Meet Marquesa Ukawilu | Wedding Planner and Event Stylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Marquesa Ukawilu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marquesa, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I recently recognized a significant risk aversion in my personal and professional life. When presented with new opportunities, whether in business or family matters, I meticulously analyze every aspect to ensure minimal risk. However, I understand that significant rewards often require calculated risks.

This year, I’ve made a conscious commitment to embrace calculated risks that will propel my business forward. I acknowledge that this will likely be uncomfortable, but I am confident that the potential rewards will outweigh the perceived risks.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets Iconic Events apart is our focus on creating unique experiences rather than simply planning events. We prioritize building strong client relationships to deeply understand their vision and translate it into a flawless, authentic reflection of their style.

This personalized approach is evident in the immense pride and excitement we feel when witnessing our clients’ reactions as their vision comes to life. The joy on their faces is the ultimate reward. We’re also constantly exploring innovative ways to leverage technology to enhance events, making them even more captivating and interactive.

Building Iconic Events has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. My full commitment began in 2019, just before the unforeseen impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unexpected curveball forced us to adapt, leading us to launch our successful balloon services to cater to the smaller events still happening in Texas. And we have grown tremendously over the years, especially with the type of clientele that we work with.

Another significant challenge was undercharging myself early on, a valuable lesson learned. This initial misstep, however, led me to unexpectedly develop our in-house floral services, expanding our offerings.

Navigating the competitive event planning industry requires constant differentiation. We achieve this by consistently exceeding client expectations and fostering strong relationships built on trust. Flexibility is paramount in this dynamic industry. Unexpected changes are inevitable, so adaptability is key. Effective communication, with clients, our team, and vendors, is equally crucial.

Ultimately, I want the world to know that Iconic Events is more than just about aesthetics. We’re about storytelling – narrating your unique story through your event. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences that you and your guests will cherish forever.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m more of a homebody these days, we wouldn’t be out every single day if my friend came to visit. However, I’d definitely take her to my favorite burger spot, Hopdoddy, and this awesome restaurant called Haywire. We’d also do some shopping around the Shops at Legacy. On the weekend, we could check out the African American Museum in Downtown Dallas and maybe catch a show by the Dallas Black Dance Theatre.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
A significant portion of my business success stems from referrals. I deeply value the trust and confidence demonstrated by clients who refer others to me. Statements like “Go to Marquesa” or “Iconic Events will take care of you” are incredibly meaningful. They reflect a strong endorsement and belief in my abilities.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my loving husband, Loaded, my dedicated mother who provides invaluable childcare support, and my incredible children. Their unwavering support and understanding are the driving force behind my success. I am immensely grateful for their support, which affords me the opportunity to serve my clients to the best of my ability.

Website: https://www.iconiceventsdfw.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/iconiceventsdfw

Facebook: https://facebook.com/iconiceventsdfw

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/iconic-events-dallas?uid=fu2D21ytEA9dngsovm8ebw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Teshorn Jackson,
Additional Photos: Photo 1: Moradeke Photography, Photo 2: Marquesa Ukawilu, Photo 3: Yoma Sanchez Photography, Photo 4: Yoma Sanchez Photography , Photo 5: Yoma Sanchez Photography, Photo 6: CharlieMac Photography, Photo 7: Marquesa Ukawilu, Photo 8: Marquesa Ukawilu