Congratulations on your engagement! This is such a magical time and you're about to go on an adventure of a lifetime. I hope above all else that you Enjoy the Journey and that I can help make this special time in your life as wonderful and stress-free as possible. I'm Donna, and I've been trusted by couples planning their destination Tahoe weddings since 2005.I feel blessed to live in Nevada County which is home to the quaint historic towns of Truckee, Nevada City, Grass Valley, and parts of North Lake Tahoe, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Services
I'm an earthy Capricorn who loves rainy days and curling up by the fire. I prefer an old fashioned phone call to social media because I love connecting personally.there is so much you miss not hearing someone's voice. I love coffee.coffee in the morning, coffee with friends, coffee dates, and vintage coffee pots. I can only imagine the conversations my old pots were privy to! My faith, family, and friends are my life's treasure.
Donna, You are amazing and twice you have given our family and me a day filled with no worries, just laughter, love and sweet lovely memories. Forever grateful for your gift of details, your kindness and your love of celebrations. Thank you again. Donna, Thank you So much for the fantastic job you did in helping us to plan Katie and Taylor's wedding and for your amazing coordination of the day before and day of - worthy of a Master 3 Ring Header! Your kindness and patience throughout were sincerely appreciated.
The Grass Valley Wedding Fair in Nevada County {Truckee, Nevada City, Grass Valley, Penn Valley} is blessed with the advantage of celebrating four distinct seasons, offering unlimited possibilities when creating a wedding or special event. Be it winter, spring, summer, or fall, each seasonal transition in the foothills displays unique and endless possibilities for that special day. Planning your 2021-2022 wedding in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Nevada City, Grass Valley or the surrounding Foothills of the Sierra's?
Dear Donna, Thank you for all of your insight, patience and encouragement around our big day. We couldn't have done it without you! Dear Donna and Antonio, I have tried to write and tell you what magnificent visual and gastronomical feats you presented to us and our guests at the Foothills Event Center celebrating my husband's 87th Birthday and our recent 45th Anniversary.
Reviews (14)
Kristin F.
Jul 30, 2019
Hire Donna to plan your wedding! She is absolutely wonderful. We hired her as our full time planner as soon as we picked a venue that was in the middle of a meadow with nothing else around it. We needed EVERYTHING brought in to the venue for the big day. Donna didn't skip a beat and found us the best vendors to work with for all of our needs, from bathrooms to DJs.
I can't stress how important it is to work with a wedding planner that has a great vendor book - she saved us so much time and energy by giving us a few great options for every vendor that we needed to hire. And every vendor that we picked were great to work with - huge thanks to Donna. Planning a wedding is not easy, but she made the process as painless as it could be.
She is truly kind, patient, dedicated & hard-working. We always felt like she had our best interest at heart and that she was constantly looking for ways to make sure our day was personalized to us and went off without a hitch. Above and beyond! The day ran so smoothly, all thanks to Donna. We couldn't have asked for a better planner!
I can't stress how important it is to work with a wedding planner that has a great vendor book - she saved us so much time and energy by giving us a few great options for every vendor that we needed to hire. And every vendor that we picked were great to work with - huge thanks to Donna. Planning a wedding is not easy, but she made the process as painless as it could be.
She is truly kind, patient, dedicated & hard-working. We always felt like she had our best interest at heart and that she was constantly looking for ways to make sure our day was personalized to us and went off without a hitch. Above and beyond! The day ran so smoothly, all thanks to Donna. We couldn't have asked for a better planner!
Katy M.
Nov 22, 2018
Well the wedding day has now come and gone and I had to update my review. Donna is an angel! I knew I had a tough space plan and she helped me with all of it. From the awkward table locations and slopes to bringing in her amazing daughter for day care. It was a crazy ride as I broke my hand, live part time in the bay area, a 4 week vacation and family issues all in the middle of it.
I could not have done it without her. BTW. I am sure she saved us on things more than we paid her from her professional discounts to her garage which is a treasure trove of wedding supplies. Seriously she could run a rental supply too. As all things go there were issues on my big day but with Donna there they were minor annoyances instead of heartbreaking issues. I love Donna and would recommend her highly!
I could not have done it without her. BTW. I am sure she saved us on things more than we paid her from her professional discounts to her garage which is a treasure trove of wedding supplies. Seriously she could run a rental supply too. As all things go there were issues on my big day but with Donna there they were minor annoyances instead of heartbreaking issues. I love Donna and would recommend her highly!
Stacey N.
Nov 10, 2018
We hired Donna as a month of/day of wedding planner and we could not have been happier with the way she handled all of the details from day one. She offered us some great tips and the day of the wedding was spectacular. She was like a whisper - handling every detail quietly, gracefully and professionally. She also added many extra touches that were greatly appreciated! I would recommend Donna without any reservations whatsoever!
Kate L.
Apr 05, 2018
Brittany K.
