We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amanda Roy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amanda below.
Hi Amanda , thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
When I first felt imposter syndrome, it was right after deciding to launch my own business. I had worked as part of a team for years and kept wondering, “Can I really do this on my own? Maybe I was only successful because of the people around me.”
What I did was take the leap anyway. It was scary to leave a friend and team I loved, but I knew it was time. The encouragement I got from people around me helped me push through those doubts. Especially one coordinator, now a dear friend, who told me, “You’re so good at this. Why aren’t you doing it on your own?” That moment really shifted something for me.
I began to realize that my strength came from seeing the full picture, not just planning. Understanding how catering works, what photographers need, how DJs operate. All those layers of experience from the service industry made me the kind of coordinator who can anticipate and connect every part of a wedding day.
Now, when imposter thoughts creep in, I remind myself of the hard things I’ve already done. Leaving comfort, building something from scratch, and creating beauty out of chaos. I know that if I want something badly enough, I’ll figure out how to make it happen. That’s what I bring to every wedding I coordinate: passion, persistence, and the confidence that I’ve earned my place here.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I first started working weddings about seven years ago at a local venue in Nevada City, California. At the time, I didn’t even recognize my natural fit for coordination. Dallas (of Events by Dallas), who was running weddings there, noticed I had a knack for it. She began requesting that I work every event with her, and eventually asked if I wanted to team up for weddings outside the venue. We became an incredible team for five years.
My background in catering, photography, and the music industry gave me a unique understanding of how each wedding professional operates. That experience, combined with my work ethic and love for organization, made me an invaluable part of our team. During those years, I soaked up everything I could about weddings. Learning each role, anticipating needs, and refining my ability to bring it all together seamlessly.
Once my children grew older and I felt ready to take the next step, I decided to open my own business: Storybook Weddings & Events. I chose the name because of my lifelong love for reading. While I don’t often get to sit down with a physical book these days, you’ll always find me listening to one while I’m driving, cleaning, or working. I love stories — and now, I get to help couples bring their own love stories to life through their weddings.
Today, I offer Day-of Coordination and Partial Planning, with plans to expand into Full Planning in the near future. I work with all kinds of couples; from laid-back, nature-loving pairs to those dreaming of a black-tie celebration. I adore coordinating weddings throughout the Grass Valley, Truckee, and Tahoe areas, as well as Roseville, Placerville, and Sacramento.
What sets me apart is my experience across multiple facets of the wedding industry. Having worked as a server, caterer, bartender, and photographer, I understand exactly what each vendor needs to do their best work. That insight allows me to guide couples’ decisions in a way that makes their wedding day feel like a truly seamless, beautiful experience.
My favorite part of every wedding is getting to know each couple. Seeing their personalities, ideas, and love shine through their day. I still tear up during vows, no matter how many I’ve heard. I love that every wedding is different, every venue is new, and I’m never bored.
I feel most fulfilled when a wedding comes together effortlessly. When my couples are relaxed, fully present, and truly enjoying their day. That’s what I want for them: to sip champagne, laugh with their friends, and trust that I have everything handled behind the scenes.
Professionally, I’m currently focused on expanding deeper into the Tahoe and Truckee region while continuing to give every couple an outstanding, stress-free wedding experience. One that feels as magical and unique as their own storybook.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are my ability to stay calm under pressure, my broad understanding of the wedding industry, and my empathy for the people I work with.
When things get wild on a wedding day, I prioritize. My brain might be spinning with a hundred details, but I stay calm, find what needs to happen next, and move from there. Flexibility is key, timelines shift, priorities change, but if we can all keep smiling and stay solution-oriented, everything will be okay. That calm energy tends to ripple out, helping the couple, vendors, and my team feel grounded too.
My cross-industry experience has also been a huge advantage. Having worked in catering, photography, and bartending, I understand how hard each of those jobs can be. I never assume I know better than the professionals in their fields. Instead, I collaborate with them. I always share timelines early and ask for their input: “If you see something that might not work, let’s talk about it.” That respect and teamwork create a seamless experience for everyone.
Lastly, empathy is at the heart of what I do. I want couples to feel comfortable and confident, like they have a friend by their side not just a vendor they hired. I make a point to listen, to notice worries before they become problems, and to check in not just with the couple but with their families too. That level of care helps everyone feel seen, supported, and at ease.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is this: stay calm, stay curious, and stay kind. Learn as much as you can about every role that makes up a wedding day, because understanding the whole picture will make you a better planner and a better teammate. And remember, the energy you bring sets the tone for everyone else.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was believe in me, completely and without hesitation. They always told me I could do anything I truly wanted to if I put my heart into it. Growing up, they encouraged me to explore every interest and give my all to the things that mattered most to me.
At my wedding, my dad said, “When Amanda wants something, she goes after it and she gets it.” That’s always stuck with me. It wasn’t just because I’m determined; it’s because my parents made me believe I was capable. Their faith in me gave me the courage to take risks, build my own business, and trust that hard work and heart can make anything possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.storybookweddings.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/story.book.weddings/
Image Credits
@alyssakeysphoto
@fitsandstopsphotography
@lydiaspics
@@larcomproductions
@melanie.mishler
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