From Bride to Wedding Planner

Apr 9, 2022

4 min read

Updated: May 25, 2022

Ever since high school the way of events has been ingrained in my head. Vendor coordination, invitation suites, timelines, decor. All of the logistical elements of an event + the pretty stuff too, forever etched into my being. To say that my high school internship in the events industry molded me into the professional that I am today is an understatement. BUT, having started in such an intense industry early on in my career I ended up getting burnt out by the end of college...

Event Planner Turned Digital Marketer

In college I was hellbent on getting out of the event industry, not working weekends. I wanted a standard 9-5 job doing social media marketing work, which is what I was specializing in. 4 years and a business marketing degree later I was signing on with a digital marketing agency based in Washington state. All in the midst of COVID. A work from home marketing job during a pandemic with my puppy side kick, what job could be better? Turns out my head and my heart just weren’t invested in digital marketing for various companies. How did I know?

The Proposal

That’s how I knew! My boyfriend of 8 years at the time FINALLY popped the question. I had only been dreaming up my wedding for the past 5 years. Now it was time to put pen to paper. Thats when the magic happened and the realization came to me that I was comfortable in the events industry. My face would light up whenever someone would say wedding venue or florist!

I got giddy with excitement about getting back into event planning mode, especially for my own wedding. Truthfully, I had never planned a wedding before. There was a slight learning curve, but nothing I didn't know... just in a different context. It all came so naturally. And me, being the extra-organized, over-achieving bride that I was, I had just about everything planned out and booked no later than 8 months before the wedding date. Then I had time to sit back and relax. For a little while at least...

Falling in Love with the Details

With all of my main vendors booked it was time to get down to the details and add my special touch to our big day. Just as everything was falling into place, there was a big wrench thrown into our plans. A fire! Yes, a fire engulfed our wedding venue. Long story short, we were able to be released from that contract (thank goodness) and find our ultimate dream wedding venue! Now to create the perfect winter wonderland.

Everything from the pinecone escort cards to the Blues jersey guest book, no stone was left unturned. Each piece of my wedding had a meaning. Coupled with my husband and family that surrounded us, that is what made my day so special and unforgettable. I truly believe that the smallest of details make some of the biggest impacts and your wedding day becomes a representation of you, the couple, rather than just a party for you. Details are my specialty!

The Big Day

Just as anyone that has been married would say, your wedding day goes by in the blink of an eye! Soak it all in! I remember taking mental notes of everything that was happening around me so that I could remember our day. Of course my memory is already terrible, so I only remember certain things (thankful for our wedding video)!

Me being the planner that I am, and having planned my own wedding, letting go of my day-of schedule was very hard. It took me a little bit to turn off planner mode to begin relaxing during our reception. Let me tell you! Hire a planner. Hire that day-of coordinator. I know, you think I am just saying that because that is what I do. No! I mean it! It will save you the stress and headache before the big day AND during your big day so you can enjoy every second of it!

Meant to Be

Planning my wedding and introducing myself back into the events industry was the best thing that has happened to me in my professional career. It opened my eyes to a new side of the industry (going from nonprofit to wedding) and rekindled my love for events. My newest venture - A | O Weddings + Events is meant to be and I am here to bring the excitement and take away the stress of brides-to-be. My goal is to help brides fall in love with the planning process and get excited. No more dreading venue tours or tastings. A custom planning package that is made just for you!

Email: aoweddingsevents@gmail.com

Phone: 618-973-6585

Vendors

The Proposal picture - Abbie Strader Photography

All other pictures - Julieanne Photography

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