We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Michelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.
At Cheers to Two, we recognize the importance of clear, well-defined contracts to establish expectations and responsibilities between us and our clients. We make it a point to specify the specific duties and services included in our packages when signing with a client, aligning with industry norms. However, where we set ourselves apart is our commitment to flexibility and unwavering client support. We understand that planning a significant event like a wedding can be an intricate and, at times, unpredictable process. Unexpected situations, such as losing a previously booked vendor and the need to rebook another, can create stress and anxiety for our clients. In these moments, we don’t rigidly adhere to the contract’s terms and conditions to the detriment of our clients. While certain services and tasks may not have been initially included in the agreed contract, we firmly believe in going above and beyond.
Our core principle is to ensure that the entire wedding planning experience is not just stress-free but also enjoyable. Our commitment is to support our clients, even in situations that fall outside the scope of the contract. We understand that our role is not only to deliver on our contractual obligations but to be a trusted partner who provides assistance and guidance whenever needed. This client-centric approach sets us apart and ensures that our clients receive the support and peace of mind they deserve throughout the entire wedding planning journey.
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.
Hi! I’m Michelle Lee, and I’m the owner and lead coordinator of Cheers To Two! My journey into the world of wedding and event planning has been quite a departure from my original career as a film music composer. About six years ago, I had a pivotal moment when I organized and coordinated my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary celebration. They had never had a formal wedding, so our family came together to mark this milestone as if it were their actual wedding day.
From crafting the layout, tablescapes, and custom decor to researching, booking, and coordinating with vendors, I found immense joy in every detail. What truly touched my heart was seeing the pure happiness and delight on my grandparents’ faces as they celebrated a day personally designed by me.
Over the years, I’ve continually planned events for friends and family, and I’ve also gained invaluable experience working at a wedding venue. I discovered that I thrived in the high-stress environment of the event planning industry, cherishing the intricacies, logistics, and the need for effective communication with various teams.
At Cheers To Two, we specialize in wedding and event planning and coordination. We offer three primary packages: the Rosé, providing day-of coordination services; the Chardonnay, offering partial planning services; and the Champagne, a comprehensive full planning package. Additionally, we have tailored packages for smaller events, including the Mimosa, focusing on theme and concept design; the Sparkling Wine, offering day-of coordination services; and the Full Spirit, a combination of the Mimosa and Sparkling Wine packages.
On the day of an event, we understand that unforeseen mishaps can occur. Whether it’s a vendor no-show or an officiant stuck in traffic, our skilled coordinators shine by quickly resolving issues without the couple even noticing, setting us apart from others in the industry. However, what truly distinguishes us is the trust and genuine connections we build with our clients.
We firmly believe that creativity and perfect events are born from the trust we share with our clients and our genuine care for their special day. We embody the sincerity of a small business with the professionalism of a corporate entity, treating every client as if they were our own family and friends. This means diligently searching for the best vendors, respecting their budget constraints, and creating unique and special ideas for their event.
One of our unique strengths is that I am bilingual in Korean and English, making communication a breeze, especially with parents or elderly guests who may not speak English fluently or may not be familiar with Western wedding culture.
What makes us most proud and grateful is the love and appreciation we receive from our clients. They express how their wedding or event planning journey was a breeze compared to the experiences of their friends and family. They value our honest opinions and advice, which not only save them money and stress but also make their most important day even more special and memorable.
At Cheers To Two, we pour our hearts into every event, ensuring that each one is truly a celebration to remember.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My career pivot was a significant turning point in my professional life. I had built a career in the film entertainment business as a music composer and editor, which I was deeply passionate about. However, life had other plans for me when my husband, who was in the Air Force at the time, got stationed in South Korea, and we had to move internationally. The move presented various challenges, particularly in the film industry, where networking and finding work across time zones became incredibly challenging. Faced with this situation, I had to reevaluate my career path. It was then that my husband suggested I explore working for a wedding and events venue, knowing my love for planning and attention to detail.
I decided to give it a try, and it was a revelation. I quickly fell in love with the wedding and events planning industry, and I was astonished to discover the depth of my passion and enthusiasm for this field. However, the true turning point came when my grandparent’s 60th wedding anniversary approached. I took on the responsibility of designing, planning, and coordinating every aspect of their celebration.
The experience was not only incredibly rewarding but also solidified my decision to fully transition into wedding and event planning and coordination. It became evident to me that this was where my heart truly belonged. This career pivot allowed me to follow my newfound passion and build a successful business in the wedding and event planning industry, a decision I haven’t looked back on since.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a solid reputation within our market has been anchored in the principles of trust and genuineness. In the world of event planning, clients seek someone they can rely on, someone who is honest and transparent when navigating the complexities of these significant occasions. At Cheers To Two, we’ve made these values the cornerstone of our brand. Our reputation is not built on maximizing profit at every turn. Instead, we prioritize understanding the immense significance of these events for our clients. We view each wedding or event as a profoundly meaningful occasion and approach it as if we were planning for our own friends and family. This genuine care and commitment set us apart and have fostered a strong sense of trust within our market.
The majority of our clients are referred by satisfied customers who have experienced our dedication firsthand. We take immense pride in this word-of-mouth support and consider it a testament to the quality and authenticity of our service. As we continue to expand our network, we aspire to extend our genuine approach to more individuals, helping them create unforgettable, stress-free events. It’s this foundation of trust and the authentic connections we form with our clients that have truly fueled our reputation within the market.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cheerstotwo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheerstotwo/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cheers-to-Two/100083141124915/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cheers-to-two-paramount-2
- Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cheerstotwo
Image Credits
Justin Kim Photography Amanda Adams Photography Yanira Scalise Photography