HEATHER HOESCH OLSEN
Planner, CEO, Educator, Mentor, Coach, Speaker, & Podcast Host
Hi friend! If you’re reading this, consider me your new wedding industry friend. You’ve found a place you are always welcome.
Now, a little about me- growing up in Southern California, my fondest memories revolve around holiday celebrations, team sports, birthday parties, and family trips. My passion for weddings began in high school, working at a bridal salon, and later blossomed at Cal State Long Beach, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies while coordinating weddings full-time for a luxury catering company.
In just a few years, I gained invaluable experience with weddings and events of all sizes, cultures, and styles. This foundation shaped my hospitality-focused, process-driven approach to planning and designing weddings. And I know I would not be here without the mentorship I received early on.
Later I started my own boutique planning company, then joined a smaller team helping to grow it into one of the premier wedding planning companies in California & Hawaii. Now with over 20 years and 800+ weddings behind me, the owner and lead planner at Heather Hoesch Events, I proudly serve a handful of luxury wedding weekends each year. I’m still thrilled to meet each couple, hear their story, and create a day they’ll never forget.
But wedding planning shouldn’t be SO HARD. You don’t have to feel alone and there are ways to make this job better, easier, more fun and MORE PROFITABLE!
I believe we can help each other succeed, that we truly are better together. Planner Life Academy comes from a place of creating all the support I wish I had in my early years of planning. And honestly even now.
So I am here to be that for you- someone who believes in your dreams and helps you get there. Someone who holds your hand and talks you through tough times and someone who you can call when you need it the most.
20+ years
planning & designing weddings
From in-house coordination to managing a large wedding team, and planning six-figure, multi-day celebrations, I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of weddings and events.
10+ years
teaching, coaching, mentoring
For over a decade, I’ve been passionate about sharing what I’ve learned to help fellow planners avoid the mistakes I made and find success in this industry.
11+ workshops
in person workshops
I truly believe we’re better together, which is why I’ve hosted over 11 in-person workshops focused on actionable education, real advice, and creating a welcoming community.
4.5k+ planners
supported, educated, mentored, coached
It’s been an honor to support over 4,500 planners from around the world through education, workshops, and coaching. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
WEDDING PLANNER EDUCATION
“You can do this, and I can show you how.”
Starting out in a bridal shop and then in catering, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors who shaped my journey. They helped me find my passion and help me believe in myself. Now, it’s a privilege to help planners find their confidence and succeed in their careers.
When I started, I quickly realized how challenging and isolating this career can be. Quality education, like-minded community, and solid support were hard to come by. I made my share of mistakes—underpricing my services and not protecting my business properly.
That’s why I created Planner Life Academy—to offer the support I wish I’d had.
If you’re passionate about weddings, I’m here to show you how to do the job well, build a strong reputation, and create a sustainable business that works for you.
“Having Heather to lean on whenever I need a sounding board or advice on a tough situation in my business has been so invaluable as we have grown and scaled over the past few years. Her wisdom is always so cherished and I always walk away from a call feeling better and more confident in my direction forward. No matter how big you grow it is so important to gut check your business sometimes and bring in an outside perspective. Heather is a tremendous mentor and coach!”
— CRISTINE GARRISON, CMG Events
wedding planner coach
Get personalized support & coaching
Work directly with Heather through personalized 1:1 coaching. If you’re ready for tailored support, mentorship, and accountability to reach your goals, grow your business, and feel less alone, sign up today.
“I have been lucky enough to work with Heather the last four years and it has made a world of difference. To start realizing my numbers, to be able to really outline my company and what we should be charging. She has worked with me and my team to make sure our confidence in selling is top notch. We have been able to move into a more luxury planning company charging three times what we were. Heather is extremely down to earth and has been there for me for some many decisions, always gives it to me straight and has helped me become a better planner and business owner.”
— LISA, NIGHTINGALE WEDDINGS & EVENTS