who are you and what do you do and why?- survey !!

[preciousweddings]

Hello everyone

i thought we could do a survey and see who does what etc

im shelly from swindon in the Uk and im a stationery designer. I got into this line of work when i got married , its great i get to be creative and make all sorts. but i also work full time for claires accessories im a manger for a large uk store

so shall we all answer the following

who are you ?
what do you do ?
what made you get into your line of work?

[WebLady]

Hello,

I am Brandi, I am in Georgia (US) I am a website and graphic designer ... I do personal wedding websites, e-invitations and e-announcements, custom photo announcements as well as business website and hosting services.

I got into this after being in wedding photography for 5 years and got a little tired of it. I discovered I liked the website stuff after working on my own photography site so I got more into that :wink:

I have been married to my wonderful husband since April of this year :D

ETA -- saw some typos and added more info about me :wink:

~ WebLady :)

[robindepaula]

I'm Robin. I am from Southeastern Louisiana. I am a professional photographer. I absolutely love what I do - capturing special memories of someones big day is just awesome!

Robin :wink:

[831Photography]

Hi!

I'm Steph.

I own 831 Photography and am also 1 of the 3 wedding photographers we currently have on staff. (We do about 90% of our business in weddings, but we also do portraits and such)

I started doing weddings because I loved them so much and I loved taking pictures...so my husband suggested...why not do wedding photography!?!

So after covering a few family and friend weddings for almost nothing and mentoring with a local wedding photographer, I opened my own business. In 2002 we did 3 weddings (all family and friends). In 2003, we did 14 weddings. In 2004, we did 46 weddings (mostly between 2 photographers). and in 2005, we are booked for 77 weddings (with 3 photographers on staff).

I love this business and I wouldn't do anything else. (Okay...I have toyed with becoming a midwife because I love everything about pregnancy and childbirth, but that is a dream down the road.)

Steph

[allydawn0040]

Hi I'm Dawn.

I own A Dream Come True Wedding Shoppe. I got married 3 yrs ago and couldn't find any decent selection of wedding accessories, supplies or invitations in my area and I live in the 2nd largetest city in the state. The best selection was at party stores, and that was not much. God laid the opportunity in front of me and opened all of the neccessary doors.

My shoppe offers invitations, ring pillows, flower baskests, guest books, unity candles, toasting flutes, cake toppers, record books, attendant gifts, programs, save the date cards, etc. From what I understand from my suppliers I am only one of a small handful of bridal shops that does NOT carry jewelery, shoes, veils, tiarras, gowns, etc. The market is so satured for those items in my area but no one else offers any selection of the type of products I offer. I LOVE the look brides have when they first enter my shoppe. They are shocked that so many options are available to them. The biggest problem I have is that they find me because they had no selection anywhere else in town only to come to find out that I have so much, now they are not sure what they want! :D My customer base runs a 500 mile radius.

The other cool thing is that I listen to a Christian radio station at work and it opens the door for some great conversation. Another way that God has allowed me to do what I love as well as share His good news (i don't push religion on anyone but if they bring it up I will definately share my beliefs)

Loved reading the other posts! Isn't it great to work in our industry!!! :D

[smweddings]

Hi Everyone!

My name is Wendy and I'm just about to launch a wedding consulting and planning company called Sacred Moment Weddings. It's been a dream of mine since 1991. I'm the Director of Finance for a company in Phoenix and hope to one day soon, plan weddings fulltime. I've been an accountant for 23 years and I'm ready to do something else.

I believe in marriage. I love weddings and everything that goes along with it. I was "The Bride" myself, last year and I have to tell you...I'm STILL giddy when I think about how wonderful our wedding was and how wonderful I felt on that day. I want to help future brides experience the same thing!

[KEITravel]

Hello Everyone!

KEI Travel is a full service travel agency offering peace of mind, security and extra time to focus on what's important "The Bride and Groom".

I entered into the Travel Industry in 1995. While employed with a storefront agency I got married and with marriage decided it was time to start our family. Unfortunetly, the agency I worked under sold to a larger company which closed our office location. Relocating just didn't work well for me.
I have recently opened KEI Travel as an Independent Consultant for a larger storefront agency. This allows me to cut cost and provide undivided attention to clients seeking Honeymoons and Weddings both land and sea - international and domestic.
I enjoy travel- most people don't enjoy their careers- I think I'm one of the exceptions. It's rewarding to know you sent a couple on the most memorable get-away of their lives. www.keitravel.4MyDeals.com

[PixArtphoto]

I am Owner and Lead photographer for PixArt Photography Located in San Francisco California. I photograph weddings, upload images to digipixart.com for the customer to look at and order from, and provide editing beyond what most companies are willing to do, we complete the clients gallery in color, black and white, sepia, and custom editing (black and white images with some of the images converted back to color). The editing is time consuming, but compared to other clients who we didn't do this for, print sales increased by 30+ percent.

