Meet Ryann Doria | Alternative Wedding Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryann Doria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryann, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I think really going all in on the alternative, dark and moody vibes has helped my business. When I first started my business, I didn’t have direction. Over the years I have really niched down to become an alternative wedding planner, someone who specializes in dark and moody weddings. I’ve had people hire me because of my dark designs and the work that I showcase. Being on the fence, and accepting all weddings was nice for a while, and it helped pay the bills, but I do think that fully embracing what I enjoy the most is proving to be an important part of my success.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ryann Kristena Events is a wedding planning company that specializes in alternative, dark and moody weddings. Like Morticia Addams, we think black is such a happy color. We are here for all the couples who want something non-traditional and maybe a little out of the box.

I started this business with the encouragement from a friend, and I thought it would be fun. I quickly realized that I wanted to have a successful business, that owning a business is not just all fun and games, and that I wanted to be known as a dark and alternative wedding planner. I’ve been slowly transitioning out of “traditional” weddings, and designing darker events. I think with anything, it takes time. I’ve been lucky to have mostly amazing clients, and to have an amazing support team on the rare occasion otherwise. I’m slowly learning to protect my time, and create healthy boundaries. I’m such a people pleaser, and I’m the kind of person who will bend over backwards to make things happen for you, that creating boundaries has been difficult. I think it’s making me a better business owner and better wedding designer though.

I want people to know that we aim to design weddings that match our couples aesthetics. We want our couples to have a wedding that truly represents who they are.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I grew up in Dana Point, so I’m pretty fond of the Dana Point Harbor. They’ve got lots of shops, and a beautiful ocean. One of my all time favorite coffee and bagel shops is there: Coffee Importers. I’ve been vegan for almost ten years now, so on a long weekend trip to Southern California, I’d visit Plant Power, Vibe, Coffee Importers, and JD Flannel Donuts. I’m a fan of Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Scary Farm. If you’re here in October, definitely check that out.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband for sure! He has been so supportive and shows up for me, whether I need someone to talk about my ideas to, vent to, dream with, or an extra assistant, take behind-the-scenes footage, you name it. He is my rock.

Also, I have to mention my dear friend Nicole, who pushed me to start this business and has been such an amazing supporter and friend to me. I would not be a successful business owner if it were not for her.

Website: https://www.ryannkristenaevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryannkristenaevents

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ryannkristenaevents/

Image Credits
Sarah Block Photography, Amanda and Nico