A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of working with Erin England of It’s Your Time Events. She was so friendly and did a wonderful job of keeping things organized in a professional manner. Everything ran SO smoothly (even with a bit of rain and change of location) the day of Amanda + Chris’s wedding. I think we owe the stress-free feel largely in part to Erin and her team.
When I was brainstorming of who I’d like to feature on the blog this month, I knew Erin was the perfect vendor for the spot. So, below are her reponses to my questions regarding her career as a wedding planner.
How is what you do different from others in your field?
My New Orleans traditions coupled with my city sense and professionalism, separates me from other wedding planners.
Why do you enjoy planning weddings?
I love that I can be a part of someone’s big day. Playing a role in someone’s day, making things go smoothly so the couple doesn’t have to worry about a thing, makes me extremely happy.
What is one tip that you would give to a couple getting married soon?
One tip? How do I limit this? Overall I would say to remember to relax and take in every moment because you have spent a lot of time planning and making decisions. And after all of that, it comes together in one day. Try to remember to soak it all in and remember why you’re there – to marry the love of your life.
I would also advise the following: don’t chew gum and get your dress fitted properly. These two things help your photographer and videographer tremendously in giving you a great finished product. [<–from Catherine, I’d have to agree!]
What is one of your favorite business memories?
Several months ago I was the day-of coordinator for an outdoor wedding. There was a tent, but the dance floor was outside and wet from rain earlier that day. The groom and I discussed his desire to dry the floor for his bride so she’d feel comfortable and excited for their first dance. I gathered as many napkins as possible and the groom asked his groomsmen to dry the dance floor for his bride. I absolutely LOVE this sweet and thoughtful memory!
What is your favorite thing about owning your own business?
My favorite thing about owning my own business is that I get to make the decisions. For years, I worked for other people and saw how things were done. Of course, working for someone you can make suggestions but you can’t make them do things the way you envision. But when you are by yourself, it’s all on you. You are responsible for your messes and your successes. In my business, I’m responsible for my work…my reputation. I get to own it and there is no one else to blame.
What are you most proud of?
My proudest moment was finishing my first wedding. It was HARD. It was a day of coordination that had little planning for a destination bride. Before she hired me, she believed she could do it all without any help or guidance. In the end I got to sit back and say, “Wow…I did this. I pulled off getting more flowers and alcohol. I cleaned and gathered guests, and helped the bride enjoy her day!” The memories of a wedding last a lifetime. And I got to help make hers as beautiful as she dreamed of. I was able to see her smile (when I got to stop that is) 😉 and I got to see her dance. These are the moments I look forward to : Helping make others as happy as she was that night.
If you are interested in connecting with Erin, her email address is: erin@itsyourtimeevents.com and her phone number is 985-234-9757Â
I feel privileged to have much such a lovely person and business woman!
Live Simply, Love Freely,
Catherine
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