Charless Coldon is more than a wedding planner—she’s a storyteller, an artist and a masterful orchestrator of unforgettable moments. As the founder and creative force behind Coda’s Collective, Charless has redefined wedding planning by infusing every celebration with soul, meaning and undeniable elegance. Her journey began with a passion for creating connections, sparked by her upbringing in a family that made every event feel like a masterpiece.

Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Charless brings a global perspective to her work, inspired by her travels and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Known for her modern sophistication, attention to detail and ability to weave personal narratives into every design, she transforms weddings into immersive experiences that reflect the uniqueness of each couple.

Charless’s innate creativity, coupled with her meticulous planning and heartfelt approach, has earned her a reputation as one of the most innovative wedding planners in the industry. From intimate elopements to grand destination weddings, Charless and her team at Coda’s Collective ensure every love story is celebrated in a way that’s authentic, timeless and unforgettable.

For Charless, wedding planning isn’t just a profession—it’s her life’s passion. Whether you dream of a classic affair, a whimsical celebration, or a bold, boundary-pushing event, she is dedicated to crafting the “happily ever after” you’ve always envisioned…

1. What inspired you to start Coda’s Events and pursue a career in wedding planning?

Initially, the inspiration behind Coda’s came from my beautiful pup, Koda. As a family who cherishes celebrating birthdays, I found it essential to extend this tradition to Koda. He is, after all, like my firstborn. Surprisingly, after sharing Koda’s birthday party on social media, we began receiving inquiries for dog parties. This unexpected turn of events was a tremendous relief and offered me an exciting avenue to express my creativity.

The name “Coda’s” is a creative fusion of my last name, Coldon, and the adorable “Koda bear.” It holds a special significance as it represents a blend of my family’s rich history of hosting memorable parties and my initial vision of planning dog parties. From a young age, my mother’s elaborate themes, elegant attire, and her ability to make my birthdays feel like grand holidays ignited my passion for creating exceptional experiences. Combining these cherished memories with my love for dogs, I found my true calling in Coda’s.

In essence, the word “coda” signifies the concluding passage of a piece or movement. In a broader sense, it symbolizes the “happily ever after” that I have found through Coda’s, where I get to combine my passions and create joyful moments for both dogs and their loving owners.

2. How would you describe the unique style and aesthetic that sets Coda’s Events apart from other wedding planning companies?

At Coda’s, we aspire to ensure each love story is captured through the allure of handwritten artistry. We strive to create a sense of modern sophistication in our designs, characterized by depth and dynamic movement. While maintaining our brand’s stylistic essence, we possess the adaptability to blend seamlessly with diverse locations and embrace the individuality of each project we undertake, making Coda’s a truly versatile design company.

3. Can you share a memorable event or wedding that you’ve planned and what made it particularly special or unique?

Nora and Mike, an ordinary couple at first, desired a unique wedding with a jewel-tone, art deco theme. Initially, they were hesitant to provide specific details, but as we delved deeper, their shared passion for writing and books emerged. Inspired by their love story, we crafted a narrative-driven wedding.

The invitations were wrapped in leather, symbolizing the binding of a book. The escort card display featured a bookshelf adorned with colorful vintage books. Each guest received a personalized library card indicating their table and showcasing one of the couple’s favorite books marked as “checked out.” The welcome sign resembled a book cover, while the menus were booklets filled with crossword puzzles, poems, and event details. This event, with its intricate details and exceptional couple, remains my most memorable to this day.

4. How do you approach incorporating the individual personalities and visions of couples into their wedding designs?

From the onset of the planning journey with Coda’s, a profound understanding of our clients is paramount. Their preferences, habits, and aspirations are meticulously explored through a comprehensive design questionnaire and personal interactions. This deep insight enables us to craft an event that is uniquely tailored to each client, reflecting their individuality in every aspect. From midnight snacks to calming scents, every detail is carefully considered to create a personalized and unforgettable experience.

5. What role does destination wedding planning play in your services, and what are some of the challenges and rewards of planning weddings in different locations?

In collaboration with Coda’s Travels, our sister company, we excel in designing and executing destination weddings. Drawing from our extensive travel knowledge and experience, we streamline the planning process, ensuring a seamless journey for our clients. We are dedicated to exploring diverse destinations and securing exclusive benefits that add a touch of uniqueness and create unforgettable wedding experiences.

