049: Jaime Kostechko of Wild Heart Events

Today's guest is Jaime Kostechko of Wild Heart Events. Known for her fun and creative designs, Jamie and the Wild Heart Events team are based in Santa Barbara, California and produce weddings locally and worldwide. Jaime loves globally influenced designs inspired by rustic fincas, australian architecture, moroccan textiles, jungalow living, bohemian chic and urban punk.

Jaime has her Bachelors degree from UCSB in Sociology, forging her path handling events and décor within the hospitality and wedding industries since 2008. Growing up immersed in interior design and with a background in restaurant management, Jaime layers color, pattern and texture with experiential moments to create unforgettable celebrations full of trend-setting details. She is one of the leading modern event designers with features in People magazine, Vogue, Domino, Martha Stewart, Brides, Green Wedding Shoes and more. 

Wild Heart Events has been named a top planner and designer by Brides, Over the Moon, The Wed, Wed Vibes, California Wedding Day and more.

Beyond her work, Jaime believes in living a life based around kindness, authenticity and inclusivity. Jaime loves hosting in her own home alongside her fire captain husband, two sons, and frenchie.

In this Episode, we discuss: 

• Evolution of Jamie's team structure over the years.
• The importance of clear roles within the business.
• Transition from high volume to high-end destination weddings, managing 22 weddings a year.
• Jamie's background in the restaurant industry.
• Transitioning to wedding planning inspired by her love for hospitality and design, and her mother's influence as an interior designer.
• Balancing motherhood and a growing business.
• Jamie's approach to incorporating calculated risks and memorable moments in her designs.
• Transition to destination weddings as Jamie's children grew older.
• Challenges in finding genuine connections and support among wedding planners.
• Importance of taking opportunities as they come and building a strong portfolio.
• Leveraging styled shoots and creative events to showcase design capabilities.
• Focusing on local events initially and expanding as the business grows.
• How destination events are much different than your local events.
• How the wedding publication landscape has definitely evolved over the past 12 years or so.

Connect with Jaime

Website | Instagram