When I was about 16, I found myself walking through my most favorite town ever, just as the sun was beginning to set.  As I crossed a small bridge that connected Lake Michigan to the channel, my attention was captured by a glittering white tent, immaculately spread across the lawn of the quaint community building.  The tent stood so large and grand, with lights twinkling in Northern Michigan’s night air and something so magical was taking place there on that dimly lit evening.  It was like a romantic scene out of a movie – sheer perfection with a combination of warm breezes, the sinking sun in the background and the joyful laughter that danced throughout the tent’s canopy.  It’s forever stuck in my mind and I knew instantly that I wanted to have my wedding take place in that very spot.

Fast forward about a decade and I learned that dreams do come true.  We hosted our wedding reception in that very space.  We didn’t have a tent or use twinkle lights, but there was so much merriment with all of our closest family and friends and I simply couldn’t have asked for a better place to celebrate saying “I do.”

That was also the night that I knew beyond doubt that I was going to be a wedding planner.

I had graduated from school with my Bachelors of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management.  The wedding industry was very much on my radar and my emphasis was in event planning, which is a close to a degree in wedding planning as one can get. I had even interned with a local planner the semester prior to graduation.  But it wasn’t until I was actually in the bride’s shoes that I completely understood the importance of a wedding planner (which I hadn’t hired).  I had an amazing wedding, but it could have been even better if I would have been able to relax and know that someone else was going to take care of the flowers, communicate with the dj and make the guests sit in their seats at the appropriate time.

When I lose my way and seem to forget my purpose, that’s the night I channel back to.  It reminds me why I do what I do.  This spring, when I was searching for inspiration for my brand and wondering where my business was headed, this is the place where I landed.  Whenever you’re in doubt about where you’re headed in your journey, or if your feet are even moving at all, always look back to the beginning.   It will show you how far you’ve come.

The above picture is from our Spring Botanical Branding Shoot at The Old Art Building in Leland, Michigan.  The town that I love, the venue where we were married.  

Photography: Cory Weber Photography