Meet the Planners :: Eliana Baucicault

Name: Eliana Baucicault

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Company Name: By Your Side Events

Number of Years in Business: 2 years

Website: byyoursideevents.com

Blog: blog.byyoursideevents.com

How did you get started in wedding planning? 
After many years planning personal and family events, I started on a journey planning my own wedding. While coming up with ideas for my big day, I was approached by many interested couples for help on their big day. I was fortunate enough to coordinate four weddings before my own and one just a weekend before my nuptials took place. I then decided to take my love of planning and my MBA and put it to great use.

If you had to start over what one thing would you do differently?
If I could start all over I would have taken the time to make sure I had all of my research and documentation ready for my business launch. I had weddings lined up before even having a business name. It takes tons of time doing research and preparing your company's vision to actually make an impact in this industry.

What's your favorite item in your emergency kit?
I have never done an event where I did not use my safety pin as well as scissors.

What is the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
I actually had the pleasure of speaking with the great Sean Low and he made me realize: you can have a target audience but what is your niche?

Which two people (past or present) would you have as guests at a dinner party and why?
I would have to say Liene Stevens of The Smart Planner and Terrica Skaggs from Fabuluxe.  Liene has been a daily inspiration and Terrica has been there for me during times when I least expected it and she is hands down one of the funniest people out there.

What are your three favorite blogs besides thesmartplanner.com?
Do I have to pick only three? I would have to say Southern Weddings, Ross Oscar Knight Photography, and Style Me Pretty.