we’re amv weddings

Where we turn even the most out-of-the-box visions into reality, with no detail overlooked.

We’re not just your wedding planner — we’re your friend and guide, here to support you at every step of the way so you come away with an event that just feels right. Rest assured, you’ll be taken care of with the highest level of service with consistent, caring communication, personalized recommendations, vendor management, and so much more.

 Meet the AMV team to discover who we are, how we plan, and what we offer. We can hardly wait to meet you and discover your dreams!

 
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meet the team

 
 

Amanda Virga

OWNER, LEAd EVENT PLANNER - based in the south of france, available worldwide

 

Weddings and events have had my heart since 2010, and they’ve never let go. My planning career began at a winery, where I planned vineyard weddings from scratch, and later, for a top-rated hotel & restaurant, where we hosted more than 200 weddings a year and multiple daily events. After gaining this essential firsthand experience in every aspect it takes to plan, coordinate, and execute a flawless event, I set out on my own and founded AMV Weddings in 2018.

At the same time, I embarked on a yearlong journey around the world to execute weddings across a range of destinations, collaborating with a vast network of vendors and venues throughout South America, Europe, and Asia, as well as our existing contacts in the United States. Through this time, I had the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and become acquainted with the most innovative wedding trends across the globe.

Not only do I know the wedding industry inside and out, I’m also deeply familiar with the intricacies of different wedding markets across the world. Whether you’re an American planning a wedding abroad or at home, I’ll navigate the planning and coordination process for you, so you won’t have to stress about locations, connecting with vendors, or figuring out how to execute a vision when you’re unfamiliar with the location. AVM Weddings is here to connect all the pieces for you.

We also work with clients across the world and welcome diverse perspectives, locales, and visions. Experience-driven events are AMV’s specialty, and I know I’ve done my job when both you and your guests say yours was an event like no other.

 
 

Today, I’ve visited 60+ countries and planned more than 500 weddings. I always treasure any opportunity to travel, connect with people all over the world, and plan unexpected, original, detail-oriented events that deliver at every level.

As your planner, I’m here to fully support you — to be your best friend in the wedding planning process — to not only be professional but also full of warmth, connection, and care.

 

MELISSA CHANCE

lead event planner - nyc based

 

Melissa joined the AMV wedding team for the 2022 wedding season and has since assisted with planning numerous events around the world with us! She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree for Entrepreneurship at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Originally from St. Louis, MO, this Midwest girl moved to the big city 8 years ago to pursue a career in musical theatre. While auditioning, Melissa worked as a bridal consultant in Manhattan, where she fell in love with her brides. She loved getting to hear how they met their fiancés, all the wedding day details and, of course, loved helping them pick out the perfect gown for their special day. When all of her friends started to get married, Melissa was not “always a bridesmaids, never the bride”, she was more “never a bridesmaid, always the coordinator”.  She loved making sure her friends' wedding days went off without a hitch. All this prior experience made planning her own wedding in 2021 a breeze! She is so excited to meet her future brides and be that “best friend” to make their day perfect.

Fun FactS

As a performer, Melissa has been cast in 2 national tours since being in NYC. She has performed in 46 of the 50 states and still hopes to make it to Broadway one day. While performing on her second national tour, she met her husband, Pen. After the pandemic separated them for their entire engagement, they are happy to be finally making a home in Manhattan.

 

Marie Kelso

retreat & Lead Manager - NJ Based

 

After earning her degree in Communication from Rutgers University, Marie moved to NYC and began working in public relations, special events, and hospitality where she planned a variety of events including weddings, wellness retreats, fundraising galas, album release parties, and Broadway opening nights. She is thrilled to be back in NJ and working with the extraordinarily talented AMV team! 

Weddings are Marie's favorite event to plan because she loves how every couple makes the day uniquely theirs based on their own love story and interests. Witnessing the joy couples experience when they see their vision come to life never gets old! Marie is also a romantic who still tears up at every first dance!

In addition to event planning, Marie is passionate about fitness and wellness and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Coach for OrangeTheory Fitness.  

FUN FACTS

Marie planned her own wedding where she and her husband were married during an intimate ceremony at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park, followed by a reception at The Central Park Boathouse and a sunset cruise around the Statue of Liberty!

