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

Ricki Lee, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Almost all entrepreneurs have had to decide whether to start now or later? There are always pros and cons for waiting and so we’d love to hear what you think about your decision in retrospect. If you could go back in time, would you have started your business sooner, later or at the exact time you started?

If I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change the timing of when I started my business—I truly believe it happened exactly when it was meant to.

I officially launched my company just a week before COVID hit. At the time, I had no idea what was coming, and like everyone else, I could never have predicted how drastically the world was about to shift. I was at a place in my life where I was ready to bet on myself. I had little experience under my belt but a deep love for weddings and storytelling, and a drive to create something that reflected my own values and aesthetic. I was ready—though the world very quickly threw me a curveball.

That first year, I only had two weddings, and while it would have been easy to feel discouraged, I actually see that time as a blessing in disguise. It gave me space to build the foundation of my brand intentionally and thoughtfully. I wasn’t rushed—I had time to clarify my process, define my client experience, and build genuine relationships in the industry.

In 2021, I did five weddings. Then 34 in 2022. Then 51 in 2023. In 2024, we scaled back a bit to 36, and this year we’re looking at around 45. That kind of growth wasn’t overnight—it was organic, sustainable, and grounded in a clear vision. If I had started later, I might have missed the opportunity to grow with the industry as it reinvented itself post-pandemic. And if I had started sooner, I might not have been quite ready in terms of confidence or clarity.

So no—I wouldn’t change a thing. The timing, though unconventional, forced me to be agile, resilient, and creative. It set the tone for how I run my business now: with heart, strategy, and the understanding that great things often come from uncertain beginnings.

Ricki Lee, 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?

I didn’t set out to work in weddings—it kind of just happened. About seven years ago, I took a job with a wedding videography company, and being behind the scenes of people’s weddings made me fall in love with the entire process. I eventually shifted into planning, and once I did, there was no going back.

I primarily plan weddings in Virginia and Tennessee, though we’ve worked all over. Nashville, in particular, kind of found me. My very first Nashville bride booked me after seeing a boosted reel on Instagram. We clicked right away and she hired me over the phone—it felt totally meant to be.

What really sets us apart is the balance we strike between personality, camaraderie, and professionalism—something that can be surprisingly rare in the luxury wedding space. We bring a high level of organization, design expertise, and attention to detail, but we also bring warmth, humor, and a genuine connection to the process.

Our clients feel taken care of not just because we’re on top of things, but because they know we truly get them. We’re not just showing up to execute—we’re showing up as a trusted partner, someone who’s emotionally invested in making their day feel personal, intentional, and unforgettable. It’s that mix of heart and polish that really defines the Will & Rose experience.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

A story that really reflects my resilience comes from the 2024 season, which was, personally, the hardest year of my life. Behind the scenes, I was navigating something incredibly difficult, but professionally, I remained grounded, focused, and fully committed to my clients. Most of them had no idea what I was walking through—and that was intentional. I’ve always wanted my clients to feel confident in my ability to lead and deliver, no matter what’s happening in my own world.

That season really solidified something in me. It was a “do it with a broken heart” kind of year—and I did. I showed up, I kept the standard high, and I kept going. It’s also a testament to what it means to truly care about the people you serve. When you love this work and believe in the importance of what you’re doing, you learn how to set aside whatever you’re carrying so that your clients can have the best day of their lives. That’s what great vendors do—and I’m proud to be one of them.

Resilience, to me, isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes, it’s quiet strength, unwavering poise, and the ability to hold space for joy—even when you’re moving through something heavy.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media was really a mix of authenticity, strategy, and—if we’re being honest—a little bit of luck with the algorithm. From the beginning, I made it a point to not just show the pretty final product of wedding days, but to also highlight the person behind the planning. I wanted vendors and couples to know exactly who they’d be working with—my personality, my energy, my style—and that kind of transparency built trust early on.

Consistency was a game changer. You hear it all the time, but it’s true: posting regularly and showing up—even when the numbers aren’t where you want them to be—is what moves the needle over time. I also made it a priority to engage with other accounts in the industry. Some of my closest vendor relationships started in Instagram DMs or through a funny TikTok comment. Social media isn’t just about growing an audience—it’s about building a community.

For anyone just starting out, my advice is to show up as you. The people who are meant to find you will connect with your voice and your vibe. Keep showing up, keep engaging, and don’t be afraid to let your personality lead the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.willandroseevents.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willandroseevents/