FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I've always been a photographer, therapist, and tax/financial consultant, which is what my companies (in part) are all based upon. The idea that "duh, you should be shooting weddings for all the poor people that just want some good pictures from their special day, but don't have $5,000+ to blow on a high-and-mighty vendor"! I literally created the company over-night, and since friends of friends have been hiring me to photograph, track budgets, do taxes, etc., since I was a Freshman in college, it was the easiest company to start and get moving. Additionally, my sister company; Willow Staffing (a high-end recruiting service), had granted me inside knowledge of just about every company in the wedding industry- from caterers to reception locations, chair and accessory rentals to DJ's and wedding bands. Not only does this allow me the knowledge to steer clear of certain companies, but I also know who to trust, and have been able to bring their services into the fold if they are needed, without having to worry about their performance or quality of work.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Honestly, having done so many weddings, beginning with my own- use a company like mine, or find someone you can trust, or else the thousand tiny things you need separate people and companies for will drive you insane. I offer wedding planning packages for literally ANY budget, on top of which, I ensure that if you use my services, you will receive MORE than what you thought you would get and NEVER go over-budget. As an accountant and financial management consultant, I know every wedding and financial short-cut in the book, and if you are getting married in Charleston, you will end up spending $30,000 in the blink of an eye if you are on your own! Even if you only had $100, I would be perfectly happy to sit down and give you as much time as I had that day to pass along industry secrets and emotional advice that will ensure you have fun planning your wedding, which is exactly what wedding planning should be. I specialize in taking every area of stress- even drama between bridesmaids, away from the couple to-be- I even have a guest service that will take any out-of-town guests the weekend of the wedding on personalized full or half day journeys to ensure they have a great time, while allowing you the space to find some peace before the big day. In sum, my advice is not simply "Use me! Use me!", but be wary of what vendors tell you- they don't need to get repeat customers because most wedding industry companies are too flooded with work to care about ripping off yet another Charleston bride- and no one deserves to be treated like that.