Meet Bea Alvarado

We were lucky to catch up with Bea Alvarado recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bea, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose wasn’t a single moment of realization—it was a journey shaped by passion, experience, and a deep love for creating unforgettable moments.

I’ve always been drawn to celebrations, but my true calling became clear when I realized how much I loved not just planning events but crafting experiences that make people feel special. My journey in the event industry began in 2012, and in 2021, I took a leap of faith and started my own company, Petite Soirée. That was the moment everything clicked—I wasn’t just planning events; I was designing emotions, memories, and moments that last a lifetime.

What solidified my purpose was seeing how my work brought joy, ease, and beauty into people’s biggest milestones. Whether it’s a wedding, a vow renewal, or a luxury micro-event, I love translating my clients’ visions into something tangible, sophisticated, and deeply personal.

My purpose is to make life’s most meaningful moments unforgettable, and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m Bea Alvarado, the Founder & Creative Director of Petite Soirée, a luxury event planning and design studio specializing in micro weddings and milestone celebrations. My focus is on creating beautifully curated, intimate experiences that feel both effortless and elevated.

What excites me most about what I do is the ability to transform a vision into something tangible—bringing together stunning design, seamless logistics, and thoughtful details to craft unforgettable moments. I truly believe that the best events aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about how they make people feel. Whether it’s an intimate vow renewal, an elegant private estate wedding, or a milestone birthday, I love curating experiences that reflect my clients’ unique stories while ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly.

Petite Soirée is built on the idea that small gatherings can have just as much impact as grand celebrations, if not more. The intimacy allows for deeper connections, elevated details, and a truly personalized approach to luxury event design.

Right now, I’m focused on refining my brand, expanding services, and continuing to create content that inspires and educates couples looking for an elevated but stress-free wedding experience. There are some exciting things in the works, and I’m always looking for ways to push the boundaries of event design and storytelling.

For anyone looking to celebrate life’s biggest moments in a way that feels beautifully intentional, Petite Soirée is here to make it unforgettable

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Adaptability & Problem-Solving
Events are unpredictable. No matter how well you plan, something will always require quick thinking—whether it’s a last-minute weather change, a vendor delay, or a client request that evolves mid-event. Being adaptable and solution-oriented has allowed me to handle challenges with grace and confidence.

Advice: Learn to stay calm under pressure. The best way to develop this skill is through experience—whether by assisting seasoned professionals, taking on small projects, or even planning personal events. The more you face real-time problem-solving, the sharper this skill becomes.

2. Strong Communication & Relationship-Building
Success in event planning isn’t just about logistics—it’s about people. Building trust with clients, vendors, and teams is essential. Clear, confident communication ensures everyone is aligned, and strong relationships open doors to better opportunities, collaborations, and long-term growth.

Advice: Focus on developing clear and professional communication skills. Whether through networking events, public speaking opportunities, or simply practicing effective email etiquette, strong communication will set you apart early in your journey. Also, prioritize relationships—your network will be one of your greatest assets.

3. Creative Vision & Attention to Detail
What makes an event truly memorable is the thoughtful curation of every detail—from the color palette to the guest experience. Having a strong creative vision and the ability to execute it with precision has been a defining factor in making Petite Soirée events stand out.

Advice: Stay inspired. Follow trends but also develop your own unique style. Take courses in design, styling, or event production, and immerse yourself in creative spaces—fashion, architecture, and even nature can inspire fresh ideas for event design.

Final Thought
For those just starting, my biggest advice is to be patient and persistent. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but every experience (good or bad) is a lesson that brings you closer to your goals. Stay passionate, keep learning, and always strive to bring something special to the table.

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client values thoughtful design, elevated experiences, and seamless execution. They appreciate the artistry behind event planning and trust me to bring their vision to life with creativity and precision.

The best collaborations happen when clients:

Prioritize quality over quantity – They understand that intimate, well-curated celebrations can be just as impactful as grand events, if not more.

Trust the process – They come with a vision but are open to creative direction, allowing me to refine and elevate their ideas into something truly special.

Want a stress-free experience – They recognize the value of professional planning and design, allowing them to fully enjoy their celebration without getting caught up in the details.

Appreciate the little things – They love personalized touches, beautiful aesthetics, and meaningful details that make an event feel uniquely theirs.

Understand that luxury is about experience, not excess – They want their event to feel elegant, intentional, and timeless, not just over-the-top for the sake of it.

Ultimately, my ideal client is someone who wants to celebrate life’s biggest moments in a way that feels effortless yet unforgettable—and trusts Petite Soirée to make that happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.petitesoiree.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petitesoiree.planning/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/petite-soir%C3%A9e-santa-ana?osq=petite+soiree

Image Credits

Jazmine Alexa Photography and Holly Sigafoos Photo