18 Years, 800 Events, and a Legacy of Unforgettable Celebrations

Behind every breathtaking celebration is a visionary who turns dreams into reality with grace, creativity, and calm precision. At 888 Productions, that visionary is Jonah Rodriguez, the company’s CEO, Founder, and Event Director.

With nearly two decades of experience and over 800 weddings and events produced worldwide, Jonah has built more than a brand — she’s built a legacy. One that thrives on artistry, authenticity, and the belief that every love story deserves to be celebrated in the most beautiful way possible.

How It All Began

While many know Jonah today as a creative powerhouse in both media and event production, her true foundation has always been event coordination.

Her journey began in 2006 at Splendido Clubhouse in Tagaytay, Philippines, where she worked as a Marketing Supervisor and Banquet Coordinator. It was there that Jonah fell in love with the art of planning — the structure, the relationships, and the behind-the-scenes flow that turns celebrations into seamless experiences.

In 2008, she moved to Los Angeles and founded 888 Productions on the symbolic date of August 8, 2008 — a day that marked the start of her vision to bring world-class coordination and creativity to couples across California.

Her curiosity for the craft continued to grow. In 2011, Jonah studied cinematography, followed by photography a year later, expanding her skill set to better understand how storytelling and visuals could enhance the coordination experience.

“My foundation has always been wedding planning,” Jonah shares. “That’s why I understand timelines so deeply — every frame, every cue, every emotion has to flow perfectly.”

This balance between structure and storytelling became her hallmark. Today, she continues to merge her roots in coordination with her creative expertise in media, leading 888 Productions with both precision and artistry.

A Creative and Operational Powerhouse

Jonah is known for her rare ability to combine creative direction with logistical mastery — a creative and operational hybrid who thrives both in design meetings and on the event floor.

She moves effortlessly between roles: designing layouts one moment, checking sound cues the next, then stepping in to adjust a bride’s train just before her walk down the aisle. This hands-on leadership style sets her apart.

Her team describes her as both visionary and grounded, a mentor who sees the big picture while mastering every detail. Whether she’s designing an event from scratch or coordinating hundreds of moving parts, Jonah’s calm energy keeps everyone aligned.

From the Philippines to California: A Global Perspective

Jonah’s Filipino heritage and global experience have deeply influenced her approach to event planning. Having produced events across the United States, the Philippines, and the Middle East, she brings a unique cultural fluency to her work.

Now based in Los Angeles, Jonah has become especially known for her expertise in Coptic and Middle Eastern weddings, where tradition meets timeless elegance. Her deep understanding of ritual, family dynamics, and cultural symbolism allows her to craft events that honor heritage while embracing modern aesthetics.

At the same time, she remains deeply connected to her Filipino roots — a culture known for its hospitality, creativity, and resilience.

This sensitivity has made her a favorite among multicultural couples who trust her to balance faith, tradition, and artistry with genuine understanding.

A Longstanding Commitment to Excellence

Jonah’s portfolio of experience spans 18 years in the events and media industry, with over 800 successful weddings and social events produced worldwide. Her projects range from intimate backyard vows to grand-scale luxury receptions with thousands of guests.

Her professional credentials reinforce what her work already proves:

• Certified Wedding & Event Planner (CWEP)

• Event Design & Styling Certified Professional

• Content Creation & Media Production Specialist

• Adobe Creative Suite Expert (Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Photoshop)

• DJI Certified Drone Operator – FAA Part 107 Compliant

• Member of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)

• Member of the International Live Events Association (ILEA)

Jonah is also the author of the book Professional Wedding Planning Advice, published in 2014 — a guide written to educate and empower aspiring event planners. Her writing reflects her philosophy: that wedding planning is both an art and a discipline, requiring creativity, empathy, and skill in equal measure.

The Calm in the Chaos

Every great event planner has a signature strength. Jonah’s is her ability to stay calm under pressure — no matter what happens.

Her mantra, often echoed by her team, says it all: “Stay calm… you only panic when I panic.”

