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widow + solo mom
owner: @andremakena_ ✨
podcast: @notmytimelinepodcast 🎙️
healing out loud 🫶🏽 grief. love. loss. joy
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Hi, I’m MaKela 🤍
Founder of Andre Makena.

With over 13 years in the industry, I’ve had the honor of designing and producing celebrations that are equal parts soulful, sophisticated, and thoughtfully structured.

I began my career planning high-level corporate events and multi-day conferences, where I learned the value of precision, logistics, and strategic flow. From there, I transitioned into luxury events—creating and launching the private events and catering program for one of Napa Valley’s most sought-after venues.

I later produced weddings for a prestigious Relais & Châteaux resort— one of only 13 hotels at the time to hold Forbes’ rare triple five-star distinction. It was there that I deepened my understanding of elevated hospitality and how every detail, no matter how small, shapes the guest experience.

Most recently, I served as the Creative Director and Lead Associate Planner at a top Napa Valley event firm, designing multi-day destination weddings that blended elevated design with seamless execution.

Now, with Andre Makena, I get to bring all of that experience into a space where artistry meets meaning. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

Let’s create something beautiful together. ✨
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Set in the heart of wine country, @distinctlocations provided the most stunning backdrop for J & N's unforgettable ceremony. With sweeping views of rolling vineyards, the serene setting was beautifully complemented by lush white florals and greenery, framing the aisle and circular altar in timeless elegance.

Featured in @brides⁠
Planning & Design @coledrakeevents⁠ with Independent Contractor @makelaallen 
Photography @gregfinck ⁠
Videography @storyboxcinema⁠
Ceremony Venue @distinctlocations ⁠
Ceremony Florals @flowersbyedgar⁠
Dress @oscardelarenta @carrielauren @clairehjameson @lexfordays ⁠
Hair @shea.styles⁠
Makeup @ashleybias⁠
Rentals @theonicollection⁠ @finelinencreation⁠
Couple @jordanmailata @nikiboo⁠
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Mikayla & Adam’s wedding in France, at the stunning @chateaudugrandluce in the Loire Valley, with amazing planning by @coledrakeevents @makelaallen and stunning floral design by @larrywalshe Also, this dessert buffet by @cedricgrolet was something to remember!

Planning & Design @coledrakeevents @makelaallen 
Floral Design @larrywalshe 
Stylist @gabriellehurwitz 
Dessert buffet @cedricgrolet
Invitations @whimsiquedesign 
Venue @chateaudugrandluce 

#francewedding #weddinginfrance #destinationwedding
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A celebration elevated—literally.  Set high above Napa Valley, this wedding embraced breathtaking views, architectural elegance, and an immersive design that felt like an extension of the landscape.

Every detail was curated to feel artistic, intimate, and unforgettable.

Planning & Design: @ColeDrakeEvents with Independent Contractor @makelaallen
Floral Design & Production: @flowersbyedgar
Photography: @corbingurkin
Videography: @bordonifilms
Entertainment: @elanartists
AV & Lighting: @owlvisionllc
Catering: @latoquerestaurant
Stationery & Gifting: @cecinewyork
Falcon Ring Delivery: @westcoastfalconry
Rentals: @casadeperrin @foundrentalco @hensleyeventresources @blueprintstudioevents
Valet & Guest Movement: @eventservicesplus
Sofreh Display: @aroosibylili
Persian Tea & Sweets: @cestsibonbakery
Wedding Gown: @natalyavalentine_atelier
35
A celebration of beauty, creativity, and the extraordinary people who bring our world to life.

Since opening our doors in New York last year, we’ve been proud to expand with a dream team who bring elegance, expertise and boundless imagination to every setting. From Lake Como to New York, Paris to London, our work is rooted in artistry and refined detail.

Our people are the heart of everything we do—visionaries, creatives, and specialists in the art of transformation.

Production video @bordonifilms
17
Earthy tones and modern elegance — this celebration at Stanly Ranch was the perfect color palette for a fall wedding. Rich hues of burgundy and blush paired beautifully with soft candlelight, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. From the floral-adorned seating chart to the perfectly styled tablescapes, every detail came together to capture the essence of the season. Keep swiping to see the incredible tiered cake -  the perfect finishing touch.

