let’s party

hello ottawa!

I’m the oldest of five kids, all of us born within six years of each other. Yep, that’s right – I’m 34 and the youngest is 28. No multiples either. To say that our house was a party year round would be true, but also a huge understatement.

From a young age, our parents instilled in us the idea that it is important to celebrate – I mean, as the oldest child, I got a birthday cake every month for a year on the 27th. Birthday parties were no small feat – five different themes, groups of friends, orders to the “cake lady” asking (almost exclusively) for Disney princess and Batman masterpieces, loot bags to the nines and every detail in between. Easter egg hunts lasted a couple hours but they were no joke – if we were spending the holiday in Florida visiting my grandparents, my parents lugged a suitcase full of enough chocolates for five kids along with them – I mean, they can’t not bring the stuff that they get year after year from How Sweet It Is (which, unfortunately, is no longer around).

But Christmas, Christmas is the holiday where my parents, especially my mom, really shone! It was a time for tradition, for decorating the tree together, for making sure we always had Turtles on hand, for checking all of the lists (twice), and making sure no stone, whether it be gifts, décor, table settings, flowers, Christmas crackers, or, of course, the wine, was left unturned. My mom worked hard to make sure all of us were smiling a little wider and a little more frequently than the rest of the year. Santa (aka Mom, aka Cath), legit, never skipped a beat at our house.  Christmas was and always will be the most special time of year for me. My extended family consists of over 25 people. The room was loud, full of love, lots of laughs, no empty chardonnay glasses, and always with some Frank Sinatra playing the background.  

All of that to say that I’m Amanda Julia and I truly believe that a childhood spent celebrating ALL OF THE THINGS, always with the perfect ingredients to ensure a stellar party,  has led me to where I am today – officially launching my very own event planning business, amanda julia events. 

I’ve worked in the event industry for over a decade and have truly fallen in love with the processes within it. I have plenty of experience managing large national events including at the National Arts Centre Foundation, the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, and in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. I also led the planning of over 25 events at one of the most successful Grey Cup Festival’s in the CFL’s history.

I’m creative, passionate, and want nothing more than to see my clients’ vision come to life. It’s important to me to make my clients feel heard, seen, and understood. There is nothing more rewarding than putting in all the work behind the scenes to finally watch it play out – right there in front of your own eyes! I love nothing more than watching every single detail fall into place, looking at people’s faces and reactions as they walk into the event space, and asking them when they leave how they enjoyed their time at the event.

My goal with amanda julia events is to plan and curate events that make you (as the client, as the guest, as the whatever role you want to play) feel something – because an exceptional and memorable event should do just that. 

AJE is an event planning boutique in Ottawa. We plan, style, and execute unique, customized, and memorable experiences for you and all your guests. We provide top-notch customer service, immaculate attention to detail, creative ideas, themes and designs, and believe in celebrating the little things as passionately as we celebrate the big things. 

I am so excited that amanda julia events has officially launched today and I cannot wait for the opportunity to work with you. Follow us on Instagram, slide into our DMs, give us a like on Facebook and LinkedIn, and sign up here to stay up to date on all things AJE.