Holly Kalkin Weddings started from a love of planning her own wedding. She enjoyed every aspect of the planning process and knew it was something she would do in the future. Holly’s background before wedding planning was working for a book publisher and planning and executing large scale author book signings for celebrity and high profile authors. But life changed and she then took on a new job which came with the title “Mom”. She decided to leave her company and stay at home with her children. That’s when her dream of wedding planning became a reality. A friend who knew how much she loved planning her wedding (and any party!) asked her to be her wedding coordinator. From that point on, Holly began her small business by word of mouth. She quickly realized she needed a team to handle the inquiries so she slowly put together a group of women who share her passion.
“I love my team and I am so proud of them. They love their brides and treat each wedding with the same level of dedication, passion and personalization that I do. You’ll love them too!” – Holly
When her children got a little older, she began to grow her business to what it is today. We are proud that a ‘stay at home mommy side gig’ has turned into such a thriving and exciting business. We are passionate about moms finding balance in their lives, while doing something they love. Our team is committed to ensuring your day is perfect from start to finish.
Holly Kalkin | Owner & Lead Wedding Planner: San Diego
When I started planning my own wedding back in 2008, I knew it was something I loved to do and felt passionate about. After quitting my job to be a stay at home mom with my first child, I soon realized that I wanted to find a small side job to balance the demands of motherhood. A friend then asked me if I would coordinate her wedding. I immediately said yes and from there a small business was born. It has now grown into so much more than a small side job but now to a bigger & growing business. I love assisting couples with one of the best days of their lives and I love working with my team of coordinators to execute their vision. My team and I have a strong attention to detail, great vendor relationships, strong organizational skills, creativeness and lots of patience! We love what we do. My background before wedding planning is traveling the country coordinating author book signings for celebrities and other high profile authors and then moving on to being a book buyer for a large publisher & distributor. When I’m not working with a special bride and groom, my time is devoted to my two young children who are heavily involved in sports and other activities. When I get a moment to myself, I love paddle boarding on the bay or going to dinner with girlfriends. I sincerely hope I have the opportunity to work with you on your special day! I love assisting couples on the first day of the rest of their lives. Let’s get started!
Kimmy Leighton | Admin – Social Media Manager – Graphic Designer
My first taste of the wedding industry began when I planned my own wedding in 2007. Shortly after our wedding, my husband and I started our own photo booth business within the event industry. With over 15 years of experience in this industry, I know the ins and outs of how events run. Thus the realization that I could be helpful to Holly Kalkin Weddings. Many years of friendship with Holly led to weekly runs, which included weekly hashing out of our business ideas and has evolved into working together. Running my own business has provided me with a great deal of experience administratively. I manage HKW’s social media platforms and design the print materials that HKW provides for our clients. I love working with the amazing and talented group of women at Holly Kalkin Weddings and look forward to contributing to the success of your wedding behind the scenes! When not working, I love to spend time hiking or biking with my husband and our two children.
Rebecca Podmenik | Lead Wedding Coordinator: San Diego
Rebecca Podmenik has nearly two decades of diverse experience in wedding planning, corporate event strategy, hotel group and business travel sales, catering, customer service, nonprofit fundraising, revenue management, and trade shows. With her forte in visual and event design and impeccable client relations, Rebecca brings her upbeat personality, go-getting attitude and customer service skills to Holly Kalkin Weddings. Rebecca manages all aspects of operations including customized site searches as well as client/vendor relations. Rebecca has a strong work ethic but remembers to balance the fun and enjoys chasing and keeping up with her three young daughters. When she’s not planning events for clients, she’s checking out Pinterest for new recipes and home décor or entertaining family and friends.
