Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Olha Barabash. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Olha, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
As a wedding planner and event designer, maintaining a spark of creativity and curiosity is paramount to my work. I find inspiration everywhere, constantly remaining open to new experiences and knowledge. My approach to creativity is holistic and immersive. I believe in absorbing visual imagery, emotions, and information from all aspects of life. This openness allows me to recognize connections that might have previously been unclear, with each detail potentially sparking an idea that had been dormant in my mind. I strive for continuous improvement, never dismissing an opportunity to learn or be inspired. For instance, even if one isn’t initially drawn to Monet’s “Water Lilies,” exploring an impressionism exhibit might lead to unexpected inspiration from Alfred Sisley’s work or a newfound appreciation for Monet himself.
A significant source of creative inspiration comes from the couples we work with. Effective communication is key in identifying crucial moments and understanding how to enhance them. Interestingly, couples often overlook their own uniqueness and individuality. Our mission is to uncover these special elements and bring them to life in their wedding celebration. This process of discovery and creation is what truly fuels my passion and creativity in wedding planning.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My name is Olha, founder & lead planner at “Sense of Moment”, where we bring your dream wedding to life in true New York style. As expert NYC wedding planner and event designer, my team and I create beautiful, one-of-a-kind celebrations tailored just for you. Our talented team handles everything from weddings to milestone celebrations, social events, and corporate gatherings, ensuring every occasion is stress-free and unforgettable. With our blend of creativity, attention to detail, and passion for excellence, we transform a vision into a stunning reality that you and your guests will cherish forever.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When reflecting on the key factors that have shaped my journey in wedding planning, I’ve identified three core values that not only define our work ethic but also significantly impact our clients’ experiences: Experience-Centric Approach
We believe that wedding planning should be more than just logistics; it should be a journey to cherish. Our role extends beyond mere organization – we aim to transform the planning process into an enjoyable and memorable experience. By shouldering the stress of details, potential mishaps, and hidden costs, we allow our clients to focus on the joyous aspects of their wedding journey. While we value collaborative decision-making, our goal is to add a spark of excitement and pleasure to every step of the process.
Quality Over Quantity
Our commitment to excellence means we deliberately limit the number of weddings we take on annually. You won’t find 60 weddings a year in our portfolio. Instead, we choose to fully immerse ourselves in each project, ensuring our clients receive undivided attention and comprehensive support. This approach allows us to maintain the highest standards of quality and personalization for every wedding we plan.
Unique Storytelling
We understand that each couple’s wedding dream is distinct and personal. For us, a wedding is not just a sequence of standard events – it’s a unique artistic project with a cohesive concept at its core. We strive to weave all elements – from the program to decorations and floral arrangements – into a fascinating narrative that tells your unique story. Our goal is to create a wedding that not only meets but exceeds your long-held dreams, resulting in a beautiful and truly special celebration.
If you’re just starting in this industry, here’s what truly matters:
First, develop genuine empathy. Your job isn’t just about perfect centerpieces – it’s about understanding human emotions and creating meaningful experiences. Listen more than you speak, and learn to read between the lines of what clients are actually saying.
Build relationships, not just a contact list. Your network is your most valuable asset. Cultivate genuine connections with vendors, venues, and fellow professionals. Treat every interaction as a potential long-term partnership, not a transactional opportunity.
Embrace adaptability. No wedding goes exactly as planned. Your ability to solve problems creatively, stay calm under pressure, and pivot quickly will define your success more than any technical skill.
Remember, this isn’t just a job – it’s about creating once-in-a-lifetime memories. Stay passionate, stay curious, and never stop learning.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients are couples who see their wedding as more than just an event – they view it as a deeply personal artistic expression of their love story. At Sense of Moment, we’re drawn to couples who appreciate the nuanced art of celebration, understanding that a wedding isn’t about following traditional templates, but creating an experience that’s authentically theirs. These are individuals who bring a sense of adventure and creativity to the planning process. They’re open-minded, collaborative, and trust our expertise while actively participating in crafting their vision.
They value quality over quantity, preferring a meticulously designed celebration with meaningful touches and see wedding planning as a journey to be enjoyed, not just a task to complete.
Most importantly, they’re excited about the process and see their wedding as a reflection of their unique relationship.
At the core, our ideal clients believe that their wedding should tell their story – unfiltered, authentic, and beautifully unexpected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.senseofmoment.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/senseofmoment.ny/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/senseofmomentweddings
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgabarabash/
Image Credits
in chronological order – Tanya Isaeva Photography, Chi-Chi Ari, Jaymo James, Rafal Ostrowski, Chi-Chi Ari, Jennu Fu
