"I am so happy that we found Brenda! She reached out right after contacting her and she was so reliable from the first conversation until the very end of our wedding. She went above and beyond and responded to my many emails promptly and always with helpful answers. I had a lot of DIY decorations and she displayed them all beautifully. She was friendly, reliable, full of ideas and has a passion for the wedding industry. She also donated a part of her fee to a good cause of my choosing which is extremely giving and thoughtful. My Mom also really liked her and was so thankful I found her! Thanks Brenda!"
Brynne & Ryan
“Brenda Cali with Gatherings for Good helped me create our perfect wedding. We hired Gatherings for Good at the beginning of our 9 month engagement and throughout the engagement process she kept us on track and made the engagement care free! We trusted Brenda and Gatherings for Good for our most important day and it truly was perfect! I would highly recommend Gatherings for Good - the price point was reasonable and most importantly Brenda was kind and super fun to work with! We are now fortunate to say that our wedding planner has become one of our friends! Thank you for all you did for us and we know other brides will be lucky when they can call you their wedding planner!”
Angela & Shaun
“Brenda was wonderful in overseeing my wedding reception. I also appreciated her officiant suggestion for my vows. It really made all the difference! At the reception, Brenda kept us right on task for the event flow: opening with the MC, food being served, timing for champagne toast, cake cutting, and other logistical items.
She was fantastic in setting up the venue and responsible for event "break down", making sure I had all the items I needed to take with me after the event. She was personable with my family members and friends.”
Shannon & Ross
“Brenda is just so amazing and a delight to work with from beginning to end. Not only was she professional, timely, super competent, and responsible, but she was also very warm, creative and charming. It felt like we were planning an exciting fun event together. Brenda seemed to understand intuitively the kinds of things that we were interested in and collaborated with her own suggestions and ideas. It really took so much stress out of planning the our special day to have her right on our side. Now, I wouldn't think of organizing a big party or event without consulting with Brenda at GATHERINGS FOR GOOD!!!! Brenda we can't thank you enough for being so amazing!”
Marissa & Danny
“Words could not describe how amazed I was with Brenda and how everything turned out on my wedding day. I hired Brenda for the day of and Wow...I was very pleased. Brenda is an amazing professional women/coordinator, always on top of things. I didn't realize there were so many little details that needed to be covered, but yet Brenda was there to assist me in that. Her attention to detail is by far amazing. I had a lot of personal items and items that I didn't know where to put, but yet she made them look great. Brenda was always available when I needed to ask a question. Her response times on emails are very quick and as a bride, man was that a great thing. Or when I met with vendors and ask her last minute to join me, she was there. I didn't worry about anything on my wedding day as she kept the evening flowing. It went as smooth as can be. At the end of the evening we were able to leave with all of our items gathered and organized into all the boxes they came in. I was truly blessed with finding her and having her as my wedding coordinator. On top of all her work she does, she donates to charity, which is beyond amazing, as she deserves every penny that is paid to her. I can't thank Brenda enough for the work she did. As she did by far more then what she was hired to do.”
Ana & Miguel
“Brenda is the consummate professional. Her organizational skills are incomparable. Her attention to detail, ability to stay calm and execute to the tee is unmatched. Most importantly is her empathy and ability to provide the bride and couple support. Top top notch service.”
Brittany & Eddie
“Gatherings for Good truly helped to make our wedding seamless and unforgettable! I started working with Brenda over 6 months before our July wedding, and she was excellent about proactively checking in to make sure we were on track. She was always willing to talk through process and vendors with us, which was so helpful as we were planning our wedding remotely. Her vendor recommendations also saved us significant time, and gave us a lot of peace of mind since we knew she had worked with them.
We had a large backyard wedding on a private ranch, which presented a lot of logistics to figure out and a whole lot of day-of coordination. Brenda and her team were absolute CHAMPS in figuring out process, directing other staff, and making the wedding even more beautiful than I ever imagined in my dreams. They came in 3 hours before things started and totally transformed the reception area into the most beautiful space - it really wowed me. They kept the whole night on track and on time as well.
We would highly recommend Brenda and her team to anyone planning a wedding. If they can handle all of the curveballs we presented, they can handle anything! And make it look easy!”
Monica & Crister
“Being active duty military air force stationed overseas (japan) and a single parent and then my fiancée (at the time) is a full time nursing student in California, planning for a wedding is very challenging. We knew we needed a lot of help especially the day of the wedding. We found Brenda from Gatherings for Good and the reviews really sounded promising.
