Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Virga
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am originally from New Jersey but I am currently residing in the South of France. I embarked on my career in the wedding industry back in 2010, when I began interning for a planner in Staten Island during college. From there, my career took me through a series of twists and turns working for several companies and venues as a contracted planner before deciding to branch out on my own in 2018. I decided to resign from my position as the time, travel the world for a year, and launched my own company in the meantime! I spent the year immersing myself into the wedding markets of each of my destinations around the globe from South America to Asia and everywhere in between! I documented my experiences on my blog, and gained invaluable insight to the global market of weddings and how trends, traditions, and industries vary drastically from country to country. Since then my business has flourished and I continue to produce events around the world while now being based permanently in the South of France after being nomadic from 2018-2023.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It certainly was not a smooth road! From working for other people and organizations to managing large-scale operations across several sectors of the industry it took me a very long time to “become my own boss” and get to where I am today. Putting in the work, and going through the tough times is truly what builds up the sort of experience and foundation to a career that will make you successful. As I look back to the times I worked 80 hour weeks, barely slept, and sacrificed weekends and holidays, I have zero regrets. Even once I started my own company it has taken me several years to fine tune my operations, understand my true brand, who I want as my clients, and who I want working with me on my team. It’s a never ending growth process so you have to learn to adapt, flow with it and make the best out of every experience no matter how rough it can get!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a wedding planner who specializes in producing events globally. While our primary markets at the moment are he US and Europe, we have worked across 15 countries and 4 continents over the past 14 years! We specialize in experience driven events that are uniquely curated with the utmost intention and attention to the finest details. We love to branch out far beyond the classic cookie cutter planning process, and evoke the WOW factor especially when it comes to design and entertainment. Additionally, we plan retreats for wedding industry creatives, which offer a fusion of networking, portfolio building and education across some of the most jaw dropping wedding destinations around the world! Despite all of this, I take pride in being a down to earth person who truly cares about my couples and every single wedding creative I cross paths with. I pour my heart and soul into every event, every connection, and every opportunity! I think overall that is what may make me stand out the most!
What’s next?
I plan to finally settle and build a home in the South of France (Cannes) after 5 years of being nomadic. While London was my base from 2019-2023, I did not stay in one place more than 3-4 months at a time during that period! It’s time to finally put down roots and build a home! I will still continue to produce events around the world and travel, but we are now focusing on “quality over quantity” as I am aiming to take on a maximum of 10-15 weddings a year (we were up to 40 for a few years)! I would prefer to focus on events and clients that truly align with my brand. Aside from that, I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and the universe will guide me to where me and my business belong so I try not to over plan but rather just make decisions and pursue opportunities that feel authentic and right for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amvweddings.com
- Instagram: @amv_weddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amvdestinations/
Image Credits
Konstantyn Zakhariy