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about

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missy varao

PH.D., CPCE | SENIOR EVENT PRODUCER

& CHIEF CELEBRATION OFFICER

*An effervescent blend of professionalism & attention to detail with a cool splash of hopeless romance & a twist of sass...a sparkling glass of precision, garnished with a great sense of humor & a lets-do-this mentality. Pairs well with fun-loving couples who want to sit back & relax while I take care of the details! 

Hello, friend! I’m so glad you’re here. First, a little bit about me: I’ve always been a sucker for romance. There’s truly nothing better than helping couples share their beautiful and unique love stories with their family and friends. I absolutely love to see my couples smiling and fully enjoying their special moments! I’m passionate about creating events that feel both personal and unique for all types of couples, from all different backgrounds, down to the very last detail.

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I’m a seasoned industry professional with nearly 20 years of experience planning high-end luxury weddings and special events. After earning my Master's degree in Hospitality and Events, I specialized in planning weddings at luxury resorts, both in the U.S and throughout Europe. I now have alumni planning weddings all over the world! 

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I'm here to make your vision a reality. It's my mission to take all the stress and worry out of your special day and keep you organized, on task, and on budget. When you work with Aquidneck Events, your only responsibility will be to soak in the moment and enjoy every second of the commitment you’re making with your favorite person.

xo, missy

street cred

  • B.S. - Indiana State University

    • Sport Management with an emphasis in Travel & Tourism Mgmt

  • M.S. - University of South Carolina

    • Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Mgmt, emphasis in Event Planning

  • Ph.D. - Auburn University

    • Hotel & Restaurant Mgmt

    • Dissertation & Research in Wine Tourism & Service Quality

  • ​17 years designing/planning high-end luxury events & weddings

  • 14 years as a Professor 

  • 9 years in higher education administration

  • Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)

  • Board of Directors - Discover Newport

  • Board of Directors - Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

  • Board of Directors - RI Hospitality Assoc. Educational Fdn.

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fun facts

  • ​Where you can find me on a Friday night: either running a rehearsal and prepping for a Saturday wedding or asleep by 9pm

  • Favorite Wedding Location: I've lived (& planned events) all over our beautiful country, but Rhode Island has truly captured my heart! 

  • Favorite thing to do when I’m not working: travelling the world

  • Favorite cocktail: No cocktail necessary - just a glass of bubbly!

  • Favorite Wedding Venue (so far): on the balcony of a private mansion, overlooking the ocean, on the island of Vieques, PR.

  • Favorite song to belt out with the radio: Depends on the mood, but I can usually get down with some Taylor Swift, Dixie Chicks, or Adele!

  • Favorite Part of Aquidneck Island: the cliffs at the edge of Brenton Point, overlooking the mouth of Narragansett Bay – it’s the perfect place for an impromptu picnic (or a marriage proposal…or a first look…or an engagement photo shoot...I could go on and on!)

  • Favorite Part of Event Planning: seeing the priceless smiles of my clients as they fully experience their day :)

  • Favorite Part of My Business: Forming lifelong friendships with my clients & getting to watch their life stories grow over the years!

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