Local Spotlight: Jacqueline Barnes, Bringing Elegance and Heart to Every Event

Meet Jacqueline Barnes, the owner of Elysian Events Group, a business dedicated to designing and running luxury, stress-free weddings and events. Based in Maryland, Jacqueline’s passion for hospitality and design shines through in her mission to create deeply personal, effortlessly executed, and unmistakably elegant celebrations for every client.

The Elysian Vision

The name “Elysian” was chosen to convey a sense of warmth, hospitality, and a touch of luxury. Jacqueline and her team offer comprehensive event services, including:

• Full Planning and Design: From the initial concept to the day-of coordination.
• Targeted Support: Month-of and partial planning for clients needing specific assistance.
• Specialized Offerings: Virtual planning packages for out-of-town couples and hybrid events.
• Logistical Support: Vendor management, contract negotiation, timeline creation, budget oversight, and on-site day-of execution.
• Staffing: Access to chefs, bartenders, and event staff.

Jacqueline has been in business for six years, primarily serving the DMV area (DC, Maryland, and Virginia) without additional travel fees, though she is also available for destination events. Her ideal clients are typically busy professionals, aged 28 to 65, who are overwhelmed by choices and need a remote-first system to accommodate their tight schedules.

A Leap of Faith and a Unique Approach

Jacqueline’s journey into professional event planning began with a calling. After years of planning events for friends and family, and corporate events during her time working in hotels and restaurants, she received constant compliments and encouragement that this was her true path. Confident in her abilities and driven by her passion, she took a leap of faith to start her own business.

What sets Jacqueline apart is her unique combination of a “hospitality heart but a logistical brain”. Her background in hospitality and operations allows her to create a seamless process, while her love for design and storytelling ensures every moment is memorable. The tagline for Elysian Events Group encapsulates this philosophy: “I create celebrations that are effortless as they are unforgettable”.

Moments That Matter

Jacqueline’s dedication to her clients is perhaps best illustrated by one of her most significant events: planning a client’s wedding in just 30 days. The couple needed to move up their wedding date because the bride’s father had terminal cancer, and they wanted him to be there. Driven by the purpose and the emotional meaning of the event, Jacqueline worked tirelessly, making the wedding a reality. She describes the experience as emotional and amazing, one she will never forget.

For readers looking for an event planner, Jacqueline offers one key tip: “Make sure that you connect with this person and they understand your vision”.

Connecting with Community

Jacqueline, a single mother who lives in Maryland, was born and raised in DC. She is also a proud grandmother to a ten-year-old granddaughter who has requested an elaborate 11th birthday party! Her team includes five employees, and she gives special recognition to her daughter, Jazmyne, who is also her right-hand assistant. Jazmyne was essential in the early days, helping with social media, marketing, design, and concepts—and was even the first bartender.

Giving back is deeply important to Jacqueline. She supports the charity Brown and Missing and regularly volunteers at the Central Food Kitchen. The spirit of volunteering was instilled in her during high school and remains a special part of her adult life. Through her church, she also collects donations for women’s shelters and recently collected luggage for children in foster care so they can transport their belongings “with dignity”.

Jacqueline also shows her appreciation for service members by always offering a 20% military discount.

For a celebration that is planned with both precision and heart, contact Jacqueline Barnes and Elysian Events Group.

Website: elysianeventsgroup.com

Phone: (202) 341-7336