Ashley Smith Events • San Francisco • California


Ashley Smith Events
Wedding Coordinator / Wedding Planner

By Appointment Only
San Francisco, California
WEBSITE

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Service Area

San Francisco, and the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country, and Northern California. Will travel all of California, South and Central, including Palm Springs, the desert, and the coast. Specializes in Mexico, especially the Riveria Maya. Worldwide.

Services Offered

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Have you ever been part of something so entrancing, that you were swept away and forgot whatever else was going on in the world? This is the experience that Ashley of Ashley Smith Events strives to create at each of her weddings. She believes that weddings are meaningful and purposeful, but it is just as important that they be well crafted and well designed. Achieving this harmonious flow is the essence of Ashley’s work, and the magic formula that allows everyone to be swept away by her enchanting events.

Services offered:

  • Full Service Wedding Planning
  • Destination Wedding Planning
  • Partial Wedding Planning
  • Iko Rental—a highly customizable wood-framed structure that can be installed nearly anywhere to create a modern, uniquely-framed space

Ashley Smith Events is available for weddings in California and worldwide. Ashley says, “My expertise is in the Bay Area. My heart is in Mexico. Fun fact: I am certified by the board of tourism to plan and work there. I have spent years visiting the Riviera Maya + Tulum as well as other regions in Mexico, like Baja California Sur. Tulum is hands down one of my favorite places on earth.”

Reviews

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“It was pretty special to see everything that we had planned and designed come together…and all of our guests are still raving about it. Most of them say it was the best wedding they have ever been to. Ashley has a great eye for contemporary style. We wanted a custom wedding and that’s what we got. We strayed away from all the templates from regular wedding packages and were able to create an event that was unique to us.”

“Ashley is very well connected and had a variety of professional and quality vendors that she had previously worked with, all of which we were more than pleased with. We saved a lot of money because we used Ashley and were literally stunned walking in to see how amazing the reception site looked. She’s organized, methodical, and doesn’t do a boring wedding. In fact, many of our guests commented that it was one of the best weddings they’ve attended, and that’s a good feeling.”

“The big day was so calm and relaxing. Yes, calm and relaxing. I had hours to hang with my bridesmaids, which was one of my favorite parts of the day. I did not stress about anything that day. Well, except for my vows.”

“Ashley is very easy to talk to. She has a positivity that puts you at ease. She offered a lot of advice especially when it came to budget and crafts. She’s pretty handy and was able to make a lot of things herself which helped out.”

“We had a vague idea of what we wanted and Ashley was the perfect amount of listening to us and adding to our vision.”

“When I met Ashley, I knew immediately that my vision aligned with her design and style aesthetics. I had a vision before we started working together, but I she helped elevate it while keeping my budget in mind. Ashley Smith Events offers a crazy good design aesthetic and vision.”

She listened to our interests and likes and was able to bounce ideas right away. Her knowledge of our lifestyle and tastes (I’m a craft cocktail bartender and my wife runs an award-winning sushi restaurant) as well as her knowledge of the area sealed the deal for us.”

“They have a wealth of experience and knowledge and were very original and creative with concepts we couldn’t quite grasp.”

“She is so personalized and passionate about her work, art and craft. She is a talent.”

Did you know?

Here Comes The Guide contacted this vendor's brides and grooms directly for reviews -- so we know they're the real deal. #controlfreaks

We only list vendors that we'd recommend to our own sisters and best friends.

