We recently connected with Becky Stewart and have shared our conversation below.

Becky, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

My journey into the wedding and event planning industry began in 2013 when I planned my own wedding. I fell in love with the process—the intricate details, the creative vision, and the pure joy of bringing everything together. That passion led me to explore opportunities in the industry, but without formal experience, it was difficult to break into the field through venues. Instead of giving up, I started planning events for friends and family, refining my skills and building my confidence along the way.

Fast forward to 2023-2024, when I planned my own vow renewal. That experience reignited my passion for planning in a way I couldn’t ignore. I realized that wedding and event planning was more than just something I enjoyed—it was what I was meant to do. I knew I didn’t want to let it go again, so in January 2024, I took the leap and officially launched RJ Stewart Events.

The first step was creating my LLC, but I knew I needed guidance to turn my passion into a successful business. I reached out to an experienced planner for advice, and they encouraged me to pursue professional certifications. That led me to the CWP Society, where I enrolled in their certification program. As I worked through my training, I fell even more in love with wedding planning, solidifying my commitment to the industry. In June 2024, I earned my Master Certified Wedding Planner designation—a milestone that represented not just my knowledge but my dedication to giving my clients the best possible experience.

Even before completing my certifications, I had already booked two to three clients, using my training to provide them with expert guidance. As my confidence and expertise grew, so did my business. By the middle of 2024, I had secured 15 weddings and two events for the year, a testament to both my hard work and the trust my clients placed in me.

RJ Stewart Events was built on a deep love for celebrations and a commitment to making every event unforgettable. My journey—from planning my own wedding to becoming a Master Certified Wedding Planner—has shaped the way I approach every wedding and event I coordinate. I pour 110% into every detail, ensuring that my clients’ dreams are brought to life with ease, joy, and professionalism.

I truly believe that every celebration deserves a best friend, and that’s exactly what I strive to be for my clients.

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.

At RJ Stewart Events, my mission is to create seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable experiences for my clients. Whether it’s a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate event, I take a personalized approach to planning, ensuring that every detail reflects my client’s vision and unique style.

Comprehensive Wedding Planning Services
I offer a range of wedding planning services tailored to meet the needs of each couple:
– Full Planning: A start-to-finish service that guides couples through every step of their wedding journey, from budget creation and vendor selection to timeline management and final execution.
– Wedding Day Management: Perfect for couples who have done most of the planning but need an expert to step in and coordinate the final details, ensuring a flawless and stress-free wedding day.
– Set-Up Services & Add-Ons: For couples who need additional assistance with décor setup, timeline creation, or logistical support, I provide customizable add-ons to enhance their experience.

Tailored Event Planning
Beyond weddings, I specialize in custom event planning for social and corporate gatherings. Each event is unique, so I create personalized packages based on the specific needs of my clients, whether they require full-scale planning or just professional guidance to bring their vision to life.

Problem-Solving: Turning Challenges into Seamless Solutions
One of my greatest strengths as a planner is my ability to anticipate challenges before they arise and create seamless solutions. From vendor coordination to last-minute changes, I handle every aspect of an event with professionalism and expertise, so my clients can focus on enjoying their special day.

– Time Management: Many of my clients lead busy lives and struggle to find the time to manage all the details of planning. I step in as their trusted guide, ensuring deadlines are met, vendors are booked, and every aspect of their event runs smoothly.
– Budget Guidance: Weddings and events can be costly, and staying within budget can be overwhelming. I help my clients prioritize their spending, find creative solutions, and negotiate with vendors to maximize their budget without compromising on quality.
– Vendor Coordination: Finding the right vendors can be stressful. With my network of trusted professionals and my experience in contract negotiation, I take the guesswork out of vendor selection and ensure my clients work with reliable, high-quality professionals.
– Day-of Execution: No one wants to worry about logistics on their big day. I take care of all the behind-the-scenes details, troubleshooting any issues that arise so my clients and their guests can relax and celebrate.

