We asked some of our favorite wedding planners a few questions. How they got into the industry, what the hardest & most rewarding parts have been. And their take on working with wedding photographers and here’s what they had to say…
Haley Kelly Events
Haley Kelly Events is a full-service planning company headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina.
“I knew I wanted to be in events my sophomore year of college. My junior year I interned for a wedding planning company in San Francisco. I was sold on weddings and never looked back! I started as an event server and quickly grew within a company to an event manager. After five years I worked as a planner for another planning firm in Charleston and launched my business in 2018. The most rewarding part of the job is always just being involved in such an important day of these couples lives. Seeing the happiness and joy the day of the wedding makes everything worth it. The hardest part is hands down the weather – the one thing I can’t control!”
“I love working with photographers that are all in on the wedding weekend. They above and beyond for couples and just excited to be there. Being a team player, reading the timeline in advance and providing input are all things that make for an amazing process for wedding planners working with photographers!”
Amy DeVito with Buttercup Events
“I have always had a bit of an odd career path. I started as a professional dancer and while I was doing that I was always in the restaurant business, coupled with that my love for parties was always on the forefront of things. I started working with a great company that was based in NYC/NJ and then branched out on my own. In 2016 we decided to leave NY and make our way south. I knew that the market was totally different in South Carolina than in NY. When we arrived I started to freelance for a lot of different planners while I learned as much as I could.
The hardest part is always managing clients expectations. I always want to give clients exactly what they want and produce the exact day they have been envisioning. However, as we all know, that isn’t always possible. I strive to be able to offer clients different options while always being mindful and respectful of budgets. The most rewarding part is always, always, always the reveal. Sometimes I worked with clients for almost two years and we became super close. Being there to witness it all come together and them see all the banana ideas I threw at them and begged for them to trust me on is something I will never, ever get tired of. Find me a better moment, it just does not exist.
On Working with Photographers
“A great photographer communicates well with wedding planners in advance. They are also mindful and aware of the overall timeline of the day. When I start to pull together that master timeline, the photographer is one of my first points of contact. I want to make sure that there is always enough time in the day to capture every special moment that there is. We work hard as a team to make sure that everything runs smoothly. When a photographer goes rogue and off script, oh boy, now we have problems. I also always appreciate a calm demeanor no matter WHAT is happening! If they are chaotic, then everyone is chaotic! Remain calm no matter what, it affects everyone and will spread like wildfire, keep it together, and just keep moving!”
Alex Austin Events & Design
Alex Austin Events & Design is a boutique wedding, event planning, and diamond design firm.
“I’ve always had a passion for the wedding industry ever since I was a child. I dreamed of designing wedding dresses! However, life took me on a different path. I ended up working in the fashion industry in New York for about a decade. It wasn’t until I married my husband, who use to serve in the military, that I found the courage to pursue my true calling once again. Being a wedding planner and designing weddings just felt like the perfect fit for me. I took the leap and haven’t looked back since.
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my clients’ dreams come to life on their wedding day. There’s nothing quite like witnessing the joy and happiness on their faces as everything comes together seamlessly. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to play a part in creating such a special and memorable day for them. I think the biggest challenge is navigating the complexities of owning my own business and putting myself out there. There’s a lot of pressure to deliver and ensure everything goes smoothly, which can be daunting at times. However, I’ve learned to embrace the challenges and see them as opportunities for growth.”
About Partnering with Photographers
“The greatest experiences wedding planners have with photographers happen when they become an extension of the planning team. We share a common goal and work in tandem throughout the event. Close communication pre and post-wedding is key, ensuring every moment is captured beautifully and we are exceeding the clients expectations. While I’ve been fortunate not to encounter any “bad” experiences. The level of investment from the photographer truly reflects in the final product. It’s evident when they’re committed to the wedding, the team, and the overall vision, versus simply showing up to shoot and leave.”
Alexa Kate Events
Alexa Kate Events offers a curated experience to best support each couple’s dreams.
“While in college, I worked at a wedding gown boutique. Entering this role with excitement about fashion, I walked away with an obsession with all things wedding. Then I spent many years in fashion but saw the Pandemic as my opportunity to pivot. I just dove in with creating my brand and the rest is history! The most difficult aspect has been paving my own way. I think education has become a huge category in the wedding industry which I respect. However, it has almost become a faux pas when you aren’t signing up for every workshop or networking event in town. Let me be clear- I value community but when it comes to copy/paste education…I like to trial and error my own way.”
When asked about working with photographers: “First of all, I always have such admiration and respect for media teams. Our partnership as wedding planners with photographers really dictates wedding day success. I love when a photographer is invested in the entire production and not just their slice of the pie. I don’t want my clients to be just another job on a list. It’s blatantly obvious when this happens. Let’s get creative, let’s collaborate and let’s execute!”
Meagan Warren Weddings & Interiors
“A South Carolina native, Meagan has been in the events industry since 2006 when she interned with Artisphere in Greenville, SC. After graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from Clemson University, she joined the development team at the Columbia Museum of Art, where she planned numerous black-tie affairs and donors. Coupled with a certification in Interior Decorating, Meagan Warren Weddings was launched in 2009. Today, Meagan plans a limited number of exclusive weddings and events annually in the Southeast.”
