We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Marino recently and have shared our conversation below.
Courtney, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I think my optimism is drawn from a mindset that sees possibilities vs. obstacles. Don’t get me wrong; I’m not blind to reality & I definitely have my moments, but eventually you’ve gotta take a breath & figure that shit out. Life situations are multifaceted, & it’s your responsibility to determine which side you’re going to choose when it gets hard. As a wedding planner, optimism is essential when executing an event. Part of my job is to literally anticipate the worst possible scenario, & come up with a game plan for how to fix it when/if it happens. Clients rely on my team & I during their wedding for guidance, reassurance, & the promise that things will be okay (we have become masters at a quick pivot if things don’t go according to plan)–but you can’t accomplish any of that without optimism. Every setback is temporary, & paves the way for an even better comeback.
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 own Satin Wedding Co., a wedding planning & design company that serves Austin, TX. We welcome all types of lovers living to push the envelope & break the rules of tradition when it comes to planning their dream wedding day. My team & I believe that there really isn’t a right or wrong way to host a wedding–the only thing that matters is that it feels genuine to the couple. No two people are the same, and as such, neither are any two weddings. We’re not just passionate about planning weddings, though. Our company values within the industry are incredibly important to us, & we advocate heavily for human rights & self expression. As a queer-owned & operated business, my team & I strive to make our services a safe space for ALL of our couples.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I think problem solving, communication & self awareness are must haves as a business owner and as a wedding planner. You absolutely have to be quick on your feet in the event something happens (& it almost ALWAYS does!) Being able to manage those situations & pivot to a solution is essential in creating a happy working environment for a team, other vendors in the industry, and my clients. Communication goes hand-in-hand with problem solving, & there really can never be enough of it! Communication is necessary to make sure everyone is on the same page and is essential for my teams personal/professional growth. Self-awareness allows me to think about everything I do from a different perspective & how it can affect others–it really does keep me on my toes & allows me to never stop learning from the people around me. My advice for anyone out there looking to own a business or work in the wedding industry is to always stay humble & hungry. No matter how experienced you are, you can always learn something new at every event. The industry is constantly changing so it’s impossible to know it all–thats half the beauty in it!
How would you describe your ideal client?
Our ideal clients are those that love hard & won’t shy away from something a little wild & crazy. They aren’t beholden to what is considered “traditional” and are looking for unique ways to make their wedding the party of the year. We love when potential clients come to us with a funky theme, an unusual color palette, or allow us the creative freedom to run wild with decor because they trust our judgement & know we wouldn’t leave anything in mediocrity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.satinweddingco.com
- Instagram: @satinweddingco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/satinweddingco
Image Credits
Brittney Welch Photography (group shot), Lauren Marie Photo