Proudly Master Certified: A Commitment to Excellence
Becoming a Master Certified Wedding Planner through CWP Society was a significant milestone in my career. Earning this certification reflects my dedication to professional growth, industry expertise, and continued education. My clients can trust that they are working with a planner who has:

– Extensive Knowledge: My training has equipped me with the skills to handle every aspect of event planning, from logistics and design to risk management and problem-solving.
– Formal Education in the Industry: Certification goes beyond experience—it ensures I have a strong foundation in best practices, trends, and planning strategies.
– A Commitment to Growth: I continually expand my knowledge, stay up to date on industry trends, and refine my processes to offer my clients the best possible experience.

What Clients Should Know About RJ Stewart Events
Choosing RJ Stewart Events means working with a planner who genuinely cares about bringing your vision to life. Here are a few things I want my clients to know:

– Your Event is My Priority: I pour 110% into every event, treating it with the same care and attention as if it were my own.
– Customization is Key: No two events are the same, which is why I take a tailored approach to planning, ensuring that every detail reflects your personal style and preferences.
– Transparency & Communication: I believe in clear, honest communication. My clients always know where we stand in the planning process, and I am here to answer questions, provide guidance, and alleviate stress.
– You Can Enjoy the Moment: My job is to handle the details so you can focus on making memories. From planning to execution, I take the stress off your plate, allowing you to be fully present on your special day.

At RJ Stewart Events, I don’t just plan events—I create meaningful, unforgettable moments that my clients and their guests will cherish for years to come. Whether you’re planning a wedding, a milestone celebration, or a corporate event, I am here to bring your vision to life with passion, expertise, and dedication.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

The CWP Society has played a pivotal role in shaping me into the wedding planner I am today. Through their comprehensive training, ongoing education, and access to experienced mentors, I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills that allow me to provide the highest level of service to my clients. The weekly educational sessions have kept me up to date on industry trends, best practices, and innovative planning techniques, ensuring that I continue to grow and refine my expertise. Additionally, the mentorship opportunities within the CWP Society have been instrumental in guiding me through challenges, offering insights from seasoned professionals, and helping me build a strong foundation for my business.

Another resource that has profoundly impacted my approach to planning is the book The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. This book expanded my understanding of gatherings beyond just weddings and events, teaching me the deeper purpose behind bringing people together. It provided a fresh perspective on how to create meaningful, intentional, and memorable experiences rather than simply focusing on logistics. By applying these principles, I have been able to craft events that truly resonate with my clients and their guests, ensuring that every gathering—whether a wedding, social event, or corporate function—feels purposeful, engaging, and unforgettable.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The primary source of new clients for RJ Stewart Events is social media, accounting for approximately 90% of my client inquiries. Social media platforms provide a powerful way to showcase my work, engage with potential clients, and establish trust before we even have a conversation.

Through platforms like Instagram and Facebook, I am able to share real wedding moments, planning tips, and behind-the-scenes insights that highlight my expertise and passion for event planning. Visual content, such as photos and videos, allows potential clients to see my work in action, making it easier for them to envision their own event with my guidance.

Social media also fosters direct engagement, enabling me to connect with newly engaged couples and those planning special events in real time. Features like stories, reels, and direct messaging create an open line of communication, allowing potential clients to ask questions, learn more about my services, and build confidence in my ability to bring their vision to life.

Additionally, client testimonials and word-of-mouth referrals on social media play a crucial role in attracting new business. When past clients share their positive experiences and tag my business in their posts, it creates an authentic, organic form of marketing that reaches a wider audience.

By maintaining an active presence on social media and consistently providing valuable content, I am able to connect with couples who are looking for a trusted, experienced, and passionate wedding planner to make their special day unforgettable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rjstewartevents.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/rjstewartevents
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/rjstewartevents

Image Credits

J Parsons Photography