The Magic Maker of LA: Inside the Story of Maria Dueñas and Deelish Events

On a crisp November evening, beneath a canopy of fairy lights and the quiet hum of celebration, Maria Dueñas stood surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses, and the vibrant joy of a decade-long dream fulfilled. It was her own event this time, a celebration of 10 years of Deelish Events, and for once, she wasn’t the one behind the scenes making the magic happen. But that didn’t stop her from adjusting a candle, smoothing out a velvet linen, or flashing the kind of warm, steady smile that has become synonymous with her name.

In Los Angeles, where everyone’s chasing the next big thing, Maria Dueñas has quietly, masterfully built something lasting. Something real. A business that doesn’t just design events it designs emotion. With more than 3,396 Instagram posts and over 12,000 loyal followers, Maria’s influence in LA’s event scene is undeniable. But to understand what makes her so magnetic, you have to look beyond the gold-dusted cake tables and rose-strewn aisles. You have to look at her faith.

At the top of her Instagram bio, above the elegant job titles and client tags, is one short verse:

“Luke 1:37” For nothing will be impossible with God.

That verse isn’t decoration, it’s her foundation. “I knew early on,” Maria often says, “that this calling was bigger than just styling events. It was about honoring people, creating sacred moments, and trusting God through it all.” Faith isn’t something Maria turns on when the lights go down. It’s the quiet engine that powers everything she touches.

From Faith to Flourish

When she founded Deelish Events in 2013, Maria was driven by one mission: to merge beauty with meaning. She wasn’t looking to compete with the flashiest decorators in LA, she was crafting something more soulful. The name “Deelish” itself is a wink to indulgence, to richness, to the idea that events should feel like a feast for all the senses.

Whether she’s styling a modern minimalist wedding in Malibu or creating a pastel wonderland for a young girl’s quinceañera, her touch is unmistakable. She has a gift for transforming spaces and emotions. Hotel ballrooms become enchanted gardens. Corporate functions suddenly feel like family dinners. In every detail, from florals to floor plans, there’s a thread of intention. Clients notice. And they remember. “From the moment I met Maria, I knew I was

That joy is Maria’s secret weapon. It lives in her smile, in her tireless work ethic, and in the way she makes every client feel like the only one that matters. She doesn’t just plan events, she builds relationships. The referrals come not just because of the results, but because of the experience.

Scroll through her Instagram feed (@deelishevents), and you’ll find more than pretty tablescapes. You’ll find laughter, prayer circles, teary-eyed speeches, and dozens of grateful families hugging her after the confetti settles. You’ll see birthdays that feel like blessings. Weddings that glow with intimacy. Galas that pulse with story.

She’s planned it all, lavish corporate luncheons, cultural celebrations, end-of-school parties for kids. “School’s out and it’s time for summer fun with our little ones!” she wrote recently, alongside images of balloon-filled backyards and smiling families. Each post feels like an invitation to witness love in motion.

And yet, Maria’s reach extends far beyond the parties themselves. She’s emerged as a thoughtful voice in the event industry, sharing insights on trends, budgeting, logistics, and entrepreneurship. In a recent sit-down with respected planner Mark Sephton, Maria opened up about her journey her early struggles, the pressure to be perfect, and the peace that came with embracing her own voice.

As she steps into this new chapter, Maria is dreaming even bigger. She’s exploring ways to integrate sustainable design into her events, recycled florals, repurposed materials, and partnerships with local vendors. She’s also toying with the idea of launching a mentorship program for aspiring Latina event designers, giving others what she once needed: access, belief, and a seat at the table.

In a world that prizes instant gratification, Maria Dueñas is building a legacy one heartfelt celebration at a time. She’s not just planning events. She’s shaping memories. Elevating moments. Honoring culture. Telling stories.

Her story reminds us that beauty has depth. That creativity can come with kindness. And that even in the busiest, buzziest city in the world, a little faith can go a long way.

So, what’s next for Deelish Events? Only Maria knows for sure. But if her first decade is any indication, it’s going to be divine. Follow Maria’s journey at @deelishevents, where every scroll reveals another glimpse of light, love, and celebration.

By IG @jessicahall