Story & Lesson Highlights with Abby Barenholtz of Phoenix

Abby Barenholtz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Abby, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
For me, integrity sits at the top every single time. Intelligence and energy matter, of course, but without integrity they don’t have a steady foundation. As a wedding planner, I’m invited into one of the most personal, emotional, and meaningful days of someone’s life. That level of trust is something my team and I take incredibly seriously.

Integrity shows up in the way I communicate honestly, own my decisions, advocate for my couples, and do what’s right even when no one’s watching. It means I follow through, stay transparent, and make choices that protect my clients’ vision, budget, and peace of mind. In an industry built on emotion, celebration, and high stakes, integrity is what keeps everything grounded. It’s the compass that guides every recommendation I make and every relationship I build.

Intelligence helps me problem-solve. Energy helps me power through 17-hour days. But integrity? That’s what ensures my couples always feel safe, supported, and genuinely cared for. It’s the heart of how I show up for them time and time again!

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Abby, the owner & lead planner behind Copper Blossom Events. I plan weddings for couples who value intentional design, heartfelt moments, and having a professional in their corner every step of the way. My brand is playful, a little western, and deeply rooted in making people feel cared for, because at the end of the day, I’m not just planning events, I’m guiding people through one of the biggest days of their lives.

Something I’m really excited about right now is expanding the impact of my business beyond the wedding day itself. This past fall, we donated flowers from eight weddings to local hospices and nursing homes, and I’m in the early stages of building a nonprofit to make this effort bigger, steadier, and more accessible for more couples and vendors. There’s so much beauty left in those arrangements, and giving them a second life is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do. I can’t wait to keep growing that mission and sharing it with our community.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents absolutely taught me the most about work. I grew up watching my dad run his furniture store and my mom run her clothing boutique, and their work ethic was the backdrop of my entire childhood. They showed me what it looks like to build something from the ground up, to care deeply about your customers, and to pour your heart into a business that reflects who you are.

Their dedication to self-employment through the highs, the long days, and the constant problem-solving made me fall in love with the idea of working for myself long before I knew what my career would be. They taught me that owning a business isn’t just about flexibility or creativity; it’s about responsibility, pride, and the joy of creating something that serves others. Copper Blossom Events exists because they modeled what it looks like to bet on yourself, and I carry their example with me into every wedding I plan.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: you don’t need anyone’s approval but your own. Believe in yourself first. Your body, your choices, your cowboy boots, are all amazing. And anyone who doesn’t like it? That’s on them, not you.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I admire my grandmothers for the way they’ve lived with quiet strength, resilience, and unwavering kindness. Neither sought power or recognition, yet they’ve led by example in the lives they’ve touched, showing generosity, patience, and integrity in everything they do. Watching them navigate life with grace and a strong moral compass taught me that true influence comes from how you treat others and the values you live by every day. Their example inspires me to approach my work, my relationships, and my own life with the same thoughtfulness and heart.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Absolutely, I have tap-dancing moments at least once a week! There are days when I stop and feel such gratitude that I get to spend my time coworking with friendors I admire, exploring venues on walkthroughs, tasting menus, or diving into design visits with clients. I love that I get to structure my days how I see fit, and every wedding brings a new challenge and a new joy. Being self-employed and building Copper Blossom Events has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It’s work, but it never feels like anything less than a dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.copperblossomevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/copperblossomevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/copperblossomevents/

Image Credits
Justine Grace Photo & Film
Alyssa Ryan Photography
Stratus Adventure Photography
Erica Nicole Photo
Val Photo Co