Meet your planner
Hi, I'm Candace.
For more than 20 years, I've planned events of every size, from simple, intimate gatherings to complex, multiday celebrations. I know how many moving parts sit behind a day that feels effortless, and I love being the person who keeps them all moving.
I started Sweetbay Celebrations to do the part of this work I love most: walking alongside families through the biggest moments of their lives. I take on a small number of clients each season so I can give every family close, personal attention from the first idea to the last dance.
[OPTIONAL: a sentence about you, such as your family, your Baltimore roots, or the languages you plan in]
Candace Doane, Founder
Calm under pressure
Two decades of managing large events means surprises get handled quietly, long before they reach you.
Side by side
You work directly with me, not a rotating team. I learn your family, your traditions, and what matters most.
Every detail, every budget
Clear budgets, honest advice, and a plan built around your priorities, whatever the size of your celebration.
Why "Sweetbay"?
The sweetbay is a magnolia native to Maryland, known for its creamy, fragrant blooms. It felt like the right name for a Baltimore business built on bringing people together to celebrate.