Anything But Gray Events is a full-service wedding planning and design company founded in 2012, specializing in bold, colorful, and creatively offbeat celebrations across Southern California and destination locations. Proudly aligned with LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women-owned businesses, we champion inclusivity and collaboration in every detail.
At the heart of it all is Holly Gray — Founder, CEO, extrovert, community builder, creative storyteller, and unapologetic Technicolor Queen. With a background in stage management for live theater and improv comedy, Holly brings fearless theatricality and flawless logistics to every celebration she touches. Her couples don’t do basic — and neither does she.
Known for her vibrant aesthetics and outside-the-box design, Holly creates weddings and events that are as expressive and unforgettable as the people they're for. Her work has been featured in Equally Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Offbeat Bride, Black Bride, Love Inc., The Knot, California Wedding Day, and Rock and Roll Bride — just to name a few.
An outspoken advocate for diversity and representation, Holly infuses her values into every aspect of her work — from the couples she celebrates to the vendor teams she builds. As National Director of Membership Retention for WIPA, she supports 22 chapters and over 3,000 members across the U.S. She’s also a proud mentor through The Knot’s Fellowship for Change program, helping shape the future of the wedding industry.
A rescue-dog mom (shoutout to Betty and Veronica), believer in ghosts, three-time game show champion, and proud Dr. Pepper devotee — Holly’s joy is infectious, her perspective refreshing, and her mission clear:
“Let’s make magic, color outside the lines, and plan a wedding that’s anything but expected”
CONTACT ME
Holly Gray
Gray is my name. Color is my game.
To add to the mix, I went to culinary school to deepen my understanding and appreciation of food, especially as it relates to event hospitality. Along the way, I competed on a Food Network show and won! From those winnings, I took my part-time side hustle into the full-time business realm. With sweat, tears, and a ton of heart, I’ve never looked back.
BEFORE STARTING MY JOURNEY AS A WEDDING PLANNER IN 2012, I PLAYED A VARIETY OF ROLES — STAGE MANAGER, HOSPITALITY EXPERT, and long-suffering nine to fiver.
Let’s be honest, I was too colorful and creative for the corporate world.
Nowadays, I come to every wedding with the mind of a stage manager, streamlining your creative ideas into an event that harmonizes like a Broadway musical. Just imagine the enthusiasm that will crescendo as we plan your wedding experience, stress-free, culminating in an event that will feel like the grand finale at a fireworks show. Lights, camera, and love.
🐾 Dogs, Design & Doing Good
I’ve always been a dog person — the kind who grew up in a house full of rescue pups and never quite got over the joy of muddy paws and unconditional love. That furry devotion still runs deep and plays a big part in how I live and lead my business.
That’s why a portion of every sale from Anything But Gray Events is donated to Best Friends Animal Society, supporting pet adoption, no-kill shelters, and affordable spay-and-neuter programs. Their mission to save them all is one I proudly stand behind.
These days, I’m lucky enough to share my life (and my Zoom calls) with Betty (R) and Veronica (L), two spirited, yet geriatric, Boston Terrier rescues who double as my office assistants, lap warmers, and occasional creative directors. Whether they’re snoozing under my desk or making surprise guest appearances during design sessions, they’re the heartbeat of my home and business.
Because whether it’s between people or pups, love is always worth celebrating.