After talking to her on the phone describing to her our challenges, I didn't expect she'll take the job. She kept us on track and was very quick on replying to our e-mails. When we finally met her (just 2 weeks before the wedding), we went over at the venue and talked about the timeline of the wedding. Brenda is very detail-oriented which is an asset for this once in a lifetime event. She was also there on our rehearsal.
On the wedding day, while the bridal party was getting ready, Brenda picked up all our décor. When I came to the church, I saw everything and it was everything that I envisioned as far as the arrangement of the décor I gave her. It was the same at the reception. She was there with another staff, Karina, and they kept us on schedule on everything. They stayed there until the end to let us know that all our stuff has been packed up and delivered to our hotel room. We didn't have to do anything.
We were able to spend our valuable time having fun with our loved ones. I definitely absolutely recommend this vendor. Also, same sex friendly. Top of the line service.”
Maria & Jabrielle
“It was really easy to work with Brenda and her team and it definitely made our wedding day run so much smoother. We couldn't have been more pleased with how everything turned out.”
Katherine & Matthew
“I had a lot of DIY elements and Brenda and her Assistant were very helpful about placing things where they were supposed to go. She was very responsive, flexible and willing to help and give suggestions. Everything stayed on schedule and she was on top of everything. I would recommend Gatherings for Good for your wedding in Santa Barbara.”
Melanie & Tetlo
“I cannot say enough about how amazing Brenda was from very first time I called her all the way up to the wedding. She is very helpful, has tons of suggestions, she is SUPER organized, attentive to details and gets back to you right away. She is also very good at problem solving; we ran into a few issues (not on her part) that were very stressful but she was there all the way and we were able to solve the problem really quick. I also really loved the fact that you are able to choose a package at a very affordable price and get a lot of help which I noticed other companies charge an arm and a leg for the help she gives. If you are lost, like me when it comes to planning an event, she is your gal.
The day of my wedding was perfect. My husband I did not stress one bit because Brenda and her amazing team took care of everything. All we had to worry about was mingle and enjoy our day. We literally did not stress that day.
I highly recommend Brenda (Gatherings for Good) for any event. She is hands down the best.”
Gisselle & Danny
“Brenda and her team went above and beyond in providing Last Stage Planning & Wedding Day Coordination for my wedding. In addition to being readily available for consultation, Brenda recommended vendors and went out of her way to advise and answer all my questions. I planned my wedding cross country, sight unseen, Brenda provided exceptional assistance in advising on the local Santa Barbara area (such as hotels, restaurants, dry cleaner, bridal shower venues, dinner/ brunch locations, etc.).
Also applauds to her associate, Karina, who has the perfect upbeat personality fit to keep things running during my 'braindead- mind going a mile a minute- all over the place' bride moments. My husband also appreciated her large tequila shot pours. Definitely an asset to making our wedding so amazing and easy transition given our lack of familiarity with Santa Barbara.”
Lisa & Jeff
“I am so happy and grateful that Brenda and her team were available for my daughters wedding. I can’t stress enough how they made the night a dream come true and by allowing our immediate family a stress free event, we all had such a great time! It was the best decision I’ve made in a long time!”
Lori - Mother of the Bride
“I had a small wedding of only 50-60 guests with a limited so I didn’t originally think I needed a coordinator. This is the best money I spent on the wedding because even though I selected all the vendors and negotiated the contracts myself, Brenda followed up with everyone to make sure everything arrived and was executed the way they where supposed to the day of the wedding. All of the details that I would have not realized to do myself, she took care of. With a smaller guest list I didnt want to assign a guest the duty of helping clean up or get us down the aisle or make sure that the cake was cut or champagne was poured at the right time. Brenda made all of that happen so everyone, myself included had a care-free, fun-filled night. Her organization, responsiveness, check lists and run of show details she provided a month leading up to the wedding where great so I had no surprises during our rehearsal ceremony or the day of my wedding. So glad I choose Brenda and her helpful and sweet assistant Karina for the the best day of my life!”
Shannon & Cameron
“I can't say enough good things about Brenda! She helped make my wedding day run SO smoothly and was readily available to provide consultation and support in the months leading up to it. Brenda is very organized, has great attention to detail, and is so helpful in working with your vendors to make sure everyone is on the same page for the big day. Our wedding day was amazing and stress free thanks to Brenda. I highly recommend her to others looking for a wedding coordinator, she's the best!”