Mar 19, 2018
Donna is by far the best coordinator any girl could ask for! Let me try to explain how amazing of a job she did by telling you about the unforeseen circumstances of our perfect wedding. We decided to have our ceremony overlooking Lake Tahoe with our reception in Incline Village, both venues outside with little to no coverage. During Septemeber, the weather is known for being nice, however, two days before our wedding it snowed and day temperatures were down to 45oF.
I was in a panic because changing your wedding, TWO DAYS BEFORE that date is wedding suicide. I guess the risk comes with the mountain territory. Donna was a champ and used her creativity and endless effort for your happiness, and arranged a new reception venue and turned it into something magical. She, last minute, arranged hot cider, coffee and tea to be served during the ceremony (we did not change that venue due to its importance) and did many other small touches that made a large impact.
So why do I recommend Donna? Because at the end of the day you need someone who not only has your interest at heart but has the creativity and passion to make any scenario amazing. She turned a ski lodge bar into a gorgeous mountain retreat! Her pricing is low for all the sweat and creativity she puts into it. Thank you Donna for rolling with the mountain punches and handling it like boss! You are amazing and I hope to use you again for other celebrations!
I was in a panic because changing your wedding, TWO DAYS BEFORE that date is wedding suicide. I guess the risk comes with the mountain territory. Donna was a champ and used her creativity and endless effort for your happiness, and arranged a new reception venue and turned it into something magical. She, last minute, arranged hot cider, coffee and tea to be served during the ceremony (we did not change that venue due to its importance) and did many other small touches that made a large impact.
So why do I recommend Donna? Because at the end of the day you need someone who not only has your interest at heart but has the creativity and passion to make any scenario amazing. She turned a ski lodge bar into a gorgeous mountain retreat! Her pricing is low for all the sweat and creativity she puts into it. Thank you Donna for rolling with the mountain punches and handling it like boss! You are amazing and I hope to use you again for other celebrations!
Sarah C.
Nov 16, 2017
Donna was the day-of coordinator for my wedding last month and I can't tell you how glad I am that she was. At the walk through of the venue, Donna was incredibly detail oriented and had so many great ideas about how to make things even more beautiful than I imagined without blowing the budget. During the month leading up to the wedding, Donna made me feel like I was her own daughter.
She went out of her way for me by lending me things for the wedding that she personally owned like fabric to drape the stage I was getting married on, chandeliers to hang from the tress, and a coffee maker for the guests. The wedding was seamless and I was virtually stress-free the day-of thanks to having Donna as my day-of coordinator. She also has so many connections with local vendors which is great.
My only critique would be how things went when the wedding ended. I hired staff through her to break things down and put things away so I wouldn't have to have my (drunk) guests helping out at the end of the night but it kind of turned into pandemonium and Donna seemed a bit flustered. I wish that part would be went a bit smoother. All in all, I would highly recommend Donna. She is communicative, creative, straight forward and incredibly professional. My wedding day was the best day of my life so far and Donna did so much to make that happen.
She went out of her way for me by lending me things for the wedding that she personally owned like fabric to drape the stage I was getting married on, chandeliers to hang from the tress, and a coffee maker for the guests. The wedding was seamless and I was virtually stress-free the day-of thanks to having Donna as my day-of coordinator. She also has so many connections with local vendors which is great.
My only critique would be how things went when the wedding ended. I hired staff through her to break things down and put things away so I wouldn't have to have my (drunk) guests helping out at the end of the night but it kind of turned into pandemonium and Donna seemed a bit flustered. I wish that part would be went a bit smoother. All in all, I would highly recommend Donna. She is communicative, creative, straight forward and incredibly professional. My wedding day was the best day of my life so far and Donna did so much to make that happen.
Savannah S.
Jun 05, 2016
Donna is incredibly talented and an absolute joy to work with! We hired her for our Lake Tahoe wedding and I couldn't be happier about how our big day turned out. I absolutely cannot imagine having made it through the experience without her. Our guests raved about our wedding for weeks after and couldn't believe how stunning the design and atmosphere were.
She led us through every step of the way, from to start to finish, and turned a potentially stressful experience into a worry-free and joyous occasion. Her eye for design, passion for event planning, and kind, easy going nature make her an invaluable asset in planning any event. I couldn't recommend her enough!
She led us through every step of the way, from to start to finish, and turned a potentially stressful experience into a worry-free and joyous occasion. Her eye for design, passion for event planning, and kind, easy going nature make her an invaluable asset in planning any event. I couldn't recommend her enough!
Tiffany S.
Feb 26, 2016
We decided to get married in Grass Valley at the Empire Mine and have our reception at the Miner's Foundry in Nevada City. Everywhere we went in the area (venues, vendors, etc.) told us to go with Donna Hoekstra at Joy of Life Events if we decided to use a coordinator. They were right. We live in Sacramento and it was great to have someone locally to guide us through each step of planning our wedding.
We ended up with the best caterer (Antonio), best DJ (Greg, Mountain Events), best flowers (Foothill Flowers), and best of all Donna. There was no need to worry about a thing. She had great ideas we would have never thought of and she and her staff took care of everything, we just had to show up and enjoy. Hiring her was the best decision we made about our wedding. I can't recommend her enough.
We ended up with the best caterer (Antonio), best DJ (Greg, Mountain Events), best flowers (Foothill Flowers), and best of all Donna. There was no need to worry about a thing. She had great ideas we would have never thought of and she and her staff took care of everything, we just had to show up and enjoy. Hiring her was the best decision we made about our wedding. I can't recommend her enough.
Andrea R.
Jan 03, 2016
After a glowing recommendation from a very reputable DJ and videographer, my husband and I booked Donna and her planning company for our wedding in September 2015. We could not have been any happier. Throughout the planning process, we were extremely impressed by her: (1) professionalism and organizational skills; (2) knowledge of the wedding industry; and (3) her ability to effectively manage vendors, guests, and the actual wedding party. Taking our preferences from our initial consultation in mind, she gave multiple tasteful and thoughtful options for each stage of the process.
Her timing was also immaculate, as she engaged us with impeccable timing - never too soon and never too late. We received many compliments from our guests regarding the decor Donna used - she has an eye for making a venue a beautiful and memorable site. We were lucky to have Donna's services, and would wholeheartedly recommend her for any event. She is easy to work with, a great communicator, and is able to take care of all the details and set-up so we could enjoy our special day without stress.
Her timing was also immaculate, as she engaged us with impeccable timing - never too soon and never too late. We received many compliments from our guests regarding the decor Donna used - she has an eye for making a venue a beautiful and memorable site. We were lucky to have Donna's services, and would wholeheartedly recommend her for any event. She is easy to work with, a great communicator, and is able to take care of all the details and set-up so we could enjoy our special day without stress.
Greg W.
Jul 16, 2015
Donna Hoekstra, owner of Joy of Life Events, is hands down the hardest working professional in our local wedding industry. I have had the pleasure and good fortune to work alongside Donna very many times over her ten years as a coordinator & designer. I know her both personally & professionally, giving me a unique insight into just how dedicated to her clients she truly is! Donna has taken design training courses and studied her craft, she has developed a 5 star sense of style and flow and as her portfolio shows.
The bride and groom looking for a wedding with world class design, elegance and flow will be well-served by hiring Donna as their Planner. I think so highly of her that my wife and I made sure we reserved Donna for our own daughter's wedding this coming September. Please take the time to contact her and by all means- book her! I did- GW
The bride and groom looking for a wedding with world class design, elegance and flow will be well-served by hiring Donna as their Planner. I think so highly of her that my wife and I made sure we reserved Donna for our own daughter's wedding this coming September. Please take the time to contact her and by all means- book her! I did- GW
Katie G.
Oct 29, 2013
I cannot recommend Donna enough -- she is incredible. She is very talented, professional and patient! : She really listened to what we wanted for our wedding and not only made great recommendations on vendors, but went above and beyond by providing ideas and products that helped us capture our theme and feel. It unexpectedly rained on our wedding day and she remained calm, called in extra resources and still made our outdoor themed wedding an absolute success - she even managed to calm me down and reminded me to enjoy every moment. I highly recommend working with Donna on weddings or any other special event you are planning.
Jan R.
Aug 11, 2013
Jan Roth In need of the consummate WEDDING SPECIALIST? This would definitely be Donna Hoekstra of NC Weds! I've known Donna for a very long time - and she has been the wedding coordinator for several of my brides. ALL OF THEM love her and the exceptional wedding she helped them realize. In my opinion, there is no one else out there with her sense of dedication to detail.
Every time she is involved in a wedding at my venue, she presents me, far in advance, schedules of "who does what and when" -- so every detail is attended to, and every wedding held here has been both professionally exceptional and tons of fun! If you are lucky enough to get Donna, you will never regret it - she will make your day SPECIAL! Jan Roth, The Roth Estate, Nevada City, CA
Every time she is involved in a wedding at my venue, she presents me, far in advance, schedules of "who does what and when" -- so every detail is attended to, and every wedding held here has been both professionally exceptional and tons of fun! If you are lucky enough to get Donna, you will never regret it - she will make your day SPECIAL! Jan Roth, The Roth Estate, Nevada City, CA
Lisa C.
Jul 10, 2013
I was one picky bride! Donna not only fulfilled my high expectations but went even further! She gave amazing advice and provided so many ideas. I completely trusted her and was so happy that my mom was able to enjoy our wedding. She took care of everything on our special day. There were soooo many little details that she set up just how I wanted. She was early to direct vendors and was the last to leave. She spoke with all of the vendors ahead of time and made changes when needed. Our day was so smooth, in my eyes because of her :. Thank you Donna for an amazing day!
Mary A.
Sep 19, 2012
Donna was great; she listened to what we wanted for our daughter's wedding, offered great suggestions but not in a bossy way. She worked her backside off, the Foundry looked gorgeous, she stayed all night to make sure there were no hiccups. She was still there at the end to offer us a ride home! She is good natured and likeable and I would use her again for my other daughters. She took all the worry out of the day so we could relax and have fun. It was perfect.
