Wedding planner · Tiburon, CA · reviewed since 2021
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%97+56.9Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%78+11.9Experts Score= 94Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.94SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#51 of 104 event plannersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 51%
5.0★★★★★27 Google reviews · 23 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Vanessa Pence Events five stars based on twenty-seven reviews, highlighting her organization, design expertise, and calm professionalism. Clients describe her as a collaborative partner who manages complex logistics, from destination weddings to day-of coordination, while maintaining strong vendor connections in the Bay Area and Napa. Feedback emphasizes her attentiveness to detail, clear communication, and ability to reduce stress for couples and families. There are no recurring criticisms or low-star patterns evident in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 27 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 27 Google reviews (27 with written comments, 12 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: value.
Vanessa Pence EventsEvent Planners median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Vanessa Pence Events: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
97
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Vanessa Pence Events: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 98.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Vanessa Pence Events: 78/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.B
78
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Vanessa Pence Events: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 37.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
27 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars27100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 27 written reviews
95%praise
Praise5595%
Complaints35%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude1729%
Would recommend1526%
Quality & results1221%
Speed & response712%
Communication47%
Honesty & trust35%
What customers talk about
We read 27 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Beyond all of that, she’s a kind, steady presence to have during an emotional, high-energy season.”
“If I could give Vanessa more than 5 stars, I would!”
“We cannot recommend Vanessa highly enough.”
“Her presentations were always thorough and creative, outlining clear options while pairing them with her expert recommendations.”
“If any challenges arose, we were never aware of any of them so Vanessa and her team must have quickly problem solved.”
“Throughout planning, she listened, had great judgment (and great taste), and was also willing to tactfully push back when she thought we were overthin…”
“She approached each event with thoughtfulness and genuine enthusiasm, taking the time to understand both of our cultures and ensuring that Jewish and…”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Vanessa Pence Events for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Paola7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 8 months ago★★★★★
If I could give Vanessa more than 5 stars, I would!
I first worked with Vanessa as a bride, and she was the best decision we made during the planning process. She’s calm, incredibly detail-oriented, and always thinks three steps ahead. I never felt stressed because I knew the event was in great hands.
My best…
Tracy5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
As the Mother of the Bride, Vanessa enabled me to essentially be a guest at the wedding. There were no worries or to-do’s which allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. My daughter/the bride, had a distinct vision for her wedding and it was through Vanessa’s professionalism, contacts and expertise that we were able…
OliviaLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
We just had our wedding May 18, 2024. Vanessa was a dream to work with. She went above and beyond in the details. We could not have done it without her. The day of was truly spectacular and the best day of our lives. You can't go wrong hiring Vanessa for your big day!
Alexandra8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 years ago★★★★★
Working with Vanessa was hands down the single best decision I made throughout the entire wedding planning process. I chatted with many different planners in the early days of my planning but the second I met Vanessa I knew she was exactly what I'd been hoping to find. Her professionalism, thoroughness, incredible…
Lucas4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★
Vanessa is the the best choice we made our entire wedding planning process. She brought to life our vision, exceeding every expectation, and gave us a fun and relaxing planning process to look back on. Her eye for design is really unmatched. She listens very intently and pays attention to detail so you don’t have…
David2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 years ago★★★★★
Vanessa was everything we could have hoped for in a wedding planner and coordinator. She was communicative, helpful, kind and understanding through the whole process. We would not have found our incredible venue and many of our vendors without her help.
Throughout the process of planning the wedding, Vanessa gave…
Highly recommend Vanessa. I'm someone who has a lot of opinions, asks a lot of questions, and has a ton of feedback, and she was such a strong collaborator through all of it.
Throughout planning, she listened, had great judgment (and great taste), and was also willing to tactfully push back when she thought we were overthinking something or there was a better way to approach a decision.
What sticks out most is how much we’ve appreciated the execution of our wedding day (and therefore, Vanessa) more with time. We’ve been to nearly 20 weddings since ours, and every time, we are grateful for Vanessa in a new way. She did so much we never even knew about without making it feel like anyone was being managed or under stress. For example, when we were taking too long making the rounds during dinner, she discreetly asked us if we'd like to keep going (we did), and expertly adjusted the schedule with the band, bar, and kitchen so we got right back on track as soon as we finished. We got to spend the day with each other and our friends and family instead of fielding questions or worrying about what was happening next. She also handled a last-minute issue with our cake beautifully, collected guest lost-and-found items, and went above and beyond to make sure we could leave for our honeymoon without worry.
