Rising Stars: Meet Tony Palacio of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Palacio

Hi Tony , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up immersed in the wedding and event industry, working in my family’s business, Lena’s Events, from the age of 12. Being surrounded by flowers and special occasions at such a young age shaped my passion for the field. After high school, I took on the role of managing a wedding venue in Mesa called 12 West Main when I was just 20.

At 25, I expanded my experience by joining Noah’s Event Venue in Chandler. I was quickly promoted to a corporate role where I managed 7 venues across 6 states. However, when the company went bankrupt, it was a turning point for me. The experience, though challenging, inspired me to take the leap and start my own business. It’s been a journey of growth, resilience, and fulfilling a lifelong passion.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a relatively smooth road. Starting my business felt like a natural progression, especially after being encouraged by another lead planner who made me realize how feasible it was. The biggest challenge I face now is managing and bringing to life all the ideas I have. With so many possibilities, it can be tricky to focus and execute them effectively.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating unforgettable weddings and events, focusing on personalized details that bring my clients’ visions to life. My work revolves around designing and coordinating every aspect of an event, from the big-picture elements to the smallest details, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

I’m most proud of the relationships I build with my clients. It’s incredibly rewarding to see their joy when their dream event becomes a reality. What sets me apart is my deep understanding of the wedding industry, rooted in years of experience working in diverse roles—from family-owned businesses to corporate venues—and my passion for creativity and innovation. I strive to go beyond expectations, offering a personal touch and dedication that makes every event truly unique.

How do you think about luck?
Luck has played an interesting role in my journey, both good and bad. On the positive side, I’ve been fortunate to cross paths with mentors and opportunities that guided me in the right direction. For example, working under a lead planner who encouraged me to start my own business was a stroke of good luck that changed my career trajectory.

On the flip side, bad luck came when the company I worked for went bankrupt, which was a tough and uncertain time. But even that turned into an opportunity—it pushed me to take the leap and build something of my own. I like to think of luck as the spark, but it’s how you respond and adapt that truly makes the difference.

Pricing:

• $2,700 Month of Coordination
• $3,700 Partial Planning
• $5,700 Full Service Planning

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tonypalacio.com
• Instagram: tonypalacio

Image Credits
Brittany Nemec Photography
Brooklyn Photo
Jen Jinkens Photography