I’m Ayla Otto, owner and founder of Events by Ayla, LLC, a full-service wedding design and planning company based in Alaska. My husband, Kyle, and I were both born and raised in Homer, Alaska. Kyle and I met when I was 18 and we’ve been together for 11 years! We currently live in the MatSu Valley with our three sons (who are all 4 years old and under). In 2017, I graduated with my Bachelors in Hospitality and Event Management from the University of Alaska, Anchorage. In 2019, I started dreaming of a way I could help people while also incorporating my passions. That’s when Events by Ayla was created! I’ve been in business for 4 years and love it more every single year!

I’d graduated with my Bachelors Degree in 2004, and I decided to go back and pursue my Masters Degree in 2007. In those 3 years, I was trying to find a job that I really thought I would be happy doing. My dream was always to work for an advertising agency in New York City! However, when I met my (eventual) husband in 2005, I decided this was no longer the path I wanted to take. I hated every job I had that required me to be stuck in an office from 9am – 5pm every day. I just knew I wasn’t cut out for that. So, I gave some thought as to what really made me happy…

Photographer: Eric Jordan of Jordan Viision Meet QC Event School graduate, Tyler Reid! Location: Atlanta, GA QC Courses you’ve taken: Luxury Wedding & Event Planning Destination Wedding Planning Website: https://www.eminentevents.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EminentEventsPlanning/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eminent.events/ Pinterest: https://bit.ly/45c5LAx Tell us a little bit about yourself, Tyler. Hi there, I’m Tyler and I’m a QC Event School graduate! […]

Are you a brand-new student of QC Event School—or thinking of enrolling? Are you looking for some tips to help you stay motivated in your online course? Alternately, perhaps you’re a recent graduate and want to start your own event/wedding planning business… But aren’t sure where to begin or how to be successful? One way […]

Look, we won’t lie—planning a wedding can be a stressful experience. From the guest list, to the dress selection and venue choices, there’s an awful lot to consider! However, it’s very important to keep in mind that one of the most crucial aspects of a successful wedding is the decor. It sets the tone for […]

As an event planner, your contract is one of the most important documents in your business. As such, it’s not enough to just have a good idea… You need to have it legally protected! Writing a solid event planning contract helps ensure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities, as well as what they […]

We all make mistakes—that’s just a part of what makes us human. Whether you’re experienced or just getting started in wedding planning, there will inevitably be times when you make blunders that could have been avoided. The important thing is to take these mistakes, learn from them, and become a better wedding planning professional as […]

If you’re planning an event and trying to decide whether to DIY your own decor or hire a professional, it can be overwhelming! On one hand, DIY event decor has the potential to save money. On the other hand, hiring a professional could mean that you get access to higher quality materials and designs. In […]

Are you an event or wedding planner looking to make more money? The answer may lie in generating revenue through email and SMS campaigns! But what is email and SMS marketing – and how should you get started? In this article, we’ll provide a beginner’s guide to email and SMS marketing so you can begin […]

Trying to plan your own wedding, a party for someone you know, etc.? Then you likely know by now that planning an event can be overwhelming and stressful. After all, it requires a lot of time and patience to ensure things go smoothly. But don’t feel overwhelmed! We’ve compiled 20 essential event planning tips for […]