I can’t believe how quickly a year goes by! Just like *that* we are in the midst of planning 2016 and 2017 weddings…wow! As we look forward to ringing in the New Year, I want to take a few moments to reflect on the exciting things that happened with Perfectly Posh Events and in my life in 2015. This past year has been quite the sensational whirlwind and I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store!!!
The year started off with an exciting personal announcement – I got engaged!!! Last March my fiancé popped the question by hiding my ring in a bowl of homemade popcorn, I said “yes” and we’re tying the knot in October 2016! Having planned weddings for over six years for other people, it’s been an interesting {and learning} experience being on the other end of planning as the bride. The most interesting thing to me is when K and I have a conversation about those “tough choices” that each couple has to talk about during the planning process and I pause for a moment to remind myself of the advice that I have given couples in that very same situation. Let’s just say that I’m mentally preparing now for the guest list drama over RSVPs coming in late and seating chart headaches 😉 I’m excited to keep everyone updated on our big day…and lessons learned…as we go through the planning process!
In June, we were totally BLOWN AWAY to receive two awards during the Seattle Bride Magazine Best of 2015 Awards! For the second year in a row we won the prestigious “Best Wedding Planner” and to top that off we won the completely-unexpected-and-so-shocked “Best Wedding Vendor” award. Seriously over-the-moon-excited!!! My favorite part was having my dad attend the award event this year and his exuberant reaction when we won – I love you dad! I feel incredibly blessed to have the best clients, an amazing team working alongside me, and the opportunity to work in such an amazing wedding industry here in Seattle! Thank you to everyone who voted and supported Perfectly Posh Events!
We had another jam-packed year of GORGEOUS weddings! Together my fabulous team of Associate Planners and I planned, coordinated and designed 38 weddings for some pretty amazing couples! Our weddings took us all over Seattle, Bainbridge Island, Eastern Washington, Whidbey Island, Bellingham, Vashon Island, Snoqualmie, and Woodinville. My favorite part of wedding planning is getting to know some pretty fantastic people and this year our couple, their family and friends made all our hard work feel so rewarding!
Photos by Amelia Soper Photography, Andria Lindquist Photography, Mike Fiechtner Photography, and JTobiason Photography
One of my goals for 2015 was to continue my learning by expanding my knowledge of the wedding industry and pursing a creative passion. I invested in several workshops and conferences this year to accomplish this goal and it was oh-so-worth-it! I am a strong believer that in order to be a successful business owner and creative you need to be constantly seeking education and immersing yourself in creative environments. Having worked in the Seattle wedding industry for the majority of my life, I really wanted to learn about how the wedding industry is in other parts of the country and also explore some places that have been on my bucket list. The first workshop that I did was a local one with Lola Design where we learned how to make garden style wedding bouquets. I LOVE floral design and it’s definitely a creative passion of mine – seriously, who wouldn’t want to play with flowers all day?! The second workshop that I attended definitely took me outside my comfort zone and in return I was able to learn so much! I attended the School of Styling in Charleston, South Carolina {my first time visiting the South!} where we learned about styling techniques for tablescapes and photo shoots, had hands-on lessons on centerpiece and bouquet floral design, soaked up knowledge in the business advice sessions, and tried our hand at brush calligraphy {I was horrible but it was very relaxing!}. I met so many amazing #bossladies at TSOSCharleston who I now consider to be dear friends {#glamscouts} and cheerleaders for my business. The final conference that I attended was Be Sage in Dallas, Texas which I was fortunate to pair with attending a Seahawks away game at AT&T Stadium {it’s amazing ya’ll!}. This conference was all about the business side of running a biz in the wedding industry and I walked away with so many ideas and to-do’s! As a small business owner in an unique industry, I definitely think that this type of specialized + intimate conference is ESSENTIAL and have already marked it down as one that I want to attend again in 2016.
Photos by Love Song Photo and Sawyer Baird
I truly believe that I would not be able to have the successful company that I have if it wasn’t for my team of amazing Associate Planners & Coordinators! This year I welcomed a new Associate Coordinator + Marketing Assistant to the team – Danae. She joined our team after working as a wedding coordinator for two years and wanting to make weddings her career. Danae has been working with Bridget and I in the planning studio managing our social media and blogging efforts while also coordinating weddings for our 2016 couples. Originally from Eastern Washington, Danae loves horseback riding, outdoor adventures and is a country girl at heart with a touch of city chic. She is the perfect addition to our small team and we love having her on board!
This year was my 5th year volunteering for Get Hitched Give Hope and they certainly kept me busy with multiple roles; Co-VP of Procurement, Events Team Member, and Board Member. Whew!!! Everyone worked extremely hard to create a “Love For All Seasons” at the Four Seasons Hotel and we raised over $117,000 for charity! I loved seeing lots of my couples past and present attend {including one past groom who came to tell me they are expecting a baby!!!}. I can’t wait to see what 2016 will hold in store for Get Hitched Give Hope and our featured charities!
A big thank you to my family, friends, team, clients and wedding professionals for helping make 2015 such a memorable and successful year!!! I can’t wait to see 2016 has up its sleeve!
Cheers!
Holly
