When it comes to crafting weddings that blend elegance, personalization, and an unparalleled guest experience, Julianne Young is a name that instantly comes to mind. As the founder and creative force behind Julianne Young Weddings since 2011, her work redefines what it means to plan extraordinary celebrations. Based in Calgary, Alberta, and with a reputation that extends beyond the Canadian border, Julianne specializes in full-service wedding planning, designing each celebration around the unique love stories of her clients. As a Calgary wedding planner, Julianne combines thoughtful design, seamless logistics, and warm hospitality to create events that are as timeless as they are unforgettable both for her couples as well as their family and friends.
With multiple awards, including Wedding Professional of the Year in both 2023 and 2018, Julianne and her talented team have built a well-deserved reputation for creating exceptional events. Whether planning an elegant mountain wedding in Banff or destination wedding abroad, Julianne’s meticulous attention to detail ensures every event feels deeply personal, effortlessly refined, and authentically joyous.
We had the joy of visiting Julianne in her studio recently, with her graciously sharing a window into her genius and vision, and are honoured to get to share what she had to say from her journey and expertise as a Calgary wedding planner. Enjoy the conversation!
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs and ideas, and how has your approach to wedding planning evolved since you first began your career?
My work is deeply inspired by my clients. I find immense joy in getting to know my couples on a personal level throughout the planning process. Their personalities, quirks, and stories become the foundation for the vision I create. The collaboration is where the magic happens—we laugh, brainstorm ideas, and even entertain their wildest dreams for their wedding day. These moments allow me to weave their unique story into every detail, crafting a celebration that is truly their own.
I love showcasing different sides of my couple’s personalities throughout the wedding weekend. For example, a heartfelt and romantic ceremony can seamlessly transition into a lively and playful afterparty. I believe a wedding should never be confined to a few descriptive keywords—it should be dynamic, multifaceted, and full of delightful surprises for both the couple and their guests.
Since the beginning of my career as a Calgary wedding planner, my approach has been rooted in understanding my clients on a deeper level. Building relationships and asking meaningful questions have always been at the heart of what I do. While my experience and style have evolved over the years, this client-first approach has remained constant and continues to be my guiding principle.
Is there a particular wedding or design moment in your career that stands out as a defining example of the Julianne Young Weddings aesthetic?
There are so many moments that come to mind, but my first “luxury” wedding was in 2013, and will always hold a special place in my heart. It was for Lesley and Brad at the iconic Mt. Stephen Hall, and I think about it every time I step into that space. That wedding marked many firsts for me — we incorporated custom linens, elegant candelabras, and a hand-painted invitation suite. It was the first time I experienced the magic of high-touch client collaboration, and I absolutely fell in love with the attention to detail and elevated design process.
That experience was transformative. While I always knew weddings were my calling, this milestone gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams fully. I’ll forever be grateful to Lesley and Brad for believing in me during the early years of my career and allowing me to bring their vision to life.
More recently, Meredith and Shawn’s tented wedding at Spray Meadows in Banff stands out as a highlight. It was a breathtaking combination of natural beauty, meticulous planning, and heartfelt celebration. I also cherish the weddings I’ve planned for legacy clients, such as when I have the privilege of working with siblings from the same family. These events remind me of the lasting connections I build with my clients and their loved ones.
You work with some of the most talented vendors in the wedding industry. How do you approach building a team for each event, and what do you look for in your creative partners?
I feel incredibly fortunate to collaborate with some of the most talented and passionate event partners in the industry. My approach to building a team for each wedding starts with creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and collaboration. Every event is a shared vision, and I make it a priority to engage each professional’s unique expertise. Rather than trying to be the expert in every role, I aim to empower my partners, listen to their insights, and ensure they have everything they need to excel.
When selecting vendors, I look for individuals who embody professionalism, reliability, and a kind, positive attitude. It’s important to me that our team not only delivers exceptional work but also shares a commitment to creating an enjoyable experience for the couple and their guests. Ultimately, I believe the best events happen when everyone is united in their passion and creativity, working together seamlessly to achieve something extraordinary.
What advice would you give to couples who want to elevate their wedding from a celebration to an unforgettable experience for their guests?
The key to creating an unforgettable wedding is prioritizing the guest experience. I encourage couples to focus on the elements that will leave a lasting impression, such as exceptional food and beverage options, thoughtful decor and comfortable seating, a captivating ambiance, and a timeline that feels relaxed and natural. Each of these details plays a role in making guests feel cared for and immersed in the celebration.
I also tell couples to embrace the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to break tradition or add elements that reflect your personality and style in fresh, exciting ways. Whether it’s a surprise performance, a late-night food truck, or interactive experiences, those personal touches are what guests will remember and talk about for years to come.
As the wedding industry continues to evolve, what trends or innovations are you most excited about incorporating into future weddings, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind in the high-end wedding space?
One trend that excites me is the rise of unique, multi-day destination weddings. These events go beyond the ceremony and reception, allowing couples and their guests to dive deeper into the location’s culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. I love creating experiences that feel immersive and memorable, where every moment of the weekend tells a story and brings people closer together.
Looking ahead, I hope to leave a meaningful legacy in the Canadian wedding industry. My goal is to continue raising the bar for excellence while inspiring others—especially young women—to pursue their creative passions with confidence. I’m passionate about demonstrating that success in this industry comes not just from talent but from kindness, perseverance, and a genuine love for what we do. While my journey is far from over, I hope the work I’ve done will resonate long after I’m gone.
We want to say a huge thank you to Julianne for sharing her inspiring journey and expertise. Everything she touches radiates her meticulous attention to detail, dedication to creating deeply intentional celebrations, and ability to bring a couple’s unique vision to life, and we’re honour to be working in the industry together. So if you’re looking for a Calgary wedding planner who will not only take the planning off of your plate, but will also create a deeply personalized experience with incredible care, grace and hospitality, she is the one for you.
We have more blog features to share from incredible vendors coming in future posts, so stay tuned! And if you’re engaged and looking for a photographer for your wedding, your favourite Calgary Wedding Photographers would love to connect!
xo,
David & Breanne
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