THE INTERVIEW
Ellen Ashton: Why Did you start your business?
Shannon: When I first graduated college I had trouble finding a full time job in architecture and being an event planner was always something I had in the back of my mind. After a few weeks I was able to find a random graphic design job and an internship with an event planning company in Dallas. I knew I wanted to do this full time when I could not sleep the night before an event because I was so excited to get to work the next day and I was not even getting paid ( It was crazy I was driving one hour to her office and one hour back through $10.00 tolls and working 10-16 hour days and still loved every minute of it without making a dime). To be honest I really don’t know exactly why I decided to start my own business it just felt right at the time. After my year internship ended I started working for an Architecture firm and I was miserable working (55-60 hour weeks and not enjoying what I was working on) and my husband (a business owner as well) told me…”Why are you working all these hours working for someone else it is obvious you are meant to own your own business and do something you love” and then I decided to save money and just do it. It was as simple as that!
Ellen Ashton: How did your first client find you?
Shannon: My first client was someone I worked with at my old job.
Ellen Ashton: Do you service Dallas or Fort. Worth, or both?
Shannon: Both
Ellen Ashton: Best advice you could give a bride and groom looking for a wedding planner?
Shannon: Find someone that you feel like you can “gel with”. The wedding planning process is not only stressful for some, but it also involves a lot of trust. You need to find someone you can trust, let go with, and maybe even have a few laughs with (it is a fun time after all!). . This will help relieve some of the stress and you can feel more at ease once you begin the wedding planning process. You can’t do it all, and the more you let go and trust your wedding planner the more you will enjoy the actual day and all the weeks leading up to the big day.
Ellen Ashton: How do you survive the wedding day?
Shannon: Coffee, LOTS of Coffee & breakfast burritos in the morning
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite 2016 wedding trend?
Shannon: Pops of bold color with soft tones in florals
Ellen Ashton: What is your most favored color palette for weddings this year?
Shannon: Dusty Blue! I love how it be romantic and modern.
Ellen Ashton: What is your favorite show at the moment?
Shannon: Bachelor & Bachelorette!
Ellen Ashton: Wine or Ice-cream?
Shannon: Wine
Ellen Ashton: What is your most favorite package you offer to couples?
Shannon: My full planning package, it is my largest package I offer and it assures I am able to be more involved in the process. I assist with design, budget, vendor meetings, timelines, hotel blocks…etc. (you name it and I include it in this package).