The most rewarding part – being my own boss as a wedding planner, making my own schedule. Gratefully being at the point where I can pick and choose my clients and what dates I take on weddings. It’s got to be a good fit mutually, and I get to spend more time and attention on each wedding. I adore my Brides and their sweet families.
About photographers: “They read my timelines… ha! But seriously, being quick to communicate is very important. And, just being able to go with the flow on the wedding day. Ease any stresses that may come up with the wedding party. Not a great experience: wedding planners don’t want you to ask for your vendor meals when we are trying to serve all of the wedding guests!”
Victoria Miller – Luxe Atlanta Events
“An award-winning wedding planning team that can’t wait to bring your vision for your wedding day to life! We pride ourselves on our innovative and distinctive style, impeccable attention to detail, and the ability to make event planning stress-free for our clients.”
“In my early twenties, I ventured into the corporate world while simultaneously raising my young daughter and pursuing higher education. Despite my ambition, I found that I had an unfulfilled creative passion within the confines of my corporate role. Then, one day, a colleague’s wife, Laura, floated the idea of dipping my toes into the world of wedding planners. It was like a lightbulb moment. With each wedding we worked together at the local venue she managed, I felt more alive than ever before. Laura quickly became a cherished friend and mentor. Her remarkable career spanned 25 years, highlighted by her expertise in orchestrating events for the iconic Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
The opportunity to learn under her seasoned guidance was nothing short of remarkable. Laura’s unwavering support and recognition of my potential gave me the courage to dive deeper into this newfound passion, while balancing motherhood, obtaining my college degree, and working a full-time job. After countless weekends spent making dreams come true for happy couples. Navigating planning my own wedding, I knew I had found my calling. With a heart full of excitement, I decided to take the leap and pursue event planning in Atlanta full time and I’ve never looked back.”
Most Difficult and Most Rewarding Aspects of being a Wedding Planner
The toughest aspect of my career has consistently revolved around navigating situations where clients lack full trust in my guidance and expertise. Trust forms the bedrock of any professional relationship, particularly in fields where expertise is paramount. When clients hesitate to rely on my professional advice, it presents significant challenges in achieving optimal outcomes for them.
On the other hand, the most rewarding part of my career has been collaborating with couples who wholeheartedly trust in my expertise and follow my guidance. There’s a unique satisfaction in witnessing the positive impact of my work on their journey towards one of life’s most memorable milestones. Establishing strong connections with these couples and playing a part in their journey has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s in these moments of trust and collaboration that I find the most joy and fulfillment in my profession!
The Good and Bad of working with Photographers
A great experience working with photographers is often characterized by open communication and collaboration leading up to an event. When everyone involved is on the same page, it ensures a smooth and successful outcome. This collaborative approach allows for the photographer to understand the client’s vision and preferences, resulting in photos that truly capture the essence of the event.
Conversely, a not-so-great experience occurs when there is a lack of communication and collaboration. This can lead to misunderstandings, missed shots, and ultimately, a less satisfactory outcome. Additionally, it’s extremely frustrating when photographers don’t share the photos with vendors. Considering the integral role we all play in the event’s success. A photo captured by the photographer often reflects months or even years of collaboration and the design efforts of the wedding planners team working with a client. When photographers opt not to share event photos, it not only undermines every other vendor’s contribution but also hampers our ability to showcase our work and attract future clients.
Britt Jones Co.
I got in the industry in the most cliche way of being engaged and then following in love with the process. Although my engagement led me down this route, I firmly believe this career was meant for me. In hindsight, I can so clearly see how every decision I have made has aligned for this to come to fruition. The hardest part is definitely all the little behind the scenes things that we do for our events that no one would ever know about. I once learned how to drive a stick shift to better serve a client for an event – who does that??? Lol. Although every wedding has its unique challenges, I truly find so much joy in seeing a vision come out of the depths of canva to a real life experience that other people can enjoy. That alone is why I do what I do.
I have had the pleasure of working with many talented photographers. I know it’s a job I personally wouldn’t want to do, so I have so much admiration for their skill set. I love when a photographer approaches me with a servants heart. As a planner, we often have a lot of people in our industry that come to us and try to sneak on to our preferred vendor list or ask to shoot behind the scenes for a workshop I have planned without ever having seen a full gallery of theirs. Being approached with the most genuine of intentions is truly all I ask. On the flip side, in the nicest way, no one loves a needy vendor. Having someone who projects themselves as high maintenance and not a team player is going to be a tough recommendation on my end.
Want to know more about McSween Photography?
We are Tanya and Harry, a husband and wife wedding photography team based in North Carolina photographing weddings in Charleston, Atlanta, Highlands, Cashiers, Asheville and beyond. We dearly love to connect with industry professionals like wedding planners, florists, and more. Wanna chat, we’d love to hear from you.