Questions and Answers

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What words best describe your work?
Innovative, Fresh, California Modern, Foodie. (Is that a real word?)
Why should someone hire you?
For most couples, the process of planning a wedding is overwhelming, especially when coupled with two work schedules. I save you lots of money and time! I am well connected and know the ropes; I am here to make it easy and fun!
What drew you to this field/how did you get started?
I had a position in catering and in sales in a high-end hotel doing many large events. My background is social event planning and meeting planning, a much different scale from weddings, but relative. A bride asked me to help her with her wedding in Spain, which I more than happily agreed to. After the fact, I had a whole new perspective on weddings. I loved the intimacy, the emotion, and the whole process. Since then, I got my certifications, and started working as many weddings as I could!
What are some sources of inspiration or influences on your work?
I love to create interaction. I love it when I see guests creating bonds. I try to incorporate elements that encourage these types of interactions. If it's a "pour your own" Mezcal lounge built over a pool in Mexico, or a tasting bar of local fare, I am all about it. I really love some of the trends that are happening in weddings now, especially in California. People are creating their own personalized everything. Many people are getting really out of the box and adding personal touches. If I can help make those come to life, count me in! I am most inspired by less ventured spaces and outdoor spaces, but that really depends on the location! I also love good design... check out the Iko rental...
Tell us about a favorite, unusual or very interesting moment at a wedding:
The father of the bride on the dance floor in Spain. Spain had just won the world cup, the dance party was in full swing (nearly 300 guests), they repeated, "We are the Champion" a few times and the Spaniards picked him up and crowd surfed him next to a huge Spanish flag. It was his first time out of the country and he was on top of the world… literally! The wedding was held at a 700-year-old Monastery on top of a mountain, resting above the city below. There was a look of pure happiness that swept across his face. I'll never forget it.
What makes a wedding memorable for you?
They are all different! Sometimes it's the love that the couple exudes and attracts; sometimes it's an all-star team of personalities. There are memorable elements to every wedding, usually happy, sometimes funny, and sometimes... if I'm being honest, things we'd rather not remember!
What have weddings taught you?
Flexibility, patience and to grow thick skin. No wedding is the same, they all have a different set of needs and personalities, I've learned how to be very flexible and accommodating to each clients' set of needs or wants.
What is the best advice you give a couple when planning their wedding?
Ask for help. Give yourself enough time and don't wait until the last minute. There are many things that get over looked easily because couples don't know or cannot foresee certain things. There's a reason why there are wedding planners—we know the ropes and all of the things that unfold with event planning. We've also seen it all. We handle all of the unsightly things that many people are not usually exposed to.
If you could have any superpower on the job, what would it be?
Teleport! and also Telecommunicate... and maybe stop time like that girl does in that TV show from the 90's... yea, all of those things!
What are 3 words that describe your personality?
Bubbly, honest, loyal.
What's your favorite quote?
"You will never have to force anything that is truly meant to be" // (I don't know who said that.)
What's your favorite marriage advice?
Be kind and patient. The wedding is a big day, but there will be another big day. Stay focused on the everyday and enjoy each other.
Extracurricular activities:
Traveling! I like to learn new things, maybe a new outdoor activity. I also like to create things, lately with leather and copper. I am usually making something or traveling.
If you weren't in your current profession, what would you do instead?
I would most likely be living on an island or somewhere in Central America... maybe teaching something local or English. My background is International Business, but I am more drawn to being outdoors and a more recreational lifestyle.
What's your favorite way to wind down after a hard day?
Usually I am beat if it's a wedding! I love the beach and a good glass of bubbles.
Tell us about your pets, if you have any.
I have a brindle pit-lab mix. He's a rescue. He's the sweetest guy ever; he really is my best friend.
What are some of your favorite places to eat—either everyday spots or special occasion splurges?
In SF, Serpentine, Flour & Water, and Contigo. In Marin, Sol Food. In Tulum, Canopia (my bff Sam is running it, and it's amazing)! Hartwood, and Casa Jaguar. In Playa del Carmen, La Pearla.

Map

Ashley Smith Events Covers These Areas:

  • Northern California
    • Bay Area
    • Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
    • North Bay / Marin
    • San Francisco
    • SF Peninsula / Half Moon Bay
    • Santa Cruz
    • Tri-Valley and Livermore Wine Country
  • And other areas by special arrangement.
(What's this?)
This is a list of the areas that Ashley Smith Events normally serves. However, be sure to ask them if they'll be able to work at your particular location.
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