Meet Danielle Horvatin

We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Horvatin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Danielle, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is something many wedding planners face, especially when starting out or stepping into new challenges.

For me, the key to overcoming it was embracing my expertise and recognizing the unique skills I brought to the table. Instead of questioning my abilities, I leaned into what set me apart—finding a niche that allowed me to stand out. I discovered that I thrived in planning camp weddings and working with nontraditional clients, two areas that require a distinct approach. While they might not seem unconventional at first, they present unique logistics and creative opportunities that I learned to master. By focusing on this niche, I built confidence in my abilities, knowing I was creating something truly special for couples who didn’t always see themselves reflected in mainstream wedding planning.

I also made a point to continuously learn and grow. Staying updated with trends, attending workshops, and networking with industry peers helped me strengthen my skills and gain confidence. The more I invested in expanding my knowledge, the more I realized I belonged in this space.

Reflecting on client success stories was another game-changer. Seeing the weddings I planned come to life and witnessing the pure joy of my couples reminded me that my work had a real impact. Those moments validated my skills and reassured me that I was delivering exceptional results. And whenever doubts crept in, re-reading positive reviews became a powerful reminder of the value I bring.

Most importantly, I learned to normalize challenges. Imposter syndrome is common in many professions, especially in a creative and deeply personal industry like wedding planning. Once I accepted that, I was able to shift my focus from self-doubt to my strengths—and that made all the difference.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I founded Rosewood Weddings with the belief that every couple deserves a wedding that feels deeply personal, intentional, and reflective of their unique story. As a wedding planner and designer based in Milwaukee, I specialize in crafting celebrations that go beyond trends—focusing instead on meaningful details, seamless execution, and a warm, welcoming experience for couples and their guests.

What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to create spaces where love is truly celebrated in a way that feels authentic. I have a deep appreciation for nontraditional weddings and have carved out a niche working with couples who want something different—whether that’s a weekend-long camp wedding filled with adventure, an intimate celebration in a historic venue, or a thoughtfully designed event that blends cultural traditions in a fresh, modern way. I love the challenge of designing experiences that feel effortless and personal while handling the logistics that make them run smoothly.

Beyond aesthetics, I view my role as someone who helps couples feel at ease during what can be an overwhelming process. My background in digital marketing and events has given me the ability to blend creativity with strategy, ensuring not only a beautiful wedding but a well-organized and stress-free journey leading up to it.

Right now, I’m excited to continue expanding Rosewood Weddings, reaching more couples who are looking for an approach that’s thoughtful, distinctive, and tailored to them. I’m always working on filling the gap in the industry—offering real, practical advice and inspiration for couples who don’t always see themselves represented in traditional wedding media.

At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to creating weddings that feel like home—where couples can be fully themselves, surrounded by the people they love most.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back on my journey with Rosewood Weddings, three key qualities and skills have been the most impactful in shaping my success:

Adaptability: Weddings are full of moving parts, and no matter how much planning goes into them, unexpected challenges always arise. Whether it’s a sudden weather shift for an outdoor ceremony, a last-minute vendor cancellation, or navigating family dynamics, I’ve learned that staying calm and adaptable is essential. The ability to think quickly and find creative solutions has been a game-changer.

For those starting out, practice problem-solving by taking on smaller-scale events first. Learn to anticipate challenges before they happen, and develop a mindset where obstacles are just opportunities to get creative. Volunteering for event planning roles or shadowing experienced planners can help you build this skill in real time.

Strong communication: At its core, wedding planning is about people—building trust with couples, collaborating with vendors, and ensuring seamless coordination between everyone involved. Clear communication sets the tone for a stress-free experience. Managing expectations, listening to clients’ unique visions, and articulating ideas effectively have been crucial to my success.

You can always practice active listening, get comfortable leading meetings, and develop the ability to convey complex ideas in a way that puts people at ease.

Defined niche: Finding my niche—working with nontraditional couples and designing camp weddings—allowed me to stand out in a crowded industry. While wedding planning is a broad field, carving out an area of expertise helped me attract clients who truly resonate with my approach. Having a strong creative vision, paired with an understanding of logistics, has allowed me to design events that feel both personal and polished.

Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, take time to identify what excites you most about event planning. Whether it’s intimate elopements, large-scale luxury weddings, or eco-conscious celebrations, specializing in a niche helps you build confidence and become known for something specific. Experiment, learn what fuels your passion, and don’t be afraid to showcase your unique perspective.

For anyone early in their journey, my biggest piece of advice is to stay curious and keep learning—whether through hands-on experience, mentorship, or continuously refining your craft.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Aside from unconditional love—which I know isn’t a given for everyone—my parents gave me something just as powerful: their full and unwavering support. No matter how big or wild my ideas were, they never shut them down. Instead, they helped me shape them into something real, making sure I never felt like anything was out of reach (even when I was definitely reaching for the clouds).

They’ve also been my biggest cheerleaders. For an entire year, my mom was the only person reading my blogs and newsletters. In the early days of my business, I even used my own wedding photos to promote my services. It was a true “humble beginnings” kind of journey, but I rarely felt discouraged because I always had them in my corner, rooting for me.

The way my parents believed in me—consistently and without hesitation—is a huge reason why I have so much confidence today. In a world where it’s easy to feel anxious and unsure, having that kind of unwavering support has been invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rosewoodwed.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosewoodwed/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-horvatin-986124134/