Today we’d like to introduce you to Valentina Porro.
Hi Valentina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Switzerland and raised in Lake Como. Since I was a kid I was surrounded by beauty, hospitality, and tradition, all things that would quietly shape my future. After earning both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, I decided to broaden my horizons and moved to San Diego to gain international experience. What was meant to be a short adventure quickly became a turning point. I began as a trainee receptionist at a hotel and, within a few years, was managing corporate and social events.
It was in those years, working behind the scenes and watching how every detail affected a guest’s experience, that I fell in love with the art of events, the balance between logistics and design. In 2017, I founded Valentina Weddings & Events with a clear purpose: to bring European elegance and hospitality, create timeless designs, and meticulously execute events.
Today, I plan and design destination weddings in California and Italy,combining my background in venue operations with a deep appreciation for design and storytelling. Every celebration I create is rooted in care and connection, crafted for beauty, and executed with intention, this is the way I learned back home, and the way I still believe it should be.
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?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road but I don’t think it’s meant to be.
First of all I am an immigrant and I had to endure quite a few challenges in the beginning, the biggest was the language. My English was not great and working in a hotel meant I had to understand all the American accents, which was not an easy task in the beginning!
Starting a business in a new country, without family nearby or a built-in network, required patience and perseverance… There were moments when I felt out of my depth, learning the nuances of a new market while understanding a new culture, a new way of doing things…
But each challenge taught me something invaluable. My hospitality background became my anchor; I knew how to anticipate, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to make guests feel seen. Over time, I built a reputation not only for design and logistics, but for trust and that’s something you can’t shortcut. Every step, even the uncertain ones, shaped the planner I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Valentina Weddings & Events?
Valentina Weddings & Events is a destination wedding planning and design company based in San Diego, with deep roots in Lake Como, Italy. We create refined, high-touch weddings that blend European elegance with California ease.
Our work is defined by a balance of logistics and aesthetics, because a beautifully designed wedding must also be flawlessly executed.
We specialize in full-service planning for couples who value intentional design, elevated guest experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail is being cared for. Many of our clients are professionals with demanding schedules or couples planning destination weddings, so our process is highly organized and deeply personal.
What sets us apart is our dual perspective. I was raised in the hospitality world of Lake Como and trained in hotel management before transitioning into events. That experience allows me to see a wedding not only as a design experience but as a production with countless moving parts.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that we have built something genuine. We take on a limited number of weddings each year so that every couple feels seen, supported, and celebrated. The goal is not just to design beautiful spaces, it is to craft meaningful moments that feel natural, timeless, and true to who they are.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is….don’t skip steps. Don’t jump the rope just because you are eager to get to the beautiful part.
Every phase, from shadowing, assisting, and learning how a timeline truly works, builds the foundation you wll rely on when things get complex.
Take the time to understand logistics, vendor communication, and hospitality, the things that may not look glamorous on social media, but are what truly make an event run seamlessly.
Growth in this industry should feel intentional, not rushed. There is immense value in earning your experience step by step because that is how you build confidence, reputation, and longevity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valentinaweddingsandevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinaweddingsandevents/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinaporro
Image Credits
Annie Zav Photography
Carmen Santorelli photography
Madlove Media
Mirelle Carmichael Photography
Sloane Photo
