To Vendors (& Myself)

I’ve come across two types of vendors. Those that love their job and those that simply do their job.

Last Friday, I spent the day with Courtney Dellafiora, who shot the new collection (photos soon!) We chatted about how lucky we are to do what we do. Courtney is definitely one of those vendors who loves their job and oozes passion for her clients and work. It’s quite contagious.

This past weekend, I also did a wedding for Molly and Per with a team of vendors I’ve never worked with before because the wedding was in Baton Rouge. I was at first a bit concerned they’d think I was a fly by night wedding planner or someone just dipping my toe in the wedding industry…and subsequently, treat me that way. Instead, every single vendor was enthusiastic to chat with me and so excited for the wedding. These were professional vendors who do this multiple times every week. Why were they so enthusiastic?? Because they truly love their job!

Getting jaded CAN happen if you’ve been doing this long enough. You may start to feel you know more than the newbies. Or that brides are all demanding based on a few bad apples. Don’t let that affect your relationships with new, nice : ) brides and vendors.

Vendors, I cannot tell you how at ease, excited, and thankful I was for the team we worked with this weekend. I kept telling Molly, “You’re wedding is going to be amazing because your vendors are so amazing.” And it was. That night at the wedding, while guest were dancing and the bride was visiting with friends, Per, the groom told us that he and Molly agreed Southern Fete was the best value/money they spent on the whole wedding. I was so blown away and honored. I truly believe this was because with the great team of vendors we had, we were able to COORDINATE. We weren’t bussing tables, or refilling bars or taking care of anyone else’s work as we sometimes must do. We were catering to the bride and groom. I don’t think that the enthusiasm that greeted me earlier in the week is unrelated to the work the team did on the wedding day. EACH WEDDING is important to them. Vendors, I’m challenging y’all as well as myself to make sure our clients feel this way.

If BRIDES get that same feeling I got last week, from their own vendors, I can only imagine what a difference that makes to them on their wedding day. A big thanks to the amazing team:

Rehearsal Dinner Location: Shaw Center – Ashley

Reception Location: Lousiana State Museum – Ashley Pierce

Caterer: Heirloom Cuisine – Caryn and Crew

Cake Ball Cakes: Brew Ha Ha – Gabby Loubiere  (225) 923-1923

Photography: Ashleigh Jayne Photography – Ashley and Paul

Bus Service: River Parish Limousines

St. James Episcopal Church – Sue and Kakki

And a few sneak peeks from Saturday! Gorgeous work Ashleigh, can’t wait to see the rest!