, I eventually realized that it wasn’t the right fit. That realization sparked a shift toward fashion, marketing, and design, where I discovered a true passion for bringing creative ideas to life.

Each chapter of my journey has contributed to shaping the person I am today. I lead with empathy, work with intention, and focus on the impact we can create when we truly care about what we do. Above all, I believe in putting people at the heart of every experience, because that’s where real connection and success begin.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m an event planner specializing in creating refined, timeless, and elevated experiences.

What sets my work apart is the unique blend of my background in both fashion and psychology. I spent nearly a decade in the fashion industry before transitioning into events, which shaped my eye for style, creativity, and attention to detail. I also hold a degree in psychology, which helps me connect with my clients on a deeper level, especially during such an emotional and meaningful time in their lives.

For me, it’s never just about how an event looks. It’s equally about how it feels. I pour my heart into every step of the planning process, making sure my clients feel supported and confident throughout. And when they walk into their space, the gratitude they express is everything to me.

Building my brand has taken persistence, faith, and a whole lot of belief in my vision. I’ve learned to stay focused on my own path, not get caught up in comparison, and to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow. After each event, I take time to reflect and ask myself: How can I make the next one even better?

At the end of the day, I don’t just plan events, I create experiences that leave a lasting emotional impact on the people they’re meant for.

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.
Funny enough, every time my best friend visits from New York, I actually do make her a full itinerary! I’m such a planner at heart, but it’s really because I want to make the most of her time here and show her the best experience possible.

For lunch or brunch, my go-to spots are the Coliseum Pool at Pelican Hill, The Loft at Montage Laguna Beach, and Larsen at Hotel Laguna. They have the most stunning views that feel so relaxing and peaceful.

If we have more time, I’ll plan a getaway to Santa Barbara or Montecito. I love the Ritz-Carlton Bacara and Rosewood Miramar. Both are perfect for a dream staycation. Poolside drinks, spa days, slow mornings. It’s such a nice way to unwind and reset.

Another favorite trip is Napa or Sonoma. Nothing beats wine tasting with your best friend and catching a sunset over the vineyards. One of my absolute favorite restaurants is RH Yountville. It has everything I love: great food, gorgeous chandeliers, and a moody, elevated vibe. I’m really big on the little things that set the tone, like good lighting and music. Those details make all the difference in how a space feels.

All that said, the most important part is who you’re with. I could be anywhere, but if I’m with someone I love and we’re laughing, connecting, and being present, that’s what makes the experience unforgettable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to give a heartfelt shout-out to my dear friend, mentor, and fellow wedding planner, Carole Grogan of Bright Blue Events. Her dedication, work ethic, and passion are truly unmatched. From the moment I moved to California, Carole has been a guiding light in the West Coast industry. I had the privilege of working alongside her for several years before deciding to start my own business.

Carole has not only supported me through this transition but has also shared invaluable wisdom and guidance. Every step of the way, she’s been there with advice, encouragement, and, most importantly, her friendship.

Website: https://michellesheppardevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesheppardevents/?hl=en

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michelle-sheppard-events-irvine

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/holiak.photography/
https://www.instagram.com/michellefloresphotography/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/twofourteenphotography/