Kriselle Crane | Wedding Coordinator: San Diego
Kriselle began her love for the wedding and special events industry in 2010 as a floral designer and has continued to fall in love with the beautiful process of ‘Happily Ever After’. Energetic and passionate about the couples that she collaborates with, her tireless work ethic and attention to detail ensures all facets of the day are executed seamlessly. Kriselle is a highly skilled and innovative designer which allows the couple to rest as ease on this very important day. Partnering with Holly Kalkin Weddings as a Wedding Coordinator has been a pleasure. Outside of her working life, Kriselle loves spending time with her three children and two bull dogs.
Christine Martinez | Wedding Coordinator: San Diego
Christine specializes in magical experiences – whether it be an intimate sunset barbecue with family or the grand opening of convention center with a guest list in the thousands. Her extensive background includes large-scale corporate events and grand opening parties for VIPs, government officials, celebrities and the general public.
Christine considers it a unique honor to help couples plan their weddings. It is a great joy to see families unite and mark the beginning of their lives together.
Christine lives in Scripps Ranch, California with her husband of nearly 20 years and their two beautiful children.
Kiki Stafford | Wedding Coordinator: San Diego
Originally from Los Angeles, I have Visual Art and Design degrees from both USC and The Art Center, Pasadena. I have years of experience in the Los Angeles Production world of music videos, commercials and film, all behind the scenes, art directing, set decorating and styling my clients. Then, after planning my own wedding years ago, I knew that this is the career path I wanted to follow. My creative and visual background, sense of style, organizational skills and uncompromising attention to detail all give me the ability to help the visions and dreams of the Brides I work closely with, come to life on their gorgeous wedding day. I love to cultivate relationships with my Brides and really listen to their visions. Thankfully no weddings are one size fits all, and I love to help make your wedding fit perfectly to you. So, before you say ‘I Do’……Take me along this journey with you. I’d love to walk alongside you in the planning process creating the wedding of your dreams, while allowing you to enjoy the ride! I live in Encinitas, Ca. with my husband of 20 years, our 3 teenage daughters and a dog named Bowie.
Barb Clifton | Lead Wedding Coordinator: Phoenix
In 2015 after planning my two daughters’ weddings, I decided to take a detour from corporate, private client banking to explore the world of wedding planning. I discovered that it was one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. I am thrilled to get to do what I love every single day! The weddings I plan are filled with hints of your personality as a couple and unique, thoughtful details. I believe that no two couples are alike, so no two weddings should be either! With a focus on client service, I aim to provide personalized attention throughout the whole planning process and make sure everything is executed flawlessly. I have an uncompromising attention to detail that is essential. I so believe in love and romance! A wedding is such a personal and emotion celebration. It is a privilege to be a part of this important day and I look forward to helping you create a truly memorable event. When I’m not working with a special couple, my time is devoted to my husband Loren, family, and our labradoodle, Daisy and miniature schnauzer, Daphne.
Jordy Clifton-Harper | Wedding Coordinator: Phoenix
I received a degree in Journalism from the University of Arizona in 2014. While a student, I worked for Arizona Athletics as a Sports Information Director where I learned many skills in communication, organization and working under pressure situations with various athletic teams. I find that I thrive in the world of working under pressure. Shortly after graduation, I took an interest in working as a preschool teacher, where I was challenged to teach the future generation basic life skills that will help them carry on to be healthy, successful adults. After helping plan my own wedding in 2016, I learned there are various details and certain organizational skills one needs to possess to be in the wedding industry. After educating myself on all things wedding, I was hooked. I love being a part of couples’ biggest and happiest days of their lives. I am not afraid of a challenge, welcome couples with open arms and truly love what I do! I enjoy working with each couples’ specific needs and desires and am happy to do so to ensure your day is just as you dreamed it would be. In my free time I enjoy going to Disneyland with my husband and spending quality time with our two cats, Sherlock and Julius.
Cailin Caeg | Wedding Coordinator: San Diego
Hello! My name is Cailin! I have been in the event planning industry for eight years and counting. Creating timeless memories through meticulous planning is my passion! Let’s work together to design your perfect wedding day! I’m excited to bring your vision to life.