Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Sirjord.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into wedding planning began in the corporate event sector in Orange County, California, where I honed my skills in organizing large-scale events and fostering community engagement. After marrying my husband Eric in 2016, we relocated to Colorado. It was here that I discovered a deep passion for more intimate, personal celebrations. Working as a Lead Planner for a well-known Boulder wedding planning company allowed me to immerse myself in the local wedding scene. In 2019, fueled by a desire to blend the serene elegance of the California coast with Colorado’s majestic mountain landscapes, I founded Calico Weddings. The name ‘Calico’ symbolizes this fusion, representing our commitment to creating weddings that embody both coastal sophistication and mountain charm.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many entrepreneurs, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Launching Calico just before the global pandemic presented unforeseen challenges. The wedding industry faced unprecedented disruptions, with many couples forced to postpone or reimagine their celebrations. Navigating these uncertainties required adaptability, empathy, and constant communication. However, these challenges strengthened our resilience and deepened our commitment to our couples, reinforcing the importance of flexibility and personalized service in our approach.
We’ve been impressed with Calico Weddings, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Calico Weddings, we specialize in curating bespoke weddings that authentically reflect each couple’s unique love story. Our services range from full-service planning and design to partial planning and day-of coordination, catering to a diverse array of needs. What sets us apart is our dedication to blending meticulous attention to detail with a warm, personalized approach. We’re honored to have been featured in esteemed publications like The New York Times, Over The Moon and Destination I Do, and to have earned The Knot Hall of Fame honors. These accolades, along with consistent 5-star reviews from our clients, speak to our unwavering commitment to excellence. Our team has grown to include talented planners like Kelly, Alyssa, and Savanna, allowing us to serve our clients even more effectively. At the heart of our brand is a passion for celebrating love in all its forms, and a belief that every couple deserves a wedding as unique and beautiful as their journey together.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
While many recognize me as the owner and lead planner of Calico Weddings, they might be surprised to learn that entrepreneurship wasn’t always part of my plan. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing from Biola University and initially envisioned a more traditional career path, as the idea of running my own business felt daunting. It was my husband, Eric, who saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet recognized. He not only encouraged me to step out on my own but also built the initial website for Calico Weddings, effectively removing barriers and setting the foundation for what would become my passion. Today, I’m incredibly grateful to lead a team of four talented women who contribute their unique skills and creativity to our shared vision. This journey has taught me that sometimes others see our strengths before we do, and embracing those insights can lead to fulfilling and unexpected paths.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calicoweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calico_weddings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calicoweddings
Image Credits
Sarah Kempers, Lindy Copeland, Abbey Rice, Chris Evans, Karra Leigh, Kaitlyn Marie
