Meet Your Planners

Maria Bednard - Founder & Lead Planner

Hi, I’m Maria! My love affair with events began with planning weddings in the mountains of Stowe, Vermont, but it was the vibrant energy of Austin that truly stole my heart. After years of orchestrating large-scale productions for tech giants and Austin FC celebrations, I realized my favorite moments weren't the big crowds—they were the intimate, 'once-in-a-lifetime' details.

I founded Austin Event Company to give couples their engagement back. My goal is simple: I handle the spreadsheets, the vendor calls, and the logistics, so you can focus on the 'I do.' I’m here to make sure your wedding feels like you, without any of the stress that usually comes with it.

Let us handle the hosting duties so you can enjoy being the guests of honor

Rachel Renfro - Lead Planner

Originally from New Jersey, Rachel is our Lead Planner who blends a sharp creative eye with a calm, focused approach to logistics. She moved to Austin to pursue her passion for events, quickly becoming an expert at managing the intricate details that make a wedding day move.

Rachel’s secret to success? The ability to think ten steps ahead. While she holds a Master's in Education, she now uses those skills to keep wedding parties organized and timelines tight. She’s the person you want in your corner for everything from design brainstorming to expert family-photo wrangling—yes, the 'teacher voice' is real, and it’s a lifesaver!