Amanda Bratton
Founder & Lead Planner
With more than 20 years of event planning experience—including over a decade specializing in weddings—Amanda is known for calm leadership, cohesive event design, and an unwavering commitment to creating celebrations that are as meaningful for your guests as they are unforgettable for you.
She lives in Edina, Minnesota, with her husband, Tim, and their three children, who are all patiently waiting to welcome a puppy into the family.
A Note from Amanda:
Don’t you just love a celebration—moments filled with vibrancy, beauty, and life? I do too.
I love the surprise details and little luxuries that tell guests someone was genuinely looking forward to celebrating with them. I love a beautifully laid table, the creativity expressed through color and décor, and the way an experienced host guides the flow of an evening without guests ever noticing.
It’s never lost on me what a privilege it is to be welcomed into someone’s life during a milestone moment.
As a young girl, I was surrounded by women who were masters of hospitality, especially my mom. From her, I learned the power hospitality has to make people feel valued and loved, as well as the artistry required to make a celebration feel effortless and beautiful. I bore witness to the leadership, charisma, and finesse needed to guide an event with confidence and a smile—even under pressure.
From dinner parties to backyard barbecues, engagement celebrations, weddings, and baby showers—even concerts, sporting events, and a great tailgate—all became opportunities for me to study the art of hospitality and learn the DNA of great events.
But more than anything, it is the people who bring me the greatest joy and inspiration. People bring electricity to a room. They give us the best stories to laugh about years later, and they give heartfelt meaning to every celebration we create.
That is the heart and guiding inspiration behind Golden Hour: partnering with our clients to beautifully shape and bring to life the moments that matter most, for the people who matter most.
welcome,warmly, amanda 
Signature Planning Philosophy:
At Golden Hour Weddings and Events, we believe a truly exceptional celebration is one where every moment flows effortlessly, every detail is intentional, and every guest feels the warmth & joy of your day. Most importantly, you are free to be fully present—able to take in each moment without distraction.
With this in mind, we bring your vision to life through a meticulous approach to planning and a refined eye for design. We thoughtfully construct timelines and attend to the subtle details that shape the experience — giving you the confidence to relax and make treasured memories.
Kind Words
“From the beginning, Amanda brought a steady, calming presence and took the time to understand what mattered most to us. She anticipated needs we had not considered, offered thoughtful guidance, and kept communication with our vendors organized and clear.
On the wedding day, we never had to wonder what was happening next or whether things were running on time—Amanda quietly handled every detail behind the scenes. Because of that, we were able to be fully present with each other, our families, and our friends. She is highly capable, detail-oriented, warm, and a strong advocate for her clients. Having her there gave us complete peace of mind and allowed the day to feel joyful, personal, and truly our own.”
-Sarah, Bride
“We loved every part of working with Amanda. She is knowledgeable, experienced, thoughtful, kind, and an exceptional listener—while also knowing exactly when to take charge. From our very first meeting, her thoroughness impressed us. She anticipated details we had not yet considered and gave us complete confidence that nothing would be overlooked.
On the wedding day, Amanda was masterful. She coordinated countless moving pieces, handled unexpected challenges with excellent judgment, and made the entire celebration feel effortless. We trusted her completely and were able to enjoy the day without carrying the stress of managing it ourselves. Amanda leads with warmth, confidence, and a steady hand. I would highly recommend her.”
-Liz, Mother of the Bride
We had spent countless hours planning every detail, but I worried about how it would all be executed on the wedding day. We began working with Amanda about six months before our wedding, just as the stress of the day was starting to feel real. I had a general idea of how I wanted everything to flow, and Amanda stepped in to create a detailed plan that made those ideas a reality.
Not once did I worry about what was happening behind the scenes, because I was confident Amanda had it under control. Because of her, Nick and I had the mental clarity to truly soak in every moment of the day. She also lifted so much responsibility from our parents and bridal party, allowing them to enjoy the celebration from start to finish.
My advice on hiring her? Do it. You will not regret it.”
— Brooke, Bride
“Amanda is extraordinary. Having her as our wedding coordinator was priceless. She kept the meticulous planning process moving smoothly, clearly communicated every next step, and offered thoughtful, valuable insight throughout.
On the wedding day, we felt completely at peace. Because of Amanda’s organization, preparation, detailed timeline, and attention to every imaginable detail, my husband and I were able to sit back and enjoy the entire day and evening. It was spectacular.
Amanda is a natural leader and an absolute dream to work with. She worked seamlessly with the venue team and vendors and brought our vision to life precisely as my daughter and I had imagined it. We trusted her so completely that we also hired her for both of our sons’ weddings. She is truly a priceless gem. Look no further—book her as soon as you can!”
-Gina, Mother of the Bride (and Mother of a Groom & later Mother of another Groom)