Questions from Party Time with Scott Topper-
Tonya Szele, Owner + Event Planner | Soigné Productions
1. How did I become an event planner? –
Childhood on Nantucket- island known for hard work and hospitality. My professional experience in Santa Barbara began with catering management for the Wine Cask restaurant. It was later followed by venue direction and event planning for Firestone Vineyard in Los Olivos. Both experiences provided me with an extensive knowledge of event planning from every angle and for any occasion, particularly weddings. I developed an appetite for beautiful events and the means to execute them flawlessly.
2. What are a few of your favorite venues and why?
Dos Pueblos Ranch…
Firestone Vineyard’s Crossroads Estate…
The Gardens of La Bella Vita…
Santa Barbara Historical Museum…
Sunstone Winery’s Villa
3. What are the current popular trends in wedding planning?
Rustic wood tables combined with softer linen draped tables
Eclectic textiles like lace, silk, linen, burlap
Metallic wedding décor like mercury glass or hints of gold
Family style service with farm to table menus and personalized specialty cocktails
Soft, lush and romantic flowers in muted color pallets
Vintage or Bohemian accents in the style, design, attire, furniture
Non-traditional dessert stations with cupcakes, ice cream or pies
4. What sets me / Soigné Productions apart?
Boutique planning- I am directly involved with all of the weddings we plan
Calm efficiency
Detailed timelines & schematics
Our team of incredibly talented professionals
Extensive knowledge of event planning from every angle
Soigné Productions
Soigné Productions offers full-service event coordination and planning in Santa Barbara County. Our planners, led by owner Tonya Szele, live and breathe exquisite weddings while also crafting memorable corporate events, private parties, and fundraisers.
Santa Barbara, also known as “The American Riviera”, offers a breathtakingly diverse number of venues to fit any vision – from beachside private estates, to rustic ranch-style weddings, to intimate parties surrounded by botanical gardens, or wine country getaway weekends.
Tonya has over fifteen years of event experience and is well known among local venue managers and vendors. Her obsessive attention to detail translates into flawlessly timed weddings and happy couples. Her list of trusted vendors are the best in the business and just as committed to providing excellent service.
Her work has been featured both locally and nationally in Santa Barbara Magazine, The Knot, Magnolia Rouge, Us Weekly, Style Me Pretty, Snippet & Ink, Ruffled, Wedding Chicks, Junebug Weddings, Santa Barbara Chic, Green Wedding Shoes, and many others.
Able to fill a Pinterest inspiration board with lightning speed, Tonya and her team are with you every step of the way to planning the perfect event – whether it’s finding the ideal venue, managing your budget, negotiating contracts, or flawlessly coordinating the timing of your big day. We’ll ensure you spend your time enjoying the event instead of managing it!