That level-headed confidence sets the tone for everyone around her. On wedding days, Jonah leads with quiet authority — solving problems before they’re noticed, keeping teams focused, and ensuring her clients experience nothing but joy.

Her team at 888 Productions often calls her the “anchor.” She’s the calm presence that grounds even the most high-stakes productions, ensuring that beauty and order coexist effortlessly.

Producing Experiences, Not Just Events

Jonah doesn’t see her work as simply “planning weddings.” She’s producing experiences — immersive, emotional, cinematic moments that tell a story from start to finish.

Each wedding is approached like a live film: the buildup, the climax, the resolution — each scene carefully crafted to evoke emotion. Her background in media and storytelling gives her a creative advantage, allowing her to choreograph everything — from lighting transitions to grand entrances — with intention and flow.

This philosophy has become the backbone of 888 Productions’ brand identity. It’s why clients trust them to create events that aren’t just beautiful — they’re unforgettable.

A Relationship-Driven Leader

Jonah leads with empathy. She believes that the best results come not from authority but from connection — understanding what motivates her team, her clients, and her collaborators.

Her leadership style blends structure with compassion. Within 888 Productions, she’s known as the “visionary nurturer” — someone who pushes for excellence while always protecting her team’s creative spirit.

She invests in people — mentoring coordinators, stylists, photographers, and videographers to bring out their best. Under her guidance, 888’s core team has grown into a family united by trust, respect, and shared purpose.

This focus on human connection has also shaped her client relationships. Many couples stay in touch with Jonah long after their events, often returning for anniversaries or referring their friends. For her, that loyalty is the true measure of success.

Empowering Women in Events

As a woman leading a thriving event production company, Jonah takes pride in being part of the growing community of female entrepreneurs redefining the industry.

She knows firsthand that leadership in a creative field demands balance — the ability to stay soft yet strong, artistic yet organized, kind yet commanding.

Jonah often mentors young women entering the world of weddings and events, teaching them that confidence doesn’t require loudness — it’s built through competence and consistency.

Her influence is seen not just in her work but in the women who’ve grown under her guidance — including Anika and Yusi, now integral members of the 888 coordination team. Together, they represent the heart of what Jonah envisioned: women supporting women, creating beauty with purpose.

A Deep Respect for Culture and Faith

Over the years, Jonah has earned a trusted name within the Coptic Orthodox and Middle Eastern wedding communities, recognized for her cultural sensitivity and eye for meaningful detail.

She understands that in faith-based and multicultural weddings, precision and respect go hand in hand. From coordinating ceremonial traditions to working closely with priests and family elders, Jonah approaches each moment with care and reverence.

Her ability to weave faith, culture, and modern style together has made 888 Productions a top choice for couples seeking to honor their heritage while celebrating love in a fresh, elevated way.

Beyond the Business: The Heart Behind 888 Productions

For Jonah, the success of 888 Productions isn’t measured by the scale of its events — it’s measured by the emotions they create.

She cherishes the quiet moments as much as the grand ones: the nervous laughter before a bride walks down the aisle, the spontaneous dance between families from different cultures, the tearful thank-you from a groom who’s just seen his wedding come to life.

Those are the moments she lives for.

Continuing the Legacy

After nearly two decades in the industry, Jonah shows no signs of slowing down. Her vision for 888 Productions continues to evolve — from expanding its media and design divisions to launching the 888 Podcast, where she and her team share behind-the-scenes insights, wedding tips, and heartfelt stories from the world of events.

Her leadership continues to inspire not just her clients but an entire community of creatives who look up to her as proof that excellence, empathy, and authenticity can coexist.

A Visionary with Heart

Jonah is more than the founder of 888 Productions — she’s its compass. Her blend of creativity, culture, and calm has transformed the company into one of California’s most respected names in wedding and event production.

Her legacy lies not only in the hundreds of events she’s produced but in the lives she’s touched — clients, colleagues, and creatives alike.

Because at the heart of every event she directs, there’s one simple truth: Jonah doesn’t just plan celebrations. She creates moments that last forever.