[dawnscake]

Hi, I'm Dawn. I live in MI and am a Cake Decorator. I've been doing this since about 1995 and just started my "business" a year ago. I started out doing cakes for family and friends and it has just grown form there. I love being able to help make someones wedding day special. When I recieve a Thank you from a couple, it makes everything worth while! :D

[As You Wish]

My name is Mirinda Schiele and I design custom wedding veils.

I am located in Utah (USA) but focus my business on the internet- so all over.

I was an Urban Planner and got tired of working with whiney developers so I started this little business. I have made wedding veils for friends and family members since 1991. Many brides want something special and can’t find it- so here I am.

I also have a small business doing “outsourced organizational management” I take care of business for non-profits who don’t have offices but need someone to manage things like communication, archives, websites, newsletters etc. etc.

[Brooke_Photo]

I'm Brooke - I'm a wedding Photographer with Steven Tackeff Photography. It's basically Steven & myself. We are the backbown of this studio and have been shooting together for six years (although he's been shooting for closer to 14). We are located in Fort Lee, NJ (a half mile out of NYC).

In addition to wedding photography we photograph a lot of celebrities & musicians. Although in recent months we've been leaning toward weddings. I guess our focus ebbs and flows around here.

I also do a lot of graphic design - I enjoy fine arts. I graduated college with a degree in fine arts (painting) & journalism. I started working as a photojournalist -- but weddings have really shifted in recent years. So you get love, emotion & photojournalism.

Nice to meet you all.

[Brides-Elegance]

Hello. My name is Linda. I am located in Everett Wa. I am a licensed bridal designer.

I have been working in the bridal industry for about 4 to 5 years now. I design my own silk boquets and accessories. I currently have a Ebay store.

I also make wedding cakes, but haven't really pushed that. I enjoy what, I am doing.

I am a mom of a 5 years old. I had her at 41 yr. She just started school and that is a very exciting time of her life. Now with at school full-time gives me more time to work on my bridal business.

I am looking forward meeting new friends.

Linda :) :)

[delmar]

Hi. My name is Sarah and I am currently from South East Colorado. I recently moved from California and am re-establishing my business here. I am a Wedding & Event Coordinator, Planner, Consultant and Floral Designer. (thats a mouthful!)
I have been in the wedding industry for 10 years now. I started as a floral designer when I was about 15 years old. I went to culinary school while still working in floral design. I persued wedding planning while in culinary school as a "hobby". I graduated from culinary school and did free-lance catering and wedding planning while also working for an upscale restaurant in Northern California. I got engaged and then married my wonderful husband. Our wedding was my little planning adventure. I moved to San Diego while my husband was stationed there and persued free-lance catering, floral design and planning in my off time as a mom and wife. And now we are in Colorado and have no plans of leaving any time soon.
Every part of my being is attached to the wedding industry and my family is very accepting of that. My oldest daughter has practically grown up doing weddings with me and knows the ins and outs of planning and she isn't even 7 yet!

I am also a childbirth doula if and when the special occasion of childbirth arises for anyone around me. (It is an Event!)

[ladylachapelle]

:D Hi
My name is Carla and I am a Makeup Artist in Long Island, New York. I have always loved beauty. I have studied makeup for a year and a half in Manhattan and now I am beginning my own bridal makeup business. :D

[VenusElaine]

Hello, I'm Venus Elaine and I am an alteration specialist and manager of The Best Fit in Morgantown, WV. I also own a home business, Goddess Creations, which specializes in unique custom bridal, pageant, performance, and fantasy gowns.

[The Wedding Diva]

Hi all :)

I'm a wedding and event designer in the Golden Isles of GA. I own Once Upon Your Wedding, a wedding consulting company that I hope to build into a top ranking firm. I got into this line of work from studying law. Funny isn't it? I just knew I wanted to do something to contribute to someone's lifen in a postive way. To share in a day where two people decide to make the ultimate commitment-- what more can you say about that? Also, my husband and I had a whirlwind romance. We met in July, he proposed in Sept and we got married in Oct. Needless to say, I didn't get the dream wedding I had been planning for LOL. Each year, I would plan it, but of course, something would always come up. In the midst of all of that, I got to know a lot of vendors, and learned my way around the business. My "job" is so second-nature to me, that it doesn't feel like work sometimes.

Well here it is, seven years later, and my husband has decided FINALLY that this is the year LOL. We renewed our vows in Ocho Rios last year, with just the two of us...but I think that even he wants the big production.

