| WEDDING & EVENT PLANNING |
OWNER AND LEAD PLANNER, MELISSA CLOSE
Hello - I'm so glad you're here! I am the proud owner and lead wedding planner of Melissa Alison Events. Originally from Perth, Western Australia, I moved to Vancouver Island in 2009, before meeting my better half and making Calgary my home in 2015. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Event and Arts Management from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and have worked in the event industry since 2004. I have a multitude of experience in managing events, including the Red Bull Air Race, local music festivals and city events, the City of Victoria Canada Day celebrations, think-tank collaboration conferences, and a local children's festival in Victoria.
My friends describe me as ambitious and organized, as well as bubbly and outgoing. I love meeting new people, and working in the wedding industry has allowed me to meet and collaborate with the most wonderful couples and vendors. Happily married to my best friend Brendan, and mom to son Morrison (with another on the way), I spend most of my free time visiting Calgary’s local breweries in search of my favourite new stout, nerding out over Star Wars, travelling the world, or looking for the next dog to foster.
LEAD COORDINATOR, ALEX
Alex started in the wedding industry as a setup/take down crew member back in 2017 and quickly fell in love with all things wedding! She has continued to be a part of various planner's teams since then and is excited to be part of the team at Melissa Alison Events. In her Monday-Friday job she has 10+ years' experience as an assistant and loves all things planning behind the scenes, and taking on all the stress so others can sit back and enjoy! Alex is looking forward to meeting all the amazing couples this year and being a part of such a special day. She just recently got married in July 2022 to her amazing hubby Ryan and together they share a 12-year-old son Caden, along with two small pups who she loves spending her free time with, enjoying the outdoors or playing games.
Alex's friends and family would describe her as outgoing, organized, a little OCD and a people pleaser - She will go out of her way and do anything in her power to ensure a seamless execution!
LEAD COORDINATOR, KAYLA
Kayla recently joined the team after moving back home to Alberta from the Okanagan this past year. She started in the wedding industry back in 2013 doing decorations, florals and take down. Kayla loves seeing all the details of a wedding align and was fulfilled by the positive feedback and expressions that the couple and other guests portray. Since then, she has worked serving and bartending weddings at a golf course in the Okanagan and has recently been helping her sister plan the wedding of her dreams! Kayla pays exceptional attention to detail and has been described as outgoing and bubbly, which she will utilize to make sure your event is flawless. She cannot wait to help you bring your wedding visions to life this year and intends on bringing her passion for love and lively events to your special day!
When she isn’t planning weddings or events of her own, Kayla spends most of her free time out on the golf course or with friends enjoying the local events that the city has to offer. With her recent move to Calgary, Kayla is excited to see what venues this city presents and is looking forward to meeting and connecting with like minded individuals.
ASSISTANT COORDINATORS, LAURA AND BETHANY
Meet Laura, originally from the vibrant culture of Venezuela, she moved to Canada back in 2004 where she has called Calgary home ever since. She has recently joined the team at Melissa Alison Events and is very excited to have the opportunity to work in such a creative and dynamic industry.
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Laura spends most of her free time sharing laughter with friends, cherishing moments with family, cuddling up with her cat (who doubles as her trusted sidekick and best friend) and looking for the next adventure.
Bethany recently joined our team after falling in love with wedding planning when planning her own wedding in May 2023. Since then, she has walked alongside some friends through wedding planning, and she absolutely loved organizing all of the details and seeing everything come together. When she isn't planning, she is often going on adventures in the mountains, capturing moments on her camera, or sipping on chai lattes. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, camping, or simply enjoying a scenic picnic, Bethany loves spending time in nature. Bethany also loves being creative and is often found behind a camera lens or making things on her Cricut. Outside of wedding planning, Bethany has a degree in psychology and has experience in the mental health field. She understands how stressful weddings can be, and she wants to help ensure things are as fun and as smooth as possible! Bethany is beyond excited to celebrate with you, bring your vision to life, and make your day extra special!
KIND WORDS
MELISSA WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AND MADE OUR WEDDING DAY RUN SO SMOOTH
She had incredible attention to detail, great communication with all of our vendors, and amazing organization skills! Our vendors personally told us that Melissa was great and made everything operate with ease during the planning phase. Our whole wedding weekend was stress free, and so much fun with Melissa taking care of all of the major details and flow of the day. Words cannot express our gratitude and appreciation: thank you Melissa and team!
KENNEDY AND PATRICK
