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Refined Events
Service levels: Full-service planning
Team size: 1
About Refined Events
Refined Events
Refined Events specializes in creating unforgettable experiences for any and all occasions! From weddings to corporate events, we offer customizable packages to fit your unique needs! Let us handle the details so you can enjoy the celebration!
As a wedding specialist open to all events, I bring a fresh, creative approach with meticulous attention to detail and a calming presence. Though just starting out, my focus is on delivering personalized experiences for any client, ensuring each event is uniquely memorable.
In three words: Honest, Organized, Positive
Services by planning level
Full-service planning
Pricing starts at $3,500
Partial planning
Pricing starts at $1,800
Day-of coordination / wedding management
Pricing starts at $1,000
Event design
Pricing starts at $600
Destination wedding
Pricing starts at $1,000*
*Plus % of total wedding costs
Elopement / microwedding
Pricing starts at $900
A la carte
Pricing starts at $250
Reviews
Write a review4.1 out of 5
12 reviews
- HN
Hope N.
Disappointing day of coordination
We hired Refined Events (Bailee Holmquist) for day-of coordination about a month before our wedding after our original coordinator became unavailable. Based on the reviews and our initial consultation, we felt reassured that Bailee would help make the transition stress-free. Given the short notice, we also created a 45-page wedding binder to ensure she and her team had everything needed. The planning meetings were okay, but brief, typically 30 minutes at most, and left us feeling like we had not covered much. We still trusted Bailee’s experience working weddings and expected the day to be handled professionally. 4 days before our wedding, Bailee informed us she had COVID and could no longer provide the day-of coordination services. Her lead coordinator, Daniela Martinez (Danny), would take over. During our call with Danny, she assured us she would do everything Bailee would have done, would have our binder printed and onsite, and would coordinate the rehearsal. We also discussed communication expectations: I did not want constant check-ins, but specifically asked that key transitions be communicated. Danny also indicated that her assistant would be onsite. Unfortunately, the preparation and execution did not reflect that communication. At the rehearsal, Danny arrived late after we had already started. She appeared unfamiliar with the ceremony lineup and flow, so we ultimately had to lead the rehearsal ourselves to ensure she understood it. Her comment that she would have a “2 hour call with Bailee tomorrow” left us extremely concerned that the person taking over our wedding was still not prepared two days before it. Danny was delayed on our wedding day due to a car accident, which was outside her control, and we have never blamed her for that. Our concern was that we had to contact her to learn what had happened. She ultimately arrived without the binder and continued to appear unfamiliar with the plans. When my hairstylist was significantly delayed, I had to prompt Danny to contact her and ultimately tell her not to come; my wedding party then did my hair. When our photographer was delayed, we had to tell Danny to follow up. When catering arrived, a member of our wedding party had to direct them to Danny. During the ceremony, Danny failed to properly cue the DJ, causing my bridal entrance to be rushed. She incorrectly told our wedding party that we did not want the arch moved despite our explicit instructions. Danny also did not make any announcements during the reception. She did not facilitate key transitions, aside from the cake and a server issue she identified. What was especially disappointing was how our concerns were handled afterward. The day after the wedding, we provided a detailed written account. Rather than directly evaluating whether the contracted services were fulfilled, the responses focused on our “feelings” versus Danny’s “perspective.” We were ultimately denied a refund despite our concerns that several contracted responsibilities were not fulfilled. Ultimately, this was also a failure of business management. Bailee chose and represented Danny as the replacement coordinator and reassured us that she was prepared. Properly preparing and briefing a replacement is the responsibility of the business, not the couple or their wedding party. Unfortunately, Refined Events added stress rather than removing it. Based on our experience, we would not recommend this service. If we could give 0/5, we would.
- EG
Emily G.
Disappointing experience
We had a disappointing experience with Refined Events from start to finish. The planner was responsive and helpful initially, but communication dried up after just a few weeks into our engagement. She missed two scheduled meetings without showing up, and when we tried to reschedule, she didn't follow through. To make matters worse, after we'd already signed the contract, she informed us she couldn't attend our wedding day and would send someone else instead. We decided to end our contract rather than risk having an unfamiliar planner on such an important day. We cannot recommend Refined Events based on our experience.
Bailee Garcia•Aug 22, 2026Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m genuinely sorry that you walked away from your experience with Refined Events feeling disappointed. While I respect your decision to share your experience, I do want to respectfully clarify some details for anyone reading this review. Your contracted service was for day-of coordination, rather than partial or full-service planning. With day-of coordination, the majority of active coordination and communication begins approximately 30–60 days before the wedding, as outlined in the scope of the service and discussed on the consultation call. Prior to that , I still made multiple check-ins and remained available to answer questions whenever assistance was needed. Because of this, I don’t feel it is accurate to describe our communication as having “dried up” a few weeks after booking seeing as your wedding was planned for October 3rd. Regarding the scheduled meetings, I did have to miss one meeting, and I communicated that I would be unable to attend prior to the scheduled meeting time. We worked to reschedule afterward. I absolutely understand that any change to a scheduled meeting can be frustrating, and I apologized for the inconvenience that caused. I also completely understand the concern surrounding the change in lead coordinator for your wedding day. When I first had to switch your coordinator and realize that I would personally be unable to attend, I communicated that with you and arranged for another vetted coordinator rather than leaving your wedding without coverage. I checked in with you multiple times regarding that change to make sure you were comfortable moving forward, and during each conversation you were understanding about the circumstances. When you ultimately decided you were no longer comfortable proceeding with the replacement coordinator, I respected your decision to end our agreement and proceeded with a refund. I never want a couple to leave an experience with my company feeling disappointed, and I am sorry that this was ultimately how you felt. At the same time, I believe it is important that the full context and timeline of events are represented accurately. I sincerely wish you both the very best and a beautiful wedding day.
