by Karolina Fernandes, WPICC of Diamonds Wedding Planners in Ottawa, Ontario
Lets go back a year. At that time, I was on maternity leave with my second child and I knew it was time for a change in my career. I wanted to have my own business and be my own boss. Since my wedding, I had thoughts of becoming a wedding planner. A year ago, I decided that was what I was going to do.
As soon as my little one grew a bit and I was able to get some free time, I signed up for a wedding planner course with WPIC. The course was a blast. I met a few ladies that had the same interests as me. Our teacher was awesome and made the two-day course fly by. She shared with us some of her secrets to becoming a successful wedding planner.
After the course, I had the confidence to believe I could do it.
In January 2016, I launched my own wedding planning business: Diamonds Wedding Planners. I can tell you now that it wasn’t easy but I did it. I began to follow Facebook groups, get in touch with various vendors in Ottawa, put together my own Facebook Page, created business accounts for Instagram and Pinterest… And, of course, I spent hours seeing how many likes I got and who is following me.
The biggest challenge for me was getting the confidence to believe I could successfully plan someone else’s wedding. I did have some prior experience with friends and I coordinated my own wedding but that wasn’t enough for me.
To overcome this, I decided to put together a styled wedding photoshoot because that is the best way to practice, meet vendors and build experience. It took several weeks for everything to come together. As a theme, I chose rustic scenery with lots of flowers and a classy look. The next step was to contact local vendors and persuade them to collaborate. There were ups and downs. Not all vendors were open to the idea, but at the end of the day I was able to collaborate with the right vendors. I envisioned the photoshoot outdoors and, in order had to have warm weather, I scheduled the styled wedding shoot on May 31st at Orchard View Wedding and Event Centre.
The styled wedding photoshoot turned out fabulous. All the vendors who supported my project were amazing! My vision came alive and I was very happy.
During the day, we worked six hours straight with no break. The day started with driving to a few locations to pick up the bridal gown, hair accessories and the groom’s suit. On-site we started with decor and styling. The models (Anthony and Janelle) had their make-up and hair done and got ready for the shoot. Then our photographer and videographer arrived and worked on their parts.
We had planned to take pictures at a few locations – like a real wedding. First, the models getting ready, then the ceremony and then the reception. Our models were so patient, understanding and willing to do whatever it took to get a perfect shot. For example, towards the end of the day as it got cooler I could see the model bride getting cold. But, she did not complain at all, kept a smile on her face and continued delivering beautiful pictures.
All the vendors did such a wonderful job. I had an amazing team! The majority of our collaborators took time off their own busy schedule to be there and support us. They gave it everything and nothing less.
Today, I can say that my business is off the ground. I had booked three destination weddings and planned four local. In September, I will exhibit my business at the Wedding Palace Bridal Show in Ottawa with the hopes of taking the next step. The journey has been difficult. But, with hard work, the support of friends and family, and with professional training and education, I can say that I am proud to be where I am today. A year ago, I made a decision to go for it. Today, I am more confident than ever that it was the right decision.
Vendor Love:
Planning & Coordinating: Diamonds Wedding Planners Ottawa/Destination
Photographer/Videographer: Amar Auluck Photography
Venue: Orchard View Wedding & Event Centre
Decor/Styling: Pearl Decor
Flowers: Ottawa Flowers
Flower Crown: Jewel Feathers
Cake: Dulce Couture Cakes
Stationery: Wishtree Invitations & Design Inc.
Make-up Artist: Dazzling Faces Makeup Artistry
Hair: Liana LaCroix Beauty
Bridal Gown: La Maison Bridal Boutique
Menswear: L’HEXAGONE Vêtements pour hommes | Menswear
Models: Anthony Jonathan and Janelle Ashley, of Power Model Management
Jewellery: Harden’s Jewellers
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