Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Staes.
Hi Alexis, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Tatted Planner jumped the broom in 2020 after our founder, Callie Velez, was working an event and a guest referred to her as “that tatted planner over there.” The name stuck, and so did the mission. From the beginning, the company has focused on intentional, non traditionally styled celebrations, creating a welcoming space for couples who have too often been turned away by planners or vendors because of their ethnicity, sexuality, or beliefs. I joined the team in 2022 after meeting Callie while working as a bridal stylist and selling her wedding dress. A coffee chat turned into collaboration when the first wedding I ever planned was hers later that year, sparking a partnership that continues to grow. Today, we offer full planning, day-of coordination, and styling services across the South. In 2024, we welcomed planner Barb Thomas to the team, helping us maintain a strong presence in the region as Callie and I transitioned from Atlanta and began expanding into the Southwest and West Coast. Our growth has been guided by the same principles we started with: thoughtful service, inclusive celebrations, and a fresh perspective on what the wedding industry can be.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most small businesses, finances have been one of the biggest challenges. Running a company means constantly balancing personal and business finances, and there have been many moments where we’ve invested our own time, energy, and money long before seeing a return. The wedding industry also comes with its own rhythm. Couples often book six months to over a year in advance, so there can be long gaps between securing work and receiving final payments. Learning how to manage that cycle while still reinvesting in the business has been an ongoing lesson.
Another challenge has been building the company while working full-time jobs. Until recently, I was balancing a corporate career alongside running The Tatted Planner, which meant long days and a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep everything moving forward. As a small team, we also handle much of the physical work ourselves, from building ceremony installations to hauling décor up multiple flights of stairs when venues don’t have elevators.
Now that I’ve stepped away from the corporate world to focus fully on TTP, the biggest challenge is navigating growth. The team is making thoughtful changes to strengthen the business while ensuring our current clients continue to receive the same level of care and attention that built our reputation in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At The Tatted Planner, we specialize in day-of coordination, full-service planning, and bridal styling, with a focus on non-traditional and deeply personal celebrations. We’re known for our organization, creativity, and ability to take a couple’s vision and turn it into an event that feels both seamless and meaningful. Our goal is always to create an environment where couples feel fully seen, supported, and celebrated throughout the planning process.
My professional background spans technical project management, high-end jewelry, and bridal styling, which gives me a unique approach to event planning. I spent several years in technical project management supporting education technology and healthcare organizations, after starting my career in the bridal and jewelry space while in college. That combination allows me to blend structure, logistics, and problem-solving with creativity and design.
What also sets my work apart is the perspective I bring as a Black, queer woman in the wedding industry. My experiences have shaped how I approach this work — with intentionality, empathy, and a strong commitment to creating inclusive spaces for couples who may not always see themselves reflected in traditional wedding environments.
What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that The Tatted Planner has become known not only for beautiful events, but for thoughtful service and genuine care for the people we work with. At the end of the day, the goal is to help couples celebrate their love in a way that feels authentic to them.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Being solution-oriented has been the most important quality to our success. In event planning, you often have to solve problems before your client ever realizes one existed. That requires not only quick thinking, but also creativity, perseverance, and a willingness to stay flexible. Every event is different, so adapting to each couple’s vision is essential.
This also applies to running the business itself. There will be slower seasons, and there will be times when you or your brand simply aren’t the right fit for someone. The key is not letting those moments slow your momentum. Instead, you keep learning, keep improving, and trust that your work will reach the clients it’s meant to serve.
Pricing:
- Day of Coordination Package $1.8k
- Full Planning Package $3.5k
- Styling Service $125/hr
- DIY Service $200/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thetattedplanner.com
- Instagram: @thetattedplanner
- Other: alexis@thetattedplanner.com
Image Credits
Applehead Photography
Andres Lopez Films
Black Rose Visuals
Summer Grace Photo