6. As the creative director, how do you stay up-to-date with the latest wedding trends and design inspirations?

There’s no way for me to truly keep up without my incredible team. I typically pick their brains at our team meetings. We chat about the latest trends, try to guess what’s coming next, and talk about the new accounts we’re following to stay in the know. We scope out different platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. So in other words, social media. Although it gives me a migraine, it’s the holy grail.

7. Talk us through an average day in your life…

My average day in life is unique, and if my team saw this question, they’d probably laugh. I start my day at around 9 am with my best pal, Koda. I hydrate with a glass of ice-cold water with lemon, and then I make my coffee in a French press—the only way I like it. After frothing my caramel macchiato creamer, I spend about an hour working on my computer (checking emails, updating our systems, and completing any administrative tasks).

Next, I take care of my garden, watering my veggies, flowers, and plants. After a refreshing break, I get ready for the day. If I’m working from the studio, I start meetings at around 11 am. My workdays are usually a mix of emails, phone calls, and client meetings (virtual and in-person). I’ve been trying to finish work by 6 pm unless I need to accommodate a client’s request.

I’m in my work-life balance era.

On days that I’m not in the office, my routine is similar, but I also do walk-throughs, client tastings, and event production. On my off days, I sleep… a lot. I spend quality time with Koda outdoors, try new restaurants, and sprinkle in weekend trips if I catch the travel bug during the busy season. But there are really no off days for a business owner. Even on these days, I still find myself responding to emails here and there.

8. Could you tell us about some of the key team members at Coda’s Events and the roles they play in creating unforgettable wedding experiences?

There’s a reason we call them Charley’s Angels. All of them are truly heaven-sent. One thing I always emphasize is the importance of teamwork, and our team is a prime example of how collaboration can lead to success.

Emiliana, my right-hand woman for the past four years, is an indispensable asset to our team. She ensures that everything runs smoothly—from managing emails to organizing systems and making sure our clients have a great experience. Before sending out any important documents, I always consult with her for a final review.

And let’s not forget about “Koda bear,” our fearless leader, who keeps us focused and aligned.

9. How do you ensure seamless coordination between vendors, venues, and other elements to bring a couple’s wedding vision to life?

There is no cute way to answer this question. There’s also no easy way to answer this question. So. Much. Communication. Emails, phone calls, meetings—whatever we need to do to ensure everyone is on the same page.

10. What advice would you give to couples who are just starting their wedding planning journey and looking for a wedding planner?

Selecting a planner is similar to dating—it’s a journey of finding the right match. Asking tough questions upfront is essential to determine compatibility. Beyond their zodiac sign, consider if you genuinely connect with them. This person will be privy to your budget, family dynamics, and sometimes even your deepest secrets. If you don’t have a good vibe, it’s best to move on. Finding the right planner is like embarking on a dating journey, with the ultimate goal of finding a rewarding and long-lasting partnership.

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11. In your opinion, what are the most important factors for creating a truly magical and memorable wedding experience for couples and their guests?

Prioritize personalizing your wedding to reflect your unique love story. Your guests will appreciate the genuine touch, and the event will become an unforgettable memory for everyone.

12. How do you infuse personal touches and elements of storytelling into the wedding designs you create?

Incorporating personal touches into each of the four senses—sight, sound, smell, and touch—is a passion of mine.

• Sight: We customize stationery and other elements to create a cohesive visual experience.
• Sound: We strive to provide music that guests genuinely enjoy, not just the overplayed Cha Cha Slide.
• Smell: We encourage couples to combine their favorite scents to create a unique signature fragrance that they can continue to enjoy beyond their wedding day.
• Touch: We pay close attention to the quality of materials used in everything from linens to stationery, ensuring guests can feel the quality and that the materials connect to the theme or the couple’s story.

13. Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?

I wouldn’t do anything differently. Every moment that I’ve experienced has a purpose. I think every moment happens for a reason, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without those moments.

14. Our readers love to travel. Where do you call home, and what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

St. Louis, Missouri—the city where I was born and raised—will always hold a special place in my heart. As an avid traveler with a passion for exploring diverse cultures, I’m thrilled to soon call Melbourne, VIC, Australia, my new home.

When it comes to my bucket list, the most challenging question is determining my next travel destination. Morocco has captivated my imagination since discovering my ancestral roots through 23andMe. The country’s vibrant landscapes and unique architecture, unlike anything I’ve seen before, have sparked an eagerness to experience its beauty firsthand. Morocco is a place I long to visit and immerse myself in its rich textures and colors.

15. Where can people find out more about you/the brand?

Website: www.codasevents.com
Instagram: @codasevents and @codastravels
Pinterest: @codasevents
Facebook: www.facebook.com/codasevents