Episode 33: Built With Love (And a DJ Booth)

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In this heart-forward episode of So THIS Happened…, Jen and Rachel sit down with longtime friend and event planner extraordinaire Jovana Vu at GROW Plant Bar to talk about collaboration, trust and what it really means to build something with the people you love.

From planning Jen’s wedding to launching Vu Events as a brand, Jovana shares how working with intention — not hustle — has shaped her business, her marriage and her future.

This one is about partnership done right. ✨

🌿 In This Episode, We Talk About:

• How Vu Events began (and why a terrible wedding experience sparked it)
  
  
  
• Why collaboration has always been Jovana’s secret sauce
  
  
  
• The power of referrals and word-of-mouth growth
  
  
  
• Working in hospitality to learn the inner workings of events
  
  
  
• Why trusting your vendors is non-negotiable
  
  
  
• Protecting your relationship while building a business together
  
  
  
• Tony joining Vu Events with DJ + Karaoke services 🎤
  
  
  
• The importance of boundaries to prevent burnout
  
  
  
• Choosing the people you can “do the hard things with”
  
  
  
• What makes the perfect event unforgettable
  
  

✨ Standout Moments

“Choose the people you can do the hard things with.”
 A reminder that collaboration isn’t about ease — it’s about trust under pressure.

From Planning to the Party.
 Vu Events is expanding to offer DJ services and karaoke alongside event planning — a seamless experience from timeline to dance floor.

The Echo.
 Every event leaves an echo.
 What does it sound like? What does it feel like? What memory lingers after the lights go down?

That concept alone is worth a re-listen.

🎉 Rapid-Fire Recap

• Collaboration = Creativity
  
  
  
• Working with your partner = Peace
  
  
  
• The perfect event night = An Echo
  
  

🪩 About Our Guest

Jovana Vu
Founder of Vu Event Planning, Jovana has been in the event world for nearly 20 years. Known for her calm presence, strong vendor relationships and intentional approach, she specializes in events that feel deeply personal and beautifully executed.

Now expanding into DJ and karaoke services alongside her husband Tony, Vu Events is entering a new era — and we are here for it.

🔗 Website: https://www.vueventplanning.com/ 
📱 Follow: @vueventplanning

💫 Also Mentioned

• Digital Wichita
  
  
• The Tallgrass Film Festival
  
  
  
• Ballet Wichita (10% of profits from “Messy Is My Polish” merch line supports them 💛) Here’s the link: https://www.bonfire.com/messy-is-my-polished/ 
  
  

👕 Merch Shoutout

We’re wearing our “Uncorked & Slightly Unhinged” and “Messy Is My Polish” pieces in this episode.

Support the pod. Support local arts. Stay a little unhinged. Grab yours here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/so-this-happened-store/ 

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