Meet Jennifer Donaldson

We recently connected with Jennifer Donaldson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, 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?

As a designer with over 20 years of experience, my work is inspired by a rich tapestry of influences—antiques, art, vintage attire and jewelry, textiles, architecture, literature, music, and historical events. These elements come together to form the foundation of my eclectic, multilayered event aesthetics. My deep appreciation for all things vintage fuels my passion for preservation and repurposing, creating beauty from what once was.

Life’s twists and turns have always brought me back to my core: being a creative soul. There’s nothing I love more than exploring the unique thoughts and needs of my clients, translating emotions into imagery and crafting visual affirmations of what matters most to them. This process is deeply rooted in who I am.

My creative journey began during childhood summers spent with my grandparents, who instilled in me a strong sense of self, curiosity, and a love for exploring potential through creativity. They were my earliest inspirations, laying the groundwork for the path I follow today.

For over three years, I’ve had the pleasure of designing weddings and special events professionally, though my passion for wedding planning spans more than 30 years. It began with a college course, grew through planning events for family and friends, and evolved during my work in the interior design and construction industry. Seven years ago, I planned my first paid wedding, which reignited my passion and led me to plant a rose trellis and establish my boutique venue, lovingly called “My Garden.”

And so, the journey has come full circle. From childhood inspiration to professional fulfillment, this creative path has been both my history and my future.

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 endlessly inspired by the unique stories of my couples, which led me to found Willow & Bloom Events as a way to channel my creativity into crafting beautiful and meaningful weddings. This year has been especially exciting, after years of dreaming and planning, I opened the gate to My Garden. A boutique venue
offering an affordable and intimate space for celebrations, bringing both elegance and charm to the wedding industry.

Every wedding and celebration is a reflection of the couples I work with. As a planner, designer, coordinator, and host, my role is to bring their vision to life. Each event is a delicate composition of elements, seamlessly woven together to create a harmonious aesthetic that tells their story. From decor to styling, every detail is thoughtfully curated to craft a setting that feels uniquely theirs.

My expertise in wedding planning and floral artistry has allowed me to create memorable celebrations in some of Southern California’s most stunning venues. I am especially drawn to hosting events in historical spaces, such as The Oviatt in Downtown Los Angeles—a place I affectionately call my home away from home. These locations hold a charm that complements each couple’s distinctive love story.

My Garden is nestled in the heart of historic Orange Estates, in the City of Downey. This boutique venue is a 1933 California Hacienda-Ranch style home designed by renowned architect Kirtland Cutter. With its exposed wooden beams, white textured exterior, and terracotta roof, the home is brimming with character. The courtyard terrace is a haven of romance and whimsy, home to butterflies, blue jays, and a perfect backdrop for celebrations.

My Garden accommodates up to 75 guests and features meandering pathways, grand fruit trees, a lagoon pool with ambient lighting, weeping vines, vibrant jacarandas, pink magnolias, and the gentle presence of doves and hummingbirds. Couples who book from My Garden planning and coordination packages are welcomed to host their special day in this enchanting space.

To enhance their event, I offer access to my collection of whimsical and vintage treasures, including linens, floral vases, vintage plates, stemware, flatware, tea cups, and more. Additionally, my floral design services are available to create arrangements tailored to their vision and budget.

I am supported by an incredible team of professionals, including photographers, videographers, makeup artists, florists, caterers, officiants, rental companies, DJs, and more—trusted experts I’m proud to recommend. Couples are invited to explore My Garden Guidebook for more details about hosting their event in this magical setting.

Hosting in My Garden is truly a joy, and I look forward to helping couples bring their dreams to life in this charming, one-of-a-kind venue.

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?

Perseverance – Creativity is a skill that takes time, patience, and persistence to develop. Along the journey, you will inevitably encounter challenges and make mistakes, but these moments are where the greatest growth occurs. Perseverance allows you to embrace the process, giving yourself the freedom to experiment, refine, and improve through trial and error. Too often, we focus solely on the end result and lose sight of the beauty in the creative journey itself. Staying present in the moment and believing in what you do will ultimately lead to truly remarkable results.

Collector – My passion for all things vintage began in childhood, nurtured by my mother, who introduced me to the world of antiques. She often took my siblings and me on adventures to explore local antique shops, sparking my fascination with the stories behind each piece. From vintage jewelry and gloves to furniture, plates, and tea cups, my collections are more than just objects—they are pieces of history that inspire me. These treasures are not hidden away but woven into my daily life and the events I design. Incorporating them into weddings and celebrations adds a layer of personality, nostalgia, and meaning, helping to tell each couple’s unique story in a visually compelling way.

Communication – In my opinion, the art of communication is fundamental to building strong, trusting relationships with couples. Clear, proactive, and transparent communication sets the tone early on, giving clients confidence that you’ll bring their special day to life. Over the years, I’ve refined this skill through both personal and professional experiences. Those closest to me have instilled a strong work ethic and emphasized the importance of listening, collaboration, and exceptional customer service. It’s through consistent practice and repetition that I’ve developed the proficiency to foster trust and guide couples seamlessly through the planning process.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

Planning, designing, coordinating, and hosting weddings and events is my passion! My ideal clients include newly engaged couples, brides-to-be, and mommas-to-be—anyone looking to create beautiful, magical moments to celebrate life’s most special occasions.

I believe that everyone deserves the same level of care and visual beauty for their day, regardless of budget. I take great joy in offering intimate, beautiful, and affordable weddings or events in My Garden and beyond.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the sweetest couples, creating celebrations that truly reflect their love stories. To ensure I’m the right fit for each client, I offer complimentary in-person consultations, where we can connect and I learn about the event of their dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willowandbloomevents.com
• Instagram: @willowandbloomevents
• Facebook: @willowandbloomevent
• Yelp: Willow & Bloom Events
• Other: *please note that my website is in the works. Should be running by year end. Please still list in your article. Thank you

Image Credits

Photography: JVV Photography
Hair & Makeup: Patty Vega Beauty