How Allenia Marcelle Transforms Events Into Magical Experiences

Allenia Marcelle, the visionary wedding and event planner behind A & J Luxury Event Planning and its branches — Brooklyn Silk Blooms floral rentals, Picnic Enthusiast decor, and Call it Enchanted balloons — has redefined the art of creating memorable events.

With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and storytelling, her approach seamlessly blends creativity and precision.

In this interview, Allenia shares her journey, philosophy, and the behind-the-scenes strategies that bring extraordinary events to life.

The Inspiration

SBS – What inspired you to start A & J Luxury Event Planning, and how has your journey shaped the company’s philosophy?

Allenia – Our journey to create A & J Luxury Event Planning was inspired by our deep passion for community, creative innovation, and unique design concepts. We recognized a significant opportunity to create core memories for our clients through our full-service wedding, decorating, and event planning company.

From the very beginning, we committed ourselves to educating in the industry, obtaining degrees, and continuously learning. I have earned a doctorate in business administration with a focus on event management, which has greatly enriched our expertise and understanding of the industry. 

Through our experiences working with a diverse array of clients in New York City, New Jersey, Saint Lucia, and Florida, we have developed a company philosophy centered around four key pillars: 

1. Innovation: We continually strive to understand the latest trends in event planning and design. This commitment to innovation allows us to enhance our services and provide added value to our clients’ experiences. 

2. Inclusion: Being based in one of the most diverse regions in the United States, we embrace inclusivity in our approach. Our goal is to cater to the unique designs and ideas of all our clients, ensuring everyone feels represented in their celebrations. 

3. Care: We are dedicated to ensuring our clients are happy throughout the entire event planning process, from inception to execution. Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of our business philosophy, and we prioritize building strong relationships with our clients. 

4. Community: We believe that the best way to grow is to give back. Our Luxe for Cause Initiative exemplifies this commitment by providing support to nonprofits hosting community events. We leverage our expertise to assist organizations in need, reinforcing our dedication to making a positive impact in the community.

Staying Ahead of Industry Trends

SBS – How do you stay ahead of industry trends to ensure your events remain innovative and unique?

Allenia – The goal is to conduct extensive market research and analysis by scrolling social media to see what’s trending, reading blogs and comments, attending seminars or workshops, and engaging with customers, which helps collect data to understand how the audience is reacting to specific information in our market niche.

Balancing Creativity and Client Expectations

SBS – How do you balance creativity with clients’ expectations to deliver personal yet professional events?

Allenia – With regards to balancing expectations and creativity, we would say, “The sky’s the limit,” as long as the budget permits. The vision also has to align with the vendors’ or venues’ contracts so that all legal precautions are acknowledged. When booking an event, we prioritize collaboration, listening to your grandest ideas, and helping you turn them into unforgettable moments while keeping practicality in mind.

Sustainability in Event Planning

SBS – What role does sustainability play in your event planning, and how do you incorporate eco-friendly practices?

Allenia – We incorporate eco-friendly practices by embracing innovation and challenging ourselves to think outside the box with a design. After setting up for an event, we make it our mission to create a new design for a different feel at the next event. Additionally, when sourcing materials, we prioritize items that can be reused, such as dinnerware, props, and linens, rather than opting for single-use products.

Managing Logistics for Large-Scale Events

SBS – How do you manage the logistics of large-scale events while maintaining attention to detail?

Allenia – When planning for a large-scale event, such as 200-guest weddings or baby showers, it is essential to stay organized and maintain excellent time management skills. The forms we create serve as the skeleton key for our success on event day. The A & J Skeleton Key Effect involves a dedicated team managing different aspects of the project from start to finish, which ensures a seamless event. This includes booking the event, securing the client and budget, creating the timeline, managing communications with the client through calls, texts, or video conferences, and following up after the event to obtain feedback and reviews.

Building Strong Vendor Relationships

SBS – Can you discuss the importance of vendor relationships and how you select partners for your events?

Allenia – Vendor relationships are important in our line of trade because one of our four pillars is community. We go beyond creating relationships with clients to building strong connections with peers and partners, creating mutually beneficial collaborations that help both parties excel in their niche and thrive. As a full-service wedding, event planning & decor company, it is vital to nurture these relationships with venues, photographers, and caterers to increase clientele, strengthen the community, and curate exceptional experiences for clients and peers alike.

Handling Last-Minute Challenges

SBS – How do you handle last-minute changes or emergencies during an event to ensure a seamless experience?

