Photo: Evie and Jr. Photography

At one point in life we were all new at something.  Whether it was our first time riding a bike, first day of school or the day we officially set up shop and opened our doors for business.  After spending over 10 years in the hospitality business, the past 5 years focused mainly on weddings and events and officially naming my business back in 2011 – I can’t help but still feel like a newbie.

And to the local wedding natives who made the West Michigan wedding industry what it is today, I am.  To others, I’m looked up to – which seems really strange to say, but I’m sent messages on a regular basis regarding my path to making it to where I am today.  They’re asking for advice from ME, the little newbie who is trying to make something of herself.

What I think it really comes down to is perspective.  Sometimes being a newbie and shaking things up a bit can be a really good, good thing.  While other times it’s translated a little more as “unexperienced” or “she doesn’t really know what she’s doing”.  Or in my case, it’s a little bit of both.  Let’s be perfectly honest here, if you have it all 100% completely figured out either you’re borderline boring or you’re not challenging yourself to take enough risks.

It’s with all of this in mind that I choose to support new businesses.  I like to collaborate and take risks offering newer professionals the chance to shine.  Sometimes the results are lacking, and sometimes they’re pure magic.  But if you never give a person the chance, then you’ll never really know the outcome.

Does that mean you should be hiring the industry “newbies” for you wedding, one of the most important days of your life?  Friends, do be hesitant.  Look for recommendations, experienced vendors can truly make or break your wedding day.  I would advise not using a full group of individuals who have little experience, however sprinkling one or two new vendors throughout your team might be refreshing.  After all, if no one would have ever taken a chance on me, I would still be sitting here daydreaming about planning my first wedding.