Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Francis.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins in 2016 with my own wedding! I was a person who lovedddd planning my wedding and didn’t want it to end. It was such a creative way to express myself and to use my background in graphic design. My schooling and job as a graphic designer gave me experience in color theory, beautiful visuals, and planning photoshoots, which I continue to use to help me holistically look at all my events to this day. I always ask myself: Is this visually pleasing? Is the user experience equally as beautiful? That all being said, I was an art major in college, not a business major, and needed to learn a few things before I really jumped into the wedding business. So with a few encouraging words from friends and family, I went back to school at night, at my local community college, and took classes in their event planning program. This allowed me to learn the business side of event planning, that I had no experience in (contracts, insurance, etc). Through the program, I met another woman in the industry, who I emailed on a whim, asking to be her assistant and she lovingly said yes. I learned so much from her and got the hands-on experience I needed to feel confident about doing weddings on my own. And the rest is wedding planning history!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest part was getting that first wedding. Who was going to trust someone to coordinate their wedding, having never done it on their own before!? But I was lucky to find a couple, through a Facebook group, who understood their budget meant they were looking for beginners versus seasoned pros. They trusted me and gave me the opportunity to get my foot in the door. Referrals are a HUGE part in this business, and those first clients, referred me to a coworker, who then referred me to a friend, and I am still booking weddings that can be connected all the way back to that first wedding I booked five years ago.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I became a mom in 2021 and it has brought me so much joy, but as any other working parent can attest to, it is a job in itself. So while I started out offering all forms of wedding planning (coordination, partial and full service), I have really come to love and specialize more as an event coordinator. Why event coordinator? Well, I don’t really believe in calling myself day of- month of- coordinator because for me, I am not giving my clients the best service I can if I limit my start date with them. Many of them have never planned a wedding before, but luckily, I have! So I want our collaboration to start ASAP. The more I know, and the sooner I do, the more helpful I can be in ensuring their wedding day is as stress-free and smooth as possible.
I also think my background in graphic design sets me apart from others and is helpful to my clients. For those that need more than a coordinator, I offer partial planning. Sometimes it is along the lines of helping them book vendors I know and love, but I am also able to help with the design of their wedding. Do you lack confidence in making sure your bridesmaid dresses and flowers won’t clash? Well, then I am your girl, here to help you make the most killer mood boards to help bring your vision to life.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Everything can be viewed as a learning experience. Each wedding is unique, and I always take something with me to the next. Whether it is improving an offering or finding a new challenge to be prepared for. I won’t claim to have seen it all, but I have learned so much over the years about the business and myself, and know I can handle any obstacle thrown my way.
Contact Info:
- Website: onlyone-events.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/onlyoneevents
- Facebook: facebook.com/onlyoneeventsanddesign
Image Credits
@momentsbyshastina @kayleechelseaphotography @rachelwakefield @meggyweggyphotography @caitphoto_ @dennisroycoronel