Good Lord-- can you see it now? What happens when the wedding planner gets married!? (funny side note, I was trying to run the show at my own renewal-- I had to stop myself from stopping in the middle of the service to tell the photographer he was in the wrong spot, or check on my cake LOL. My husband looked at me and said, "YOU ARE OFF. STOP IT." LOL)

I wanted OUYW to be a reflection of me and also the things I wanted during my planning process(es). So we're a contemporary biz that stays up on the trends, offer a myriad of services that some don't, etc.

Well...thats it for me for now...How's THAT for rambling in a second post! LOL It was great reading about you all and I look forward to getting to know you :)

[officiant-fica]

Hi everyone, I am Audrey. I am a wedding minister from west Michigan. I started doing weddings after our weding last June. Our minister did a poor job, and I had such a great time planning my own ceremony that I thought "Heck I can do this, and do it better." So here I am and loving it! I really enjoy hepling couple put together a ceremony that really reflects them. Looking forward to getting to know all of you!

[countrygirl]

Hi Ladies!!!

My name is Heather, and I live in Arizona (US). I am getting married Nov 4th, this year. I have a wonderful (very high spirited) little boy, Nico, who will be turning 6 in March. I am also inherititng Peyton, turning 9 in March, Isabelle, 6, and Jacqueline. I call our house the zoo. :bbeek:

I currently work for an orthodontist. I have been in the medical field for about five years, and thought I would try something new. I still am not sure what I want to do when I grow up(heehee), but always looking at new things.

[motionmemories]

Located Just north of SLC in Layton.

Videography and DVD production for Weddings,Family Histories, Memorials, and Special Events. It's fun and quite rewarding.

http://www.motionmemories.com Our Home page:

A very short intro sample that was made for our Grandaughters Pre-Wedding DVD can be seen here:

http://media.putfile.com/angie_love_story Just Fun 1 min 54 secs
feedback would be appreciated.

Sherma

[countrygirl]

I used to live in Roy, about 12 years ago.

[Flicktures]

Hi, my name is Jolyn and my husband and I just started Flicktures. We make Photo DVD Slideshows for Anniversaries, Weddings, Birthdays, etc. I have been doing these for family members and I loved the looks on their faces, I thought I would branch out and make more people happy. I know, it sounds sappy, but true.

[motionmemories]

Thanks for responding to me. By now your an old married couple. Good luck on your new life and have fun.

Sherma

[motionmemories]

Hi Jolyn, Thats how I started also. Then it grew from there. Good Luck in your new venture. I hope it's as fun for you as it has been for me.

Sherma

[Veronica]

Hi ladies!
I am Veronica and live in Boca Raton FL. I have a FLower website, we sell bulk frowers directly from the growers in south america, most of our clients are wedding planners and DIY brides to be.
Ok about how I started and why? I have a good story for you. My husband and I met 4 1/2 years ago and we wanted to get married but we did not had a lot of money two have the kind of wedding that we wanted, so we decided to do it our selves. My brother is a cheff so he cooked the food, my best friend had a bakery and she made the cake and the sweets, another firend had a shop where he rented tents, chairs, tables etc, and he gave us a good price.
Finally my husband worked in a rose farm in Ecuador and they sold the flowers to us directly from the grower, the flowers were fresh and beautiful, my aunt was very good at making flower arrangements, she helped me and I had beautiful centerpieces and flower decorations. After my wedding I decided that everybody should be able to save money on the flowers specially 'cause it is not dificult to do a flower arragenment.
When we moved to the USA we started to sell the roses on line and it just makes me feel good that I am able to help brides save some money while having top quality roses at their wedding.
And this is my story!!
hope you did not get bored hehehe!!

[Veronica]

I am a Christian too and I think it is a wonderful idea to listen to a christian radio in your shop any way to let others know about God the right way.
I have a website and I sell roses through the internet, do you have an idea of how I could promote my faith through my website?

[Veronica]

Hi Wendy,
Good luck on this new adventure if you need my help in any of your upcoming events let me know, I sell bulk roses from south america.
God Bless you

[aphardin]

Hello,
My name is Allison, I am from Indiana. I am an artist who hand paints aisle runners, table linens, chaircovers....

I started working as a floral designer after I had such a wonderful experience with my floral designer during my own wedding planning. I worked in the field for several years until I received my art degree. Although I love to design floral arrangements for weddings and other special events, my passion is painting. I found this was a great way to combine my love of event planning with painting.

Sincerely,
Allison

[JHarris]

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jenny Harris, and I create custom ring bearer pillows, flower girl baskets, and guestbook stands. I have also done other pieces, like pew decorations.

[lastingmemoriesdvd]

Hello all! I am new to the forum and just thought that I would share my ventures!

