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

Hi Nicolette, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I absolutely love love! Cheesy as it may sound, the wedding industry has my heart. My journey began over a decade ago when I interned for a wedding planner. From the very first day, I was hooked. I knew I had found my calling and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

Over the years, I learned the ins and outs of the industry, but I also discovered something deeper, planning a wedding isn’t just about logistics, it’s about creating moments that couples will cherish for the rest of their lives. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to focus on what matters most to me: making the planning process feel just as special, memorable, and joy-filled as the wedding day itself!

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?
Sparkling Soirées is a full-service wedding planning and design company dedicated to creating events that feel as unique as the couples we serve. I believe what sets us apart is our ability to balance impeccable organization with genuine joy. We want our couples to feel as relaxed and excited during the planning process as they do on their wedding day! From custom design concepts to seamless timelines, our focus is always on crafting meaningful, memorable celebrations that reflect each couple’s love story.

At the heart of Sparkling Soirées is our incredible team of ladies. Our love for what we do, fueled by passion, positivity, and nonstop energy, creates an atmosphere that our couples can’t help but want to be a part of. We genuinely adore every step of this adventure, and I think that excitement shines through in the celebrations we bring to life!

I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built, not just with our fabulous clients, but with the talented vendors and creative partners we work alongside. The wedding industry thrives on collaboration, so trusted vendors are essential to bringing each vision to life as planned.

Building this business hasn’t come without its challenges, especially in the early years when I was wearing every hat imaginable, but each obstacle taught me valuable lessons and has made me the planner, and business owner, that I am today. Of course, the pandemic was one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced. Not only did weddings have to be postponed or reimagined, but it often felt like love itself was on hold, which was heartbreaking to witness. I’m incredibly grateful for my support system, especially my incredible planner and other-half, Carly, who stood by me through every uncertain moment. Together, we came out the other side stronger and more resilient than ever.

At the end of the day, wedding planning is way more than just gorgeous decor, it’s about the people, the connections, and those unforgettable moments that make your story unique. I want the world to know that our brand is rooted in love, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Every wedding we plan is truly a privilege, and my team and I pour our hearts into making each celebration unforgettable!

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’m a proud OC girl, living in Orange with my family, and I absolutely adore our charming city. We’re lucky to be just a short walk from The Circle in Old Town, so many of our favorite spots are right in our backyard. Whether it’s grabbing coffee at Contra Coffee for work meetings with my ladies, enjoying craft brews at 1886 Brewery, or savoring delicious bites at Haven, there’s always something wonderful nearby.

If my best friend came to visit for a week, the itinerary would definitely reflect our family life (think early bedtimes with the kids, but lots of daytime adventures!). We’d stroll through The Circle, pop into the shops, and of course, grab a scoop at Filo, our favorite family-owned ice cream shop. It’s the perfect mix of community charm and family-friendly fun that makes Orange so special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family, who are at the heart of everything I do. My husband, Jason, and our two incredible kids, Kadyn and Arabella, are my constant source of motivation and joy. They remind me every day why I do what I do. I feel so grateful to build a career I adore while still being present for the moments that matter most at home.

I also want to thank my parents, who believed in me from the very beginning. When I first dreamed of starting my own company, they were the ones cheering the loudest, encouraging me to take the leap, and stepping in with support whenever I needed it. I truly wouldn’t be here without the foundation of love, encouragement, and example they’ve given me.

And finally, I want to thank my incredible team – Carly, Danielle, Alli and our wonderful assistants – who have helped shape Sparkling Soirées into what it is today. Their talent, dedication, and heart make every event extraordinary, and I’m so grateful to have them by my side.

Website: https://sparklingsoirees.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparklingsoirees/

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

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sparkling-soirees-orange

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sparklingsoirees/

Image Credits
Branding Photos: Camryn Clair Photography
Wedding Photos: Holly Sigafoos Photography, Ashley Burns Photography and Nicole Donnelly Photography

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