Michelle (Fage) Cawthron is a premier destination wedding planner based on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Before trading city lights for turquoise waters, she spent eight years in Los Angeles working as a coordinator for high‑profile events with ASA Events and working on ESPN’s X Games and ESPY Awards. Today, she is the owner and lead planner of Paradise Planning, where she has designed and executed nearly 300 weddings for couples from around the world.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Russell Sage College in Troy, NY. Shortly after, she moved to the West Coast and immersed herself in the fast‑paced world of entertainment event production—an experience that shaped her signature blend of creativity, precision, and calm under pressure.

In early 2011, after nearly a decade in Los Angeles, Michelle felt called to a new pace and a new purpose. She moved to St. John, USVI, where she began working with local wedding planners. It quickly became clear that her background in celebrity‑level events offered a unique advantage in the destination wedding market. In 2012, she launched Paradise Planning with one guiding belief:

“You have a vision for your wedding or special event, and the responsibility of Paradise Planning is to do everything in our power to realize that vision.”

With extensive experience in luxury events, stateside celebrations, and island destination weddings, Michelle brings a rare combination of logistical expertise, creative direction, and heartfelt hospitality. Her work is defined by seamless execution, elevated design, and an unwavering commitment to creating celebrations that exceed expectations and feel deeply personal to each couple she works with.

Contact Michelle today at Michelle@ParadisePlanningUSVI.com or (310) 968-3789.