I’m Vanessa Hayward, founder and lead planner of Vanessa Hayward Events. 

I’m a Master Certified Wedding Planner through the CWP Society, the world’s leading wedding planner certification and education organization. While I’m proud of that achievement, what matters most is what it means for you. It means you’re trusting your wedding to a planner who has been professionally trained, rigorously vetted, and held to the highest standards in the industry someone committed to protecting your investment, advocating for your vision, and guiding you with confidence every step of the way.

With more than a decade of experience, I’ve learned that no two weddings or couples are ever the same. I’ve navigated unexpected challenges, built lasting relationships with incredible vendors, and discovered that the best celebrations aren’t just beautiful; they’re deeply personal. Those years of experience allow me to anticipate what others might miss, solve problems before they become yours, and create a planning experience that feels calm, thoughtful, and genuinely enjoyable.

My love for weddings began long before I became a planner. As a little girl, I spent countless weekends helping my father at catering events, where I fell in love with the magic that happens when people gather to celebrate life’s biggest moments. I didn’t know then that those early experiences were quietly shaping the career I was meant to have.

Then came my own wedding in 2014.

Planning it gave me a completely different perspective. I experienced the excitement, the decisions, the emotions and I also understood what it feels like to wish you had someone truly exceptional in your corner. That experience has stayed with me ever since. It’s why I approach every wedding with empathy, intention, and the commitment to be the planner I once wished I had.

For me, this work has never been just about timelines, flowers, or perfectly folded napkins. It’s about creating a day that feels unmistakably like you.

My hope is that twenty years from now, you’ll look back on your wedding and remember more than how beautiful it was. You’ll remember how present you felt. How deeply you loved. How every detail reflected your story. And you’ll know it was all handled with the same care and dedication that I would give to my own family.

When I’m not planning weddings, you’ll usually find me spending time with my husband and our children, enjoying a long brunch, indulging in a relaxing spa day, or embracing a little retail therapy. I believe living a full, joyful life allows me to bring more creativity, perspective, and heart to every celebration I have the privilege of planning.

I can’t wait to hear your story and help you tell it beautifully.