L.A.: BLUEBELL EVENTS – CITY & BEACH MAGAZINE

I’m fortunate to have had the most wonderful clients over the past 19 years, with recurring themes in feedback highlighting my deep care for them and the exceptional quality of the vendor team. This results in calm, beautifully executed, and thoughtfully curated events and long time legacy clients. I look forward to continuing to create magical, unforgettable experiences…”
Charley King, founder of Bluebell Events, LA

Charley King, founder of Bluebell Events, is a Luxury Destination Wedding and Event Planner based in Los Angeles. Originally British, she travels throughout America and across the world – including producing spectacular weddings and events for her clients. Here we discuss Charley’s background in the entertainment industry, what inspired her company name, and the unique qualities that gave made her brand one of the most successful on the global stage…

C&B: “Charley, how do you first start out in the incredible world of event planning, and what first brought you to LA?”

CK: “I took an unconventional path into wedding and event planning—one I never could have predicted. My first love was the stage. At 16, I left school and stepped straight into London’s West End, landing a role in 42nd Street. That launched a two-decade career performing in iconic productions including Crazy for You, Grease, Cats, and Me and My Girl, living a life driven by storytelling, music, and dance. My career later took me to the United States, where I appeared in the film Chicago and made my Broadway debut in The Producers, directed by Susan Stroman. I returned to London to play Velma opposite Brooke Shields and later appeared on As the World Turns. It was a vibrant, fulfilling chapter—but life had other plans. After navigating a period of personal change, I began rethinking my future…”

We are very lucky to operate all over the world— from California to Fiji, Germany, and beyond. We love to travel and produce weddings at incredible locations and private homes around the globe. Our favourite venues include The Beverly Hills Hotel, Hotel Bel Air, Waldorf Astoria, and The Four Seasons. For a natural/coastal vibe, Calamigos Ranch in Malibu is perfect. Internationally, the possibilities are endless…”
Charley King, founder of Bluebell Events, LA

CK: “Weddings had always fascinated me—I had loved planning my own—so one day, out of curiosity, I searched for wedding planners online. That simple decision changed everything. I discovered G.P. Events and reached out to its owner, Gianna, who invited me to shadow her at a Bar Mitzvah. The moment I arrived, I felt at home. The energy, timing, and emotion mirrored the theatre. I thought: I know this. This is a show. That same day, I met the fabulous Pauline Parry of Good Gracious! Events. We connected instantly, and she invited me to shadow her on several weddings. At the final event, she asked me to walk the bride down the aisle…”

Weddings are now often booked on shorter timelines. I’ve done full-design weddings in just four weeks. Typically, a year in advance ensures access to your preferred date, location, and vendors…”
Charley King, founder of Bluebell Events, LA

CK: “Overcome with emotion, I realised I had found my next chapter. Pauline invited me to join her team, and I said ‘yes’ without hesitation. I immersed myself in every aspect of the business, from design to logistics, even spending time in the kitchen to understand catering at its core. That foundation shaped my expertise in off-premise weddings—an area I believe represents planning at the highest level. In 2010, I made the leap and founded Bluebell Events. Pauline and her team remain like family, and I continue to collaborate with them. The wedding industry may appear glamorous, but it demands deep knowledge and precision. Learning from the very best continues to inform every event I create…”

The name “Bluebell” is deeply personal; my dad called me “Bluebell” as a child. When I launched the company, my father had just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. One day when he answered the phone, he said “Morning Bluebell” and that triggered the memory for my company name. My father adored the theatre—he fancied himself a mix of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in the kitchen—and he never missed a performance. Naming my company after that moment is my tribute to him…”
Charley King, founder of Bluebell Events, LA

C&B: “Who are your typical clients and how do they hear about you?”

CK: “Most of my clients come through word of mouth, Instagram, or hotel and vendor referrals. My couples don’t just want a beautiful wedding—they want to feel seen. They are drawn to me because I don’t just plan a wedding—I interpret my couples, read the room, shape the pacing, and create moments that feel effortless but are deeply intentional. They value quality over quantity and are willing to invest time, trust, and resources to achieve something truly exceptional…”

BLUEBELL EVENTS USP:

Theatrical storytelling – From the first look to the last dance, Bluebell Events tells a captivating love story.
Immersive guest experience – Lighting, music, and timing are orchestrated for maximum impact.
Bespoke design – Every wedding is tailored to the couple’s unique story.
Culinary integration – Food is part of the narrative and the show.
Masterful pacing & emotional beats – Every moment is intentional, knowing when to either slow the energy or create show-stopping excitement.