We were lucky to catch up with Danielle Breckenridge recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Danielle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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.
Six years ago, I found myself at a crossroads after being laid off from my corporate job. It was an unexpected and jarring moment—one that left me questioning what to do next. I had always dreamed of running my own wedding planning and decorating business, but the reality of losing my steady paycheck was daunting. It was a moment that forced me to reconsider the path I wanted to take.
After the layoff, I had a choice to make: return to the corporate world and seek out another stable position, or take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship with Danie B. Events, a business that had been a side passion for some time. The idea of leaving behind the security of corporate life was intimidating, but there was something inside me that knew this was my chance to turn my passion into a reality.
The decision wasn’t easy. My family depended on me, and the risks of starting a business were real. But I felt a deep sense of conviction that this was the right time to go all in. With the support of my husband and a lot of prayer, I decided to put everything I had into making Danie B. Events a success. It was a bold move—one that meant there was no safety net if things didn’t go as planned.
The first few months were challenging. I had to quickly learn the ins and outs of running a business full-time, from managing finances to marketing my services to a broader audience. But as I poured my heart and soul into each event I planned, the momentum started to build. Word-of-mouth referrals began to spread, and soon, my calendar was filling up with weddings and events that allowed me to fully express my creativity.
Taking that risk—choosing to leave corporate life for good and dive headfirst into my business—was one of the most significant decisions I’ve ever made. It wasn’t without its challenges, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Today, six years later, Danie B. Events is thriving, and I’m grateful every day that I chose to pursue my passion, even when the path was uncertain. The experience taught me the value of taking risks, trusting in my abilities, and having faith that the right decision will lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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’m Danielle, the owner and creative force behind Danie B. Events. My journey into the wedding planning and decorating industry began six years ago, shortly after I was laid off from my corporate job. That unexpected turn of events pushed me to pursue a passion I had nurtured for years—helping couples create beautiful, seamless weddings that reflect their unique love stories.
Danie B. Events is more than just a wedding planning service; it’s a full-service experience dedicated to making one of the most important days in a couple’s life as stress-free and memorable as possible. I provide a range of services, from full wedding planning and day-of coordination to bespoke floral design and event décor. What sets Danie B. Events apart is our commitment to personalizing each wedding to truly reflect the couple’s vision, all while keeping the process enjoyable and manageable.
The problem I solve for my clients is simple yet significant: I take the overwhelming stress out of wedding planning. Planning a wedding can be incredibly daunting, especially when balancing busy lives and tight budgets. My goal is to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible, offering expert guidance, creative solutions, and a caring touch every step of the way. Whether it’s finding the perfect venue, designing stunning floral arrangements, or ensuring every detail is in place on the big day, I handle the logistics so my clients can focus on what truly matters—celebrating their love.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Many of them come to me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, but by the end of our journey together, they feel confident, supported, and thrilled with the outcome. Seeing the joy on their faces when they walk into their wedding venue for the first time, knowing it’s everything they dreamed of, is what fuels my passion.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, the main thing I want you to know about Danie B. Events is that we’re here to create weddings that are as unique and special as the couples we serve. Our approach is deeply personal and rooted in understanding each couple’s vision, values, and style. We believe in the power of love and the beauty of bringing people together to celebrate it, and we take great pride in making that celebration as beautiful and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for a wedding planner who will listen, care, and go the extra mile to make your day unforgettable, Danie B. Events is here for you. I look forward to the possibility of working together to create a wedding that reflects your love story in the most beautiful way possible.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in business is the importance of trusting my instincts. Early on in my journey with Danie B. Events, I found myself constantly second-guessing my decisions. Whether it was about pricing, client management, or design choices, I often felt the need to seek validation from others—peers, mentors, or even competitors. This led to a lot of unnecessary stress and, at times, decision paralysis.
The turning point came during a particularly challenging wedding I was planning. The couple had a very specific vision, one that didn’t entirely align with traditional wedding aesthetics. I had a strong gut feeling about how to execute their vision in a way that would be both beautiful and true to their wishes. However, because it was unconventional, I doubted myself and sought opinions from others in the industry. The feedback I received was mixed, with many suggesting that I should steer the couple toward a more traditional design.
Despite the doubts, I ultimately decided to trust my instincts and go with the original plan. I put my heart and soul into bringing their unique vision to life, confident that it was the right approach. The wedding was a huge success—the couple was overjoyed, and the guests were blown away by how perfectly the event reflected the couple’s personalities and love story.
That experience taught me that, while seeking advice and input is valuable, it’s crucial to trust my own judgment, especially when it comes to creative decisions and understanding my clients’ needs. My instincts had guided me well, and from that point on, I became more confident in my abilities to make the right calls for my business.
The lesson I learned is that trusting your instincts is not just about believing in your skills; it’s about knowing that your unique perspective and approach are what set you apart. This confidence has allowed me to take bold creative risks that have paid off, helping to define the signature style of Danie B. Events. Now, whenever I’m faced with a difficult decision, I remind myself of that wedding and the success that came from trusting my gut.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A significant pivot in my business journey happened during a period when the wedding industry, like many others, faced unforeseen challenges. I had established Danie B. Events with a strong focus on wedding planning and floral design, and things were going well. However, the pandemic brought much of the event industry to a standstill, and I quickly realized that I needed to find new ways to sustain my business.
I had a design showroom that I primarily used to showcase floral arrangements and décor options to clients. With weddings and events being postponed or canceled, this space was underutilized. At the same time, I noticed that there was a growing demand for small, intimate gatherings and venues that could accommodate them safely.
The idea struck me—why not turn my design showroom into a venue for micro-weddings and other boutique events? It was a space that was already beautifully designed and could easily be transformed into a charming, intimate setting for small celebrations. The pivot made perfect sense, not only because it allowed me to generate additional revenue, but also because it provided a much-needed solution for couples who still wanted to celebrate their love in a meaningful way during uncertain times.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges. I had to quickly adapt the space, handle the logistics of operating a venue, and navigate the new health and safety protocols. But once the pivot was made, it opened up a whole new avenue for Danie B. Events. The showroom became a sought-after venue for micro-weddings, bridal showers, and other small gatherings. It also gave me the opportunity to further showcase my design capabilities in a real, live setting, which in turn helped attract new clients.
This pivot taught me the importance of flexibility in business—being able to recognize when it’s time to change course and having the courage to do so. It was a reminder that challenges often come with opportunities, and that being willing to adapt can lead to unexpected growth. Today, the venue aspect of my business is thriving, and it has become a valuable addition to the services I offer. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of resilience and creativity in business, and I’m proud of how Danie B. Events has evolved in response to changing times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.daniebevents.com
- Instagram: Daniebevents_rva
- Facebook: Daniebevents
Image Credits
Danielle W. Breckenridge
Chip Dizard
Keith Cephus