Allison & Cris
“Brenda was an exceptional wedding planner! The service she provided was above and beyond our expectations. She is organized, detail oriented and professional. She helped us to secure vendors and assisted with obtaining contracts. Brenda is experienced in planning weddings and gave us some valuable tips. Her communication was clear and timely. She also ensured that we stayed within our budget. On the wedding day, she and her assistant made sure everything went off without a hitch. She helped us stick to our timeline and was kind as well as professional in coordinating the wedding party as well as guests. Her dedication and passion were evident in helping to plan and make our wedding unique. We would love to work with Brenda again in the future.”
Angie & Chris
“She was amazing and helped us create a comprehensive timeline, alleviated our stress by overseeing all aspects of the wedding day ceremony!”
Divakar & Victoria
“I have been SINGING YOUR PRAISES to EVERYONE I’ve talked to about our wedding!!!!! I really do not even know how to say thank you enough for what a MIRACLE worker you were stepping in as you did and helping us pull off such a dreamy and wonderful wedding! We are so, SO appreciative!! Thank you so much for making our dream micro-wedding come true! You likely already know this yourself, but you REALLY stand out in your field and I’ve just been left feeling SO overwhelmingly thankful you were willing to take us on as your clients!”
Chelsea & Craig
“I found Brenda and Gatherings for Good about three weeks before our wedding and I'm so glad I did!! I desperately needed last minute help with finalizing our wedding day and Brenda jumped into action right away. Communication was constant and I truly felt at ease once she took one the reigns. Brenda immediately asked for every wedding detail I could give her and all of our vendor information. I truly felt that she cared about our event and wanted to make sure everything was crossed off of our list.
Our wedding day went flawlessly! From rehearsal with our bridal party to the chaos of meeting vendors and making sure everyone was on time. I can't imagine pulling off our day without her!
She has also been active on social media and sharing photos of our event even over a month later which definitely makes a gal feel special. Thank you Brenda :)
Susan & Frankie
Seamless, meticulous & everything you would hope a coordinator would be!!
“Brenda was so well organized, thought of many things that I did not & was extremely resourceful with a wealth of knowledge! Honestly don’t know what I would have done without her!!”
Danielle & Andrew
Great coordinator!
“Brenda Cali was there for me on the day of the event and she was organized, engaged, and in touch with all of the vendors. Highly recommend!”
Heather Nisen (on her son’s Bar Mitzvah)
Coordinated, Amazing, Worked with our Budget
“Brenda was professional, coordinated, organized, and prepared for our wedding day. She worked with our budget and had inventive ideas.”
Taylor & Ryan
“We used Gatherings for Good to assist with day-of planning for our small courthouse wedding. After the courthouse, we hosted a dinner at a nearby restaurant and transported the guests via Santa Barbara Trolley. Brenda was very responsive and was a great asset at keeping things organized.
Thanks to Brenda, I did not have to burden my family to help with little things, like picking up my bouquet or ice for our champagne on the trolley. Brenda’s assistance took a lot of stress away, and we’re so thankful for her assistance!”
Julia & Chris
“Brenda did such an amazing job. I was totally overwhelmed trying to plan our wedding from 300 miles away, but she was able to take over a lot of the details that I didn't even think of. She was in contact with all our vendors and would send me emails with questions, tasks, and updates. She created a great timeline to organize the day, which was incredibly helpful since we had our ceremony and reception at separate locations.
We really could not have done it without Brenda and her amazing assistants who were very professional and organized. They went above and beyond what I expected and our wedding was stress-free thanks to them!
Brenda and her team made me feel at ease throughout the day knowing that they had everything covered. I loved how she helped me organize my thoughts and focus my efforts as I was planning.”
Jill & Curtis
“Brenda was the absolute best!!! Shane and I were so very thankful to have her throughout our whole wedding process... not only did she get to know us, she truly wanted to get to know Shane and I as well as our love story. That was so incredible to Shane and I. It made us feel so much more seen and loved. Brenda was so supportive throughout our whole process and I knew I could reach out to her at a drop of dime and she would be there to help me with whatever questions or concerns that I may have had.
