Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Marron.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I first started thinking about my career, I knew one thing for certain: I had a passion for helping people. I initially believed that path would lead me into pediatrics. However, as I grew into my internship, I realized I wasn’t equipped to handle the emotional toll that came with the work.
So, I regrouped and asked my high school counselor for guidance. She asked me what I loved to do, and I told her I loved attending concerts. To my surprise, she told me that could actually be a career. It had never occurred to me that there was an entire team of people working behind the scenes to create those unforgettable experiences.
I started a new internship in large-scale event production and was hired at the end of the program. I absolutely loved the fast pace, the organization, and the excitement of bringing events to life. Unfortunately, by the age of 21, I had reached the ceiling of what my small hometown could offer.
Inspired by my experience at South by Southwest, I packed my bags and moved to Austin. It was an incredible adventure A twenty-something in a new city, figuring life out one opportunity at a time. I began general contracting for event agencies and destination management companies, saying yes to every opportunity that came my way. From massive interactive experiences to intimate gatherings, I was exposed to every kind of event imaginable. It opened my eyes to all the possibilities within the industry.
Then one day, I met a fun group of wedding planners. I’ll admit, at first I laughed at the idea of being a “party planner.” But when they invited me to intern during their spring season, I said yes.
That one decision changed everything.
The moment I assisted with my first wedding, I was hooked. It combined everything I had been searching for: a fast-paced environment, creative problem-solving, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to create something beautiful. The best part? I was helping couples create memories they would cherish for the rest of their lives.
In that moment, I knew I had found exactly where I was meant to be.
West Monroe Events was born from that passion. It exists to give every couple who trusts us an exceptional experience, allowing them to be fully present while we bring their vision to life. This business has been 10 years in the making, and every step of my journey has led me here. I truly believe this is the path I was always meant to follow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has made me a better planner and business owner.
Moving to Austin meant starting over from scratch. I took a bartending job to support myself while networking my way into the events industry. Building West Monroe Events came with its own challenges and wearing every hat, navigating uncertainty, and learning to adapt when things didn’t go as planned.
The events industry teaches you quickly that no event is perfect. Weather changes, timelines shift, and unexpected challenges happen. Success isn’t about avoiding problems; it’s about staying calm, being flexible, and finding solutions.
I’ve also had to overcome self-doubt and learn to trust my instincts. On the difficult days, I look back at the thank-you cards I’ve saved over the years. They remind me why I do this work and the impact it has on the people I serve.
Every obstacle has reinforced one lesson: keep going. Each challenge has strengthened my resilience and reaffirmed that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
West Monroe Events is a luxury wedding planning and design company specializing in highly personalized celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique story. We believe every wedding should feel intentional, effortless, and deeply meaningful and not just beautiful.
What I’m most proud of is the experience we create. While our clients see a seamless, joy-filled wedding day, behind the scenes we’re anticipating needs, solving problems before they arise, and creating an environment where our couples and their families can be fully present. Being trusted with one of the most important days in someone’s life is a responsibility I never take for granted.
What sets West Monroe Events apart is our heart. We take the time to truly listen, understand our couples’ vision, and build genuine relationships with them throughout the planning process. We combine thoughtful design with meticulous logistics, but our greatest strength is creating a sense of calm and confidence. Our couples know they can trust us completely.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I’ve never considered myself a big risk-taker. In fact, I’m someone who likes to think things through and make intentional decisions. But the biggest risk I’ve ever taken was betting on myself.
Starting West Monroe Events was the biggest leap. Building a business from the ground up meant investing my time, energy, and resources into something with no certainty of success. Only the belief that I could create something meaningful.
That experience changed my perspective on risk. I’ve learned that the greatest risk isn’t failing; it’s never giving yourself the opportunity to try. Every meaningful step in my career has required me to embrace uncertainty, trust my instincts, and keep moving forward even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.
Today, I don’t take risks for the sake of taking risks. I take calculated risks that align with my values and long-term vision. Taking a chance on myself has been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made, and it’s the reason I get to do work that I genuinely love.
Pricing:
- Starting at $2500 for Month-of Event Management
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westmonroeevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westmonroeevents_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Westmonroeevents/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WestMonroeEvents
