Meet Meranda Middleton of Cleveland, NYC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Meranda Middleton.

Hi Meranda , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Honestly, I kind of fell into the wedding industry — but looking back, it feels like it was always where I was meant to be. I spent a lot of time in hospitality early on, working in restaurants and country clubs, and during college I had the opportunity to intern with a wedding planner in Cincinnati. That experience really sparked something in me.
After college, I took a position at an event venue, and it turned out to be one of the most formative experiences of my career. It was just me and one other young woman running the entire operation — from the sales process and payroll all the way to resetting the space at midnight and, yes, mopping the floors. It was a lot, but it became a true labor of love. That’s where I realized that events weren’t just a job for me — they were a passion.
Then COVID hit, and like so many others, the business I was with couldn’t keep its doors open. Instead of seeing it as just a loss, I saw it as an opportunity. I had a real skill set, I loved working with people, and I loved creating meaningful experiences — so I thought, why not start small and see where this goes?
Six years later, Indigo has grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. We’re now planning events all along the East Coast, and I’ve been fortunate enough to really focus on working with clients who care deeply about design and the overall experience of their wedding day — which is something that’s very close to my heart.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a fun road, but I won’t pretend it’s always been easy — and I think most small business owners can relate to that. One of the unique challenges of the event industry is the seasonality of it all. You spend the winter months deep in planning mode, and then the summer hits and you’re in full execution mode, bringing everything to life on-site. Learning to navigate that rhythm took time.
And then there’s the reality of running a self-funded business. Indigo has never been backed by investors — every bit of growth has come from hard work and reinvesting in ourselves. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of, but it also means every decision carries real weight.
The ups and downs have truly shaped who we are as a company, and I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As we’ve been breaking into the New York City market, we’ve really been leaning into intimate and micro weddings — and honestly, it feels like a natural fit. I love the idea of a beautifully curated ceremony followed by a dinner party experience, and New York has such an incredible array of restaurants and smaller venues that lend themselves perfectly to that vision.
One thing I’ve heard consistently over the years is that I bring a very calm presence on wedding day. In an industry that can be chaotic, I think that matters more than people realize — for my clients, their families, and the vendor team.
Something else that truly sets us apart is our emphasis on food and the hospitality of it all. I’m passionate about it, and I look for clients who share that value. In recent years I’ve been intentional about partnering with caterers who specialize in local sourcing and custom menus, because I want the dining experience to feel just as elevated as everything else. People remember whether the food at a wedding was good — it stays with them. I think the industry sometimes overlooks that in favor of the more visual elements, and I’d love to help change that conversation.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to celebrate the wins — both big and small. In this industry, it’s so easy to finish one event and immediately shift your focus to the next. But if you don’t take a moment to acknowledge the work you’ve put in, what’s the point of it all?
I’ve learned to be genuinely proud of what we’ve built. Showcasing your work, owning your achievements, and giving yourself credit isn’t arrogance — it’s necessary. It keeps you motivated, it reminds you of how far you’ve come, and honestly, it fuels you to keep going. That mindset has made all the difference for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://indigoeventplanning.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigo_eventplanning/

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Dilshad Yogi Smith
Addtional Photos: Sarah Snyder