Q: Alena, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your journey into the wedding industry began?
Absolutely! My name is Alena La, and I’ve been professionally involved in the wedding industry since 2019, although the spark was ignited much earlier. My first hands-on experience came when I planned my own wedding back in 2015. I’ve always been fascinated by the glamour and elegance of the 1920s—especially The Great Gatsby—and naturally, my wedding reflected that vintage spirit. At that time, I was studying to become a painter, but during one theory class, I had this sudden clarity: I didn’t want to paint on canvas—I wanted to create unforgettable experiences. That morning changed everything for me.
Q: That’s such a beautiful origin story. How did you go about turning this passion into a profession?
The first step was to educate myself. I started researching international programs and discovered the New York Institute of Art and Design. Thankfully, online learning made it possible to study from my home in Finland. I enrolled and spent the next 1.5 years immersed in all things wedding planning. It was rigorous, rewarding, and completely confirmed that this was my calling.
Q: What was your first major project as a wedding professional?
In 2019, I led the organization of Kotka Love Häät, an international wedding event that was part of Kotka’s Week of Love. With a team of incredibly talented people, we brought together vendors, creatives, and couples for a celebration of love and inspiration. It was such a meaningful way to officially step into the industry and plant my roots in my hometown of Kotka.
Q: You’ve also worked as a Master of Ceremonies. How did that evolve?
Life took an unexpected turn in 2021 due to personal tragedy, and I made the difficult decision to close my wedding planning business. It was one of the hardest choices I’ve had to make, especially leaving the Finnish Wedding Planners Association, where I had found such a supportive community.
However, I never stepped away from weddings entirely. I transitioned into working as a Master of Ceremonies (MC), which gave me a new kind of creative freedom. Over the past three years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with couples who truly feel like the right fit. That’s very important to me—just like in love, compatibility matters. Now, I only accept couples I feel deeply connected to. This way, the collaboration feels authentic and meaningful.
Q: What do you love most about being part of someone’s wedding day?
That’s easy—the dances. There’s something incredibly emotional and tender about those moments: the bride and her father, the groom and his mother, and the newlyweds during their first dance. I’ve seen fathers with tears in their eyes, mothers trembling with nervous joy. I remember one mother asking me, “How did I do?” and I told her, “It was absolutely beautiful.” Her face just lit up. That’s what I live for—those small, powerful moments.
One of the most touching things ever said to me came from a groom’s mother: “Thank you. This was worth waiting 40 years for.” That kind of feedback stays with you forever.
Q: What are your current goals and dreams for the future?
Right now, my focus is on growing LaLaWed magazine. I want it to become a trusted source of inspiration and information for couples across Europe. I’m also planning to launch my own cake studio, blending my love for design and celebration. And, of course, I’ll continue working as a Master of Ceremonies, because I can’t imagine giving that up—it fills my heart every time.
Q: Do you have any advice for couples planning their big day?
Absolutely. First, try to delegate as much as possible to professionals. Let them handle the logistics so you can stay emotionally present and enjoy the process. Second, don’t stress over the little things. If something doesn’t go as planned, let it go. Weddings are about celebrating love—not perfection. And finally, be in the moment. It’s your day, and it deserves your full attention and joy.
Q: Where can couples find more inspiration or get in touch with vendors?
I always recommend visiting www.lalawed.org. It’s a curated platform filled with trusted wedding professionals from all over Europe. From photographers and planners to florists and dress designers, you’ll find everyone you need to plan the celebration of your dreams. And who knows? If your love story is as unique as you are, it might even be featured in our next issue of LaLaWed magazine.