Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Cousins.
Hi Michelle, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually started my career in marketing after earning my degree, and my very first job out of college was working in the marketing department of a large company. One of my main responsibilities was planning and managing events, and I immediately fell in love with that aspect of the work. Over the years, I had the opportunity to plan events all over the world, which really solidified my passion for creating meaningful experiences and connecting people through thoughtful design and logistics.
When the recession hit, I was laid off, and while that was a challenging moment, it also opened the door for me to take a leap of faith. I decided to start my own company, shifting my focus from corporate events to weddings. I recognized that no matter what was happening in the economy, people were still falling in love and celebrating life’s biggest milestones. What began as a way to continue doing what I loved has since grown into a business that allows me to combine creativity, organization, and relationships every single day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Of course, it hasn’t been a smooth road. I didn’t go to college to learn how to run a business, so there were countless lessons I had to figure out on my own. Like many entrepreneurs, I experienced growing pains in those early years (everything from rebranding a few years in, to restructuring my company later on, to constantly adapting as the industry evolved). The reality is that there are always challenges as a business owner, but I’ve found that each struggle also brought valuable opportunities for growth. Over the past 16 years, we’ve been perfecting our craft as wedding planners, and through that journey I’ve grown not only as a business owner but also as an individual.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Michelle Leo Events, we specialize in full-service wedding planning and design, particularly for destination clients who are planning from afar and need an expert on the ground here in Utah. We’re known for creating highly personalized celebrations that are not only beautiful, but also seamless and stress-free for our clients and their guests. My team and I pride ourselves on handling every detail—whether that’s managing multi-day events, curating design that reflects our couples’ personalities, or coordinating with Utah’s best vendors—so that our clients can focus on enjoying the experience.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve earned with our clients and vendor partners over the past 16 years. Our work has been recognized by publications like Vogue, Martha Stewart, and BRIDES, which is incredibly validating, but what means the most to me are the relationships we’ve built and the joy our clients feel when they look back on their wedding day.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine creative design with logistical expertise. We’re not just about creating a pretty event—we’re about crafting an entire experience that flows effortlessly. That balance of artistry and precision, paired with years of local expertise, is what truly defines our work.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Honestly, no single app, book, or podcast has shaped my journey. The greatest resource for me has been real, hands-on experience—both my own and what I’ve learned from colleagues in the industry. Every event we produce and every client we serve brings new lessons, and I believe that growth comes directly from being in the work, adapting, and learning in real time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MichelleLeoEvents.com
- Instagram: @MichelleLeoEvents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleLeoEvents
