YOUR PERSONAL WEDDING DAY ADVOCATE & FRIEND.
my name is Ricki lee mares
Planning your wedding doesn't have to be stressful when you have the right team of vendors by your side.
I have always had a passion for people. Growing up, I've always had a desire to help others grow and was sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life creating ways to live out that passion. Later in my life I entered the world of weddings through working alongside some of the most dedicated professionals in the industry doing wedding videography. A few years later, I wanted to take my new-found passion in another direction and followed this dream to work for one of the most well-known event planning organizations in Central Virginia.
It was there that the dream of Will & Rose Events came to being, and I soon found myself following in the footsteps of the talented individuals I trained alongside to step into this dream fully. Today Will & Rose Events is well-known, loved, and celebrated throughout the Central Virginia and surrounding areas.
My goal as a planner is to make the weeks leading up to your wedding exciting and fun. Planning your wedding does not have to be stressful when you have the right team of vendors by your side that have your best interest at heart.
When you hire Will & Rose Events, you can expect coffee shop planning meetings, a dance floor buddy, a shoulder to cry on, and your own personal hype woman. When I'm not planning weddings, you can find me enjoying live music, traveling, or hosting game nights with friends.
A FEW FUN FACTS
my go-to favorites and best moments
I was a division 1 athlete and swam for 17 years.
I played water polo in high school
Tall girls Unite! I've been 5'10 since I was 10 years old.
my go-to starbucks order is a venti vanilla ice coffee with cream.
let's go!
WHO ARE WILL & ROSE?
behind the name:
When deciding on a name for this business, I wanted something meaningful and unique. William and Rose are my sibling’s middle names. Our mission is to make each couple we work with feel like family. The company name was chosen in order to reflect this value!
Kind Words
"the best decision we made in planning our wedding."
From our first conversation Ricki made it clear that she was prepared and could handle literally everything - and she did!
We planned a wedding from across the country and I truly believe it wouldn't have happened as wonderfully as it did without her support. On wedding day Ricki & her team exceeded all expectations. From handling little things (like making sure the groom had the appetizers he wanted during photos!) to ensuring we stayed on time but also had a great a time, they did it all.
While I don't miss the process of planning a wedding across the country, I do miss our check-ins with Ricki! If I could do it all over again, I'd hire Will & Rose in a heartbeat and we're honestly hoping we'll be able to when my sister gets engaged!
what people are saying:
- Amanda E.
01/03
Kind Words
"the best wedding coordinators I have ever worked with!"
You could not ask for a better wedding coordinator team then Ricki and her assistant! Spectacular service!
Ricki Lee Mares and her assistant were absolutely the best wedding coordinators I have ever worked with! From the time they arrived dressed to a T with name tags and how they assisted the bride & groom, parents of the bride and groom, the wedding party and all of their family and friends to the vendors was so professional and so personal and with a smile on their faces. They stayed well after the event to assisted the guests outside for a bubble send off to helping the couple with all of their items to their vehicles! You could not ask for a better wedding coordinator team then Ricki and her assistant! I guarantee you that if you retain them you will not have to worry about anything on your wedding day! Spectacular Service!
what people are saying:
- Paul P.
02/03
Kind Words
"Ricki Lee Mares is truly the best of the best"
She is prompt, informative, helpful, kind, genuine, and just all around enjoyable to work with. Ricki and her team are fluid and flexible, which makes photographing an event with them a breeze.
She and her team were always ready to help and answer any questions that I had. She made sure that I had everything that I needed exactly when I needed it and kept everything running smoothly and on schedule.
A photographers dream. Honestly, the best wedding planner that I have ever worked with; she's a rockstar. Seriously, don't miss out on the chance to work with this amazing human. You won't regret it.
what people are saying:
- Haleigh U..
03/03
What we're all about
Advocacy
Trust
Authenticity
We're your biggest fans!
As your planner, it's my job to be a voice for your needs and provide comfort to you and your spouse on your wedding day. At Will & Rose Events, we're all about creating a space where you feel seen, heard, understood, and loved.
We've got you covered.
Wedding planning is often a deeply personal process with a lot of moving parts, people, and personalities. My team and I are skilled professionals who pride ourselves on creating a seamless, beautiful, and downright FUN experience for you in this special time of your life!
We're all about the real stuff.
Realness is refreshing and honest. From every interaction with the Will & Rose Events team, you feel treasured, special, and understood. I'm down for all the laughter, joyful moments, and everywhere in-between.
PLAYLISTS
Ever wondered what it sounds like to listen to your ideal wedding aesthetic?
From a dreamy mountainside elopement to the elegant sounds of an English manor house, and "I just worked a 12 hour wedding and this music will help me to not fall asleep on the way home", we've got you covered.
Countryside Wedding
For frolicking barefoot in your wedding dress through a wildflower garden in slow motion.
listen now
City Wedding
For that over the top, big city wedding feel featuring Frank Sinatra & Elvis Presley.
listen now
Ethereal Wedding
The feeling of running through the halls of a centuries old castle in a flowing gown.
listen now
Coffee Shop
A collection of dreamy songs compiled for your next coffee shop work day.
listen now
Wedding Travels
What it sounds like as I hype myself up for your special day on the way over in my car.
listen now
First Dance
My unique take on your first dance as husband & wife for your reception.
listen now
