Meet Vanessa Torres | Wedding and Event Planner

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

Hi Vanessa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I spent many years in the hospitality industry, gaining experience on both the venue side and in planning and coordination. Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of events—including sports, corporate, non-profit, and weddings. While each type of event brought its own excitement, I found myself consistently drawn to weddings and personal celebrations. There’s something incredibly meaningful about helping bring someone’s special day to life. Being part of a moment that people will remember and cherish for the rest of their lives is what truly fulfills me—it never feels like “work.”

What should our readers know about your business?
At Modern Elegance, we specialize in creating unforgettable events that are a true reflection of each client’s personality and vision. What sets us apart is our commitment to building genuine relationships—we take the time to truly get to know our clients so we can design events that feel personal, thoughtful, and full of creative, joyful details. I believe that every event should not only look beautiful, but also feel meaningful and exciting for everyone involved.

Owning my business for the past five years has been an incredible journey. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But overcoming those challenges has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. Every time I see an event come to life—knowing the love and intention behind it—it reminds me why I do this work. It fuels my passion and motivates me to keep pushing forward. I’m so excited for what lies ahead and to continue creating events that leave lasting memories.

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?
Whenever friends or family visit, I’m always the go-to person for creating their San Diego itinerary—and I absolutely love it!

San Diego is packed with unique and interactive experiences that make every trip memorable. I always recommend checking out some of the city’s hidden gems, like speakeasies and standout restaurants— some of my favorites include Youngblood, the historic Lafayette Hotel, and Siamo Napoli in North Park for authentic Italian. For rooftop vibes, you can’t go wrong with spots like Coco Maya or Altitude, both offering amazing views and great atmospheres.

And of course, no San Diego visit is complete without some time on the water. One of my top picks is Triton Charters—they offer an unforgettable boat experience with stunning views of downtown and Coronado. It’s the perfect way to take in the city from a different perspective!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who have played a meaningful role in my journey. First and foremost, I’m incredibly grateful for the blessings Jesus has placed in my life—none of this would be possible without His guidance. I had the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and event management, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors along the way, including Veronica Carr of Type A Soirée. I’ve also gained invaluable experience by assisting and collaborating with so many talented planners in the industry. And most importantly, my husband has been my unwavering support system—his encouragement means everything to me.

Website: https://moderneleganceevents.com

Instagram: moderneleganceweddings

Image Credits
Honey Photographs

Alyssa DeGraff Photography

Ruth Marie Photography

Julia Hinton Photography

Islescape Media