Wedding Design and Planning Team
Hi! I’m Valerie, a wedding planner and designer who loves helping couples have a day that feels just like them.
Meet Valerie
I planned my own mountaintop ceremony in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, with a reception back home in Wisconsin. It wasn’t our original plan — we had to change things after canceling our destination wedding in Banff, Canada because of COVID — but it turned out even better than we hoped.
Now, I help couples plan beautiful, relaxed, and personal weddings. I take care of the details so you can enjoy your day without the stress.
When I’m not working on weddings, you can find me outside with my husband Justin and our big goofy dog, Minnow — hiking, fishing, or dreaming up our next adventure.
Let’s make your dream wedding happen — and have fun along the way!
Meet Justin, my loving husband and the true backbone of Forever Awaits by Valerie. We love working together, and Justin handles everything from hauling and moving equipment to setting up on-site. He’s the ‘muscles’ of the business, making sure everything runs smoothly, no matter the task.
A marine engineer by trade, Justin’s problem-solving skills are second to none, and his quick thinking ensures every event is seamless. He’s also one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet—always ready to lend a hand and help in any way he can.
Outside of work, Justin enjoys hunting, fishing, exploring the woods with our dog Minnow, and discovering new places. And of course, he never turns down a cold beer after a day of hard work.
If you ever need help, Justin is there with a smile, ready to offer his expertise and support. He’s the person you want by your side, and we’re so lucky to have him as part of the Forever Awaits team.
Meet Justin
Meet Minnow — our not-so-little Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the best behind-the-scenes helper at Forever Awaits.
Meet Minnow
Minnow weighs 120 pounds and is full of love, fluff, and funny moments. She always finds a way to make us laugh with her goofy personality. Whether we’re working on decorations at home or out finding items for a wedding, Minnow is right there supervising the whole thing.
She loves being outside, going on adventures, and making new friends — people and pets! Minnow adds joy, fun, and a little extra magic to everything we do.
Favorite Things
these are a few of my
After 13 years managing large corporate retail stores, I felt the pull to follow my true passion—creating beautiful, meaningful events. For years, I had loved planning and decorating weddings and parties for friends and family, always pouring my heart into every detail. Eventually, the joy I found in helping those close to me brought an unexpected opportunity: designing a wedding for someone I didn’t know. I took the leap… and never looked back.
Now, I get to do what I love every day—bringing dream wedding visions to life. I focus on the details that matter most and find ways to weave each couple’s story into their day in a way that feels elegant, timeless, and personal. Helping couples celebrate their love with intention and style is truly the greatest honor.