Alana Godoy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alana, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Lately, I’ve felt a strong pull to return to my cultural roots. Between my personal journey throughout the last year in Polynesian dance, collaborating with Disney for a few Moana projects, and witnessing the success of Chief of War, I’ve been reminded how deeply my heritage shapes who I am—both personally and creatively. For a long time, I was hesitant to fully lean into that side of myself, unsure how it would fit alongside my work in the event industry. I’ve always seen it as one of my greatest strengths and it’s time to pave a way for those two aspects to coexist and mingle. Embracing my culture allows me to lead with authenticity, creativity, and a sense of purpose. It’s been incredibly grounding, and it’s preparing me for an exciting new chapter coming up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Alana Godoy, owner and lead planner of Godoy Events, a Southern California–based wedding and event planning company rooted in storytelling, culture, and connection. In just three years, we’ve had the honor of planning over 60 weddings and events across the globe, from intimate celebrations to destination weddings in Mexico, Hawai‘i, Big Sur, and Azerbaijan.
What truly sets us apart is our team—a collective of talented individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds and skill sets that span event design, hospitality, entertainment, and production. That range allows us to approach every event with creativity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of how to make each moment flow beautifully.
My own background as a Polynesian entertainer influences the way I see events—as experiences rooted in movement, emotion, and meaning. We believe every couple’s story is one-of-a-kind, and our mission is to bring that story to life with intention, authenticity, and heart.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My great-grandmother saw me clearly long before I ever saw myself. She knew exactly who I was from the moment she laid eyes on me. Every lesson and piece of wisdom she shared shaped the foundation of who I am today. Even when I didn’t know where I was headed, she guided me toward becoming the woman I was meant to be.
She always believed I could do anything I set my mind to—that the possibilities for my life were truly endless. And I still carry that belief with me every day. I may not fully know who I’m meant to become yet, but the core of who I am hasn’t changed. I strive to be kind, grounded, and caring, yet strong enough to stand my ground and protect my peace. I owe that balance—and everything I am—to her.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
This is a hard question to answer, but I think it’s one that reveals so much about who we are. The defining wounds of my life came from a tumultuous relationship with my parents, being bullied at a young age, the loss of my grandmother, surviving an abusive relationship for six years, and now walking through a divorce. Each of those chapters reshaped me in ways I never could’ve imagined.
Healing has never been a single moment—it’s a lifelong process. I find joy in the little things: a shared laugh with my team, a quiet moment during setup, or witnessing the pure love between two people on their wedding day. Those moments remind me that beauty can exist alongside pain.
Through it all, I’ve learned how deeply I can rely on myself, and I’ve also learned that strength doesn’t mean shutting people out. There’s power in protecting your peace while still trusting that others can have your back. That balance—of resilience and openness—is something I bring into every part of my life and my work with Godoy Events.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is aloha—and I mean that in its truest, most encompassing sense. Aloha isn’t just a greeting; it’s a way of life rooted in love, respect, kindness, and connection. It’s about showing up with compassion, treating others with care, and moving through the world with gratitude and intention.
I try to live and lead with aloha every day. In my work, it shows up in the way we care for our clients, collaborate with vendors, and honor the emotions that come with every wedding. It reminds me that what we do is more than logistics or design—it’s about people, energy, and heart.
Protecting aloha means protecting empathy, authenticity, and community. It’s the foundation of who I am and the heartbeat of Godoy Events.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
What I understand deeply—something I think many people overlook or would consider too cliche—is that it’s supposed to be fun. Life, work, weddings… all of it. Yes, our job comes with long hours, high stakes, and a lot of moving parts, but when you approach it with joy and genuine energy, everything shifts.
At Godoy Events, we believe energy is contagious. When we show up grounded, positive, and present, our clients feel it—and that’s where the magic happens. Matching their vibe, lifting their spirits, and reminding them to enjoy their day is just as important as keeping the timeline on track.
Even the challenging moments have value—they remind us how capable and resilient we are. I’ve learned that finding joy, even in chaos, isn’t naïve—it’s strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://godoyevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godoyevents/
Image Credits
Kristina Millican Photography
Harmony Haft Photography
Taylor D’Apice Photography
Brianna Lee Photography
