Mary Dann – McNamee M.A.

As one of the most sought-after event coordinators in Southern California, Mary Dann-McNamee and her team of wedding and party coordinators have been responsible for detailed event planning and creative party consultation to many corporations and families throughout the country since 1991. They are known for their commitment to surpass their clients’ expectations and have created intimate weddings and extravagant upscale affairs for a long list of clients, including many of Hollywood’s elite. Mary’s passion for the industry has led her down many paths, including becoming a contributing writer for”Inside Weddings” magazine, “Ceremony” magazine and an on-air talent for many nationally syndicated television shows. These shows are Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway,” and “Married Away”, and WE Network’s “Platinum Wedding” and a special segments of “Top Ten Wedding Destinations”.

As a former luxury hotel Catering Sales Manager and Corporate Group Sales Manager for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Mary became experienced in negotiations, event management and hospitality. Her hotel experience helped form relationships with industry professionals, including some of the finest designers, photographers, hotels and entertainment specialists in the country. Mary takes pride in the continuing growth of her company. What began with a few weddings and a staff of two has now become a high-profile business specializing in weddings with sometimes over eight events per month and several professional Event Managers.

Mary believes that it is her job to make her client’s dreams come true, so more than just finding the perfect location for a wedding, she makes it a priority to get to know who she is working with so she can instantly relieve the stress and confusion of the process. Mary attributes her calming and creative nature to her other passion — she holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her work with individuals and couples strengthens her listening skills, mediation ability and creative vision planning ability.

Mary has planned weddings for designers, writers, attorneys, catering directors, and for corporations like O’Melveny & Myers, Sony Music, Vogue Magazine, IMG, Nautica and Cloudbreak Entertainment. In addition she has worked on nuptials for clients from Pro Athletic Teams, such as Kobe Bryant, Austin Croshere and Malcolm Johnson.

Coupling her therapy degree and extensive experience in the wedding industry, Mary offers advice and guidance to wedding planners throughout the country through career counseling and a 3-day mentorship program (a chance to shadow Mary as she produces a fabulous celebration). In January 2008 Mary launched gifts and stationery on her website which includes The Mary Dann Collection: Gratitude Notes and her custom created “Wedding Wands”. These items can be purchased on her website along with her inspirational DVD’s: “The Path of the Wedding Planner” and the “The Balanced Planner”. Mary recently published her first book “Wedding Wisdom” filled with tips, insights, forms and photographs for planning a perfect wedding for yourself or clients. She presents educational seminars to wedding planners across the country, and inspiring tips for brides.

Mary currently resides in Manhattan Beach with her husband Jimmy and two adorable baby girls Grace and Sophia. You can email her at m@marydann.com or find her on twitter @marydann.