Hi, We’re Amalia and Jenna Riess — wives, creative partners, and the heart behind The Butterfly Effect Weddings. As fellow brides, we understand firsthand the excitement and stress that comes with planning a wedding. Our goal is to alleviate your worries and ensure a seamless planning process.​

 

Our story is rooted in deep love — for each other, for people, and for the kind of moments that linger long after the music fades. We’re passionate about crafting weddings that feel like you: intentional, emotional, and beautifully unique. Our love for weddings began long before this business ever had a name. It started with planning our own destination wedding in the heart of Heidelberg, Germany—a celebration filled with intention, beauty, and the kind of emotional details that still make us smile today. Navigating that journey together showed us how powerful a wedding can be when it’s not just about the event, but about the love and meaning behind it.

 

Amalia has always been drawn to creating meaningful experiences. After earning her degree in Hospitality Management and Business from James Madison University, she stepped into the world of weddings with a planning internship in 2013 — and instantly felt inspired. While she went on to build a successful career in corporate advertising, her passion for wedding planning remained constant. Today, she blends her love for logistics, people, and creative storytelling to help couples bring their most personal visions to life.

 

Jenna brings a fresh perspective and a deep eye for design. She holds a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising from Marist College, with concentrations in Promotion, Global Studies, and Event Planning. With over six years of experience in corporate buying and creative direction within the home and lifestyle industry, Jenna has a refined sense of style and an instinct for thoughtful curation. She’s passionate about creating elevated, intentional spaces that reflect each couple’s story — blending beauty with meaning in every detail.

 

Together, we bring a balanced mix of heart and strategy — a duo that thrives on creativity, connection, and the belief that the little things matter most. 

 

Why The Butterfly Effect?

 

The Butterfly Effect is the idea that even the smallest actions can create powerful ripple effects. Like a butterfly's metamorphosis, love continuously transforms throughout the phases of life. We believe your wedding is exactly this — a collection of intentional moments that create memories to last a lifetime. A handwritten note. A shared glance. A perfectly timed song. These subtle, sacred details shape the story of your day and leave an impact far beyond the celebration itself. 

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Together, we bring a warm and empathetic approach, combined with a wealth of experience, to create weddings & events that are both beautiful and stress-free. From intimate gatherings to grand affairs, we’re committed to turning your vision into a reality.

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When we’re not planning weddings, you can find us enjoying quality time with our beloved dog, Nutella. We love exploring new places, hiking, biking, traveling, trying new foods, and simply relaxing at home, watching whatever is new on Netflix!