Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Miskell.
Hi Michelle, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2010 I started working as a bridal consultant selling wedding dresses and accessories. That same year a good friend of mine was getting married, and I of course offered my services to her. The morning of the wedding she told me she found out the family member who was coming in from out of state with a speaker for her to use to play the music, was no longer coming. I immediately jumped on the phone and made a phone call to two of our local rental companies. The one that was just 10 minutes from us had one in stock!
In 2011, my husband and I got married! Because I didn’t have a point-of-contact person on the day of my wedding, I was busy making sure the DJ knew what song to play, lining up the wedding party, and focusing on the logistics of a wedding. The most heartbreaking thing that happened on the day of my wedding is that my photographer didn’t capture any pictures of my mom and me. This is when I decided I wanted to become a wedding planner so that what happened to me, wouldn’t happen to anyone else.
My first wedding as a professional was in 2012. From there, word of mouth and advertising helped my career take off. In 2016 my husband and I received our first placement from foster care and accepted a sibling group of 4 overnight. I had to shift my focus from wedding planning to parenthood. When Covid-19 hit in 2020, all but one wedding was rescheduled to 2021. I had 17 weddings in 2021 and thought that was going to be my biggest and busiest year yet but I recently booked number 33 for 2022!
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?
I think the biggest challenge yet has been showing couples exactly what an independent coordinator/planner does. A lot of venues will have an on-site coordinator but there’s a night and day difference between what they handle versus what an outside coordinator like myself does. The venue coordinator is mostly there for the venue; to make sure the restrooms are clean and stocked with supplies, have all the tables and chairs in place, and make sure the venue is presentable for the couple, their families, and their guests. While I, on the other hand, am there to help them find their vendors, make a master timeline, give decor advice, general guidance with planning, and iron out the details leading up to the wedding day.
There is also the phrase “Day-of Coordinator” that a lot of couples seem to be confused about. My role is so much more than just one day. I start working with my couples as soon as they sign the contract. Together we find the perfect vendors, create a detailed timeline, and work out logistic issues. Leading up to the wedding, I’m working behind the scenes handling the delivery times, confirming details with vendors, and checking off the list of last-minute tasks. I also direct the rehearsal a day or two before the wedding with the officiant to make sure everyone is comfortable with their roles. On the day of the wedding, I have an assistant with me for up to 12 hours setting up the decor, greeting vendors and guests, making sure the day runs smoothly, and then tearing down at the end of the night and packing up.
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?
I’m a professional wedding coordinator/planner that helps couples plan their wedding day, hire their vendors, and give them and their families the opportunity to enjoy the wedding and be present while I take care of things behind-the-scenes. Because I work so closely with my couples, we actually become friends during the planning process. By the time wedding day rolls around, they have come to trust me and are okay with me making executive decisions on their behalf.
What were you like growing up?
In my teen years, I was always the planner in my friend group. I was the one who made plans on where we were going, how we were going to get there, what we were going to do while there, and how much it was going to cost everyone. The Wedding Planner with Jennifer Lopez is still one of my all-time favorite movies to watch!
Pricing:
- $1,900
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glamorous-weddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glamorousweddingsdaytonoh/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlamorousWeddings/
Image Credits
The Brauns Sophie
Wilson Photography
Nina Grey Photography
Holly Moore Photography
Capitol Photography
The Oberports
Cherry Red Shoes Photography
