I remember the day I told my parents that I wanted to become a Wedding Planner. It was my sophomore year of college at Central Michigan University when I was asked to declare my major and minor. Not only my parents, but many family members and friends asked if you could "even go to school and get a degree for something like that." Regardless, I was determined to follow my God-given strengths and turn my dream job into a reality.
To this day, my first wedding as a Wedding and Event Planner/Coordinator is crystal clear. I was 22 years old and in my final year of college, completing an unpaid 30-week internship working a minimum of 40 hours a week at a local wedding and event planning company - Splendid Events. My initial interview time block turned into hours of informative, authentic and passionate conversation between the owner and myself. From that day forward, the only two members of this company were the owner and myself - which allowed me to gain invaluable one-on-one real world experience.
I believe this wedding is so memorable not only because it was my first glimpse into this industry as a vendor instead of a guest, additionally the venue was unbelievably jaw dropping, but this particular couple seemed to be a Wedding Planner’s ideal client. The bride was also in the event industry; however, her specialty was in planning corporate events. So, I am sure you can imagine how delightful and prepared she was during our initial in-office consultation. I was in awe.
As my phone did not do this picture perfect day proper justice and seeing as how I am in no means a photographer, I have attached some photos provided by Splendid Events, courtesy of the talented Stephen Norregaard Photography. This gorgeous wedding day took place at the Felt Mansion Estate just outside of Holland, MI. Dripping in timeless and historic richness, the mansion and its property provided such a stunning backdrop for this romantic couple.
Leading up to and on the day of our clients' wedding, my mentor and I provided Month of Coordination as well as Full Décor Set-Up and Take-Down services at the historic Felt Mansion Estate. What felt like the longest and most tiring day of my life (I actually fell asleep during our car ride home - so much for reflecting and gaining feedback during my first experience as a young event professional and intern), turned out to be one of the most rewarding. At that moment I knew I had found my niche in life!
During my first season I became an Internationally Certified Wedding Planner and an Internationally Certified Event Planner. I completed 28 weddings as Assistant and/or Lead Coordinator, including my last two weddings as a Solo Coordinator. During my first season I also attended the Wedding MBA convention for Wedding Professionals in Las Vegas, composed two articles that were published in the 2018 Michigan Wedding Organizer Magazine, participated in many fundraising and networking opportunities within the Great Lakes Bay Region as well as established many partnerships with collaborating vendors and companies who came across my name.
When I graduated from CMU with my Bachelors degree in December of 2017, I transitioned from a Wedding and Event Planning Consultant to an Independent Contractor for Splendid Events. Within two months post graduation I started my own company: Wedding & Event Planning By Morgan Nicole, LLC and have enjoyed every minute since! I believe that my fresh talent, formal education, knowledge, and experience are perks for the couples that secure my services, as I am also a recent Bride-to-be - allowing me to connect with current brides in a way that most vendors cannot as couples begin the same planning journey that I have experienced myself.
It truly is a wonderful thing when passion meets work and I am beyond grateful for a career that frees me from the typical 9-5 schedule, allows me to travel and visit breathtaking and historical venues statewide, as well as work alongside ALL romantic couples in love, bringing their dream wedding day visions to life!
@WeddingAndEventPlanningByMN
Revised Partnership Blog Feature (originally published with Basic Invite)