Allenia – You must remain calm in front of your clients and colleagues because if you panic, they panic. Certain things are not in your control. However, this question correlates to the A & J Skeleton Key effect because while building an effective timeline and remaining in contact with the client, we look at the event as a whole and create contingency plan assessments based on the major and minor problems that can occur and create a solution before it becomes a problem.

Defining Success Through Client Experiences

SBS – How do you measure the success of an event, and can you share a memorable client testimonial that reflects this?

Allenia – The scales we use to measure the success of an event are client satisfaction and reviews.

One testimonial of this is from one of our wedding couples, Trenton & Dominique, who stated: “We had the pleasure of working with A & J Luxury Event Planning for our wedding, and we can’t say enough about how incredible they were. From the very beginning, they demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and an understanding of our vision. Their organizational skills were unmatched, and they managed to keep everything on track without a hitch. Whether it was coordinating with vendors, managing the timeline, or ensuring that every little detail was perfect, they handled it all with ease, allowing us to fully enjoy our day without any stress. What stood out was their passion and dedication. They treated our wedding as if it were their own, and it showed in the care they put into every detail. Their creativity brought our ideas to life in ways we couldn’t have imagined, making our wedding day even more special than we had hoped. If you’re looking for wedding coordinators who are not only highly skilled but also genuinely care about making your day perfect, we wholeheartedly recommend A & J Luxury Event Planning. They truly made our wedding day unforgettable. :)”

This review is detailed and shows we did a good job.

Leveraging Technology in Event Planning

SBS – In what ways has technology influenced your event planning process, and how are you planning to leverage it?

Allenia – Technology is at the forefront of this generation, where there are both consumers and producers. Time plays a major part in the success of any operation, yet despite having 24 hours in a day, it often feels insufficient. Technology has bridged this gap, with brilliant minds creating tools to help business owners save time. For example, advancements in AI make it easier for entrepreneurs to quickly create posts with captions or draft documents like contracts and policies, all while saving money in areas where expertise may be lacking. Additionally, social media platforms and resources like “YouTube University” educate us on processes, procedures, and the latest technological advancements.

Fostering Collaboration Within the Team

SBS – Can you share your insight on your team’s dynamics and how you foster a collaborative work environment?

Allenia – Our team’s dynamic is the backbone of our success. We take pride in understanding each other’s strengths and how everyone fits into the bigger picture. This allows us to allocate responsibilities effectively and play to each individual’s unique skills. For a collaborative work environment, we emphasize open communication and mutual respect, holding regular brainstorming sessions where everyone’s input is encouraged, regardless of their role, and engaging in team-building activities outside of work to strengthen relationships and trust.

The Role of Storytelling in Memorable Events

SBS – What role does storytelling play in your events, and how do you craft narratives that

resonate with guests?

Allenia – Storytelling plays a vital role in our events, as it transforms abstract ideas into tangible experiences, taking a design that once existed only as a thought and bringing it to life in a way that resonates with our guests. We craft narratives by understanding the client’s details or vision we want to convey and aligning every detail — visuals, ambiance, and flow of the event — with that story, immersing clients in this process to help them better visualize how their vision evolves into a memorable moment in time.

Marketing and Branding

SBS – How do you approach marketing and branding for A & J Luxury Event Planning to attract new clients?

Allenia – Marketing and branding for A & J Luxury Event Planning has been a learning journey for me, as it’s such a critical aspect of the business. It’s how potential clients decide who you are and what your business represents that can truly make or break your success. My approach is rooted in consistency and intentionality. I make sure our branding reflects the elegance and professionalism we bring to every event. 

Before posting anything, I ask myself, “Would I book us based on this?” If the answer is no, I rework it. If you find marketing and branding challenging, don’t hesitate to hire a professional. Having an expert who understands your vision can elevate your business and attract the right clients. It’s an investment that pays off when done right.

Advice to Aspiring Event Planners

SBS – What advice would you give aspiring event planners looking to enter the luxury event planning industry?

Allenia – My advice to aspiring event planners looking to break into the event planning industry is to start by gaining hands-on experience. Internships are invaluable; they give you insight into the intricacies of the industry, from managing high expectations to executing flawless events or starting by planning your own event. 

Additionally, do your research. Understand the market, trends, and what sets your events apart. It’s not just about creating beautiful designs; it’s about seeing the big picture — crafting an unforgettable experience while ensuring the business side, like budgets and profitability, aligns with your goals. Most importantly, make sure you truly love this craft. The industry demands creativity, attention to detail, and resilience, and your passion will be what fuels you during long hours and high-pressure situations. When you combine passion with strategy, success becomes achievable.