Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lizzie Lumley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lizzie, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your business and how did you resolve those issues?
When I tell people that I am a wedding planner, the most common questions are had you had any bridezillas (luckily the answers to that is no) and what are some emergencies on the wedding day you have to handle? We have quite a few.

We had a beach wedding, and the venue coordinator had promised the couple that the beach chairs, umbrellas, and people between the ceremony site and the water would be moved prior to ceremony start time. However, that was not the case even though I confirmed it with the venue prior. An hour before the ceremony, I asked the venue coordinator when the people and furniture on the beach were going to be moved, and she said, “this is a public beach so I can’t ask anyone to move.” Well that statement had me jumping into action. I went to the company providing the umbrellas and chairs to ask if they would clean up the empty ones. They agreed, I, then, politely asked the beach goers who were still occupying the chairs in the way to please move to the side (even some folks that were 2 feet from the ceremony arch – which the venue would not ask to move). Well after 5 minutes, the umbrella/furniture company was not lifting a finger, so my assistant and I moved all the chairs and umbrellas to clear an empty space between the ceremony and the ocean. We were able to clear a path so that their ceremony photos wouldn’t be cluttered.

Lizzie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Since the movie “The Wedding Planner’ came out and I learned that wedding planning was a career, it was goal to own my own wedding planning business. I went to the University of Florida (Go Gators!) and graduated with a degree in Event Management and Hospitality. I also received a certification in wedding planning. I worked for various event planners, designers, florists, and decor rental companies. Through my 10 years of experience working with those companies, I finally felt ready to start my own business. For my personal side, I love dogs and the TV show Survivor. I’m very much type A and have a hard time relaxing. I’m always coming up with something to keep myself busy whether it’s using my cricut to make something or making a silly TikTok.

I specialize in month of/day of wedding planning. Our month of/day of package begins 4 weeks prior to the wedding. We overlook everything that was planned, create a detailed document that has all the information about the wedding including a personalized timeline. We make sure that nothing has been overlooked and help with whatever tasks are still left. We confirm all vendors and the logistics. Then on the day before, we run the rehearsal and give all our tips and tricks (like how the groomsmen should hold their hands and the bridesmaids their bouquets so the pictures look uniform). On the day of, we are there all day long running the timeline, handling any issues, coordinating vendors, and so much more! There is never a moment we are holding still on a wedding day.

We solve all types of problems for our clients before their wedding day and especially on it. We’ve dealt with multiple weather issues on the day of – having to enact plan B’s or even plan C’s. We have helped our clients reschedule their weddings. We have gotten red wine stains out of groom’s white suits. We have sewed and glued multiple wedding dresses and shoes. Part of a wedding planners job description is problem solver. That is a huge reason why all couples should have a month of/day of planner – we are an insurance policy to make sure all the couples have planned and spent their hard earned money on goes off without a hitch.

I am most proud that in 4 years of business so far I have all 5 star reviews! I am so thrilled that I am able to provide a service that helps couples relax and just be present on their wedding day. My business Hakuna Matata Weddings and Events is different from other companies because I took the time to gain a solid foundation in the event industry. I didn’t just plan my own wedding and decide this was the job for me. I knew it was my career choice since high school. I took the steps to get properly educated, certified, and got the experience I needed to successfully execute events. My clients can trust that when they hire my company, they will always have professional, prompt, knowledgeable, and flawless service. Also, I have a true passion and love for events. I’m not in it for the money – I truly enjoy coordinating the details and executing the event. I believe that sets us apart from other companies.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Word of mouth has by far been the best source of new clients. Through my contacts made prior to starting my own business, I got my first few wedding leads from a wonderful florist I worked with. After working with me, many vendors and venues started recommending me to their clients, and my business has built from there. Also, my past couples have recommended me to friends and family!

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Social Media for businesses is so important because it gives credibility to your brand. Making all the accounts is just the first step. When I founded my business, I created the social media pages on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram. I just kept consistently posting and just gained followers slowly. I am still under 1,000 followers on Instagram so I am certainly not an expert, but I have found if you comment on business’ Instagram posts that are similar to yours potential customers are looking at their pages and can see your comment then click on your profile. I make it a point to actively comment and as well as tag all vendors I worked with in the photos I post. That way you are exposed to all of their followers as well. Social Media can be very intimating because it can be a lot of work, but my best piece of advice is to do your research on YouTube and various online articles to learn how best to use each platform.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hakunamatataweddings.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/hakunamatataweddings
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakunamatataweddings
• Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/hakuna-matata-weddings-and-events-delray-beach/15c6273eb5e2ce88.html

Image Credits
Carrie Wildes Photography Emma Burdis Photography Adam Opris Photography Michelle Lawson Photography Sabrina Mock Photography Ashtyn Brooke Photography