We were lucky to catch up with Tracie Morris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tracie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
My Question is- Customer Success Story: Can you share a customer success story – a time when you helped your client or customer achieve a really great result or solved a difficult problem for them?
I had a recent client that was a working mother of 3 small children under the age of 5 with limited time was engaged to her partner and wanted to have her wedding, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner and next day brunch planned. We were able complete the hundreds of tasks that needed to be completed to make each event happen. We started with a design questionnaire to get to know the couple and their wants, needs, likes and dislikes. Then we presented a basic mood board to capture the colors and aesthetics to meet any changes and approval before putting together a 50 plus design proposal schematic of the entire wedding. This encompassed all vendors recommended for each category, examples of centerpieces, cuisine and drink options, fun ideas, floral, lighting, tabletop and textiles, paper goods, desserts, music and much more. After a presentation and feedback we began our process of matching them with our all-star vendor team through zoom and in person meetings. Some vendors such as floral do require a little more attention to details as we want the client to experience a mock up. The mock up is an opportunity to see the ivory linen she has chosen along with clear charger plate with gold rim, burgundy napkin, navy table runner, tall lush burgundy, white, touch of blue and greenery centerpiece for look 1 and then a low look 2 with cylinder candles and a wreath to compliment or design. This showcase helps the bride envision how it is actually going to look on her wedding day. This is when things really start to feel real and exciting for the bride! Items from the design proposal are now coming to life in front of her and become a reality on the long awaited wedding day. Other special touches were added on the day with custom designed matching menu and escort cards to carry the theme through from the beginning that matched the couples save the dates to the wedding invitations. Individual gourmet chocolate favors were also placed at each setting for guest’s to enjoy, Bistro and up lighting was placed in the room to create a warm glow of ambience along with a hundred votive candles lined on the back wall ledge. The blue cake embellished with gold leaves and the couples initials was cohesive carrying the design element from our gorgeous paper goods. We can’t forget the spectacular custom made aisle runner that mimicked the design of the save the dates that started at the sacred church close to the groom’s heart.
We go through a similar process with planning the bridal shower and develop two concepts for themes and locations and then let the bride decide which she likes best. She decided on a lavender theme so we incorporated shades of purple into the breathtaking beautiful outdoor space which had a similar feel to the reception venue where the wedding took place just a few months later. The bride loves being outside in nature so hosting her bridal shower on a patio in the midst of greenery and flowers among 40 dear friends and family members was perfect for her celebration. Long tables set with lavender runners and perfect place settings with purple roses and lavender sprigs adorned the center of the tables A fun afternoon was planned complete with a few games, prizes, delicious Italian cuisine, cupcakes, tiramisu and a custom designed bar of lavender soap for each guest to take home as a memento from the special celebration.
The rehearsal dinner was a much smaller gathering of about 25 so we went very simple but fun with a taco bar and open bar. We decorated the tables with bright colored gerbera daisies in three different color vases of oranges, pinks and greens.
The next day brunch was a small affair of about 25 guests so we repurposed the wreath centerpieces from the night before as that event was in the same venue just a different space.
The wedding took place on September 16, 2022 and the couple was extremely happy with all 4 events and I am still hearing the wonderful feedback. It warms my heart and makes me happy and this is why I do what I do! We even have live video of them as I have revealing their reception room which is priceless. https://vimeo.com/753366085
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am very passionate about helping couples have their perfect day. Weddings have been my jam since 1999 when I received my certification from Weddings Beautiful Worldwide.
I am armed with more than two decades of real experience, and have helped hundreds of couples navigate the wedding planning process. I have enough stories to write a book and that’s why my team and I are in the process of developing a podcast coming in January 2023! I have a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and was formerly a Catering Sales Manager. I know what it takes to orchestrate a wonderful guest experience.
I understand the logistics of an on-premise and off-premise wedding. I love the challenge of planning, designing, and transforming an empty, raw space into a celebration!
I am the go to wedding planner referred by top wedding venues such as The Inn at St. John’s and Fox Hills Golf Club. Vetted by hundreds of satisfied couples and industry partners so you will want to book You’re The Bride while dates are available.
My work has been featured in magazines and blogs both locally and nationally. You can trust me with the details of designing your dream wedding. Schedule a complimentary consultation today!
My team and I love working with couples to provide detailed planning for their flawlessly elegant wedding experience. When you’re busy working, or going to school, you don’t have much time to figure out the world of wedding planning. Leave the vendor contracts, guest lists, floor plans, wedding etiquette, and more to your certified wedding planner.
Partnering with me as your wedding planner guarantees that you’re not taking a solo journey of uncertainty! All the decisions, information, and tasks could make your head spin. Instead, breathe a sigh of relief when you join forces. You will wish you would have contacted my company sooner.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
Growing up I loved attending weddings and paid attention to every detail from the dress to the cake. In high school, I loved being on the prom committee and planning all the details of the event. It was no surprise when I was voted “Most Organized” by her Senior classmates.
After college and receiving my two degrees I did a lot of late night research burning the midnight oil after working a 9-5 during the day. I was curious how to start a business so I spent a lot of time investigating what to do and then I
decided to start my own company one day doing something I loved, so I took classes to become a Certified Wedding Planner. You’re The Bride became official in 1999.
Reflecting on my own wedding, I remember how excited I was to arrive to my wedding reception to see everything I had chosen during all the months of planning! Unfortunately, I was disappointed that my cake was not exactly set up as I envisioned. I had paid extra money to have tulle and lights under the cake to make it appear it was floating on a cloud but that did not happen. There were a few other issues that could have been fixed before the reception started… IF would had hired a wedding coordinator. I realized then that I didn’t want other couples to have this disappointed feeling and regret so that is why I started the company to help couples ensure everything is perfect!
Today in 2022 we are a team of 4 and I am very proud of how far I have come from my humble beginnings of a dream into coordinating and planning hundreds of weddings and making couples dreams come true! I have been featured in books, magazines, blogs, tv, radio and in November will be a guest on a podcast as well as next year launching our own podcast. Great things are happening and the sky is the limit. I am so excited and blessed about the future. I have more goals for the future even beyond wedding planning. Follow us on the gram to find out more!
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
I am also a brand influencer / blogger on social media and collaborate with brands.. I do product reviews, social media promotion, brand ambassadorship, sponsored posts, an interview opportunity, events & travel, giveaway or can do a piece of editorial content. I would love to collaborate with brands that showcase items that brides and newlywed couples would benefit from as they plan their weddings and style their new homes. This could include but not limited to decor/furniture, appliances, perfume, cosmetics, hair products, bridal party gifts, meal kit services, honeymoon destinations, undergarments, etc. I help companies by spreading the word through our social medial platforms on how your product can improve their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yourethebride.com
- Instagram: @yourethebride
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourethebride
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/yourethebride
- Twitter: @yourethebride
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCljIoY2vSGOEbwugtLGR-GA/videos
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWit9yeD7Q
Image Credits
Sam Sarkis Photography