Photo: Brogan McNab
This October, we’re excited to celebrate WPIC Planner of the Month, Olivia Saïzonou! Olivia is not only a talented wedding planner but also someone who radiates warmth, positivity, and genuine care for her clients. Her passion for love stories shines through in the thoughtful details she weaves into each celebration, making couples feel supported and truly celebrated every step of the way.
Olivia, originally from Montreal and now in Toronto is your ultimate event maestro! With 8 years of experience in PR, she’s a pro at juggling details, managing budgets, and rolling with the unexpected twists that come her way.Olivia’s true passion lies in transforming ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences where every guest feels celebrated and cherished. Her talent for keeping cool under pressure, paired with her expansive network of vendor connections, makes her the go-to problem-solver for any event challenge.
Whether you’re envisioning a glamorous gala or a cozy soirée, Olivia has the magic touch to bring your dream to life. Get ready for an event that’s not just fun and fabulous, but uniquely you! Et elle fait tout cela en français aussi!
You speak about special and surprise moments for your couple and their guests. Please give examples of things your couples have done for their guests based on your guidance.
I don’t have an answer to this question as I always make sure to read the room and anticipate what my couples and their guests need and want. However, something I’ve implemented for most of my couples is making them understand that the day of their wedding is going to go faster than they think. I always encourage them to take 15 mins just the two of them in a separate room with refreshments and snacks to truly connect after the ceremony. Every couple I’ve done this with truly appreciates it.
What has been your biggest challenge since entering the wedding/event industry?
My biggest challenge comes from the same tool we all rely on which is social media. With over a decade of experience in PR and influencer marketing, I’ve seen how powerful social media can be for driving awareness and creating memorable ads. However, it can also be a huge source of misinformation.
Couples scroll through TikTok or Instagram and sometimes get a romanticized version of what wedding planning really looks like which can lead to them underestimating the value of having a planner. That’s why I think it’s so important to set the record straight right from the start. For me, the initial meeting is all about being real, honest, and transparent. Being clear about how I can help make their day stress-free, take off of the mental load and make their journey and day unforgettable.
What has been your proudest moment to date in the wedding/event industry?
My proudest moment this year would be the grant I received from The Canadian Black Standard and RBC. A grant allowing me to invest in my marketing and therefore impacting my visibility and business directly. This grant was allocated to Black women entrepreneurs and definitely felt like a seal of trust from both RBC and The Canadian Black Standard.
Where do you see you and your business in 2 years from now?
For Liv and Celebrate, I get to witness so many beautiful weddings, joyful moments, happy tears, and the amazing privilege of celebrating love. Over the next couple of years, I’m especially excited to focus more on destination weddings. Thanks to my multilingual skills and diverse background, I can really connect with couples from all over and help bring their vision to life, no matter where they’re saying “I do.” I’d love to share that experience and knowledge with future couples looking for something truly special.
What is something we don’t know about you that has shaped you into the incredible human that you are?
I studied Mandarin when I was younger, and it really showed me how powerful language can be. I truly believe that speaking someone’s language brings you closer not just to the person, but to their culture as well. It helps you connect on a deeper level you get to learn more about others and discover new things about yourself.
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