IMAGE: Brittany Thomas Photography

I have come across some amazing vendors this year and Sara Reynolds of Sara Reynolds Events is one of them. She actually approached me via email to participate in a styled shoot of hers and I was more than happy to! I asked Sara if she’d like to share a little about the start of her business and here is what she had to say:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

Owning my own business? Almost 2 years. The event planning business? Around 8 years.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Actually it’s a funny story, when I was planning my own wedding every.single.vendor. told me how organized and well run my wedding was. My photographer, Brittany Thomas, was the one who really pushed me and told me that I needed to start my own business. It was always a thought in the back of my mind because I was planning large scale corporate training conferences before (a.k.a super boring) and planning my wedding was such a fun difference! I think in many ways having my start in corporate events helped lay a strong foundation for my business today!

IMAGE: Brittany Thomas Photography

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO?

I am not sure I can choose just one thing that I love the most! I think the whole experience of planning a wedding is what I love most. You are helping to facilitate a day that brings all of your loved ones close, is truly a life milestone, and it is always a gorgeous day. But I think the best part is being privy to the inner love story of the couple. I love being there to calm the groom down before the first look, listen to the bride gush about their future together, and all the other in-between moments.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

I think the largest milestone I am looking forward to hitting is quitting my full time job. I am not going to put the date out there yet but it is so soon! I can’t wait to be able to serve my clients more. I also have a goal to assist a photographer with their workshop & maybe, just maybe, start a marriage retreat for creatives. I have a lot of dreams but for now, let’s get through my 2016 season! 🙂
WHAT THREE PIECES OF ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR NEW BUSINESS OWNERS?

1) Don’t hope for it, work for it: I have had so many nights of no sleep while I work to make this dream happen. Everyone sees wedding planning as a dream career, and for some it might be, but there is a lot of behind the scenes (not so pretty stuff) that is truly what a wedding planner does. Don’t assume it’s all flowers and cake tastings.

2) Network & don’t be afraid to say hello: I am an extremely extroverted person….if I know you. I HATE networking events because I never feel like I am good enough. I have had some amazing opportunities open up for me because I took a chance and said hello.

3) Love your clients: I have found referrals are my most powerful network. That comes from going above and beyond for my clients. I don’t set limitations on when and how often a client can contact me (thankfully no one has called at 2am crying about a shade of peach). I believe loving your clients, letting them know you are there for them 150%, and always having their best interest at heart (and not just your business’) makes a huge impression in the long run.