Planner & Event Designer: @coledrakeevents with independent contractor @makelaallen 
Venue & Catering: @stanlyranchauberge
Welcome Party: @morimotonapa
Photography: @jennyquicksall
Videography: @bordonifilms
Florals & Lighting: @flowersbyedgar
Day of Signage: @jkdesigncal
Music Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Makeup: @ashleybias
Hair: @shea.styles
Detailor: @theweddingdetailor
Dessert: @flourandbloomcakes
Rentals: @encoreeventsrentals, @casario_designs
Linens: @bbjlatavola
Photo Booth: The Lounge Booth
Transportation: @calwinetours
15
A perfect fusion of earthy tones and modern elegance, this Stanly Ranch celebration embraced the rich beauty of fall. Deep burgundy and soft blush hues, paired with the warm glow of candlelight, created an inviting and romantic atmosphere. From the floral-adorned seating chart to the beautifully styled tablescapes, every detail was designed to capture the season’s essence. Keep swiping for more.

Planner & Event Designer: @coledrakeevents with independent contractor @makelaallen 
Venue & Catering: @stanlyranchauberge
Welcome Party: @morimotonapa
Photography: @jennyquicksall
Videography: @bordonifilms
Florals & Lighting: @flowersbyedgar
Day of Signage: @jkdesigncal
Music Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Makeup: @ashleybias
Hair: @shea.styles
Detailor: @theweddingdetailor
Dessert: @flourandbloomcakes
Rentals: @encoreeventsrentals, @casario_designs
Linens: @bbjlatavola
Photo Booth: The Lounge Booth
Transportation: @calwinetours
19
We love every detail from this beautiful and intimate celebration, where thoughtful design and meticulous planning came together to create a truly magical atmosphere. One of our favorite elements? The striking escort display that guided guests to their seats in the most elegant way.

Planner & Event Designer: @ColeDrakeEvents with Independent Contractor @makelaallen 
Venue & Catering: @stanlyranchauberge
Welcome Party: @morimotonapa
Photography: @jennyquicksall
Videography: @bordonifilms
Florals & Lighting: @flowersbyedgar
Day of Signage: @jkdesigncal
Music Entertainment: @jordankahnorchestra
Makeup: @ashleybias
Hair: @shea.styles
Detailor: @theweddingdetailor
Dessert: @flourandbloomcakes
Rentals: @encoreeventsrentals, @casario_designs
Linens: @bbjlatavola
Photo Booth: The Lounge Booth
Transportation: @calwinetours
30
Golden hour, good company, and a setting straight out of a dream. This welcome dinner at Montage Healdsburg was the perfect start to a weekend of love and celebration. Chic tables, crisp florals, and a vineyard backdrop—pure magic.

Planning & Design: @ColeDrakeEvents with Independent Contractor @makelaallen 
Florals, Design & Production: @flowersbyedgar⁠
Photography: @joelserrato⁠
Videography: @peytonfrank⁠
Venue & Catering: @montagehealdsburg⁠
BTS Video: @bordonifilms⁠
Invitations: @cecinewyork⁠
Day of Paper Goods & Signage: @jkdesigncal⁠
Hair Styling: @kevinbsalon⁠
Makeup: @ashleybias⁠
Entertainment: @elanartists⁠
Rentals: @theonicollection⁠ @brighteventrentals @finelinencreation
24
Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons, and although many choose summer to get married, fall has its own special charm. This stunning wedding at Stanly Ranch embraced the rich hues of the season—warm rust, soft blush, and deep burgundy, creating a color palette that evokes romance with a lasting charm.

Wedding Planner @ColeDrakeEvents with Independent Contractor @makelaallen 
Floral Design @flowersbyedgar
Photography @jennyquicksall @travis_jennyquicksall
Videography @bordonifilms
Entertainment @jordankahnorchestra
Detailer @theweddingdetailor
Cake @flourandbloomcakes
Rentals @encoreeventsrentals
Linens @bbjlatavola
Hair @shea.styles
Makeup @ashleybias
28
Because no party is complete without a stage and a live band! 🎶 From the beautifully designed stage with florals above and below, to the marble inspired dancefloor, every detail was carefully curated to set the perfect scene.

A huge thank you to our incredible vendor team for bringing this vision to life and creating a night that will be remembered by all.

Planning & Design: @ColeDrakeEvents with Independent Contractor @makelaallen 
Floral Design & Production: @flowersbyedgar
Photography: @corbingurkin
Videography: @bordonifilms 
Entertainment: @elanartists
AV & Lighting: @owlvisionllc
Catering: @latoquerestaurant
Stationery & Gifting: @cecinewyork 
Falcon Ring Delivery: @westcoastfalconry
Rentals: @casadeperrin @foundrentalco @hensleyeventresources @blueprintstudioevents
Valet & Guest Movement: @eventservicesplus 
Sofreh Display: @aroosibylili
Persian Tea & Sweets: @cestsibonbakery
Wedding Gown: @natalyavalentine_atelier
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