I know that it’s been longer than the blink of my eye- but I simply cannot believe it’s the middle of June! “Wedding season” in Florida is officially wrapped up, and preparations for the fall are in full swing. I’m trying not to geek out over all of the details that are being hammered out right now. Sometimes being a planner has its drawbacks (i.e., having to wait another 3 months to see a vision come to life). Patience is a virtue, right?
Honest? This year has been an uphill climb for me. Blog posts have taken a backseat, and I’m determined to change that. Even more honest? I am welcoming the ‘summer break’ with open, even eager, arms.
Total honesty?
I’ve truly never enjoyed my job more.
I was able to work with absolutely phenomenal clients this spring- and what a privilege it was! Ask any of my assistants- each time a first dance started, my eyes welled with tears and I had to duck away. Watching a groom draw in his bride, and the happy couple twirl ’round the dance floor- my heart bursts every time. There’s this moment of release for me at a reception: the vows are exchanged, the new couple has been introduced, and the only item left on the agenda is to watch the nearest and dearest of the new Mr. & Mrs. celebrate. The emotion in that moment, for me, is simply unexplainable.
^photo compliments of Sunglow Photography.
There is always so much anticipation leading up to the big day, and with every wedding there is a slew of problem solving moments. Decisions need to be made, some being just a slight tweak, other times on a larger scale. As challenging as the process can be- I love it. It is exciting to me- evaluating a situation and finding the best solution, weighing as many possibilities as I can.
Recently, I’ve had a few conversations about the difference between a wedding planner and a venue coordinator. Many venues offer event managers/coordinators on-site to assist the client in the planning process. There are several relatively quick differences I could explain (I love this summary on Every Last Detail), but I think it’s most important to me to highlight my role in how decisions are made.
One of my goals is to know my client so well that I can make an educated decision on his/her behalf on the spot. I can often be heard referring to my client’s “decision-making-mechanism.” Cheesy? Absolutely… but still effective. :) Normally, about half-way through their engagement, that mechanism starts to wane. Every decision has to be filtered through so many layers: family, budget, emotion, tradition, and of course- their own style/preference. I’m aware of the intense, overwhelming struggle. By providing an outside perspective, I’m able to assist in making swift and necessary changes.
In effect, I do my best work when I am wholeheartedly invested in my clients. I know them personally, understand their priorities, and feel confident speaking on their behalf. The foundation of trust I establish with my clients is one that I consider a privilege and an honor. And then, on their wedding day, I am able to watch them twirl round and round- content in knowing the day has gone as seamlessly as possible.
See why I love my job?
