We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonah Troxel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonah below.
Hi Jonah , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
When it comes to developing my expertise in this field, the majority of my knowledge has been gained through direct, hands-on experience. I began my career at a catering company and
progressively advanced into various roles, including working for a wedding venue, managing
décor, and ultimately moving into event coordination and venue management. This broad
exposure has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the industry and how its
many components work together seamlessly.
Starting my career at an early age allowed me to identify my long-term professional goals
quickly. While I continue to expand my knowledge and skills, I recognize the value that
mentorship could have offered in accelerating my growth. Learning directly from experienced
professionals is one of the most effective ways to build expertise, especially in a creative and
fast-paced industry. I’ve also found that hands-on engagement is the most effective method for
me to retain and apply new information.
Over the course of my career, I have cultivated key skills such as strong communication,
organization, and creativity. In this industry, the ability to manage complex logistics and maintain
a high level of precision is essential to ensuring the seamless execution of events.
One of my earliest professional challenges was learning to remain calm and confident when
unexpected issues arose. Weddings and events are inherently unpredictable, but developing the
ability to adapt quickly and problem-solve in real time has strengthened my professional
resilience. These experiences have shaped me into a well-rounded and resourceful professional
within the wedding and events industry.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Throughout my career, I’ve experienced countless memorable moments, but one that stands out most is the time I forgot the rings—a mistake that has only happened once and will never
happen again.
It was an early September wedding, and the original plan was to hold the ceremony outdoors.
The weather forecast leading up to the big day was unpredictable, but on the morning of the
wedding, it looked like we might be able to take the chance. We set up all the chairs and
prepared the outdoor space, confident the weather would hold. Moments later, the sky opened
up, and it began to pour. The radar showed no sign of the rain letting up, so we quickly shifted to
our rain plan location: the Conservatory at Everhart Gathering Place.
As guests began arriving, they entered our main reception space, which is separate from the
Conservatory. With about 200 guests to move and the ceremony time quickly approaching,
coordinating the transition in a downpour was no small task. I gathered our staff, handed out
umbrellas, and began escorting guests through the rain. Once everyone was inside the
Conservatory, we turned our focus to getting the bridal party over without a single drop on them.
In the midst of managing the weather, logistics, timing, and guest flow, I missed one critical
detail—the rings. After the processional began and everyone was in place, I walked back to take
a quick breath, only to spot the rings sitting where they had been left. Without hesitation, I
grabbed them and sprinted back to the Conservatory. Quietly and quickly, I handed them to the
best man while the bride gave me a slightly concerned glance. I slipped away as discreetly as
possible, heart racing, but crisis averted.
That moment became an important lesson for me: no matter how chaotic a situation becomes,
the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Thankfully, I had an incredibly
understanding couple, and by the end of the night, we were laughing about the entire incident. It
was a reminder that even in the most stressful moments, grace, quick problem-solving, and
strong relationships with clients can turn potential disasters into unforgettable memories.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the ability to take a couple’s vision and bring it to life—while adding my own creative touch to elevate their ideas into something even more
beautiful and memorable. I take great pride in building strong, trusting relationships with my
clients, to the point where they feel confident allowing me to make design and logistical
decisions on their behalf. That trust is something I deeply value and consider a reflection of my
commitment to excellence.
Weddings are once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, and I approach every event with the same level of
care and respect as if it were my own. I am willing to go above and beyond for each couple,
ensuring their day is seamless, personal, and unforgettable.
Ultimately, the most fulfilling part of being a wedding professional is knowing that I played a
meaningful role in turning someone’s dreams into reality—creating experiences and memories
they will carry with them for a lifetime.
Image Credits
IG: @alyssahussphotography IG: @samantakalliny IG: @asteriaphoto IG: @tprice.photos IG: @kearstonsmithphotos