Putting on a wedding can sometimes be a daunting task. For most of our clients this is their first time planning an event of this magnitude and they have no idea where to start! I am of the belief that if you invest in the important things and work with wedding vendors who love what they do (ok so they have to be good at what they do as well…) you are setting yourself up for success from the very beginning. In addition to featuring our couples and the day to day ramblings of our own company I thought it would be very beneficial to brides to highlight some of our favorite vendors. This week we will be highlighting Danielle Odil of Something Classic Events.
Danielle is such a sweetheart! The fact the her profession is her passion comes across in everything she does. She is precisely the kind of person you want helping you with your big day. We first worked together back in 2006. Her first wedding as a planner also just happened to be the first wedding I photographed. Who was the lucky bride? Becky Young, whose lovely photos you see in this feature, is a bride turned amazing wedding photographer and was the lucky gal to introduce us both to what an AWESOME wedding looks like. Big thank you to both Becky for the lovely photos of Danielle’s work, as well as Danielle herself for taking the time to tell us more about her business. It may sound cheesy but we always tell our brides that a great wedding planner is worth their weight in gold. If your on the market for a planner and looking for a stress free, memorable day definitely check out Something Classic Events.
Wanna know more about Danielle?
How long have you been an event planner:
I started my business in the Fall of 2006
Who or what got you started in the wedding industry?
I have always known that I wanted to be in events in some way. While I was in college I opted for a degree in marketing, because of the events side of the degree. I didn’t know if it was on the hotel end or what, but after I planned my own wedding, I knew that was what I wanted to do.
How would you describe your approach to wedding planning?
Personal and fun. The wedding should reflect the couple so it is important to get to know them and make sure their personalities are shown throughout the wedding. I love getting to know the couples before the wedding. People have definitely said we are also fun. Your wedding day should be fun, so we make sure to take care of all the details so you are able to have a good time. I have fun too (you may or may not seeing me dancing or singing on the outskirts of your party), I love what I do so that in turn makes it enjoyable for me.
How did you decide on your company name?
I went off the old adage something old, something new,something borrowed, something blue. Every event, whether it be wedding or birthday party or graduation, it should be classic so I married the two and got Something Classic.
What do you remember most about the very first event you planned?
I remember having the feeling that this is what I am supposed to do. And I remember being so thankful to the couple for giving me the chance to start my business with them, you know who you are!
What is your favorite part of being a wedding planner?
I love seeing everything come together after planning the wedding, seeing the bride before she goes down aisle and the father-daughter dance. I also love seeing how each couple plans their wedding – it is great to see so many different perspectives.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of your job?
My schedule of meetings and weddings is outside of normal business hours, including many late nights. I have a great idea and want to call someone one it, but then I realize it is after hours and I have to wait until the next day – happens all the time!
Where would be your dream destination wedding?
Somewhere in the Caribbean.
Where do you find inspiration?
Anything from magazines to blogs to the venue to the couples themselves. It is all around and I love when couples think outside the wedding box. I also have an obsession with Martha Stewart!
How important in your opinion is hiring good wedding photographer when planning a wedding?
This is near and dear to my heart because I had a good photographer, but not a good wedding photographer. Photography is the one thing you get to have forever after your wedding. Sure, you may have a video or pictures from family member, but a good wedding photographer can capture moments others can’t. I have heard (and I am one of them) past brides say they are disappointed in their pictures and they wish they could do it over. You can’t do it over and once the day comes and goes, it is all you will have. You only have this one time and so you should make the best of it.
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself still planning weddings and enjoying it. I see myself taking a little more time with my family and not stressing so much about the little things. I also see a couple more kids.
What wedding industry blogs or websites do you read often?
I read so many it is crazy – really, you should see my google reader, it is insane. Some of the ones I follow are Style Me Pretty, Wedding Chicks, Sage Wedding Pros, Design Sponge, Hostess with the Mostess, JuneBug Weddings, and 100 layer cake.
What is your favorite movie of all time?
I am having a hard time thinking of just one… maybe Meet Joe Black or A Walk to Remember. I am a sucker for a romantic movie, just ask my husband. Oh, maybe The Blind Side, I love football too…
What is one food that you absolutely cannot live without?
Pasta – any kind with almost any sauce. I have an addiction to noodles in different shapes and sizes – Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, you name it and I probably have a pasta for it.
Why should a newly engaged couple hire a wedding planner for their big day?
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming and time consuming. We will guide you through the planning process and let you know when it is time to accomplish a certain task. We can help you with any and all vendors saving you time (and money! Time is money right?). We can wade through all the vendors out there (and there are a lot) point you in the direction of vendors that work within your budget and style. We receive no kickbacks in ANY way from the vendors we recommend, we just love them and love working with them. Most of all, we take away stress. The day of the wedding should be filled with family and friends, not worrying about favors, escort cards and centerpieces. We do all of that so you can relax.
What do you feel is the main thing that differentiates you from other wedding planners?
Passion and Professionalism… You have to be passionate in this kind of job. I love what I do and I show it by learning and growing my business each year. This is not a regular job it includes weekends, evenings and sometimes 14 hour days, you could not keep that up unless you love what you do. I am also professional. I have a strong work ethic and take pride in my work. I may not be perfect but I do work very hard for you.
What would a blog post be without some gorgeous photos of Danielle’s work in action… Thank you again to Becky Young.
by Stephanie Osborne
no comments
add a comment link to this post email a friend