Graduate Feature: Gianna Luchese
Name: Gianna Luchese
Location: Sonoma County, California, United States
QC Courses she’s taken:
Her Website:www.eventsbygianna.com
Social Media:
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Hey there! My name is Gianna, and I am the owner and lead designer & planner of Events by Gianna. I was born and raised in Sonoma County, California and credit my hometown for my love for events.
Growing up, I had a new dream job every week: fashion photographer, wedding dress designer, editor-in-chief of Vogue, cake decorator, florist—the list goes on! I have always wanted to be a designer, and I grew up being creative in everything I did. Creativity and designing is my passion in a variety of outlets.
Photography by Haley Jacobson
When it came time to applying for college, I had two ideas of what I wanted to do: visual designer or dermatologist. My passion for creativity overtook my decision, and I applied for FIDM San Francisco my junior year. As I was the vice president and founder of my high school’s fashion club, I got into my dream school!
Fast forward a few years, and here I am, a 23 year old in the beginning stages of running my own event planning business. I feel so grateful to so many people and programs, including QC Event School for letting me building my dream career.
You have a background rooted in fashion and merchandising. Why did you decide to take a different path into event & wedding planning?
While studying at FIDM, I picked Visual Communications as my major. It was the one major that gave me a little bit of everything. We studied art, styling, merchandising, graphic design, space design, history, interior design and, of course, event planning. I loved that I got the chance to dip my toes into all different outlets to find what out what I really loved.
For every class project, I always found myself basing it around bridal and bridal fashion or event design itself. That’s when I really decided that I love the bridal industry and love producing pretty events. I discovered that this was something I wouldn’t mind doing all the time.
You love the rococo era of design—would you say that era has a profound effect on your event design? Is this something your clients seek you out for?
I am infatuated with the rococo area. There is nothing in this world more beautiful to me than looking at pictures of the Palace of Versailles. The era has completely shaped my design aesthetic. I like to describe my aesthetic as opulent and ordinate, which is exactly what rococo is. It’s delicate but powerful, and it’s beautiful, detailed, and a little over-the-top.
I would say that my clients do appreciate this aesthetic of mine. I take an approach to design where I pull inspiration from art, history, flowers, architecture, interiors, and installations. That’s where I get my grand ideas and detail-heavy designs.
What’s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out in the business?
Photography by Haley Jacobson
Get out there and experience your industry! If you have a passion for something, find ways to involve yourself in the industry! Go to bridal shows, look for a mentor to assist, be a part of a community as soon as you can! I personally believe experience is just as important as education, and I am still learning and gaining experience every day.
One of my teachers in college told me this: “Whatever you are, be the best”. Look at wedding trends, current events, celebrity parties and learn! Take it all in and become an expert.
What is your biggest event planning career highlight so far?
My biggest career highlight so far is the community I’ve gained in these few short months. I have started slowly in my business by holding events for female entrepreneurs and girl bosses in my area. I love the sense of support and connection I have learned to embrace. Those events are the most special to me!
How has QC Event School prepared you to work in the events industry?
QC Event School has given me so much information, specifically on the event planning business. I learned how to charge for my wedding planning services, find and follow up with clients, stay organized, and budget. Even with the design experience as I have, it’s so helpful to be handed the knowledge of making my business a success!
Congratulations on becoming a QC Event School graduate! What do you think the future holds for you and your business?
Thank you! I am so grateful for this program and it has helped me immensely! The future for Events By Gianna is something I think about daily! Events By Gianna, one day, will be a full service event boutique with floral design, event coordination, graphic design and more!
Photography by Haley Jacobson
