Meet Jacqueline Kirby

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacqueline Kirby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jacqueline, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I stumbled into my purpose the moment I realized “event planning” was more than just a skill — it was an actual career. That discovery opened a door to a world I didn’t even know existed, but somehow felt like home right away. I’ve always been drawn to the power of bringing people together, and in this industry — whether it’s weddings, corporate retreats, or immersive brand experiences — I get to create the backdrop for memories that will be retold for years. It’s more than logistics and timelines; it’s about designing a space where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Knowing that I get to shape moments that matter — that’s what gives my work real purpose.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I plan events that people *actually* want to go to — No cookie-cutter timelines or played-out traditions here. I work with clients who want something different — something that feels like *them* — and together we dream up experiences that are meaningful, wildly fun, and full of personality.

I thrive on little details & big ideas and anything meaningful to our couples — getting to know our clients and their priorities is one of my favorite parts of the job because I’ll dig in and find out little nuggets of information that I can use to turn a simple detail into something incredibly impactful for our couple, even if it’s as simple as surprise In N Out at the end of the night.

What’s most exciting to me is the transformation — taking a vision (or sometimes just a vibe!) and turning it into a real, living, breathing event where people are laughing, crying, dancing, and connecting. We get to build the space where lifelong memories are made. That’s the magic — and I never get tired of it.

As a floral preservation artist, I get to take all those moments & memories and turn them into a tangible one-of-a-kind piece of art. These aren’t just pretty flowers, they’re symbols of a day, a feeling, a memory. Our process captures the beauty and emotion tied to that moment so it can live on long after the petals would have faded and we do this is so many unique forms – pressed flower frames, resin pieces including functional options like necklaces, trinket dishes, and coffee table trays!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Creativity, resilience, and collaboration have been everything in my journey — and not just in a surface-level way. Creativity isn’t just about making things “pretty”; it’s about problem-solving, thinking big, and seeing potential where others don’t. Resilience is what keeps you going when the timeline’s off, the weather turns, or you’re building a business from the ground up and it feels like everything’s on your shoulders. And collaboration? That’s the glue — with your team, your clients, your vendors — it’s how trust is built and magic happens.

For anyone just starting out: **Say yes** to opportunities that stretch you, even if they scare you a little. Get in the room, shadow someone, volunteer, experiment. Pay attention to how people *feel* in the spaces you create, not just how they look. And give yourself permission to learn as you go — the most impactful growth usually happens outside of your comfort zone even if it scares that crap out of you!

How would you describe your ideal client?

My ideal client knows exactly who they are — or at least, they’re not afraid to find out. They’re bold and intentional. They want something that feels personal and meaningful, not mass-produced or trendy-for-the-sake-of-trendy.

They care about the vibe, the story, the experience and they’re down-to-earth people who just want to do things a little differently — skip the rules that don’t make sense and lean into what *actually* matters to them. They trust the process, love collaboration, and are always up for a little fun along the way.

If they love bold colors, want their event to be FUN, and are open to planning sessions over cake, I’m all in.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sunraeplanning.com // www.impressivepetals.com
• Instagram: @sunrae.planning // @impressive.petals

Image Credits

@emilydawnphoto
@elizabethle_photography
@mareemiragliaphotography
@hannahmacphotography
@peytonmichellephoto
@kate_elizabeth_photography