DesignDayz Event Planning
Meet the team
Beckie Bruffey
Founder + Chief Events Officer
Beckie pairs an intimate knowledge of Southern California with extensive event planning experience having managed thousands of wedding, social and corporate events over her illustrious career.
Having served as the Director of Catering at Google, General Manager of L’Horizon Resort & Spa (ranked #1 in America and #2 in the World by Conde Nast Traveler), General Manager of Pepperdine University’s Villa Graziadio Hotel and Executive Centers, and Senior Event Manager for Microsoft Conference Services, Beckie has managed functions from intimate gatherings to large corporate events with thousands of guests and international exposure. She received a Patriotic Employer Award from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Beckie graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism.
Throughout her career, she has planned events for the President of China, President of Zambia, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Warren Buffet, the late Senator Ted Kennedy, Governor Jay Inslee, former Secretaries of State John Kerry and Madeleine Albright, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, former Governor Christine Gregoire, Astronaut Bonnie Dunbar, and Nirvana. She managed the Lenovo press conference, resulting in a 1.2-billion-dollar contract for Microsoft and also planned the largest wedding in resort history at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara Resort at Santa Barbara.
Beckie currently resides in Newport Beach, California with her fiancé, two sons, and her Pomeranian, Gus.
Miranda Von Lersner
Event Sales Director - Greater Los Angeles
A third generation event professional, Miranda Von Lersner has a lifetime of experience. She grew up working in her family’s event planning and custom invitations business. Miranda has a Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Miranda managed a portfolio of food and beverage accounts at Delaware North worth $450 million; executing strategies to optimize revenue and maximize profitability. She has also held management roles at Terranea Resort, Caesars Entertainment, W Las Vegas Resort, Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Casino and Stay Wildflower. Miranda has extensive experience with event management, contracts, invitation design, optimizing food and beverage pricing, VIP guest services, project management and hospitality operations.
A recent bride herself, Miranda enjoys travel, cooking, racing, gardening and spending time with her new husband. They currently reside in Long Beach with their three fur-babies.
History: DesignDayz Event Planning
1999
DesignDayz Event Planning is founded by Beckie Bruffey in Seattle, Washington specializing in event planning for weddings, bridal showers and other social events.
2008-2009
DesignDayz’ services expand to include venue management to help many business owners who are struggling to attract event revenue during the great recession.
2010
DesignDayz relocates to Southern California where the skies are always sunny.
Once there, it grows to include event professionals throughout the region.
2021
DesignDayz establishes headquarters in Newport Beach, California.
Today
With a specialty in Southern California, the team at DesignDayz creates unforgettable events from San Diego to Santa Barbara and inland to Palm Desert. DesignDayz also manages events for out-of-state clients.