 

ROXANNIE PHILLIPS

SENIOR Event Coordinator - FRANCE Based

 

With an impressive 16 years of experience, Roxy has built a successful career by mastering various roles within the restaurant industry. From her time as a Sommelier at high-end establishments to her most recent successes as a general manager, Roxy has curated exceptional experiences for a diverse range of customers including high-wealth clientele such as A-listers and international royalty.

Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail, Roxy takes immense joy in orchestrating events that allow guests to savor every moment, unburdened by worry. Initially making her mark in her hometown of Manchester, England, Roxy later graced the vibrant scene of London as the general manager of a highly acclaimed Notting Hill restaurant. Captivated by the charm of the South of France during a memorable vacation, Roxy made the bold decision to relocate to the picturesque city of Nice, France, ready to bring her expertise to the forefront of luxury weddings in stunning locations. 

Fun FactS

Roxy loves nothing more than basking in the beauty of a beach sunset, a spicy margarita in hand, and a delightful plate of food, a ritual that has led her on a global quest for the ultimate sunset experience.

A dedicated sports enthusiast, Roxy’s love for football was ignited when her Dad took her to her first Manchester City game at the age of five and she has been a season ticket holder ever since. Not confined to just watching sports, she also loves to run, taking part in (and finishing) two Marathons for charity. During a recent trip to Los Angeles, Roxy also discovered Padel Tennis and has become slightly obsessed with it!

 

Megan Porras

Senior Event Coordinator 

 

Meet Megan, a small town girl born and raised in Kansas City! Ever since seeing the movie The Wedding planner starring Jennifer Lopez, Megan has dreamed of planning extravagant weddings and events around the world. She took her love for the wedding industry and decided to attend The Art Institute to pursue a degree in fashion marketing with an emphasis in event management & visual design. While attending The Art Institute KC, Megan had the opportunity to study abroad where she lived in Milan, traveled throughout Europe, worked with European brands & designers, and got completely immersed in Italian culture. 

After graduating, Megan moved to San Diego, CA where her whole life changed. After working in the telecommunications industry as a Sales Manager for 12 years Megan decided to leave the corporate world and begin her journey as a photographer with the Boudoir Divas. It was there she found her creative passion, and love for international photography retreats. While working as a full time Photographer with the Divas, Megan assisted in retreat & workshop coordination, and photography training assistance for multiple international events in Europe & Mexico. After leaving the Divas team Megan continued her photography career in fashion & brand photography, and began Freelance marketing consulting specializing in event coordination, content creation, and social media management. Megan has worked with clients in the Health & Wellness Industry, Women’s Life Coaches, Podcasters, and Fashion brands throughout the U.S. After the Pandemic, Megan completed another lifelong dream and left Sunny SoCal to move to NYC! This newbie New Yorker is now shooting and coordinating experiential events around the city and loving every minute of it. Megan brings a wealth of experience, and creativity to the AMV team, and can’t wait to make clients dreams come true!

Fun FactS

Megan has extensive travel experience and has visited over half of the U.S, and 10 other countries. Her absolute favorite place to visit is Australia, and Bali is a close second! Megan loves a good party and will be the first one to meet you on the dance floor! She is known as “the little jukebox” to family and friends because she loves to sing, and knows EVERY song! She’s a lover of sunsets, yoga, gummy candies, chocolate, and a spa day with her besties! When Megan is not shooting or traveling she’s with her dog Tom Ford exploring her new favorite city, NYC!

 

SOPHIE GIRARD

WEDDING ASSISTANT - france based

 

Bonjour! Sophie, who joined AMV Weddings in early 2020, is a French citizen studying in a European Business School in Lyon, France. She worked with the AMV Weddings team for the first half of the 2020 season on several events, before being repatriated back to France during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her attention to detail, passion for events, and positive demeanor have made her an extremely powerful and valuable addition to our team.

We are thrilled to announce she will be returning to the US for our 2021 wedding season! In the meantime, she is available to assist our clients planning destination weddings in France.

FUN FACTS

Sophie is half French and half El-Salvadorian. She speaks four languages and you are likely to find her dancing just about anytime and anywhere! One of her greatest passions (aside from weddings) is the art of shopping, she considers herself to be an expert compulsive buyer when it comes to designer handbags, shoes, etc :-)

 

 
 

With style, verve, and a touch of luxury,

we’ll plan your dream event