We know many of our faithful blog readers are busily planning their weddings, and we decided you could probably all use a little help! With that said, we've decided to feature a monthly interview spotlighting local wedding professionals in the Tampa Bay Area. We hope you find these helpful... we'd love to hear what you think so please feel free to leave a comment!
Without further ado, our first spotlight is on Jennifer Fitzsimmons, wedding planner and owner of "A Friend of the Bride".
Q. What is your name, and where are you from?
A. Jennifer Fitzsimmons. A Tampa native, born and raised here. Actually, I have only traveled outside the state 5 times!
Q. What is the name of your business, and what do you do?
A. A Friend of the Bride - I am a wedding planner.
Q. How did you get started in this business?
A. A friend started working for an event planning company and I thought it sounded like fun so I asked if they were hiring any part-time assistants and that's where it started. That was 12 years ago. I worked with them for several years, then started A Friend of the Bride on a small part-time basis while working full-time in the corporate world. Then 7 years ago decided to take the plunge and went full time with my business and it's been growing ever since.
Q. Why do you love what you do?
A. Every single event is different. Every couple has a different style, different tastes, different visions for their special day. It allows me to be creative every day. I love the vendors I get to work with and being part of the memory of a perfect wedding day for hundreds of couples.
Q. How would you describe your working style?
A. I am very detailed and organized when it comes to record keeping and scheduling, especially wedding day timelines. But I feel I offer my clients a calming presence on wedding day. Of course, I often appear more calm than I really am! I have described it in the past like a duck - they appear calm and graceful where you can see them above water, but underneath their legs are going one hundred miles an hour to keep them afloat and safe from drowning!
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges you encounter in wedding planning?
A. Helping the clients achieve their vision while keeping the wants of their parents or other family members in mind. Sometimes what a bride envisions for her day is not the same vision her mom has.
Q. What is your one piece of advice for anyone starting to plan a wedding?
A. Have a heart to heart talk with your fiance' about your wedding day vision to be sure it's the same. Then have a heart to heart with whoever is going to be financially responsible and make sure you have a clear understanding of what the budget is going to be. You can have a beautiful day on any sized budget, you just need to be realistic. I also always recommend to my clients that they make a list of what they want for their wedding day - the top three items should be items they are not willing to negotiate. Sometimes it's a ceremony on the beach, sometimes it's a band, sometimes it's the specific date, etc. Just know what is most important to both of you and what you might be willing to compromise on.
Q. What would bride's "wedding day survival kit" include?
A. A wedding planner of course! She/he would already have a kit with everything a bride would need in it.
Q. What is your funniest/weirdest/most memorable/most standout-ish (is that a word) wedding story?
A. Just one? I have often said I'm going to write a book with all the stories. Probably the most memorable was years ago in Temple Terrace. All of the guests are inside enjoying the cocktail hour, bridal party is on the golf course taking pictures. At this point the photographer is just taking pictures of the bride, she is facing the parking lot and everyone else has their backs towards the parking lot. The bride got a funny look on her face and then all of a sudden there was a really loud bang and crash. Apparently, some teenagers took a corner too fast and lost control of their car. The car jumped a curb and drove right into the parking lot hitting about 5 cars. Yep, cars that belonged to wedding guests. I hate to write down the license plate numbers, go inside to find the owners and break the news to them. The funny part came when arrived and wanted to interview the eye witness, the bride. She was enjoying her first dance, since we went ahead with the reception so we wouldn't run out of time. I sent the police officers to the kitchen, fixed them plates of food, and they were kind enough to wait a little while to conduct the interview. Luckily, no one was hurt. Just six months ago I helped plan the wedding of that bride's sister and we all laughed about that day again.
Q. What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
A. Now if I told you, I wouldn't have any secrets!
Q. What are some websites or blogs that you visit often?
A. Anything wedding related. I am constantly searching for new ideas and the latest trends.
Q. Where do you get your inspiration?
A. From my clients.
Q. What is a HOT wedding trend right now?
A. Lighting, lighting, lighting (fun/funky colored lighting at receptions) and comfy lounge spaces.
Q. Who are some of the vendors you like to work with, and why (venues, florists, DJs, etc.)?
A. It doesn't matter who my favorites are, it is up to each client to choose their favorites. There are different vendors for different clients based on personality, style, budgets, etc.
Q. And now it's your turn... what else would you like to add?
A. I think every single bride needs to hire a wedding planner, for the very least with help the day of the wedding. No matter how much you have enjoyed planning your wedding, you certainly don't want to be working at your wedding and neither do your friends and family members. Of course, I think one can benefit you so much more by being part of the planning process with you. Helping secure reliable, professional vendors, helping you create a unique and memorable experience for the couple and their guests.
Thanks Jennifer for a great interview!!!
