Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dawn Allen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Dawn , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
My generosity stems from the incredible examples set by my parents. Growing up with a father who was a minister and a mother who worked as a registered nurse. I witnessed firsthand what it means to live a life dedicated to serving others and being generous.
My father’s work in ministry wasn’t just about preaching, but actively being there for people in need, supporting them through personal struggles, and giving back to the community. He always taught me that generosity isn’t just about money, but about time, kindness, and being present for others.
My mother, as a nurse, showed me a different kind of generosity—one that involved compassion, care, and the willingness to go above and beyond to ensure others’ well-being. Whether she was caring for patients or our family, she exemplified what it means to be selfless and giving, even in the smallest acts.
Together, they instilled in me the belief that generosity is more than just a quality—it’s a way of life. They both embodied the idea that you don’t have to have much to give a lot, and it’s this mindset that I carry with me in everything I do, both personally and professionally.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Unique Events by Dawn, we specialize in creating memorable, weddings and events tailored to each client’s unique vision. As the owner and lead planner, I work closely with my clients from concept to execution, ensuring every detail is meticulously planned and executed to perfection. Whether it’s a luxurious wedding in the Hampton Roads area or fun and exciting community festival we aim to give all great experience.
What excites me most about what I do is the ability to take a couple’s dream and turn it into a reality. Every event is an opportunity to blend creativity, problem-solving, and logistics, which makes each event completely different. The magic happens in those moments when everything comes together, and you can see the joy and awe on the faces of the clients and their guests. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’ve helped create a memory that will last a lifetime. Our greatest joy is the thanks and happiness of our clients.
I also take pride in the relationships we build with our clients and partners. We’re not just a wedding and event planning company—we’re a team that is fully invested in our clients’ happiness and success. That’s what makes Unique Events by Dawn special. We don’t just plan events; we curate experiences that leave lasting impressions. I want people to know that, whether they’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, we’re here to guide them every step of the way, ensuring that their event is uniquely theirs and flawlessly executed.”
We are excited to announce that we are expanding our team by adding more planners and coordinators. This growth will enable us to better serve our clients and provide personalized attention to each wedding we plan. In addition to our team expansion, we are also preparing to launch a series of e-books designed to assist those planning their own weddings or seeking extra support throughout their planning journey. We understand that this is a significant and often stressful time, and every bit of guidance can make a difference. To kick off this initiative, our first e-book will be offered for free to all, providing valuable insights and tips for navigating the wedding planning process. Additionally, we will be expanding our community events side of the business as well with small intimate events to large sale festivals. Growth is around the corner and we can’t wait!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey with Unique Events by Dawn, I believe three key qualities have been most impactful: adaptability, communication, and creativity.
Adaptability: The events industry is dynamic and ever-changing. Being able to pivot quickly in response to unexpected challenges has been crucial. The events industry is constantly evolving due to factors like changing trends, client preferences, new technology, and even external challenges (e.g., weather, supply chain issues, or unforeseen circumstances like the COVID-19 pandemic). To thrive in such a dynamic environment, you must remain flexible and ready to pivot quickly. Adaptability means being able to shift gears seamlessly, whether that’s accommodating a last-minute venue change, adjusting to new health protocols, or finding alternative vendors when one cancels unexpectedly. It’s about maintaining a calm, solution-oriented approach when the unexpected happens and ensuring the client’s event stays on track, regardless of challenges. In an industry that can be unpredictable, your ability to adapt is one of the most valuable assets.
Communication: Clear and effective communication is essential in our line of work. It helps build trust with clients and ensures that everyone involved—vendors, clients, and team members—is on the same page. . Clear, consistent communication is the backbone of successful event planning. It establishes trust between you and your clients, ensuring that their vision is understood and translated into reality. With multiple parties involved—clients, vendors, contractors, and team members—effective communication ensures that everyone knows their roles, deadlines, and expectations. This prevents misunderstandings, reduces stress, and ensures smooth execution on event day. It’s not just about talking; it’s about actively listening to client feedback, managing expectations, and keeping everyone informed as the event progresses. Excellent communication skills also help you handle difficult conversations, such as budget limitations or unexpected changes, with professionalism and clarity.
Creativity: The ability to think outside the box and bring unique ideas to life has set our events apart. Creativity isn’t just about artistic flair; it’s also about problem-solving and finding innovative solutions. Creativity sets you apart in the competitive event planning industry. Clients often look to event planners not only for logistics but also for inspiration. Whether it’s designing a one-of-a-kind wedding theme, curating unforgettable guest experiences, or coming up with innovative solutions to unexpected problems, creativity is key. It’s more than just artistic flair or décor; it’s also about resourcefulness and strategic thinking. When challenges arise—like a venue layout issue or a budget constraint—your ability to think outside the box can turn potential setbacks into unique opportunities. Being creative means pushing the boundaries to deliver events that leave a lasting impression, from the smallest details to the overall ambiance.
In conclusion, developing these qualities takes time and practice, but they are essential for anyone looking to thrive in the event planning industry. In the event planning industry, success hinges on a combination of adaptability, strong communication, and creative problem-solving. By mastering these skills and fostering relationships, we can consistently deliver unforgettable experiences that exceed client expectations and grow our business.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
One of the number one challenges in the wedding planning industry is helping prospective clients understand the true value of hiring a professional wedding planner compared to individuals who may be planning weddings as a fun side gig or hobby. Many couples often see the lower price tags associated with hobbyist planners and might not fully grasp the differences in expertise, experience, and service quality that come with a professional wedding planning business.
Professional wedding planners invest significant time and resources into training, developing their skills, establishing relationships with trusted vendors, and understanding the complexities of event logistics. I make it a point to attend wedding conferences or educational events at least once a year increase my knowledge, network and learn from others in my industry. Most recent I became a member of IADWP (International Association of Destination Wedding Professionals) in Colombia, yes South America and at one of the breakout sessions, this was a topic of discussion. How do we get this perspective to change? How do we set a standard among our community? It was an unforgettable experience and I learned quite a lot and can’t wait to find the client who would like to get married in Colombia!
But back to the topic at hand, we (professional planners) bring a wealth of knowledge about industry best practices, budget management, and troubleshooting potential issues that can arise during the planning process and on the wedding day itself. This expertise is essential in creating a seamless, stress-free experience for our clients, allowing them to fully enjoy their special day without the burden of coordination and decision-making weighing on them, they have enough to juggle from their families.
In contrast, hobbyists may lack the necessary training, experience, or commitment to provide the same level of service. While they may have good intentions and enthusiasm, they may not be prepared to handle the complexities and pressures of a wedding day, potentially leading to mishaps that could have been avoided with professional oversight. And let’s not forget that many do not have insurance. Why you would hire someone without insurance is beyond me but I know it happens. The good news is many venues are shifting and requiring couples to hire a professional wedding coordinator for their day of as they understand and value this expertise and relationship is important not only .
It all comes down to highlighting the benefits of having a dedicated professional who can anticipate needs, manage timelines, and navigate vendor relationships, ultimately leading to a more polished and enjoyable wedding or event experience. Building this understanding helps clients appreciate the investment in a professional event planner as not just an expense but as a critical component of their wedding’s or events’ success. I can only hope that as time continues on that more people begin to understand the value and importance of this.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://uniqueeventsbydawn.com
- Instagram: @uniqueeventsbydawn
- Facebook: @uniqueeventsbydawn
Image Credits
Kelsie Shae Photography
David Champagne Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
