Denise Giosa: A Journey in Fashion and Events

Denise Giosa’s journey in the world of fashion and events began while she was still in high school, when she joined the Junior Fashion Board at D.H. Holmes in Baton Rouge. It was during this time that she met Beth Phillips, a wonderful mentor who played a significant role in shaping her career. Recognizing Denise’s potential, Beth invited her to be the Youth Coordinator, marking the beginning of her involvement in fashion special events.

After college, Denise moved to Lafayette and began traveling for Estée Lauder. It wasn’t long before she received a call from the manager of the Lafayette D.H. Holmes store, offering her a job. She accepted and continued working with the company for five years, further establishing herself in the industry. She thereafter worked for Maison Blanche, and eventually began freelancing in fashion and bridal shows.

Her career took another turn when Mark Falgout of Warehouse 535 reached out to her. Originally envisioned as a live music venue, Warehouse 535, located at 535 Garfield Street in the Freetown neighborhood near downtown, has evolved into a multi-purpose event space. Over time, it has expanded beyond live music to host a variety of events, and Denise has played a crucial role in that transformation.

Guiding Clients in Event Planning

Denise takes a structured approach to helping clients determine their event needs. Before a client even books a date, she ensures they go through a detailed planning process. She asks key questions such as the date, type of event, expected size, and any special requirements. She also helps them visualize how the space will be used, ensuring that all elements—such as a photo booth or seating arrangements—are carefully considered.

Her meticulous attention to detail means that by the time an event day arrives, she has already coordinated all aspects. She knows every vendor, delivery time, and setup detail, ensuring that clients never have to scramble at the last minute. Her hands-on approach means that every table, chair, and decoration is in place before the event begins, allowing clients to enjoy their special day stress-free.

Additional Services and Wedding Planning

Warehouse 535 offers comprehensive event services as part of the venue rental. However, additional services, such as hiring a wedding planner, are to be handled by the client. Some clients choose to bring in a planner midway through the process or hire a “day-of” coordinator to handle last-minute details. Denise ensures that clients understand what each wedding planner offers, as different planners provide different levels of service.

She also educates clients on the finer details of event planning. For instance, if a couple is handling their own décor, she ensures they have a plan for setup. She also helps them clarify their expectations with vendors, such as ensuring photographers are booked for the right amount of time so they capture key moments, including the end of the event.

Catering, Beverages, and Entertainment

Warehouse 535 has certain requirements for event vendors. Caterers must be licensed and insured, and all beverages are provided through the venue. Clients can choose from various beverage packages, ranging from domestic beer and wine to premium selections.

Entertainment is another major consideration. Some couples prefer DJs over bands because they want to curate their own playlists, while others love the energy of live music. Denise emphasizes that entertainment is key to keeping an event’s momentum going, and she ensures that DJs and bands are properly set up and integrated into the event timeline.

The Evolution of Warehouse 535

Denise has witnessed the growth of Warehouse 535 firsthand. What started as a music venue has expanded to host diverse events, including weddings, corporate functions, and creative experiences like an Edgar Allan Poe-themed speakeasy. The venue has also served as a filming location for shows like Dateline, with production teams transforming rooms to suit their needs.

A Career Built on Excellence

Denise attributes her career success to her strong work ethic and reputation. She believes that “your interview for your next job is the job you have now.” Every opportunity she has received came through word-of-mouth and professional recommendations. Her background in fashion and event planning, combined with her dedication to excellence, has made her a sought-after expert in her field.

Her role has evolved over the years, and she now works with a talented team that helps execute events seamlessly. While she never expected to specialize in weddings, she has come to love the experience of working with brides, helping them stay calm and organized on their big day.

Booking and Planning Considerations

Event planning in Louisiana follows unique seasonal trends. While summer months like July and August might seem slower, Warehouse 535 remains busy with different types of events. Weddings, in particular, often require long-term planning, especially for Catholic ceremonies that may have church booking restrictions.

To streamline the booking process, Warehouse 535 uses Planning Pod, a platform that centralizes event details. When a client inquires through the venue’s website, they receive detailed pricing and package information upfront. Denise is happy to provide estimates based on a client’s budget, helping them determine if Warehouse 535 is the right fit before scheduling a visit.

Denise emphasizes the importance of visiting a venue in person. While professional photographs can highlight the space’s best features, nothing compares to seeing it firsthand. She also ensures that potential clients receive a thorough tour, with expert guidance rather than just a quick walkthrough.

Looking Ahead

As Warehouse 535 continues to grow, Denise remains committed to providing exceptional service. She enjoys the variety that comes with hosting different types of events and continues to refine her planning process. Her approach ensures that every event is well-organized, personalized, and executed with precision.

From her early days in fashion to her leadership in event management, Denise Giosa’s career has been defined by passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Contact and Booking Information

For those interested in hosting an event at Warehouse 535, Denise encourages early inquiries and planning. More details about available dates, pricing, and event packages can be found on the venue’s website at https://warehouse535.com/ or by reaching out to Denise directly at denise@warehouse535.com