Happy Tuesday! Anyone else feeling a little under the weather with Charlotte's rainy weekend and gloomy start to the week... I know I'm so over the rain clouds and rain boots. Today I'm featuring Charlotte wedding planner Abby with 13 Cedar Events she is located in Lake Norman and plans events in and surrounding areas of Charlotte. She welcomed me in to her home office where she shares how she started her event planning business, 1 great wedding planning tip and fun facts about herself. I'm sure this cute little space of hers is sure to brighten your day and we can't forget about her adorable rescue pup assistant Milo.
Enjoy!
When did you open 13 Cedar Events? Why the name?
After planning a variety of events for the last 10 years, at the private and corporate level, I decided it was time to take the leap and start my own business. In early January 2016, 13 Cedar Events was born.
My husband, Rybe, is an art director and he assisted me with my business branding and look. I decided I wanted my company name to be something special to us as a couple, but also something with a little mystery to create conversation. :) So my company name is a nod to the address of the first home he and I bought together.
Your Mission as a wedding planner in your words?
My goal is that my couples are left feeling only light and love as they depart their wedding! It's truly an honor to be a part of such a special time! I want them to be focused on celebrating their engagement and wedding day, and leave worrying about all the details to me.
Where do you get your planning & wedding design inspiration?
Design and styling inspiration usually comes in a variety of ways - it could be from vibes at a restaurant I visit, from interior design blogs or shows, from the venue itself, and most of the time from the style of the couples I work with. It's a combination of a lot of things, usually with the focus mainly on the unique aspects of each of my couples.
A tip for planning a wedding?
Seriously sit down with your fiancé and decide the top 5 things that are most important to you - things that are sentimental and that require budget allocation. Stick to this original list throughout the planning and ensure that those items are first and foremost. Then we'll work together on the rest, determining 'needs vs. wants' and where your budget will be best utilized.
How far in advance should a couple book a wedding planner?
Couples often book a planner 8 months out or more. But there is never a bad time to hire a professional planner to assist you. Wedding planning can feel very overwhelming. If you get into planning and start to feel like you need some guidance or support, then reach out to a pro to assist you no matter where you are in the process. At the very least, give yourself the gift of peace of mind for your last several weeks of planning by hiring a pro for wedding coordination. At 13 Cedar, I offer packages ranging from assistance with those last 6-8 weeks, to full-service planning and design starting after a couple's engagement. So there's an option for everyone!
office assistant Milo :)
Office Deets:
Desk/chair - My desk and chair were my mother's and are over 50 years old. They are midcentury modern design, which reflects my personal style. I find it inspiring to sit at the desk where my mom worked on her lesson plans and school projects when I was growing up. My mom retired 2 years ago from a long career as a special education teacher in the small Alabama town where I grew up in. She's quite the inspiration!
Piano- This piano was a gift from my parents when I left college and moved into my own apartment in Birmingham, AL. I have been playing piano since I was 7 years old, and I am so thankful that my parents encouraged my sister and me to explore our musical talents. I still enjoy playing after all these years, so it's a nice little break while I'm working to sit down and play for a few minutes.
Office Decor-
It just reflects colors and shapes that I love. I want to surround myself with a few things that give me happiness and good vibes while I work.
My photos are the most important as it's photos of my couples who I am so honored to know, family photos, snaps with my industry friends, and one of my favorite photos of my husband that sits right on my desk.
My husband, Rybe, is one of the reasons I have been successful owning my own business. Being an entrepreneur has its challenges and none of it would be possible without his continued love and support.
There are also photos of my grandmother, Dot, who passed away 2 years ago at the age of 93. She was quite the lady and everyone loved her so much! She was a talented seamstress, savvy business woman, and mom of 3. After the passing of her husband when her children were young, she owned her own dress shop and put all 3 kids through college. Dot was always helping out others, and spreading joy and laughter everywhere she went. She was quite an inspiration in so many parts of my life!
all Photos by ©2017 Priscilla Green Photography
Thank you for following along and if you would like more information on 13 Cedar Events please contact Abby at Abby@13Cedar.com or visit her website 13 Cedar Events
Priscilla Green Photography offers Charlotte & Destination wedding photography services and if you are looking for your wedding photographer we would love to connect please send us a message on our inquire tab or here for more information on wedding date availability and pricing.