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

Hi Allie, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
The wedding industry is truly one of a kind. What many people don’t realize is just how many meaningful relationships are formed throughout the planning process and on the wedding day itself. We’re instantly bonded by how much we care for our clients and the success of their event.

During our vendor meals—those brief moments of pause in a whirlwind day—we share stories, laughter, and sometimes even tears. It doesn’t take long in this industry to recognize how essential every vendor is to the success of an event. The dedication, talent, and heart behind each role is undeniable.

Over the years, these shared experiences have transformed into lasting friendships—built on respect, teamwork, and a deep understanding of what it takes to create something truly magical for our couples. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of such a passionate and hardworking community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always considered myself a creative individual. However, many would be surprised to learn, I never thought I was very good at painting specifically. It turns out I just hadn’t put enough time in to perfecting my skillset within one particular medium & developing my own artistic style. I received an A+ in every art class from elementary through college, but sadly comparison truly inhibited me from believing my art was good enough to build a business from.

It wasn’t until the pandemic (when the wedding industry came to a screeching halt !), that I found myself with endless hours to paint freely – which reinvigorated my passion for the creative process. I started selling fully custom greeting cards – for just $5 because many people didn’t have an income at the time. After painting each card individually; I would hand write a heart felt message inside (on their behalf), and mail them out to their loved ones ,during a very uncertain & lonely time.

Looking back, I’m so proud of how far my art has come—and I’m genuinely excited to dream up & create unforgettable designs with my future clients. After nearly 10 years of pouring my heart into wedding planning, it’s laid a strong and meaningful foundation for what I hope will be a flourishing new chapter—as a stationery artist – serving the industry I love.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When ever I have friends in town, I love playing tourist and showing them all the charm & beauty of San Diego. I have lived in San Diego my entire life and never seem to run out of fun things to do.

If the weather is nice (which it often is!), I’d head to the beach for a few hours in the late morning and grab lunch along the coast. Mission beach is a lot of fun and Belmont Park is filled with the nostalgia of simpler times, as a carefree teenager growing up in a beach town. I would definitely bring my friends (and dog!) along to Coronados dog beach as well, in hopes of seeing dolphins in the wave break! If my friends share the same love for roller skating as I do – cruising around Balboa Park at dusk, is a must! It’s pretty nice by foot too… And you can’t visit San Diego without enjoying some delicious fish tacos! My go-to’s include Oscars and Karinas Ceviche & More near Mission Hills. But if they’re hoping for a more elevated dinning experience, i’d take them to Mr. A’s for happy hour to enjoy the best rooftop view of San Diego at sunset. Then we’d head across the street for an unforgettable dinner at Cucina Urbana!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Entrepreneurship is unpredictable—so I’m very thankful not to walk it alone. Easily the most impactful relationship I’ve built along the way has been with my colleague, industry bestie, and now business partner Emma Rosen.

We both started our career paths in 2017, assisting on weddings together in San Diego, learning from amazing, established wedding planners. Over the years we each developed our own professional styles in the wedding industry, both heavily influenced by shared experiences; both good and bad! We have continued to support one another through many exciting endeavors, life changing hardships, and career milestones over the years! She is a ray of sunshine and I am beyond lucky to have her by my side as I pivot from wedding planning (bitter sweet!) to stationery art & design, full time this year.

Website: https://www.wedingsaremything.com

Instagram: weddingsaremything_ (watercolor art & stationery design) -and- yourweddingdaybff_ (wedding planning & design)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-applegate

Image Credits
Maria Davis Photo, Jarrod J Photo, Maria Alexander Media, Carmen Lopez Photo, Karissa E Photos, Marlyn Andrea Photo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.