We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erin Davies. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Erin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Something I imagine others are secretly struggling with (because I know I am!) is imposter’s syndrome. For people like me who work for ourselves, I find it is hard to feel like you are ever truly “up to par” with others in the field who may have larger or longer-established companies. I don’t think we talk about it enough. In the wedding industry, EVERYTHING is on instagram, which of course is not reality, but it is very difficult to look at the work others are doing and not wonder if you measure up.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m a wedding planner with a unique model for “Wedding Consulting Service.” The idea is to offer expertise and custom wedding blueprints to clients with premium taste in need of accessible planning services. I use my 15+ years of experience in luxury wedding planning to work with everyday couples who want to be involved in the planning of their own wedding, but still want an expert to guide them and hold their hand through every step of the process. For me, regardless of a wedding’s budget, it is all about the relationships with the couple. I get my joy through really getting to know my clients and guiding them on a FUN (and painless) journey to bring them to their perfect wedding day.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
An UNCONDITIONAL optimist! I remember the feeling of setting goals and never having any doubts that I could achieve them. As I’ve charted the territory of my professional career, there is a lot of self-doubt and pessimism (or perhaps just reality checks) that creep in, I try to remember the version of me that had all of the confidence in the world and lean into her world-view whenever I can.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
The covid pandemic was unkind to so many businesses including, obviously, hospitality. When the restrictions on gatherings seemed to have no end in sight, I had no idea how long I would be out of work. I took some time to explore other industries and attempt to try my hand in other fields, but nothing satisfied me like event planning, so I decided that instead of waiting for the company I was working for to get back on their feet or leaving the industry all together, I would launch my own consulting model of event planning that would be accessible to a much larger array of clients. I’m so glad I didn’t turn my back on planning….it really is my passion and I’ve never felt so professionally satisfied.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Our wedding planning industry seems to tell itself that the jaw dropping images of over the top and beautiful weddings are the markings of a great planner. I think the experience of the couple and their guests is the true litmus test. Was it a seamless flow? Did it FEEL like a reflection of the client? Was the couple able to truly be in the moment throughout the day? It’s hard to convey these markers via instagram but I do think this is what should be the focus of the wedding day.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think my clients would miss my enthusiasm for the process. My favorite (and most common) comment I get after weddings from my clients is that I made them feel that they were the only wedding I was planning all year long and that they felt like they had a true partner in the process. I imagine this comes from my authentic love for the process and would like to imagine it is something they would miss.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erindavies.com
- Instagram: @erindaviesconsultancy
Image Credits
Christine Stear Photography
Mark Spooner Photography
David Gillette Photography
Studio Nouveau
Carly Michelle Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
