Meet Berlyn Martin | Wedding Planner, Designer, & Celebration Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Berlyn Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Berlyn, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At Berlyn Events, we are proud advocates for the queer community, striving to create spaces where love and acceptance thrive. Our mission is to ensure every couple feels celebrated and supported as their authentic selves.

In an era where acceptance cannot always be taken for granted, we work to foster inclusive and affirming environments. Beyond supporting individual couples, we educate and collaborate with the central Ohio wedding and event community to make the industry more welcoming for all.

During the pandemic, we extended this commitment by leading the Ohio Event Safety initiative. Partnering with the government, we provided event-specific interpretations of state regulations, protecting the health and livelihoods of Ohioans while advocating for the safety of event professionals and guests alike.

I believe event professionals have a duty not only to elevate individual celebrations, but also to use our expertise to create a broader positive impact on the community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I founded Berlyn Events in 2017, drawing on my background in theatre design technology, stage and costume design, and live event production. My experiences—including working Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and on print and film projects—gave me a unique skill set to create unforgettable celebrations.

I didn’t start with wedding planning right away. My journey began as an executive assistant, where I discovered a rare mix of creativity, precision, and a delightfully irreverent sense of humor—perfect for managing complex events. I also noticed that “default planners,” the family or friends always tasked with organizing everything, often needed someone to step in and take the reins. That’s where I found my purpose

While creativity draws many to the event industry, I knew success required learning the business side too. I committed to mastering operations, finance, and marketing, seeking out experts, joining industry groups, and building my knowledge from the ground up.

One of the smartest things I ever did was gain hands-on experience in every facet of the industry. I worked in catering, floristry, venues, and even hauled DJ equipment. This experience taught me how to support vendors effectively. This collaboration is now a cornerstone of my approach. I see vendors as extensions of my clients and work hard to ensure they have everything they need to succeed.

Building Berlyn Events has been a journey of learning, refining systems, and networking. Today, my no-BS approach and honest counsel resonate with couples who value humor, grace, and backup plans for their backup plans.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When my best friend (a fellow wedding planner from California) visited last year, we couldn’t help ourselves—we crafted a 7+ page weekend timeline. Classic wedding planner behavior! Unsurprisingly, most of our plans revolved around food and drinks. I’m a big fan of “themed days,” where everything on the itinerary matches a specific vibe.

A favorite itinerary was the “Cozy Coffee Crawl.” Starting at Fox in the Snow for pastries and coffee (the ham & swiss sesame turnover is a must!), we explored The Book Loft in German Village and induldged in macarons and crème brûlée éclairs at Pistacia Vera for “Second Breakfast.”

Our next stop was STUMP, where we browsed their stunning plant collection. For lunch, we hit up North Market, sampling everything from Momo Ghar’s famous dumplings to a scoop of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (with more coffee from Stauf’s, of course). Afterward, we took a leisurely nature walk through Shale Hollow Park, a hidden gem among Ohio’s state parks with peaceful trails and stunning shale formations.

To end the day, we grabbed takeout from Aangan Indian Bistro and settled in for a cozy night catching up.

Columbus has so much to offer, and I’d build out a completely different vibe for each day—whether it’s exploring local breweries, hitting up artsy spots like the Short North, or diving into some of our incredible foodie destinations. Themed days make it extra fun, and there’s never a shortage of options here!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m deeply grateful to the many people and organizations who have been part of my journey. If I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would be to my incredible clients, whose trust and joy inspire everything I do, and to the mentors and peers who’ve supported me along the way—especially during the Ohio Event Safety initiative. Together, we stood strong for the event community during an incredibly challenging time.

I also want to recognize my amazing network of planners nationwide. They’ve become so much more than colleagues and friends—they’ve truly become family. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this circle of passionate, talented, and generous individuals.

Website: https://www.berlynevents.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/berlynevents

Facebook: https://facebook.com/berlynevents

Image Credits
Starling Studio, Storyteller Adams, and Photo 243