Meet Rosie Hayden | Director of Wedding & Experiences – The Cocoplum

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosie Hayden and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Genuine Care.
This might sound simple, but it is the foundation of everything we have built at The Cocoplum. In an industry where couples are often treated as transactions, we have succeeded because we have never lost sight of the profound privilege it is to be entrusted with someone’s most important day. Every decision we make, from how we communicate to how we execute the smallest detail, flows from authentic concern for our couples’ experience and wellbeing.

This care extends beyond our clients to our team, our vendors, and our community. We have built a culture where excellence is not demanded through pressure but inspired through mutual respect and shared purpose. People feel this authenticity. It cannot be manufactured or faked.

Couples choose us not simply because of our expertise, but because they sense they will be genuinely cared for. This emotional intelligence, paired with operational precision and 25 years of hospitality experience, creates an experience that resonates long after the last dance. When people know you truly care about their happiness, success follows naturally.

What should our readers know about your business?
My path to co-founding The Cocoplum has been one of intentional growth and strategic reinvention. I built a strong foundation in Brazil’s prestigious hotel industry, then expanded my expertise internationally as a flight attendant, serving sophisticated clients from every corner of the world. Each role was a deliberate choice that deepened my understanding of exceptional hospitality and cultural intelligence.

When I came to the United States, I brought that wealth of experience with me and continued refining my craft through hands-on event work. The transition from event planning to business ownership was the natural evolution of a vision that had been forming for years. When the opportunity arose to co-found The Cocoplum with Chef Fernando, I was prepared — and yet it still required courage to leave the security of employment and build something entirely new.

Those early years demanded everything from us: financial investment, operational innovation, and an unwavering commitment to a model the market had never seen before. We met those challenges through strategic thinking, a relentless work ethic, and an absolute refusal to compromise on our vision of what hospitality could be.

The most important lessons I have carried forward are these. Your diverse experiences are your greatest competitive advantage. Excellence and empathy are not opposing forces; together, they build unstoppable brands. Calculated risks, backed by preparation and intuition, lead to extraordinary outcomes. Perseverance paired with adaptability is far more powerful than the pursuit of perfection. And building alongside the right partner, someone like Chef Fernando who shares your values and your vision, multiplies everything that becomes possible.

I want the world to understand what The Cocoplum was truly built on: a powerful belief that life’s most important moments deserve to be experienced fully, not managed frantically. Our story is not about luxury for its own sake. It is about creating sanctuary in a chaotic world and restoring joy to celebrations that have too often become overwhelming.

My journey, from Brazil’s hotel industry to international flight service to building one of South Florida’s premier wedding destinations, is proof that diverse experience, when combined with vision and purpose, creates something genuinely exceptional. The Cocoplum exists because I have served people from every walk of life and come to understand that beneath all our differences, we share the same fundamental needs: to be seen, to be cared for, and to celebrate surrounded by the people who matter most.

I also want people to know that success does not require sacrificing your humanity. You can build a thriving business while treating everyone with dignity. You can demand excellence while leading with empathy. You can be profitable while genuinely caring about the people you serve. These are not contradictions. They are the foundation of sustainable, meaningful success.

Most importantly, I want couples, especially those from diverse cultural backgrounds or feeling overwhelmed by the wedding industry, to know there is a place where they can simply be themselves. Where their traditions will be honored, their vision understood, and their celebration allowed to unfold with joy, presence, and no stress at all. That is what The Cocoplum represents. That is the legacy I am building, one celebration, one family, one unforgettable moment at a time.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Miami for a week, I would focus on the places that make me fall in love with this city over and over again.
We would begin with brunch at the iconic Biltmore Hotel, followed by a long, unhurried afternoon at the Biltmore Spa. One evening, we would make our way to Rusty Pelican for dinner and drinks, where the skyline views alone are worth the visit. I would also make sure we caught a sunset at Matheson Hammock Park, one of my favorite peaceful corners of the city where time seems to slow down in the best possible way.

Another essential stop would be an afternoon wandering through Coconut Grove, taking in its charming streets, local boutiques, tucked-away cafés, and those beautiful waterfront views that never get old.

For me, the best of Miami has never really been about the tourist attractions. It is the combination of stunning scenery, incredible food, open-air spaces that invite you to breathe, and a laid-back energy that makes even an ordinary Tuesday feel a little like a vacation.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt, my greatest shoutout goes to my entire team at The Cocoplum. Every day I have the privilege of working alongside talented, hardworking, and deeply dedicated people who constantly inspire me to grow, both professionally and personally.

The events industry is fast-paced and unrelenting, and none of what we accomplish would be possible without teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to creating truly unforgettable experiences for our clients. Every wedding, every celebration, every milestone we help bring to life is a reflection of our collective effort, and I am endlessly proud to be part of it.

Website: https://thecocoplum.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rosie_haydem/

Image Credits
Photographer: Michel Paz Instagram: @oi.michel