Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Terri Villafana. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Terri, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry

One of the biggest trends I have noticed is personalization. Couples are less inclined to follow tradition but embrace themes that are unique to their personal interests.

I planned a wedding for a couple who shared a deep love for travel and instead of the traditional table numbers, etc. They opted for a travel-themed wedding highlighting the various countries they had visited together during their engagement. Each table represented a different destination and included travel souvenirs, decor with maps, and photos.

This was such a creative approach and a unique experience for their guests too. It also made for great conversation among the guests who shared their own travel stories.

Personalized themes offer a great opportunity for couples to express their hobbies and identities. However, it can be pricey as customized items are one of a kind and usually cost more to produce.

Regardless, this trend focuses on the importance of storytelling in weddings, and it encourages couples to add their personalities and experiences into their big day, making it truly unforgettable for everyone.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a certified wedding planner with over ten years of experience, my passion for creating unforgettable events was ignited during my own sweet sixteen planning, where I discovered how enjoyable it can be to craft the perfect celebration. Unlike most, I found the process exhilarating rather than stressful, and I began designing and organizing events for friends and family, who consistently encouraged me to pursue this passion full-time. During this time, I was also balancing a full-time job, raising my family, and completing my Master’s in Computer Information Systems at the University of Miami.

Fast forward to 2016, when I launched my wedding planning business as a side project, and I am thrilled to now call it my full-time career. Each time I meet a new client, I feel a rush of excitement knowing I will be part of their significant day, as every couple’s story is different, ensuring that my work is always fresh and inspiring. I specialize in crafting personalized weddings that showcase each couple’s unique story and style, providing services that range from comprehensive planning to day-of coordination, with a particular focus on destination weddings in the beautiful Florida Keys—what better place to celebrate love?

I take pride in tackling common challenges couples face, including budget management, RSVP tracking, menu selection, vendor coordination, and wedding logistics. What truly distinguishes my brand is my commitment to building genuine, long-lasting relationships with clients, turning them into friends along the way. I am particularly proud of my knack for curating meaningful, customized experiences that resonate beyond the wedding day itself.

My goal is for potential clients to understand that I am dedicated not just to executing events, but to crafting memorable journeys that honor their love stories and create lasting memories for everyone involved. I believe that the planning process is as special as the big day itself.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

My client base has grown through a mix of word-of-mouth, referrals, and wedding directory platforms. I find referrals to be the most rewarding, as they provide potential clients with a trusted endorsement and affirm that we are delivering excellent service.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The book that has had the greatest influence on my management style is Creating Magic by Lee Cockerell. I first encountered Lee at a conference where he was a speaker, and he truly stood out as the most inspiring motivational speaker I had ever experienced. Afterward, I read his book and discovered numerous valuable lessons that I have integrated into my own management approach and planning. His insights range from empowering others to excel in their strengths, to mastering the art of delegation, fostering empathy, and honing my listening skills.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.partydesignsbyterri.com
• Instagram: partydesignsbyterri1_
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/partydesignsbyterri
• Other: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FloridaKeysDestinationWeddings

  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/partydesignsbyterri/

Image Credits

Photo credits:

Miguel Angel Photography
Shauna and Jordan Photography
Simply Captivating
Munoz Photography