Ann Saavedra coordinated my 150+ guests wedding at a private beach estate recently, and it was absolutely amazing. Her design background was her biggest asset in our wedding as she transformed the estate into a fairytale setting while making it our own. We hired her for wrap up package, but felt like we got so much more. For instance, she helped me design our wedding cake, which looked like a stack of gifts. And talk about attention to detail and adding a personal touch - she personally added ribbon to the cake after we had it delivered to the wedding site to finish off the look. Another special touch was the array of candles she personally brought to decorate around the hearth and fireplace, creating a romantic mood for the room where we would have our first dance, and creating a more intimate atmosphere of of the stately great room of the mansion. Meanwhile, I had a large wedding party - 8 bridesmaids, 7 groomsmen, 2 flower girls, 3 ring bearers, and 3 ushers! And, my husband arrived via boat as a surprise to all the guests as a bagpiper heralded him in. She radioed my then fiance when it was time to head over by boat, which was perfect timed with our bagpiper playing off in the distance. It was a very complex program given the boat arrival and the 23 attendants. I don't know how she pulled it off! And that's what a bride can say when she's hired the right person for the job. After the wedding, we went off to shoot photos with our also amazing photographer, while Ann made sure the cocktail reception was on track and we were keeping on schedule to keep with the planned time flow for the evening. In addition to her design expertise, she also managed (thank goodness!) our somewhat arrogant chef. On our wedding night, there was some issue about dinner and our contracted time with him, and she completely shielded me from this. I didn't learn until after my honeymoon that there had even been an issue. He also apparently wanted to charge me more, but she handled the situation like a pro and the end result was we were not charged more, and more importantly, my evening was not interrupted by this. A few other things worth mentioning, is that because our wedding was a destination wedding, we had 30+ guests staying at the estate for three nights, which we had to feed, entertain, etc. over the weekend. Ann helped us set up an agenda for the weekend which resulted in a Kennedy-esque like setting where our estate guests (who were also our wedding party attendents) could relax and really enjoy their stay and have quality time with us. The guys threw the football around on the sandy beach on the estates lakefront property while the ladies sipped mimosas and caught up. On my wedding day, all of bridesmaids kept commenting about how calm I was. I can honestly say I didn't have a single worry because I knew Ann was on top of everything. What I can not stress enough is that Ann's greatest strength is that she is a seasoned party planner and interior designer. The combination of the two allow her to bring her brides a unique level of expertise you wouldn't expect from a typical wedding planner. I loved using Ann for our wedding, and if I had to do my wedding over again, there is not one thing I would change about it. It was absolutely perfect. Ann rocks. read more

Ann Saavedra was the coordinator for our daughters wedding. We had 250 people in The San Francisco Exploratorium with people coming from Europe to Hawaii and everywhere in between. Ann was incredible and because of her it was the most amazing event. Everyone I have talked to said it was the best wedding they had ever attended. She was very professional; easy to work with, very tactful and detail oriented. I am a perfectionist and I know I can be a quite opinionated and difficult. One of my concerns was I would alienate my daughter and her fiance. Ann was very tactful in keeping me from intruding where I shouldn't and allowing my daughter to have the wedding she wanted. At our first meeting we agreed who would be responsible for what and then as the months went by she constantly kept us on track. Her timeline for the rehearsal dinner and the wedding was flawless and quite detailed, which made it very easy for everyone to be where they should be, when they should be. No detail was left out. Ann has a design background as do I and her attention to detail is phenomenal: blankets for the elderly, transportation for people flying in, bows on the cushions, goody bags with crayons and toys to keep younger children occupied at the tables and glow cubes in the champagne for a magical toast. She tends to the littlethings that create a marvelous event. She had many creative ideas to get guest comfortable, involved, and having a good time. Both the bride and groom are scientists as are many of their friends,so a science museum was a perfect setting. However, it does have some challenges. A particular challenge when using a venue like a museum for an event is you cannot set up until the museum has closed. The co-ordination was such that everything was set up in an hour. Ann knew which vendors to call so that the large expansive area was made cozy even while taking advantage of the many hands on exhibits that were a source of entertainment for the numerous children included as guests. Special lighting was needed and the resultswere spectacular. Every vendor she suggested was excellent. One of the vendors that we insisted on using was relatively inexperienced. Ann made sure he had the support he needed so he performed beautifully. Ann is well respected by the other vendors and their workers. They give her that extra effort beyond what is contracted for. As the party was ending the newlyweds and many of their friends decided to go clubbing. Although the contract with the bus company was completed, she was able to arrange for the bus to extend their hours and take them where they wanted to go atno charge. The ability to change things on the fly made things even better. It was a great party and I did not have to deal with anything except enjoying the guest and the event. Our original ideas for the wedding were quite ordinary, Ann made the event truly extraordinary. Thankyou Ann. read more

