Inspiring Conversations with Ryan Bergstrom of Beyond Events, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Bergstrom.

Ryan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My career took an exciting turn when I became a Chief Steward on super yachts, even being offered a position on Below Deck. For 5 years, I planned every detail of my guests’ once-in-a-lifetime experience. From planning excursions, to taking the dingy to a remote Mediterranean island shore to gather plants and whatever I could find to make daily centerpieces. After orchestrating events in 15 different countries, I felt the call to return to the beautiful Midwest. Since settling on land in 2022, I have planned over 120 weddings and private events, contributing to his overall tally of more than 250 events worldwide.

Once I settled in and worked at a few stunning venues as a in-house wedding coordinator, I knew I could provide my clients with a more personalized planning experience – along with accommodating to their busy schedules – even taking meetings as late as 2am for client’s on the other side of the globe.

I’ve now owned my wedding planning business for 3 years, with the expansion of owning my own wedding venue in the very near future, while continuing my traveling business on top of that.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There is no such thing as a smooth road when your career is built from truly sole experience. I started from the very bottom of the ladder, and slowly yet strongly climbed my way up over the last 13yrs to be where I am.

I have had some absolutely amazing mentors in my lifetime to have gotten me where I am, along with countless +16hr days back to back.

And it will still always be a learning process, as I don’t believe in ever stopping growing as a person or professional.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Beyond Events is my absolute baby.

I have listened to friends, family and clients continuously when they’ve expressed what they’ve wanted out of a wedding planner, and I took all of that to create Beyond Events. Not only am I my client’s wedding planner, but also shoulder to cry on, someone to vent to, and someone they can rely on to go above and beyond what I’m contracted to do.

I have never had less than a 5-star review, and even as boisterous as I feel when I say that, I truly reflect on that and have to mentally pat myself on the back. And I know someday I will get that less than perfect review, and I’m not afraid of it – but excited to learn from it.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
In wedding planning, taking risks is part of the creative and growth process — but it’s about calculated risks. Weddings are one of the most important days in a person’s life, so there’s a balance. I believe in taking smart risks that elevate the experience without jeopardizing the couple’s trust or the event’s success. For example, suggesting a non-traditional timeline or introducing a bold design element can make a wedding truly memorable, but it requires clear communication, backup plans, and confidence in the vendors and execution. Personally, I’ve found that when risks are thoughtfully managed, they often lead to the most unforgettable and rewarding outcomes, for both the clients and myself as a planner.
A lot of my trusted vendors and assistants would know one of my favorite sayings “Risk it for the biscuit”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyondeventsllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_events_and_rentals?igsh=MWtybm1yZTlubm9mNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/166QArJSCF/?mibextid=wwXIfr