Meet the Planners :: Wendy Robinson

Name: Wendy Robinson

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Company Name: Sacred Moment Weddings

Number of Years in Business: 4

Website: sacredmomentweddings.com

Blog: sacredmomentblog.com

How did you get started in wedding planning?
Although the first wedding I planned was in 1988, I've been an accounting professional for 25 years. Growing up and during my college days, whenever there was a party or event to plan, I always had my nose in it! Eventually I would take over the entire operation . . . with no arguments from the others involved. It wasn't until a conversation about work and life that my husband and I had on our honeymoon in 2004, did I realize how much I loved to plan parties and events. Although I thought about changing careers when I was in my late twenties, I studied business management and accounting in school . . . not flowers and event management. Accounting was and has been a successful career path for me and how I paid my bills. But after that conversation, I decided to go for it and spent the next year on my business plan. A year later I launched Sacred Moment Weddings.

If you had to start over what one thing would you do differently?
I would have spent more time on my brand and identifying my target market. I learned the hard way that the marketing and advertising strategy for “Planner Susie” may not work for me. I did what I thought everyone else was doing and lost a lot of money in the process. Eventually I learned how to identify “my bride” and how to get her business. But even “that” is an ever changing thing because what my bride wants may change from season to season. Now I’ve learned to adapt and change my services with what my target customers want.

What's your favorite item in your emergency kit?
Hands down, my diaper strength safety pins. I’ve had more blown bustles than I can count!

What is the best piece of business advice you've ever received?
To stay true to myself! Even though I was told early on to stay true to myself and to find my niche, I didn’t realize its importance until recently.

Which two people (past or present) would you have as guests at a dinner party and why?
That’s easy . . . my mom and dad. They have both passed on and I miss them very much. I would love to sit down to dinner with the two of them for two reasons: One, to tell them how much I miss them and think of them often. And two, to introduce them to the great man that I married! My mom would adore him because he is so good to me. And my dad, who loves history as much as my husband does, would kidnap him often for history documentary marathons.

What are your three favorite blogs besides thesmartplanner.com?
For business - Sean Low’s The Business of Being Creative
For inspiration - Janie Medley’s The Bride's Café
For entertaining with style - Jennifer Sbranti’s Hostess with the Mostess