One of the most meaningful parts of wedding planning is creating a day that feels deeply personal — a reflection of who a couple is, where they come from, and what they value. Hannah Rose Wilson of Hannah Rose Event Design approaches wedding planning with exactly that intention, blending timeless elegance with thoughtful, experience-driven design.
I had the chance to to talk with Hannah this week to hear about her planning philosophy, budgeting priorities, timeline strategy, and how couples can truly enjoy their wedding day.
What Types of Couples and Weddings Does Hannah Love to Plan?
Hannah works with a wide range of couples, each bringing their own traditions, backgrounds, and stories into the planning process.
“I get to meet so many different couples with different backgrounds and traditions to weave into the wedding day,” she shares. “Getting to know my couples throughout the planning process is what makes each event feel unique and fun.”
Her aesthetic is best described as timeless and elegant, but never stuffy, allowing couples’ personalities to shine through while maintaining a refined, elevated feel.
A Full-Service Planning and Design Approach
Hannah Rose Event Design offers full-service planning and design, intentionally limiting the number of weddings taken on each year to ensure a high-touch experience.
“I work with up to 12 couples a year,” Hannah explains. “That allows me to connect with my couples frequently and support them through every aspect of planning.”
From vendor selection and timeline curation to hotel room blocks, tabletop design, and day-of details, She (Hannah) and her team manage the full scope of the event. On the wedding day itself, Hannah and her team will be onsite to oversee execution and ensure everything runs seamlessly.
A Common Budget Mistake Couples Don’t Realize Until It’s Too Late
One of the biggest challenges Hannah sees couples face is becoming venue-poor, allocating a large portion of the budget to the venue without fully understanding how much the remaining elements will cost.
“This often leads to stress later when couples are making decisions about design and guest experience,” she notes.
Being realistic about the full budget early on allows couples to make informed decisions and avoid difficult trade-offs later in the planning process.
The #1 Tip for a Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline
Thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to transitions, is key.
“It’s a common mistake to underestimate how long it takes to move guests from place to place,” Hannah says. “Ceremony to cocktail hour, cocktail hour to reception, that time really adds up.”
Building buffer time into the timeline ensures the day flows smoothly and prevents unnecessary stress for both couples and vendors.
Top Wedding Budget Priorities, According to Hannah
While every couple’s priorities are different, Hannah consistently sees the most impact when couples invest in:
- Flowers
- Photography
- Planning
These elements shape both the visual experience and how the day ultimately feels.
Wedding Trends Hannah Is Loving Right Now
Hannah is drawn to design choices that feel immersive and intentional.
She’s currently loving:
- Draping as a design element
- Bold color palettes beyond white and ivory
- Edible tablescapes — think baskets of bread, styled butter, olives, and nuts incorporated into the table design
As a self-proclaimed foodie, she loves when food and beverage become part of the overall aesthetic, not just an afterthought.
What Makes a Vendor Team Amazing to Work With?
For Hannah, it comes down to two things: collaboration and communication.
“Leave the ego at the door,” she says. “It also helps that I include my major vendors while building the timeline, so we don’t have to make last-minute tweaks.”
Bringing vendors into the process early creates smoother wedding days and stronger teamwork across the board.
One Piece of Advice for Couples to Truly Enjoy Their Wedding Day
Hannah encourages couples to be intentional, not only with design, but with how they experience the day.
“Don’t try to do it all,” she advises. “Be thoughtful about which formalities and activities truly matter to you.”
One of her favorite recommendations is setting aside 5–10 minutes after the ceremony for just the couple to have a drink, grab a snack, and soak in the moment together.
“It’s a great way to slow down, get something to eat, and enjoy that just-married feeling away from the crowd.”
Favorite Wedding Venues to Work At
Hannah loves working at a wide range of venues throughout the DMV, including:
- Charlottesville-area wineries such as Pippin Hill, King Family, Early Mountain, and Eastwood
- Historic Washington, DC venues — she recently worked at the Woodrow Wilson House and describes it as an incredible experience
- She’s also excited about the new structure coming to the Market at Grelen in 2027
Advice for Couples Who Want Amazing Photos and a Relaxed Day
Hannah is a strong advocate for a first look, allowing couples more time together and more freedom to enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
She also recommends assigning a family “handler” on each side to help organize group photos, and making sure those family members know ahead of time.
“The more organized we can keep the larger groups, the more time you have with the rest of your guests,” she explains.
And finally:
“Let your photographer do what they do best, finding moments naturally. You’ll get better photos while you’re actually enjoying your day.”
Connect with Hannah Rose Event Design
Couples interested in working with Hannah can connect here:
- Website: https://www.hannahroseeventdesign.com/
- Email: hannah@hannahroseeventdesign.com
- Instagram: @hannahroseeventdesign
Thank you!
Thank you to Hannah, for sharing such thoughtful insight and perspective! Hannah Rose Event Design stands out for its intentional approach, collaborative spirit, and commitment to creating wedding days that feel meaningful and beautifully executed.
If you’re planning a wedding and found this feature helpful, be sure to explore the rest of the Planner Spotlight Series or reach out if you’re looking for a photographer who values thoughtful timelines, collaboration, and a seamless wedding day experience.