{Fireside Chats} Featured by Eventology 2010 Conference

Today, I received the distinct honor of being featured on the Eventology Blog.  Eventology is a wonderful conference for wedding and event professionals in Indianapolis, Indiana.  I attended last year, and will attend again next week.  This year, I'll be promoting the blog I write called The Stylish Planner™ as well as The Style Plan™ Complete Image Workshop for wedding and event professionals that I will be conducting in Denver, Nashville and Atlanta over the next couple of months.  I am incredibly excited about seeing friends from around the country that I made last year, as well as making new ones.


When I read the intro from my friend, Eliana, I was literally brought to tears.  To see such kind words from someone I so respect was very humbling.  This was a fun interview.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed answering the questions!

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What is your favorite time of day for a wedding?
Sunset
Where is your favorite place for a destination wedding? 
Cumberland Island off the coast of South Georgia. My husband and I were married there at the Dungeness ruins almost 13 years ago. Cumberland is a barrier island protected against development by the National Park Service. In addition to the ruins, you can see Plum Orchard Plantation, undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes and freshwater swamps. Wild horses roam free all over the island. It is incredibly beautiful, you feel as though you are in another country. And of course, all planners are familiar with the iconic wedding photo of John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Caroline Bissett- Kennedy at the First African Baptist Church, which is on the north end of the island.
What is the smartest piece of business advice you were ever given? 
“Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” My Daddy used to say that and I think of it all the time in life and business.
What advice would you offer to new comers of the industry? 
Don’t jump into a new business launch. Research as much as possible. Read as many books and blogs as you can and write a business plan. Make 2 sets of goals, your dream goals and your reasonably achievable goals – you’ll probably fall somewhere in the middle of the two. I researched and planned for almost a full year before opening my business.
What was the one class that helped you the most in your career?
Contract law.
What advice would you give to newlyweds for a happy marriage?
Strike a balance between individual and common interests. Nothing makes me appreciate my husband more than being away for a while, but nothing bonds us like doing things together that we both enjoy. If you spend every waking moment together what is there to talk about?
What was or would be your first dance song at your wedding?   God Blessed The Broken Road by Rascal Flatts – it really is our story put to music.
What trends do you expect to see in weddings? 
I really like the emphasis of sustainable and heirloom items being used in weddings – I hope this trend is here to stay. I think we will continue to see smaller guest counts so that couples can have the reception that they want. Indie weddings are huge, so we will continue to see lots of personal touches from the bride and groom, resulting in lots of d-i-y projects. I also think there is an increased interest in outdoor weddings at unique venues.
Who in your life is your role model and why?
My husband is really amazing. He is patient, quiet, slow to anger, completely loyal, and incredibly intelligent – all wrapped up in this handsome, good old southern boy package. I often wish I were more like him.
What is your favorite industry book or magazine?
Book: Tara Guerard’s Southern Weddings – New Looks from the Old South. Magazine: Martha Stewart Weddings
What are your favorite color schemes? 
I really like the unexpected combination of navy and pink (masculine + feminine) and classic black and white with a bold accent color such as fuchsia, lime green or canary yellow.
Do you have a favorite venue for weddings and receptions and if so what are they? That is a difficult question to answer! There are so many beautiful historic churches and chapels in Atlanta to choose from – I’m partial to The Shrine of The Immaculate Conception downtown due to its wonderful history. Callanwolde is a great location for both ceremony and reception. (Instead of an aisle, the bride processes down a beautiful, ornate staircase – it is wonderfully dramatic!) My favorite reception venue was the Academy of Medicine before Georgia Tech purchased it. Now I’d have to say either the Atlanta History Center or Biltmore Ballrooms – the staff at both these locations are wonderful to work with. I also have a special place in my heart for The Trolley Barn.
Describe the perfect wedding cake in your opinion. 
A simple, tiered key lime cake with buttercream frosting.
How do you feel about the smashing of cake in the face at receptions? 
I have mixed feelings about that. It can be fun, but the aftermath is such an ordeal. I usually ask my couples what they plan to do so I can have proper supplies stored right under the cake table if they are going to create a mess.
How did you know this is what you wanted to do in life? 
The feeling of accomplishment I felt after the very first wedding I coordinated sealed the deal for me. I’ve never worked this hard in my life, but I’ve also never been this passionate about what I do.
What brings you the most joy in life? 
My son’s laughter – especially one of his uncontrollable belly laughs. When I hear that, all is right with the world.

Thanks so much Jeannine for stopping by. Can't wait to hang with you in Indiana.

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Oh and your Eventology 2010 correspondent - Eliana on twitter