- AA
Alexis A.
Lacking in attention to detail
I will first start out by saying Bailee was amazing during our first meeting. She had great reviews, was energetic, inviting and had a vibe that I was looking for in a day-of-coordinator. Which is why we initially hired her! In our meetings leading up to the big day, there were some instances where she had to reschedule due to car trouble which I was understanding about but there was also one meeting she missed because she overslept. On the day of it started out great, she checked in with me at the hotel and let me know she was getting a few more things for her kit before heading to the venue. She even grabbed an extra charging block for our video guestbook which I appreciated! When it came time to line up for the ceremony, it was my cousin and friend who were bridesmaids that ended up having to gather everyone beforehand. My mom asked Bailee for the flower baskets and ring briefcase and she gave them to her without flower petals and without the rings in the briefcase. During cocktail hour, we had a room flip and she did a good job with laying out the necessary centerpieces for the tables, but there was a name card change we wanted done that didn't happen. We also did not have any of our cocktail hour apps saved for us so that was a bit disappointing. She was able to go and pickup our slurpees as part of our late night snack and that was a hit with our guests, so we appreciated that! For the end of the night, she was in charge of taking down all of the decorations. I packed the decor intentionally in bankers boxes that were all labeled and there were plenty of boxes for the decor to be taken down and organized neatly. But it seemed like everything was just shoved into boxes, but I realize that is something I could've been more specific about in the breakdown process. I just assumed it would've naturally happened that way with her experience. Overall, I still appreciate all the work and effort she's done to make our special day run smoothly. But I would preface if you are a very detail oriented and type A bride, she might not be the coordinator for you.
Bailee Garcia•Jul 15, 2026Alexis, Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. I'm genuinely glad there were parts of your wedding day that you felt went well, and I really appreciate you recognizing those! I of course want to acknowledge the areas where you felt disappointed. Because I am always reflecting on my business and looking for ways to improve, and feedback like yours is something I want to take very seriously. There are a few details I'd like to respectfully clarify. During the grand entrance lineup, I intentionally handled communication with the DJ myself so you and your husband wouldn't have to worry about any logistical issues on your wedding day. For Ceremony, Regarding the flower baskets and ring briefcase, I gave those items to your mother because she was with the children and requested them. I very shortly after brought the petals to them way before ceremony started. Looking back, I could have confirmed exactly when and to whom they should have been handed off, and I take responsibility for that. I also want to address something that wasn't mentioned. During the wedding day, I experienced a very comment from your husband that I perceived as disrespectful. While I understand that may not have been his intention, it was difficult to navigate in the moment. Even so, I continued serving you both to the best of my ability because my priority was making sure your wedding day was successful. I truly am sorry that parts of your experience with me didn't meet your expectations. Every wedding teaches me something, and I'm very committed to continuing my education, strengthening my systems, and providing the best experience possible for every couple I work with. I sincerely wish you both nothing but happiness and a lifetime of wonderful memories together.
- HK
Hayley K.
Saved the day last minute!
We can't say enough about Refined Events and how they stepped up for us when we needed it most. Our original coordinator quit last minute, and Bailee came through without hesitation to take over the planning. She communicated with us quickly and kept things simple throughout the process, which was exactly what we needed during a stressful time. From the decor setup to every last detail, she nailed our vision and made everything look exactly how we imagined. She handled all our needs seamlessly and gave us the stress-free day we were hoping for. We are so grateful to have found such a reliable team, and we'd recommend her to any couple looking for a coordinator who truly cares!
Bailee Garcia•Jul 15, 2026Hayley, Thank you so so much for this. It was an absolute dream working with you and Duncan! I’m so happy to hear I was able to be even a small part in the best day of your lives! I wish you both nothing but the absolute best in your marriage!
- VK
Vanh K.
Day of Coordinator
My husband and I hired Bailee as our day of coordinator and we cannot express how grateful and appreciative we are of her on our big day! In the beginning, we were very hesitant to hire a day of coordinator, we thought that we could handle it ourselves and with our venue coordinator. Although our venue coordinator was outstanding, we thought having an extra hand would be helpful. Our first initial contact with Bailee was inviting and comfortable. She was so kind and knowledgeable. We hired her for day of coordination but she went above and beyond that. She was so helpful with our timeline, asking questions that we would have never thought of to get us prepared, and making sure she was available for any questions we may have had. The day of the wedding, she was SO helpful. I had some last minute changes and last minute issues with the decor and she stepped up and made it all so perfect. She put the bride and groom first. I cannot express that enough. Never once did she seem overwhelmed, stressed, or flustered. Working with Bailee, we can tell she knows what she is doing and is passionate about the job. Our venue coordinator who has never worked with her, had nothing but great things to say about her as well. I have already recommended her to several friends. We are so grateful that she was part of our big day! You will not regret hiring her!
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