Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Vanhowten.
Hi Niki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I officially started my business on August 10, 2022, after working for a local wedding coordinating company. I loved the work—every part of wedding day—but I realized I wanted to grow more individually and build something of my own.
My passion for weddings really began with my own. My husband and I planned our wedding in just 30 days while moving from Texas to Hawaii, all on a very limited budget. It was stressful, emotional, and beautiful all at once—and it showed me just how meaningful weddings truly are when someone is there to support you through the chaos.
After my husband got out of the military and we moved back to Texas, I began working for a local coordinating company. I quickly fell in love with every aspect of wedding day—the behind-the-scenes work, the problem-solving, and especially the gratitude. Seeing the joy on the bride’s face, the parents relaxed and happy, friends and family fully present—those thank-yous alone made every long day worth it. It all felt magical.
Deciding to branch out on my own was a huge step. I honestly didn’t know where to start. My parents are small business owners, so customer service has always been a huge part of my life—that came naturally. But everything else was new. I built my website myself, managed Instagram and social media, handled advertising—every detail. It truly was a one-woman show, all while raising three boys and being a wife.
It was incredibly challenging, and there are still moments when balancing life, business, and growth feels overwhelming. But today, I’m proud to say that I don’t just employ myself—I have an amazing team. Katy, Lauryn, Nimbe, Alliyah, Jerica and Ellie are all part of our business, and I genuinely could not do this without them. Lauryn and Katy have been with me from the very beginning, and I lean on them constantly. I also have incredible friends who have supported me from the sidelines, and none of this would be possible without my husband’s unwavering support.
This journey has been full of learning, growth, frustration, tears, and moments where I wanted to give up—but wedding day always reminds me why I do this.
My favorite moment will always be seeing the groom’s face when he sees his bride for the first time. Private vows are incredibly special—such a rare glimpse into their love and commitment—but knowing that the parents are taken care of and able to fully enjoy their families coming together is such an honor. Being trusted with moments like that is something I never take lightly.
Over the years, we’ve built lasting relationships with our couples. We’ve coordinated sibling weddings, friends’ weddings, and watched families grow—and every single time someone chooses us, it’s an honor. Always and forever, that’s what this work means to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While parts of my journey as a wedding coordination business owner have felt smooth and natural, it definitely hasn’t been an easy road overall. One of my biggest ongoing challenges has been balancing life as a small business owner with my roles as a wife and a mom.
This industry doesn’t always fit into a traditional nine-to-five schedule. Many consultations happen after normal work hours to accommodate couples who work full-time, and while I truly want to be available and say yes, learning where to draw the line has been difficult. Finding that balance between accommodating others and still putting my family first is something I continue to work through.
Another challenge for me has been consistency with social media. There are times when I get down on myself for not posting as much as I feel I should or for questioning whether my content truly inspires brides to book with us. It’s easy to fall into comparison with other companies, even though I know that comparison isn’t helpful. Still, the struggle is very real.
Through it all, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from perfection. These challenges have forced me to be more intentional about my time, my boundaries, and my priorities. I’m learning that balance doesn’t mean doing everything—it means focusing on what matters most, both in my business and in my life.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What truly sets us apart as a wedding coordination company is the way we intentionally connect our couples with the coordinator who fits them best. From the very first phone call, we approach the process as more of a discovery conversation than a traditional consultation.
During that initial call, I ask couples about their vibe, their personalities, and what they’re really looking for in a wedding planner or coordinator. From there, I walk them through our team and help them understand the different personalities and strengths each coordinator brings. That way, couples aren’t just booking a service—they’re being paired with someone they genuinely connect with and trust.
Each member of our team brings something unique. Lauryn is our go-getter—she’s right there on the dance floor, celebrating alongside you, and truly becomes your wedding-day best friend. Katy is more laid-back and artistic, with a calm presence that couples really appreciate. Alliyah is sweet and composed but very direct—she doesn’t take no for an answer and brings a clear, black-and-white approach when decisions need to be made. Nimbe works closely with many of our Spanish-speaking clients and is the only bilingual coordinator on our team. She is incredibly kind, calm, and direct, and her ability to communicate seamlessly in both languages creates a level of comfort and trust that is so important for our couples and their families.
If a couple chooses to work directly with me, I always tell them to expect a very nurturing approach. I tend to take on more of a “mom” role—making sure everyone is taken care of, checking in to see if they’ve eaten, hydrated, and are truly enjoying the day. It’s gentle, genuine, and comes from a place of care.
Being able to thoughtfully match our clients with the right coordinator is something I believe truly sets us apart. It allows us to create a more personal, stress-free experience and ensures that every couple feels supported, understood, and celebrated from start to finish.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
I don’t think I have just one favorite childhood memory. In many ways, I believe life is more beautiful than that. I think it’s important to romanticize our lives—especially our memories—because those are the moments we return to and try to recreate in our own ways as we grow.
If I had to name something that stands out most, it would be going to Chicago to visit my grandparents. Spending summers and Christmases there is something I truly cherish. So many meaningful moments happened during those visits—family time, celebrations, and a sense of togetherness that has stayed with me throughout my life.
I’ve celebrated many birthdays there, and my birthday falls the day after my grandmother’s, which has always made those trips feel especially meaningful. That connection, and the time spent with them, is something I hold very close to my heart and always will.
Pricing:
- Month of Coordination $1800
- Partial Planning $3000
- Full Planning Starts at $4000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventsofnv.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventsofnv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EventsofNV
Image Credits
Hills Creative Co
Tara Williams Photography
Shy Laurel photography
Colette Elyse photography
Witte Idea
Eyeronic love
