Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlie Holt.
Hi Marlie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My love for planning started at a very young age. A few years ago, not long after I decided to take the leap and open my own business, I was sitting at home with my parents looking through old photos, yearbooks, and childhood keepsakes when we came across a little piece of paper I had drawn when I was about seven years old. It read: “Marlie Anderson – Party Planner also does – Weddings, Kids Birthdays, Anniversary’s.” Seeing that felt like such a full-circle moment. I’ve always had a passion for planning, but for a long time, I didn’t realize it could actually become my career.
In high school, I started baking cakes—I’ve always loved cooking and baking! After graduating, I launched a small cake business to bring in extra income while I was in college. That eventually led to my first wedding catering gig. While I loved being in the kitchen, I knew catering wasn’t my long-term path. But stepping into that role gave me a glimpse into the wedding industry, and that’s when it clicked—I could actually build a career doing what I love.
From there, I got my foot in the door working for a planning company. I gained valuable experience, made vendor connections, and fell even more in love with the behind-the-scenes magic of weddings. Eventually, I found myself at a crossroads. I wasn’t sure if I could do it on my own, but one day I decided to take the leap. I told myself, “The worst that can happen is I fail and have to start over—but what if it works?”
And it did. That’s when I officially launched M.Rae Events, and from there, the doors began to open. God has truly blessed my journey. I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible couples and vendors who have helped me grow in ways I never imagined. Looking back, it all started with a little girl who had a dream and a hand-drawn flyer—and today, I get to live that dream in real life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not always a smooth road—one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been finding a healthy work-life balance. As a business owner, it’s not a typical 9-to-5 job. In many ways, I feel like I’m on call 24/7. It took time to learn how to set boundaries so I could truly enjoy being newly married, spend time with my family, and show up for my friends outside of work. I’ve gotten better at it, but I’ll be the first to admit there are still times I don’t get it right.
Heading into 2026, one of my biggest goals is to expand my team—bringing on more part-time and full-time staff who can take the lead on wedding days. Right now, I handle most of the prep, planning, and behind-the-scenes work, and it’s a lot for one person. I also tend to have a hard time saying no because I care so deeply about making sure each couple’s day is perfect.
Another early challenge was simply getting a foot in the door. Some established venues and vendors weren’t quick to give a new planner a chance. Many of them had trusted teams they were used to working with, and I had to prove myself. It took time to find “my people”—those who believed in me and gave me the opportunities that helped grow my business into what it is today.
If I could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out, it would be this: people are going to say no—and that’s okay. Keep showing up, keep trying, and you will find your people. This industry is full of amazing, supportive vendors who truly want to help each other succeed. It’s not about competition—it’s about community, and that’s one of the things I love most about this career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At M.Rae Events, I offer everything from day-of coordination to full-service planning and design. For my day-of clients, I typically come in during the final months to handle the logistics and ensure all the details they’ve planned run smoothly. On the other hand, full-service planning allows me to be there from the very beginning—dreaming up a vision with my couples, creating a custom design, selecting linens, plates, florals, and managing every personal detail. That’s where my heart really comes alive.
Planning and design is truly my passion. I love working closely with my couples, getting to know them personally—whether through phone calls, coffee meetups, or design sessions—and transforming their ideas into something uniquely them. It’s such a rewarding process to take a scattered Pinterest board and turn it into a cohesive, meaningful experience.
This year, I’ve had the opportunity to plan my first Indian wedding, and it’s been such a joy to learn about the culture and traditions. My couple has been incredible, and it’s reminded me how much I value getting to know people from all walks of life.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I build—not just with the couples, but with their families too. I’ve had brides’ moms call me just to ask which dress they should wear or text me little questions that have nothing to do with the timeline. And I love that. I want people to feel like they can come to me for anything—even the “silly” stuff—because that’s what makes this job feel so personal.
I think what sets me apart is that I’m not just a planner showing up to manage a timeline—I’m invested. I care deeply about making the day feel like a reflection of the couple, and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and make things happen. I also know I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay! There are so many talented planners in this industry, and I truly believe there’s someone for every couple. But for those who do choose me, they get someone who’s all in—with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of passion.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is staying true to myself and my values. I care deeply about giving each couple the best day possible—but I also believe it’s important not to compromise who I am in the process. I know I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s perfectly okay.
That’s why I really value consultation calls before booking. Those initial conversations help both me and the couple figure out if we’re the right fit for each other. It gives us a chance to connect, to chat through their vision, and to see if our personalities click. I think that connection is so important—it sets the tone for everything moving forward.
I would describe myself as a fun, laid-back, yet organized and intentional planner. I can get things done, handle the logistics, and keep things on track, but I also want my couples to feel like they’re planning with a friend who genuinely cares. At the end of the day, I believe that the best weddings come from mutual trust, shared excitement, and being authentically yourself.
Pricing:
- •Free initial consultation calls are available to help determine the best fit and ensure a strong planner-client connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mraeevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.raeevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16Hn8znw1N/?mibextid=wwXIfr
