We are so happy to share that Alyssa Mauro, WPICC, DWC and CWD of Event Shoppe by Alyssa & Co. Events is the “WPIC Planner of the Month” for July. Based in Concord, Ontario they service all of the GTHA and are also available for destination weddings and events.
Alyssa is a true “learner for life”, and has been certified with WPIC in Wedding Planning, Coordination and Consulting, Wedding and Event Design Fundamentals, and the Destination Wedding Planner and Coordinator certification courses.
Getting to Know You. What initially drew you to the wedding planning industry, and what made you stay?
I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of bringing people together to celebrate love, and weddings felt like the perfect expression of that. What first attracted me was the creativity, the ability to take a couple’s unique story and translate it into an unforgettable experience. But what made me stay was the impact. Being able to support couples through one of the most meaningful days of their lives, while managing the logistics and emotions behind the scenes, is both a privilege and a responsibility I truly value. Each wedding is different, and the combination of artistry, organization, and human connection continues to inspire me every day.
With over a decade of experience under the former title of Alyssa & Co. Events, the Event Shoppe by Alyssa & Co. was born. The award winning team was named as one of the Top 3 Wedding Professionals in Canada. Their work has been featured in WedLuxe, Today’s Bride, Wedding Chicks, Narcity and several other event blogs and publications.
The Real Behind the Scenes. What’s a moment in your career that completely changed how you approach planning or running your business?
The moment that truly changed everything for me wasn’t actually at a wedding or event, it was meeting the love of my life. We got married, started a family, and everything I thought I knew about balance, boundaries, and support shifted. I had built my business as a “one woman show,” but becoming a partner and a parent taught me just how important it is to lean on a team. It was no longer sustainable, or healthy to try to do everything alone. That chapter of my life made me reassess how I ran my business. I began to delegate more, trust more, and build a team culture that values collaboration and care. It’s made me a stronger planner and a better leader, and I’m so grateful for it.
Creative Process & Strategy. How do you balance honoring a couple’s vision with keeping things realistic and within budget?
It starts with listening. I always take time to understand not just what my couples want, but why they want it—what the feeling behind their vision is. Once I understand the heart of their dream, I can offer creative ways to bring that feeling to life without stretching the budget. I’m honest with them from the start about where their priorities sit in relation to their budget, and I guide them through smart decisions that maximize impact. It’s all about trust, transparency, and showing them that beautiful doesn’t have to mean over-the-top. Often, the most meaningful moments come from thoughtful details, not price tags.
The journey began in 2008 as a one-woman show and over the years has grown to a talented creative team of five. Although we specialize in luxury weddings and elevated social affairs, we share a common passion for supporting causes close to home and giving back to our community.
We participate in multiple charity events per year and are a part of the George Brown College and Humber College’s Mentorship Programs. Join us in our fight to end gender-based violence at our second annual High Tea with Anne Marie in June!
Words of Wisdom. What’s one lesson you wish you’d learned earlier in your planning journey?
I wish I had learned sooner that I didn’t have to do it all myself. In the early days, I felt like I had to wear every hat, say yes to everything, and carry the full weight of every wedding on my shoulders. But over time, I realized that collaboration, not control, is what truly leads to success. Whether it’s trusting my team, partnering with great vendors, or empowering my couples to make confident choices, learning to share the load has made the process more joyful, more efficient, and far more sustainable. Weddings are about connection, and that includes the people behind the scenes, too.
Just for Fun. What’s your go-to ritual after a long wedding weekend to reset your energy?
After a long wedding weekend, my reset ritual is all about slowing down and being present with my family. I usually start with a quiet morning. No alarms, no emails, just coffee, comfy clothes, and cuddles with my little ones. It grounds me and reminds me why I do what I do. I also try to carve out some alone time, even if it’s just a walk or a soak in the bath, to let my mind and body catch up. It’s my way of recharging so I can show up fully for the next couple and the next celebration.
Bonus: Is there a show, podcast, or book you’re obsessed with right now?
Running Point! Running a business as a woman? That’s a full-court press every day and don’t even get me started on Kate Hudson – just flawless!
Leave a Reply