Many times I am asked how did you know you wanted to be a wedding and party planner? Well originally I wanted to be a famous actor in Hollywood. I even went to college to study Drama, singing and dance. But as soon as I got on stage I would go shy, I am an introvert. I actually preferred being behind the scenes, learning about the lighting and so it became quite clear that acting wasn’t really for me. So why did I become a wedding and party planner?
My Big Day
Twelve years ago, I’m confirming the last few details for my wedding. Dropping off all my décor to the venue. Getting my nails done and full of excitement!
I can hardly sleep the night before no matter how hard I try. Are the tables going to come together and look good? Will all the suppliers I’ve hired turn up and the venue set it up how I’ve got it in my head? I’m still just too excited!
I organised and planned every detail myself, right down to the aisle runner and the colour of the candles. It was our perfect day, just how we wanted it.
Just as quickly as the day came around it was gone and the dreaded wedding blues hit hard. My large planner full of my ideas, spreadsheets and designs had been filed away. I now didn’t have anything to organise and boy did I love to plan…
My Love for Lists and Organising
Me, I write lists for everything, from a day out, a to do list, to my dreams and goals list. When I was planning our wedding I was in list and spreadsheet heaven! But not only that, I found I was really passionate about the logistics of the wedding. How they worked, bringing colour themes together throughout the day and keeping the guests entertained.
Working at the time, in the graphic design industry, designing estate agent brochures, having dipped my toe into wedding and party stationery for friends and family, I realised the wedding and party industry was something I got really excited about.
Then I was asked to organise my mum’s surprise 50th Birthday. Throughout the planning process I just knew this is what I wanted to do as a future career. I felt it was something I was really good at and passionate about. There I was back in my happy place of list writing and I felt comfortable ringing suppliers to hire. Throughout the whole process I was calm and enjoyed being everyone’s point of contact.
Training and Courses
So I went ahead and successfully completed my QC Career School Wedding and Event planning course and loved every bit of it. It didn’t feel like learning! I then helped plan my friends’ weddings and parties; any chance I got to get some more experience and meanwhile Ella Bella Weddings and Events was being made ready to launch.
The Turning Point
Like anything though, I had a family, two children and pregnant with my third. Bills to pay and appointments to make so Ella Bella sat on the back burner. Then suddenly our world was turned upside down. Our eldest Daughter Ella was diagnosed with a life limiting condition and then her unborn sister, Chloe was diagnosed with the same condition a couple of weeks later.
It changed our lives forever and changed me as a person too. We live for memories, for the day and make sure we chase our dreams and goals and don’t take life too seriously. Our children are our inspiration, as with everything they have to go through on a daily basis they smile, laugh and are so happy every day.
We went on to have another child called Mia so their brother Alex had a sibling to grow up with and our beautiful family is complete and we have the most amazing adventures.
Shortly after Ella Bella Weddings and Events was launched. I knew my niche as with every wedding I was working on a common theme materialised. I wanted the couple to have fun, for the day to be different, unconventional if you like. To make the day theirs and be just what they want, with their unique personalities shining through.
Thanks for Reading
x Jodie x
Next read my blog on what to look for when hiring a wedding planner