When it came down to our weeding day... Brenda and her team HANDLED it. Her and her crew made sure that myself and my husband would not have to worry about one thing!!! Our wedding ceremony and reception went so incredibly perfect, that I knew my husband and I had nothing to worry about. I can't say enough about Brenda and her team- they made our wedding day! What is even more important to us, is after our special day,
Brenda has checked in with us and has continued a long lasting relationship that is so special for Shane and I. Anyone who is looking for a wedding planner, we HIGHLY recommend and please know you will be in amazing hands throughout the whole process. We love you Brenda and your team-thank you guys for making our dreams come true!!! we love you!”
Hayley & Shane
“Brenda and her team went above and beyond in providing Last Stage Planning & Wedding Day Coordination for my wedding.
In addition to being readily available for consultation, Brenda recommended vendors and went out of her way to advise and answer all my questions. I planned my wedding cross-country, sight unseen, Brenda provided exceptional assistance in advising on the local Santa Barbara area (such as hotels, restaurants, dry cleaner, bridal shower venues, etc.).
Also applauds to her associate, Karina, who has the perfect upbeat personality fit to keep things running during my 'braindead- mind going a mile a minute- all over the place' bride moments.
Thanks for making our special day amazing!.”
Lisa & Christophe
Attention to detail and creativity shone through
“I recently worked with Brenda who truly exceeded my expectations. Brenda's ability to capture the theme of the event was unparalleled. From the decor to the entertainment, every aspect of the event was perfectly aligned with the theme and created a cohesive and immersive experience for all attendees. Brenda's attention to detail and creativity truly shone through, and she was able to bring the vision for the event to life in a way that exceeded even my wildest expectations. I would highly recommend Brenda to anyone looking to create a truly unforgettable event.”
Savanah & Zac on their baby shower
“Brenda was amazing to work with. She went above and beyond her duties. Her experience is top notch, and she is committed to you for sure. Her customer service, communication, and comprehensive tools she provides is one of a kind.
Your worries and overwhelming feelings will immediately disappear when you hire Brenda. She is very detailed, organized and has great visions to give.
Our expectations were far exceeded working with Brenda and I am glad we hired her. We couldn’t imagine our wedding day going as smoothly as it did while working with Brenda from the start. I swear you feel like she is a part of your family. We promise you won’t be disappointed hiring Brenda.”
Elizabeth & Brian
Indian Wedding in Santa Barbara - Wonderful Coordination
“We can't thank Brenda (+Gatherings For Good team) enough for orchestrating our Indian wedding flawlessly, even though it was their first time. Brenda's adaptability and dedication were remarkable. Her swift handling of last-minute challenges, from the seating chart to schedule changes and decor details, truly saved the day. The team's willingness to go the extra mile made our celebration unforgettable. @Brenda+team - you efforts will forever be cherished, and we're grateful for your role in making our day perfect.”
Prachi & Rohit
“Brenda and her team are incredible! Brenda was in consistent contact with our vendors, zipped up nitty gritty, easily forgotten, last minute details, and made wedding planning a breeze. I was fixated on a very specific look/motif and she and her team made all my dreams come true! When I walked in I was shocked at how amazing everything looked and we received a ton of compliments!
Lastly, during the reception, we had a slight issue with one of our other vendors and Brenda handled it with ease. We would book Brenda time and time again!”
Maria & Denton
Excellent Wedding Planner - Worth Every Dime!
“Brenda was a dream to work with. She helped us plan, organize, and create our dream destination wedding. She went above and beyond to help ua with every detail. We loved working with her. She was direct and professional, she remembers every detail and plans for all moments. She is organized and helped us stay on track with wedding planning without making us feel overwhelmed.”
Jessica & John
Brenda and her team were invaluable!
“If you are on the fence thinking you don't need a wedding planner, please let me tell you that you do! First, from the planning piece, Brenda was able to customize a package for us based on our needs. She was invaluable in recommending local vendors, who we would have never known about. She ran the day of the event so smoothly, allowing me to sit back and be a mom and enjoy the event to the fullest. The wedding day was beautiful, and just what we had dreamed of. Alex and Brent recently celebrated their 1-year anniversary, and our family and friends are still talking about how special the event was. Thank you again Brenda!”
Dana H. - Proud Mom of Alex
Pulled off a challenging wedding!
Our wedding (probably like many others) had many things go wrong day-of and without Brenda and her team, it would have been a disaster. So appreciate the attention to detail and day-of support! They were such a key factor in ensuring it was an incredible day in spite of everything else.
Lizzie & Juan