“It fuels my passion when I witness my couples make the greatest commitment to each other.
It really is the greatest WOW moment leading up to it after all the planning we've done together.”
—Ann Despeines
Owner & Lead Planner
MEET ANN
When I became engaged in 2014, I took wedding planning by storm. I grew passionate about every detail and every step, and I wanted to put my personal touch into every part of my special day.
I became a certified wedding and event planner and established AWE Planning, a boutique event planning company originally based in New York City - and now thriving out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
I am committed to providing a premier custom-tailored planning experience. I love going the extra mile to truly get to know each couple, establishing a genuine relationship, and turning the planning process into pure bliss.
Before I started helping couples tell their love stories, I worked in the fashion industry for over 7 years, managing runway shows and events for major fashion brands.
If I am not at an AWE event, I am hanging out with my husband, Wil, and the coolest kids, Roman, Vera and Freya or cooking up a new recipe.
ANN’S FUN FACTS—
ONE DAY I WOULD LOVE TO: Travel to Vietnam with my whole family.
MUST HAVE ITEMS AT EVENTS: My two Ps - positive attitude and phone charger!
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS: Never assume, ask. You will never know what your partner wants unless you communicate.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Ordering from the kids menu (and saying it’s for my kids). Sometimes mama just wants some dino nuggets, too.
FAV SONG: No Scrubs by TLC. Never settle, ladies and gents!
FAV PART ABOUT AWE: The amazing couples I am able to meet! It is the best part of my job. No couple is ever the same. I love getting to know them and their love story.
“I feel honored each time our couples allow us to be responsible for the most important day in their lives.
Nothing gives me more joy than making sure they have the experience they will never forget..”
—Julie Rhoads
Lead Coordinator
MEET JULIE
In 2015, I stood by Ann’s side on her wedding day and fell in love with the logistics, coordination and all the fun this special day brings. I was able to experience wedding planning and saw that no detail is too small.
By working with couples and using my event management background, I’ve learned the many facets of wedding planning and how a genuine relationship with the couple is key to a successful wedding day.
I believe in the mission and vision AWE Planning provides and how a custom-tailored experience with sincere truth and passion provided to a couple is most important.
If I am not at an AWE event, you can find me at sporting events, spending time with family and friends, and hopefully at a lake or on the beach.
JULIE’S FUN FACTS—
ONE DAY I WOULD LOVE TO: Travel on a mission trip.
MUST HAVE ITEMS AT EVENTS: Timeline and phone, and I’m ready to roll!
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR NEWLYWEDS: Always say “I love you” as tomorrow isn’t promised.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Taco Bell and Sonic mozzarella sticks!
FAV SONG: Bucket List by Mitchell Tenpenny
FAV PART ABOUT AWE: The connections we make with our couples and their families, and seeing the love pour out on their wedding day.
