We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alyssa Bennett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alyssa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?

One of the most significant trends we’re observing in the wedding industry is the shift from traditional videographers to content creators. This change reflects a broader cultural shift in how people document and share their special moments.
Let me illustrate this trend with a recent experience:
This past summer, we worked with a couple who initially approached us looking for a videographer. However, as we discussed their vision, it became clear that what they really wanted was a comprehensive content strategy for their wedding as well as a video they can relive throughout time.
Their goal wasn’t just to document the wedding but to create a suite of shareable, platform-specific content that would allow them to relive their day through the lens of social media so we hired a content creator.
The result was astounding. Within hours of the ceremony, carefully curated snippets were live on various platforms. Their Instagram story, updated in real-time throughout the day, had friends and family feeling like they were part of the celebration, even if they couldn’t attend in person.

This trend towards “social media-first” wedding documentation presents both opportunities and challenges:
Opportunities:
Increased engagement: Couples can share their joy with a wider audience, potentially reaching thousands or even millions of viewers.
Immediate gratification: Couples and guests can relive moments almost instantly, rather than waiting weeks for a traditional wedding video.
Concerns:
Privacy: Not all couples may be comfortable with their wedding being broadcast to such a wide audience.

As wedding industry professionals, we need to adapt to this trend while also helping couples find the right balance. The goal should be to create shareable, engaging content without losing the intimacy and personal touch that makes each wedding unique.

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

Hello! I’m Alyssa, the founder of Honeybee Weddings & Events. My journey into the world of wedding planning began with a deep-rooted passion for design and an innate love for organization. These two elements sparked the creation of Honeybee Weddings & Events, where we transform couples’ dreams into unforgettable celebrations.
What truly sets us apart is our ‘best friend’ approach to wedding planning. We’re not just your typical wedding planners or work associates – we become your confidants, your support system, and your go-to friends throughout this exciting journey. Our relationship goes far beyond vendor coordination and timeline management. We’re the ones you call when you need advice on family dynamics, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or when you simply want to share your latest wedding-related discovery.
This best friend approach means we’re always there to lend an ear, offer a shoulder to lean on, or provide a much-needed laugh during stressful moments. We celebrate your highs and help you navigate the lows, just like a best friend would. Our clients often tell us that our planning meetings feel more like catch-ups with a close friend than business appointments.
But our relationship doesn’t end when the wedding bells stop ringing. Many of our clients become lifelong friends, and we’re honored to be part of their ongoing life stories. From helping plan the surprise proposal to coordinating the dream wedding, and then moving on to baby showers, first birthday parties, and anniversary celebrations – we’re there for all of life’s big moments.

At Honeybee Weddings & Events, we offer a range of services to suit different preferences and budgets:

Full-Service Planning: Your all-inclusive fairy godmother experience, where we handle every detail from ‘Yes’ to ‘I Do’ and beyond.
Partial Planning: Perfect for those who’ve begun planning but need expert assistance to bring it all together.
Day-of Coordination: Ensuring your vision comes to life seamlessly on the big day.

Our services aren’t limited to weddings—we also bring our expertise and creative flair to a variety of special events, continuing to be part of your life’s celebrations long after you say “I do.”

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At Honeybee Weddings & Events, our relationship with clients doesn’t end at the reception. We nurture lasting connections by sending personalized anniversary cards to each couple and scheduling periodic “life check-in” chats over cocktails or coffee. These thoughtful touches allow us to celebrate our clients’ ongoing journey together and often lead to planning future milestone events, creating a continuous cycle of shared memories and brand loyalty.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

It all began when I was working a full-time corporate event planning job. While the position was stable and came with a clear career path, I found myself feeling creatively stifled and trapped in the never-ending climb up the corporate ladder.
The turning point came when I realized I was spending more time daydreaming about the weddings and personal events I could plan than focusing on my corporate tasks. That’s when the idea for Honeybee Weddings & Events began to take shape. Taking the leap to leave my corporate job and start my own business was terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
The journey truly began when I landed my first wedding client. This moment validated my decision and gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. From there, I focused on building a network, establishing relationships with vendors and venues that would become the backbone of my business.
As my confidence grew, so did my services. I started with day-of coordination and gradually expanded to offer partial and full-service planning. The business continued to evolve, and soon I found myself hiring my first assistant, which allowed me to take on more clients and grow the business further.
A significant milestone was the decision to rebrand from a one-woman show to Honeybee Weddings & Events, complete with a new logo and website. This shift marked the transition from a solo venture to a true business entity.
Perhaps the most rewarding moment came when I started planning baby showers and anniversary parties for past wedding clients. This showed me I was building lasting relationships, not just planning one-off events. It was a testament to the ‘best friend’ approach that had become the hallmark of my business.
Today, Honeybee Weddings & Events has grown beyond my wildest dreams. I I love what I do, and I have the freedom to choose when I work and when I take time off. This balance allows me to bring fresh energy and creativity to each event I plan.
The journey from corporate planner to owning my own wedding planning business hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. Every satisfied couple, every beautifully executed event, and every moment of creative freedom reminds me why I started this journey. And the best part? This is just the beginning. I’m excited to see where Honeybee Weddings & Events will go next!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.honeybeeweddingevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/honeybee.weddingevents/?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg%3D%3D
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558595092778

Image Credits

Stephanie Quirk Photography