About 1 1/2 years ago, after my youngest son was born, I realized that I had so many photos...too many to fit in any book! After exhausting his baby scrapbook and baby book, I decided that I wanted to find something else that was fun and entertaining to do with the photos. And then my new business was born! Lasting Memories DVD!

I make photo dvd slideshows using the customers precious photographs! My little idea has taken me far, making touching and heartfelt slideshows for parents of sick or dying children at the local children's hospital and creating works of art for weddings, birthdays, retirement parties and many other occasions for customers all over the United States!

I really enjoy making these little works of art!

Anyways, I just thought I would share! Thanks for listening!

Jessica
Lasting Memories DVD
www.lastingmemoriesdvd.com

[Bridey]

I set up a website earlier this year where brides and grooms could recommend their suppliers. I got married last year and found I couldn't access reviews on suppliers without wading through forums, so I wanted to make it easier for others. The site has proved popular with suppliers too as they can prove to potential clients that they're providing a good service. :)

[SerendipityCrafts]

I am Elizabeth and I live in Montreal, Canada (eh!)

My husband (I love being able to say that!!!!) and I run a small craft & internet business out of our home. It's our dream to run the business from a lakeside home some day. I have done craft shows for years but it wasn't until we launched our website that the idea of painting full time became a possibility.

Both Hugh and I studied graphic design in college. He still works in the industry but during the day, I am an office manager. I am also responsible for customer support, technical support, inside sales, web maintenance, distributor support, sales staff support, invoicing, shipping logistics & marketing for a company that makes spray paint equipment.

I am currently trying to work my way out of my day job (4 days a week, then 3 days a week, then 2 days a week etc.) in order that I can devote my time to our business.

[Perry23]

My name is Katherine and i live close to London in a place called Milton Keynes.
I work as a secretary for The Open University, but in my spare time I make hand made cards, i normally sell these t craft fayres but have been really busy making all my own invites place settings, menus, favours, order of services and also my save the date cards so i havent done a lot lately.

[Michelle_Allmon]

I am 31 year old married girl.

I do photography.

I love it more than anything! My husband has actually caught me sleeping with my camera. My grandfather worked for polaroid, so maybe it's in my blood!

[BridesElegance]

Hello,

I make silk bouquets, pew bows and wedding accessories. I've been in the Bridal business for 4 years and did/do all my business on the Internet.

All my items are my own designs. I have done many weddings and I've totally enjoyed my work and making my buyers/clients happy!
:D


Linda

[The Manor]

Greetings Everyone!

I'm Avis from Baltimore, Maryland! I operate Patapsco Manor located in Elkridge Maryland - just 10 hot minutes from downtown Baltimore. We're located off Route 1 and I-195 in the opposite direction of Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

I started out years ago as a meeting planner then went to culinary college when I got laid off my last job. Of course I started catering and now find myself operating a beautiful Manor home turned banquet facility. I absolutely love what I do. I've planned quite a number of events from weddings to breakfast meetings. What I'm most proud of is that I built my business from scratch! I'm a party girl at heart!

Feel free to email me anytime! I'm always happy to share information!

[Michelle_Allmon]

Congratulations on starting your business from scratch! It looks like a beautiful place! I really hope I get to shoot a wedding there when I move back to PA! I love the bricks!




Sorry about all the exclamation points... I'm just a very excited sort of person. :D

[CallieJC]

Hi everyone.....:D
I do a few different things for happy couples. Very much freelance and very happy! I am a Jimmy Crystal / Lana Hertel Co. Rep, which is custom made, 100% Swarovski items, from earrings to readers, purses and accessories. We have a showroom in Dallas so I travel quite a bit. I am the proud owner of Mixtape Photo and help out with my sweeties recording studio, Mixtape Meditations and Mixtape Soundlab. He can provide dj's, sound gear and some of the best music compilations for the guest. We also can contact any great bands for the wedding Why? I worked for Starbucks Corp. for 7 years and before that organized weddings in Dallas/ Ft. Worth for 9 years before that. Next thing you know, I fell in love with a drummer and the rest is history. (One day, I hope to be the bride.....I am trying, hehe.

Best wedding wishes.....
Callie Tackett (calie@sunflower.com)

[RomanticDreamsComeTrue]

I am Victoria, one of the two Owners of Romantic Dreams Come True, a wedding and event planner business.

I started off as just a consultant helping via phones to give advice for planning a wedding. Then my sister and I decided that we'd use our combined expertise and schooling to start our own consulting business. We also decided to incorperate event planning to help everyone rather than just weddings. Gives us alot to do in the off times.

We run our business currrently from our parent's home, our mother is our business manager, we are a totally family run business. Everyone helping out working on everything from planning the event to working on the flowers.