Our Beginning
If you had told me a few years ago that planning my daughter's quinceañera would relaunch my business, I probably would have laughed.
But that's exactly what happened.
Looking back, I think Emerald Events actually started long before there was ever a business.
Growing up, my mom was always volunteering to coordinate and decorate weddings, quinceañeras, and events. I tagged along more times than I can count. The funny thing is, she never thought I was paying attention.
But I was.
Without even realizing it, she was teaching me about timelines, logistics, problem-solving, and all the work that happens behind the scenes to create a celebration.
As I got older, that turned into a career. I became the Event Coordinator at the Port of Anacortes, where I planned corporate events and managed two event venues. I loved creating experiences that brought people together, and after leaving the Port, I decided to take a leap of faith and launch Emerald Events in the summer of 2019.
Less than a year later, COVID-19 brought the event industry to a standstill. Weddings were postponed, celebrations were canceled, and like so many small businesses, Emerald Events was forced to pause before it ever really had the chance to start.
For a while, the dream sat on the shelf.
Then came Havana's Quinceañera.
As I started planning her celebration, I asked Xzenia if she'd help me as my Day-of Coordinator. I told her, "I'll teach you everything you need to know."
She said yes!
What neither of us expected was how much we'd enjoy planning together.
We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas, solving problems, laughing through planning meetings, and discovering that our strengths complemented each other perfectly. What started as preparing for one very special celebration quickly became something much bigger.
Then one day, it hit me.
I looked at Xzenia and said, "You know... we can actually do this."
She agreed!
And just like that, Emerald Events got its second chance.
When we relaunched Emerald Events, we thought we'd spend our first year booking a few weddings, helping at a handful of events, and doing something we truly loved.
Instead... here we are.
We've grown faster than we ever expected, and every new inquiry, consultation, and signed contract reminds us just how grateful we are for this journey.
The truth is, Emerald Events exists because we genuinely enjoy what we do and we genuinely enjoy doing it together. We laugh through planning meetings, celebrate the little wins, learn from every event, and continue growing with every couple and family who trusts us.
None of this would've been possible without the amazing clients who've believed in us from the very beginning, and we don't take that trust lightly. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your biggest moments. We can't wait to see what the future holds for us and for the incredible couples and families we'll meet along the way.
Written by Denise Acosta, Co-Founder of Emerald Events
Thank you for taking the time to get to know us.
If you're planning a wedding, quinceañera, or another special celebration, we'd love to hear your story.
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