Meet Kaitlyn Ratliff | Wedding and Event Planner

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

Hi Kaitlyn, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For years, I found myself naturally drawn to planning events for friends and family — whether it was weddings, birthdays, or special celebrations, I loved bringing people’s visions to life and creating meaningful, memorable experiences. Over time, I realized how much joy I found in not only the creative aspects, but also in problem-solving, organization, and the relationships I built with my clients. Eventually, I felt a strong pull to turn that passion into something more. I wanted to build a business where I could offer personalized, intentional event planning services, while also bringing my own creative style and attention to detail to each event. That’s how Disco Dahlia Events was born out of a love for celebration, a desire to help others enjoy stress-free events, and the excitement of creating something uniquely my own.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What I truly love about Disco Dahlia Events is that it allows me to blend both sides of my creativity — not only do I plan and coordinate weddings, but I also design and create custom wedding signage and décor pieces that help bring my clients’ unique visions to life. From welcome signs to seating charts and small details that add a personal touch to each event, I love being able to offer my couples a full experience that reflects who they are.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. Like many small business owners, I started with a lot of passion but very little certainty. Taking the leap to launch Disco Dahlia Events meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning as I went, and trusting my abilities. There were moments of self-doubt, long hours, and lessons learned through trial and error. But each challenge helped me grow — whether it was fine-tuning my processes, learning how to navigate the emotional side of planning such an important day for my clients, or balancing the creative and business sides of my work.

What sets me apart is the personal investment I have in each event — I genuinely care about my couples, and I want them to feel like they have someone in their corner who is just as excited about their big day as they are. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and vendor friends along the way, and seeing my couples feel calm, confident, and truly present on their wedding day makes everything worth it.

At the end of the day, I want the world to know that Disco Dahlia Events is built on heart, creativity, and a passion for celebrating life’s biggest moments in a way that feels authentic to each client.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, we’d definitely make the most of everything Colorado has to offer! I’d kick off the trip with a brewery tour — either the iconic Coors Brewery in Golden to see the largest single-site brewery in the world (which is especially close to my heart since my dad worked for Coors for 30 years), or we’d head up to Fort Collins or into the mountains to explore some of the smaller, local craft breweries that Colorado is known for.

We’d spend a morning at Garden Sweet for a “pick your own flowers” experience — it’s the perfect way to soak up the sunshine, fresh air, and bring home some gorgeous blooms. Another must-do would be paddle boarding on one of the many beautiful lakes nearby — Colorado has no shortage of scenic spots, and it’s such a peaceful way to take in the views.

Hiking in the Flatirons would absolutely be on the list — it’s one of my favorite spots for a hike with stunning views that never get old. Afterward, we’d head out for some of the best Mexican food (because it’s a must while you’re here!), followed by drinks and good vibes on the patio at Happy Camper.

And of course, no trip to Colorado would be complete without a night under the stars at Red Rocks Amphitheatre — dancing under the moonlight at a Red Rocks concert is truly a bucket list experience, and one of my favorite things about living 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?
Absolutely! Of course, I have to first thank my boyfriend, my family, and my close friends — their constant support, encouragement, and belief in me has been everything. But I also want to give a special shoutout to my good friend Maddy from Elysian Weddings & Events. She truly was the one who believed in me from the very beginning and encouraged me to take the leap and start my own business. Even now, I’m still lucky enough to work alongside her as an assistant planner, and we genuinely enjoy collaborating on events together. Her mentorship, friendship, and trust played such a huge role in my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for her continued support.

Website: https://www.discodahliaevents.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discodahliaevents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567401837049

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@discozdc967

Image Credits
The Rinis Photo & Film – photo of me with cake knife & photo of tabletop
Blue Flame Studio Co – 3 branding photos with disco ball
Brooke Buchan Photo & Video – fairy light exit, pink find your seat chart, and the gold framed “were happy your here”