Meet Christie Dela Cruz of Sweetest Love Moments

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Dela Cruz.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Christie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up, I have always been told about my creativity, organization and having a good eye when it comes to aesthetics. I have always been excited to do school projects to show my artistic side while going above and beyond the task at hand. My friends would tease me, calling me an “over-achiever” but I never minded it. That is me!

For my eighteenth birthday I decided to have a debutante ball where my mom helped with planning and designing everything. I can honestly say that seeing all of the details (big and small) come together was so much fun! From designing invitations to the packaging of favors, I was in love with every second of it all. It was then that I thought to myself that a career in event planning was something to invest in, but I did not know where or how to start.

I guess the first steps began by graduating from Cal State Fullerton and earning a degree in Business Administration. I started working for corporate retail in the retail design department. It was such a satisfying experience to be part of the planning stages and seeing these projects through to the end. It was this particular job that allowed me to network with many people within the business. I mean, who ever would have thought that I’d be meeting my mentor for event planning? My manager at the time, was so kind as to refer me to his former coworker because he remembered from one of our conversations that I was thinking of going into event planning. I remember thinking to myself, “This is so random! BUT this is my chance to get my foot into the door for event planning.”

From that point, I took the opportunity to shadow Joanna Chong, owner of J.Soiree Event Coordination & Design. She asked me to assist her at one of her events as a test to determine if I wanted to build my career. Was this really what I wanted? Yes, this is exactly what I wanted.

Today, I work full-time for USC as an Alumni Relations and Events Associate while working as a part-time wedding planner for my own business, Sweetest Love Moments. I am where I am today because of my networking, hard work and of course my passion for the event planning industry.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Pursuing my passion has definitely not been a smooth and straightforward course. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining a balance between my full-time job, my business and personal life. Taking on projects and exerting all of my energy into them to execute amazing events is great. However, in the process I have learned that taking on too much all at once can really take a toll both physically and mentally on your body. Sometimes it requires me to step back and remind myself to breathe, relax and slow down.

Another challenge would be validating the need of a wedding planner. A question I have often been asked by clients is, “Do you think it’s necessary to hire a wedding planner or day-of coordinator?” Most people do not require one, while others do. Events can be stressful and frustrating at times. Though for me, I could not imagine myself doing any other work because I love what I do and I love knowing that my clients can rest easy. We, the planners, manage all of the details from beginning to end and we simply want our clients to enjoy every moment without worrying about the event itself.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sweetest Love Moments story. Tell us more about the business.
When it comes to your own dream, there is no right or wrong. Aside from working a full-time job, I have found that thing that I can completely lose myself in, and know that I want to continue for the rest of my career.

Sweetest Love Moments was created not only to build exceptional bonds and trust with my clients, but also to create a stress-free planning service that fits their needs. Being able to see family and friends come together to celebrate love is priceless. I am dedicated to create and give my clients the version of their perfect day that allows them to share their “sweetest love moments” with those they care about the most.

It has been a privilege and honor to meet and interact with so many people throughout the years, both clients and vendors. Everyone has been a pleasure to work with, and I am proud to say that everyone I have engaged with up to now is a friend for life. Hearing that kind of feedback is truly gratifying. Sharing the personal and intimate moments with my clients is indescribable.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Life presented me with opportunities because of luck, and I worked hard to convert those opportunities into realities. All the experiences and challenges I have faced thus far made me into the individual I am today. For that, I am thankful!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 626-848-6056
• Email: sweetestlovemoments@outlook.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetest_love_moments/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetestlovemoments/
• Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/sweetest-love-moments-west-covina/b8a0f7cd60852b3d.html

Image Credit:
Tony Le Films, MCJ Impressions, Lauren Stockton Photo, Jack Rodriguez Photography

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.