Conversations with Trang Pham-Nguyen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Trang Pham-Nguyen.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
You know, I’ve always been that friend who had everything planned out—the go-to person for organizing events, big or small. It wasn’t something I thought much about; it just came naturally. But the lightbulb moment for me happened when one of my best friends got married. I was her maid of honor, and, as you can imagine, I didn’t just stop at holding her bouquet! I stepped in to manage everything—contacting the venue coordinator, creating a timeline, making sure the bride had everything she needed to enjoy her big day, and so much more.

By the end of the night, the venue coordinator came up to me with a huge compliment, and I remember thinking, This is the essence of what wedding planners do? I could totally do this!

A few years later, when another set of best friends got engaged, I decided to put that dream into action. I told them, “Hey, I do wedding planning now!” They asked me what I offered, and I was ready—I had already created a contract outlining my services, just in case the opportunity came up. They trusted me to help bring their vision to life, and that first paying gig became the spark that launched my business.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh, absolutely—there have been bumps along the way! I think that’s true for anyone starting out in a new business. For me, it was less about massive failures and more about learning to navigate those unexpected moments that no amount of planning can prepare you for. In wedding planning, you can map out every detail, create the perfect timeline, and coordinate with vendors down to the minute—but the day of the wedding? That’s a whole other story!

You can’t predict how the guests will behave, whether someone’s running late, or if Uncle Joe decides to monopolize the bride and groom’s time during dinner. And then there’s the last-minute guest changes or tiny hiccups you didn’t see coming. What I’ve learned is that with every wedding, there’s always something, but it’s usually just a minor detail.

The key is to anticipate those moments and have a game plan. I’ve gotten really good at tweaking timelines to allow for a little flexibility. And on the day of, my job is to handle those curveballs behind the scenes so the bride and groom feel like everything is running seamlessly.

Honestly, we wear so many hats as wedding planners—therapist, cheerleader, security guard, problem solver. And yes, I’ve learned you have to be a little bit of a pessimist in this job—always asking yourself, What could go wrong? But then, you get to put your spin on it by coming up with a solution before it even becomes an issue.

The best part is, every challenge has made me better at what I do. With each wedding, I feel more confident and more prepared to create a day that feels magical for my couples and their guests.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my wedding planning business, I specialize in day-of coordination and partial planning. These services offer a sweet spot for couples who want expert guidance without the full-service price tag.

Full-service wedding planners handle everything—from scouting venues to designing decor and sourcing items—but that can quickly add up. I focus on stepping in at just the right moment, typically two to six months before the wedding. By then, the couple has chosen their vendors, and I take it from there, ensuring everything runs like clockwork.

My approach is deeply rooted in logistics. While logistics might not sound as glamorous as designing floral arches or setting up intricate table decor, it’s the backbone of a seamless wedding day. My clients often tell me how impressed they are by the small details I catch—things that could’ve easily caused stress or delays if not addressed ahead of time.

What sets me apart? I hear time and again from vendors and clients that I bring a sense of calm to the day. It’s funny—vendors often express surprise that. Aren’t all planners calm? Apparently not! But I believe that staying calm is crucial. People look to the planner as the anchor, and if I panic, it sets the tone for everyone else. Being flexible and approachable, rather than rigid or stubborn, helps the entire event flow and feel more smooth.

What I’m most proud of are my 5-star reviews. They’re not just stars on a page—they represent the trust and gratitude of my clients and colleagues. It’s proof that the work I do matters, and I pour my heart into every event to make it special.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is about creating experiences that leave people feeling cared for, supported, and truly celebrated. In my line of work, it’s not just about pulling off a beautiful wedding day—it’s about making the process feel seamless and enjoyable for the couple, their families, and even the vendors involved.

Success is when a bride and groom can look back on their wedding day and say, “That was everything we dreamed of, and we actually got to enjoy it.” It’s hearing a vendor tell me they felt valued and respected while working together. It’s seeing those 5-star reviews come in and knowing that I helped turn a couple’s vision into a reality without unnecessary stress.

Success is the relationships I build, the trust I earn, and the memories I help create.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.weddingsbytrang.com/
• Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/weddings-by-trang

Image Credits
I named the files with the photography company each photo was taken by (the one that doesn’t have a specific name to it – the Indian wedding one, I took myself)