We recently connected with Amanda Virga and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I have been in the event industry for over 12 years now. I started my career following the safe, standard route after college to gain experience and find the area of the industry that was the best for me. I worked for venues in operations, marketing and sales for the first half of my career, making my way up the ladder to a very comfortable position with a lucrative salary. I was very happy and content in my role, but I felt an inch for something more and a desire to not work for someone else but to spread my creative wings and go out on my own. I knew the risk of leaving a salaried position to start from scratch was a big (and terrifying) leap, but it was something I felt was necessary for the next step of my career journey. I didn’t want to look back in 10 years and know that I had settled, and regret not taking the chance while the opportunity was there. I am always searching for my next adventure, and always seeking to expand my experience to new realms. For me, the sky is the limit! With that being said, in early 2018 I resigned from my position, and embarked on a year long journey around the world to explore the wedding markets across 30 countries and 3 continents. During this time I also started my own company remotely and began working as a freelancer for local wedding planners in each destination to truly become acquainted with the trends and traditions of these countries. Since then, I have since built a global event planning corporation with bases in London and NYC, planning weddings all over the world. I look back and can’t help but feel like it’s all a dream and so surreal! I could not be more happy that I followed my heart and dreams to bring me where I am today!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started planning events in college for my sorority and small social outings for friends. I poured my heart and soul into each occasion I would plan and always wanted people to feel I went above and beyond to create the most memorable experience. I attended an Arts College in NYC, where many pursued the entertainment industry and although I dabbled in that sector, I found myself longing to explore the events world. I explored private, social, corporate and nonprofit events before finally finding my passion in weddings!

After planning hundreds of weddings domestically and working for several venues & companies in the industry, I started my own company in 2018 and have since grown into a global corporation that plans events all over the world. We primarily work in the NYC Region, as well as with Americans getting married abroad. We also plan destination retreats for wedding photographers which give them an opportunity to grow their portfolio in swoon worthy destinations, connect with other creatives, and learn from some of the best photographers in the world.

Since the beginning of my career I have always felt the desire to stray from the norm, think outside the box and not just follow what is expected. I pour everything I have into every experience I craft, no matter how small or large and I truly want people to leave feeling it was a truly unforgettable experience. I am also passionate about bringing creative minds together and building a beautiful community where peers can connect and learn from one another. There are so many pieces of the event world I fell in love with, and it means the world to me to be able to contribute to this amazing industry in a positive way through my events and vendor connections. More than anything I hope to inspire others to stay true to themselves, follow their dreams, and take the risks that scare them most!

I am most proud of the fact that I have always stayed true to my intentions over the course of my career and never have given in to “cookie cutter” or safe path that could have been easier, but certainly would not have been as rewarding. More than anything, I strive to be original, to always think outside the box, and break the mould for what is expected.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In the heart of COVID, after a shortage of wedding business and endless postponements, while searching for ways to bring creative minds together again and build something beautiful to be captured and enjoyed by the talented souls of our industry, I launched a Photography Retreat business!

Having traveled to 60 countries and coordinating events all over the world, I felt an inch to bring others with me to these beautiful places to expand the horizons of their business reach and personal experiences! Many Americans don’t necessary have the means or comfort level to plan immersive travel or portfolio building opportunities abroad and I truly wanted to serve as the link for them to be able to explore some of the most jaw-dropping locations in the world, from Bali to France! I invited a hand selected group of photographers to join the initial retreats in order to curate a community of diverse individuals with the same goals from the start. After connecting and collaborating with so many amazing spirits in the wedding community over the course of the pandemic, I wanted more than anything to provide them with an opportunity to unwind while realigning themselves to their purpose, business, and brand while exploring some of the most beautiful destinations around the world!

It was a risky fete with travel restrictions changing daily, but we took a leap of faith! After travel loosened back up and the wedding industry was booming again, we finally were able to host our first retreat in Tuscany in November 2021 with a group of 25 photographers from 13 different states and 4 different countries for 4 breathtaking days of networking, shooting, and education at the picturesque Villa Cetinale. I am still finding it difficult to verbalize how surreal this experience was and what a beautiful community we have built! Our attendees have described it as a life altering, rejuvenating experience beyond what dreams are made of. There were many tears, there were many laughs, and most importantly there was an abundance of beautiful content created to inspire brides & creative minds all over the world!

We have since hosted 6 retreats with attendees and hosts from 29 US states & 20 countries!

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

I keep in touch with my clients on a personal level by continuing to follow them and engage with them on Instagram & Social Media. We develop a personal connection and rapport that continues long after their event concludes! Sending them a little message here or there to let them know we are still thinking of them really makes a big impact! We also send out cards and gifts at the conclusion of each season to let them know how grateful we are for their business, for trusting us with their special day, and of course for their continued friendship! About 30% of our new business comes from past client referrals so it is super important for us to continue to nurture these connections!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amvweddings.com www.amvretreats.com
• Instagram: @amv_weddings @amv_retreats
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amvdestinations/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-virga

Image Credits
Rossini Photography Kir Tuben Katie Julia Konstantyn Zakhariy Mekina Saylor Isa Wines