We recently connected with Bri Absher and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with something countless entrepreneurs have had to figure out on the fly – how have you dealt with the rise of remote work?

As a wedding and event planner, the traditional office is a relic of the past. Embracing a remote work model with our team has not only streamlined our operations but has also unlocked a world of possibilities, allowing us to curate unforgettable events in breathtaking locations. This shift, while presenting unique challenges, has fundamentally redefined our approach to event planning.

One of the most significant advantages of remote setup is the unparalleled flexibility it offers in utilizing diverse venues. No longer confined to a single geographic location, myself and the team can seamlessly work on events in rustic scenery, epic Las Vegas strip spaces, serene desert settings, or the beauty of the grand canyon. This ability to adapt to any venue allows us to cater to a wider range of client visions and event styles, ensuring each celebration is truly unique.

Beyond the freedom of venue selection, remote work has gifted us with a constant source of inspiration: with our ever-changing outdoor “offices.” Many of the events and weddings are held amidst nature, and working from home or even our patio provides a direct connection to the environments we often work in. This immersion fuels creativity, helps us visualize event possibilities more effectively, and keeps our ideas fresh and innovative. The absence of a daily commute also translates to more dedicated planning time and reduced stress.

However, the remote model isn’t without its complexities. Coordinating a team with a different schedule demands meticulous organization and unwavering communication. Relying heavily on digital platforms for client interactions, vendor management, and internal collaboration means that technical hiccups can occasionally disrupt the workflow. Furthermore, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion without regular in-person contact requires conscious effort and creative strategies to keep everyone connected and engaged.

Despite these hurdles, the benefits of remote work and the embrace of flexible venues have been transformative for us. We have successfully built a thriving planning business, celebrated for their ability to create magical moments in stunning settings. The freedom to work from anywhere and design events in any venue isn’t just a professional perk; it’s a core element of our brand and a testament to the power of adapting to a changing world. I wouldn’t change this for anything.

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.

Our journey began in the 1990s as a small internet venture. My husband and co-owner, seated in a rolling chair at a modest desk in our bedroom, a bulky old computer, his only companion, brought his vision to life. We launched Las Vegas Weddings, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionized the wedding industry by bringing Las Vegas chapels online and connecting them with couples globally. This was a pioneering move, much like what Expedia was doing for hotels around the same time. It was a bold step that fundamentally changed how weddings were planned and booked.

This digital transformation allowed us to craft and offer unique, unforgettable wedding packages, such as our breathtaking Valley of Fire ceremonies or flying to the Grand Canyon to say “I Do”- experiences that couples truly dream of. As time progressed, continuous adaptation was crucial, especially as the internet evolved into a vast ocean of readily accessible information. Our business grew alongside this digital tide, and it became my turn to quit my other job and jump in full time and contribute to its expansion.

Over the years, we have steadfastly maintained our position in the wedding and event industry, successfully branching out to include event planning. We hold a deep passion for non-profit organizations and have had the rewarding experience of assisting several with their events along the way.

Fast forward to today, we continue to thrive, driven by a commitment to never stop learning and growing. The events industry is in constant flux, and this dynamic evolution has been nothing short of amazing, shaping us as we navigate its ever-changing landscape. We are grateful for the path we’ve taken and the support that has fueled us. We remain committed to encouraging and assisting all new entrants along the way.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I’m incredibly fortunate to know the co-founder of our event and wedding business so well. Our story began 37 years ago when I happened to walk past his dorm room. I paused, leaned back, and from that moment, the rest is history. It’s still a mystery why those young men were temporarily housed in an all-girls school dorm, but I believe it was destiny, because here we are today, steadfastly building our business together.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

While starting our business felt like the easy part, sustaining it has been a whole different story. It demands resilience, unwavering determination, and a significant investment of resources and countless hours to not only bring your vision to life but to keep it thriving. As a small business owner, your mind is a perpetual motion machine, constantly strategizing the next steps, a cycle that never truly stops. This is all in addition to the inevitable highs and lows you’ll encounter as you navigate the business landscape. I’ve always said our most valuable education has come from the school of hard knocks. We’ve weathered many peaks and valleys, learning along the way how to remain calm and manage stress. If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: tune out the noise. Stay laser-focused on your business and what truly works for you. I had to actively unlearn the negative thoughts that surface when plans inevitably go awwry. The tendency to strive for absolute perfection only adds a layer of stress that serves no constructive purpose. Instead, I learned to harness the power of imagination and reshape challenges to serve our ultimate goals

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smelv.com/ and https://lvwc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasvegasweddings/ and https://www.instagram.com/stylemyeventlv/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LasVegasWeddings
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri-absher-cpge-1a28618b
• Twitter: https://x.com/LVWC and https://www.facebook.com/LVSME/photos/?_rdr

Image Credits

Las Vegas Weddings and photography, Gina Marie Collective, Marissa Michelle Photography