Our guests had an amazing time, we had an amazing time, and the more weddings we go to, the more we realize how much of that came down to Vanessa. I would absolutely recommend her.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Wedding and engagement
KavitaAndBen1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews KavitaAndBen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We cannot recommend Vanessa highly enough. From our very first meeting, it was clear she was going to bring an incredible level of creativity and care to our weekend.
Planning a multi-day destination wedding in Mexico is complex on its own, but our weekend included a Shabbat dinner, pool party, Sangeet with Indian music and specialty vendors, a fully kosher wedding, and an after party, all across multiple locations on the property. Vanessa managed every detail seamlessly. She approached each event with thoughtfulness and genuine enthusiasm, taking the time to understand both of our cultures and ensuring that Jewish and Indian traditions were honored in a way that felt authentic and beautifully integrated.
Vanessa truly provided full-service planning. She sourced venues, identified and coordinated with every vendor, oversaw decor and stationery, managed food and beverage details, and built comprehensive timelines that allowed the entire weekend to run effortlessly. Her presentations were always thorough and creative, outlining clear options while pairing them with her expert recommendations. She struck the perfect balance between guiding us with confidence and giving us the space to make decisions that felt personal.
Her organization and composure were so amazing to work with. Detailed timelines ensured that every vendor, family member, and guest knew exactly where to be and when. Her team was equally impressive, each member had clearly defined responsibilities, from guest hospitality and welcome bag distribution to food and beverage oversight and bridal party support. Because of Vanessa and her team, we were able to be fully present and enjoy every moment without thinking about logistics.
If any challenges arose, we were never aware of any of them so Vanessa and her team must have quickly problem solved. Our guests consistently commented on how outstanding she and her team were and repeatedly asked how we found her.
Vanessa did not simply plan a wedding weekend, she orchestrated an experience that was thoughtful, seamless, and deeply meaningful. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication and could not have chosen a better partner for such an important celebration.
Services: Wedding and engagement
Paola Romero7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Paola has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If I could give Vanessa more than 5 stars, I would!
I first worked with Vanessa as a bride, and she was the best decision we made during the planning process. She’s calm, incredibly detail-oriented, and always thinks three steps ahead. I never felt stressed because I knew the event was in great hands.
My best friend booked Vanessa because she saw how amazing she was at my wedding so I got to experience it from the other side and she was just as impressive! She keeps everyone grounded, makes the day feel seamless, and look effortless.
She’s creative, stylish, and has gorgeous eye for design. Every space she touches turns into something that feels elevated, personal and intentional.
Beyond all of that, she’s a kind, steady presence to have during an emotional, high-energy season. I can’t imagine doing a wedding without her!
Kaitlin Keefer1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Kaitlin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Five stars could never capture how wonderful our experience with Vanessa was — she was truly a dream planner. From the very beginning, her organization, design expertise, attention to detail, and calm professionalism made the entire process feel seamless. But what really stood out was her warmth and care — she brought such thoughtfulness to every interaction and decision. Vanessa took the time to truly understand us as a couple and ensured that our wedding reflected who we are. She was attentive, intuitive, and proactive, often anticipating our needs before we even realized them. What could have been a stressful process became enjoyable and creative, thanks to her steady guidance and kindness. When the wedding weekend arrived, we were in awe of the care and precision she put into every element. Vanessa seamlessly managed a complex two-day build-out for our wedding day, many many vendors, a rehearsal, and a welcome party and we were able to just enjoy the celebrations with zero concerns. Beyond her professionalism and talent, Vanessa is simply a wonderful person to work with: kind, thoughtful, and deeply committed to her clients. We’re endlessly grateful to have had her as our planner and couldn’t recommend her more highly!