I am delighted to give Ann Saavedra and Dreamcatcher Events a stellar review. I can't believe Mimi T. and I are describing the same person! We were on a fast-track for our wedding and realized we should have a coordinator as we had less than two months to plan it. It was a mid-October garden wedding. We also hired Ann as our day-of coordinator and I could not have been more pleased with her service. I really appreciated her warmth and enthusiasm as well as her great attitude. I felt comfortable with Ann as soon as we met and I immediately knew I had made the right choice. She was referred by another wedding/event planner who was unavailable on our wedding weekend and it was a great recommendation. Ann and I met in person a few times and she also joined me in a site visit with our wedding vendors, most of whom she knew from other events that they had worked on together. We exchanged many emails and phone calls. In fact, Ann actually not only emailed but also called me during her vacation, out of the country, to check-in and see how things were going. Our wedding was perfect. We continue to receive wonderful comments about the wedding and reception from our families and friends. Here is only one of many reasons why Ann is so great and why I would happily and confidently refer her as a wedding and event planner: Ann quietly and efficiently took care of a couple of (other vendor's) glitches that occurred before the ceremony which I was not at all aware of until weeks after the wedding. Everyone who came in contact with Ann before and during our wedding weekend was impressed with her. Ann was a delight to work with. She's truly a professional with great attention to detail. She even put together special goodie-bags with thoughtful little toys and treats for our two flower-girls. Ann saw to it that I had no concerns or worries so my new husband and I could completely enjoy every minute of our amazing wedding day. read more

I recently saw Ann in action at a beautiful East Bay wedding. The day and night went beautifully. Down to every last detail, Ann makes sure the wedding is planned spectacularly. Her extensive experience allows her to work seamlessly with vendors to make sure the day goes without a hitch. She also has a vast list of the best wedding vendors in the area to make your special event unforgettable. At this particular wedding, the florist (not a recommendation of Ann's) was completely MIA until moments before the ceremony. Staying calm and confident, Ann was able to continue setting up the tables, cake, etc. so that everything was ready when the tardy florist arrived and we were able to quickly add flowers to every arrangement without worrying the bride and still managing to take guests' breaths away. During the celebration, someone commented to me how the real magic of a wedding is not seeing the work that goes into it, and just being able to enjoy the beautiful occasion with gathered friends and family. I have seen Ann work tirelessly, yet quickly and effectively behind the scenes, so the bride, groom, wedding party, and every last guest (including children) are able to laugh, smile, and be merry from beginning to end. I think Dreamcatcher Events does a fabulous job transforming fantasies of one of the most important days in one's life into a perfect reality! read more

I can't thank Ann Saavedra of Dreamcatcher Events enough for all of her expertise in the world of weddings. Her professionalism and kindness have brought glowing smiles to all of our clients. I am constantly amazed by the gorgeous events she puts together. Ann truly has an extraordinary gift for detail which can only be upstaged by her passion for excellence, beauty and style. Ann has always been there to make a smooth transition from "what the bride is imagining" to "wow, this is going to be a fabulous wedding" to "I can't thank you enough for making it all happen so beautifully." Personally, I have always appreciated her creative approach which has made working with her so interesting and fun. Also, I love the talented professionals she refers. Along with Ann they make it happen, and they make it happen stress free. I highly recommend Ann Saavedra of Dreamcatcher Events. Kristin F. Event & Catering Professional Blackhawk CA read more

I was "The One" in charge of finding a wedding planner for my best friend's wedding and got referred by a friend to use Dream Catcher Events. My friend and I were so relieved to find how attentive and responsive Ann was when we first started the planning. She had so many great creative ideas- from the type of flowers to the beautiful guest book. We never felt alone in the process at all. The day of the wedding, Ann was there hand in hand with the bride, calming her and helping us with all the last minute things. She even ran to the store (day of the wedding) and got the bride new nylons (she tore them hours before). She was a saint. When and if I do get married, Ann will be the one I use most definitely!! Thanks Ann!!! From the Relieved Maid of Honor and Very Happy Bride :) read more

Ann Saavedra of Dreamcatcher Events was the wedding planner for my nieces wedding in San Francisco. As a guest at this most wonderful wedding the words I would use to describe the event is enchanting and majical. Ann focused on the many decisions and coordination of vendors. She is the person I would recommend to any one who is planning a wedding or event. I believe that her background in interior design gives her a unique ability to work with the couple and help to actualize their vision and then to make it happen in the most beautiful and tasteful way. read more

Ann Saavedra is a dynamite planner and great under pressure. We had a large scale dance to put together in eight business days. Ann helped with wine, food, bartenders, tables, wait staff, linens. Because of our short fuse on the timing - decision and action quite close - Ann picked up the wine herself and had the linens delivered to her house. And she is a pleasure to work with - asking for decisions when we were hesitating and the clock was ticking, suggesting when we didn't know which way to go. We had a dance that people are still talking about. read more

I had the pleasure of working with Ann Saavedra, who was the wedding planner for a wedding held at our retreat center. Ann was extremely organized and supplied me with a detailed time line that allowed us to ensure that the appropriate staff was available at specific times resulting in a flawless reception. I highly recommend Ann as your wedding planner. read more

Jenn and I had a fantastic Wedding Weekend thanks to Dreamcatcher Events! Ann helped with guests traveling from New York, California and many other parts of the US. She Quickly solved vendor problems! Ann led our rehersal dinner and wedding coordination with superb results. We couldn't have done it without her...Great Value Add! read more