Marisa Furlong

Founder + Lead Wedding Planner & Wedding Day Lead

My journey into wedding planning and wedding day management didn’t begin with a business plan.

It began with a feeling. A feeling I hadn’t experienced in years until the day everything clicked.

From a young age, I was drawn to two things: travel and weddings. One rooted in movement, the other in meaning. At 20, I pursued a career as a flight attendant but didn’t get the opportunity. Life shifted, and I stepped into other roles, meaningful in their own way, but never fully aligned.

It wasn’t until 35 that I returned to that original dream and became a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines.

Over the past 12+ years, that role has shaped me in ways that define my work today: precision, calm leadership, adaptability, and the ability to navigate high-pressure moments with confidence.

But the second dream, weddings, was still waiting.

In 2024, while supporting my son and daughter-in-law through their wedding, something shifted. What began as helping quickly became something more. On the wedding day, surrounded by moving pieces, timelines, and emotion, I felt a deep sense of clarity.

This is what I’m meant to do.

Shortly after, I founded I DO Need You, a wedding planning and wedding day management company created for couples who value thoughtful guidance, professional expertise, and beautifully executed celebrations.

What began with Wedding Day Management has grown into a trusted planning experience serving couples throughout California and destination locations. Today, I offer both Full-Service Wedding Planning and Wedding Day Management, allowing couples to receive the level of support that best fits their needs.

What started with one wedding has grown into a trusted business supported by a dedicated team, including my sister, who shares the same commitment to detail, professionalism, and exceptional service.

Today, I guide couples through the planning process and lead wedding days with the same mindset that shaped my career in aviation: prepared, organized, adaptable, and always focused on the experience of those I serve.

Because this work isn’t just about timelines or logistics. It’s about protecting the moments that matter most.

At 49, I’m fortunate enough to be living both dreams I had as a young girl, helping people travel to meaningful destinations and helping couples celebrate one of the most meaningful days of their lives.

And I believe the best timing is often the timing we never planned.