Services: Wedding and engagement
Tracy Beckwith5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tracy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
As the Mother of the Bride, Vanessa enabled me to essentially be a guest at the wedding. There were no worries or to-do’s which allowed me to thoroughly enjoy the day. My daughter/the bride, had a distinct vision for her wedding and it was through Vanessa’s professionalism, contacts and expertise that we were able to see her vision come to fruition. Vanessa has great taste, completes tasks on time, kept us on a manageable schedule, and was always pleasant to work with. In the end, we created a memorable day that was imbued with the unique esprit of the newlyweds. We thank Vanessa and her team and give her the highest possible recommendation!
Leighanne Neville3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Leighanne has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our luxury oceanfront destination wedding was an absolute dream come true, and it would not have been possible without Vanessa and her incredible team! From start to finish, she flawlessly orchestrated our multi-day celebration, ensuring every single detail was beyond perfection.
Vanessa was an absolute joy to work with—organized, always accessible, and incredibly responsive. She took the time to truly listen to our vision and transformed it into a breathtaking reality. Every element, from the beach ceremony, stunning floral arrangements to the elegant signage and world-class entertainment, was meticulously curated. Her vendor recommendations were spot on, bringing together the most talented professionals who exceeded our expectations in every way.
Our guests were absolutely blown away, and we were left speechless by the level of care and thoughtfulness Vanessa poured into every moment. The special touches, the seamless execution, and her ability to anticipate every need made our wedding experience completely stress-free and magical.
Vanessa and her team are not just wedding planners—they are visionaries, artists, and the hardest-working professionals you could ever hope to have by your side. If you want the wedding of your dreams, look no further. We are forever grateful!
J Chung12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews J has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Vanessa was spectacular from start to finish! It was the best decision to have her as our wedding planner. My husband and I are busy people and we were not stressing at all throughout the whole process (except for maybe the weather which was out of our control — but even then she put in all efforts to mitigate that!) My main goal for the wedding was to feel like a guest and enjoy every aspect of it myself — and Vanessa delivered. We gave Vanessa creative freedom and her design & planning was immaculate. Vanessa executed a flawless wedding that was detailed and colorful to represent us and connected us with the best vendors to provide the best experience — guests did not stop talking about it afterwards! If there is one thing to do truly invest in for your wedding — it’s a professional & experienced wedding planner like Vanessa. We absolutely would not have had this experience without her — and we are still trying to relive that perfect day!
Kailee Martens4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kailee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you're searching for a wedding planner, look no further than Vanessa Pence Events. From our very first meeting, Vanessa brought our dream wedding to life with a level of professionalism and warmth that exceeded all expectations.
Her deep knowledge of the Napa area was evident as she guided us to the most breathtaking venues and top-notch vendors. She took the time to understand our vision, style, and budget, curating options that were perfectly tailored to us. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, from the exquisite floral arrangements to the seamless timeline of the day.
What truly set Vanessa apart was her impeccable attention to detail and her calming presence. Planning a wedding from across the country can be overwhelming, but she made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. On the day of the wedding, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the joy of the moment, knowing that she had everything under control.
Our guests are still raving about how beautiful and smoothly run our wedding was. We owe it all to Vanessa’s dedication, creativity, and hard work. Hiring her was the best decision we made, and we can't recommend her highly enough!
Thank you, Vanessa, for making our wedding day the most magical and memorable experience of our lives.
Lara OwenLocal Guide · 8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I HIGHLY recommend Vanessa and I'm SO glad we hired her as our wedding planner. She took the time to get to know us as a couple and understand our vision for a laid-back, eco-friendly wedding with a high/low dining concept. She helped us find the perfect venue in wine country (given our laundry list of requirements) and had amazing vendor connections. She provided a shortlist of 2-4 vendors she thought would work for us which made picking out flowers, a photographer, catering, tableware, etc. super easy and enjoyable. She and her team also handled all the day-of coordination so we could be present with each other and our guests throughout the day.
Vanessa is extremely professional and organized, but also brings a calming vibe to a planning process that feels high-stakes and overwhelming at times. Vanessa's attention to detail and her ability to handle any situation is truly impressive. We couldn't have asked for a better wedding planner or a more perfect wedding!
Olivia SawyerLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Olivia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We just had our wedding May 18, 2024. Vanessa was a dream to work with. She went above and beyond in the details. We could not have done it without her. The day of was truly spectacular and the best day of our lives. You can't go wrong hiring Vanessa for your big day!
