We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terra Nickelson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terra below.

Terra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

When people ask me about my journey into wedding planning, they often assume I fell in love with the idea of planning my own wedding or that I dreamed of being part of the wedding industry since childhood. But truth be told, neither was the case for me. When I started Plan it Terra, my goals were clear: I craved autonomy, wanted to unleash my creativity, prioritize a superb client-focused experience, and challenge myself both creatively and mentally. My time at Victoria’s Secret gave me a glimpse of the brand experience I wanted to create, and I still draw inspiration from those days. And I knew that my experience as an assistant loan officer prepared me to provide couples with unmatched attention to detail while also being keenly sensitive to the emotional and financial intricacies of big life-changing moments

So, there I was, diving into the world of wedding planning without a precise roadmap or a defined mission. I figured I’d figure it out along the way. I knew I loved being creative, connecting with people, solving puzzles, leading, and helping others.

A couple of years into my business, it was time for some reflection—something I’m not naturally inclined to do. During this time, I looked around, paying attention to what was happening in society and relationships. I thought about the weddings and couples that resonated with me, pondering the who, what, and why behind those experiences. And you know what? I discovered common threads that helped me better understand who I wanted to reach and what I wanted to accomplish in the wedding planning space.

As a newlywed myself, I also took a moment to reflect on what marriage meant to me, how it has shaped me as a person, and how we celebrated our own marriage. Hint: We paid a lot of attention to special little details. Additionally, my faith has made a tremendous impact on the mission of my wedding planning company.
Podcasts on relationships and marriage, notably one by Dennis Prager, revolutionized my outlook on my business. His words echoed profoundly: “Your wedding day is the event that brings the most people together in your life. Regardless of its size or budget, it carries profound meaning and resonates deeply with those who celebrate it with you. It is a day that society deems as one of the happiest and most meaningful moments you’ll ever experience.”

This epiphany reframed my perspective, completely shifting the mission of Plan it Terra. I realized I wasn’t merely orchestrating events; I was co-authoring profound narratives. Plan it Terra transcended monetary pursuits or personal aptitude; it became a conduit for honoring profound milestones. Weddings weren’t mere celebrations but vessels for immortalizing love stories.

At Plan it Terra, my team and I offer full-service wedding planning. We guide couples with professional expertise to craft weddings that aren’t just beautiful events but profound expressions of love. My commitment to each couple, rooted in the understanding that marriage is the foundation of everything, shines through in every celebration I help curate. I tell couples they’re not just planning a wedding; they’re creating lasting memories and celebrating marriage. We focus on providing an intentional wedding planning experience, helping clients plan an elevated celebration that’s designed with sophistication, precision, and meaning. We’re not just party planners; we’re a team that believes marriage matters, and we are privileged to help bring an honorary celebration to life.

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?

It’s quite a twist of fate that led me into the world of wedding planning. Looking back, it all seemed to fall into place. I wasn’t the little girl dreaming of her wedding day, but I found myself immersed in event planning, lending a hand wherever needed, and nurturing my creativity from a young age. From backstage management during high school theater productions to learning to sew after binge-watching Project Runway, even learning to play piano and take on the role as Dance and Special Events Chair for Student Council, my journey was marked by diverse experiences that eventually converged.

I pursued a bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing and management with a minor in event planning at Stephens College, an all-women’s college. It was during my college years, while working at Victoria’s Secret, that I began envisioning a future in planning, designing, and executing high-fashion runway shows. My internship at their corporate office fueled my aspirations, offering a glimpse into the realm of possibility.

My path took unexpected turns after college, with various jobs that failed to resonate with my true calling. Amidst what felt like a quarter-life crisis, I unexpectedly found myself as an Assistant Loan Officer. While the role taught me invaluable skills in leadership, decision-making, and client service, I craved the creative fulfillment that was missing.
In 2017, an opportunity emerged within the internal event team at the same company, exposing me to the dynamic world of corporate events. Concurrently, I ventured into the realm of wedding planning as a day-of coordinator for a budding wedding planning company. It was here that I rediscovered my inspiration and found a sense of purpose. The intricacies of coordinating weddings resonated with me, reminiscent of producing seamless runway productions.
My experience as an Assistant Loan Officer uniquely prepared me for the world of weddings, refining my organizational prowess and attuning me to the emotional and financial complexities of significant life events. Transitioning from the world of home buying to crafting the perfect wedding day felt like a natural progression, combining my skills with my passion for creating meaningful experiences.

Enter Plan it Terra Wedding Planning and Design, a premiere full-service luxury wedding planning company. We specialize in curating meaningful, elevated experiences, providing unparalleled expertise and personalized attention. From timeline creation to vendor matchmaking and creative design, we offer a comprehensive approach that instills confidence and relief in our clients from the moment they engage our services.

Our commitment to exceeding expectations is rooted in our genuine care for our clients’ love stories. We see beyond the event itself, thinking through every detail and the overall experience from how it flows, to how it looks, to how everything feels. At the end of the day, we are focused on creating a celebration that honors marriage, and that is a big deal. There are no do-overs! At our core, we are people-focused, relatable, intentional, and genuine. Our clients trust us to bring their vision to life, knowing that we are passionate about making their wedding day an unforgettable celebration of love.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Every day, I find myself relearning a fundamental lesson: I’m not in control of life’s twists and turns. Despite having a general roadmap for my life and career, I’ve come to accept that I’m at the mercy of life’s unpredictability. The question “where do you see yourself in five years?” always makes me smile because, truthfully, five years ago I wouldn’t have dreamt of being a small business owner. While I set goals, my focus is on serving couples and our vendor partners. It’s a compass guiding every decision, granting me incredible freedom and lifting a significant burden off my shoulders. I’ve had to redefine what success means to me, pondering what will truly matter when my life reaches its end.

Reflecting on my younger self in high school and college, everything was about perfection—grades, achievements, recognition. It was a self-centered pursuit of success. While traces of perfectionism remain, I now approach life and my business with open hands, ready to receive, embracing opportunities without fixating on predefined outcomes. I’ve discovered that surrendering to desires and saying, “God, where you lead me, I will follow,” leads to the most amazing opportunities and experiences.

My current life represents intentional relationships and moments, a focus on serving others over self. My goal is to be the best version of myself, leveraging the gifts and talents I’ve been blessed with. Recognition, while appreciated, is no longer sought for my sake. It’s about honoring others, providing them the space to experience the joy of marriage without the stress and worry that often accompany it.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Maintaining meaningful connections with my clients is at the heart of my business; it’s a testament to the genuine care I have for them. From sharing tears to endless laughter, celebrating milestones to comforting during times of loss, our journey together is filled with authentic moments. Throughout the planning process, we infuse surprises and delights, all centered on nurturing the relationship and the marriage itself.

Connection has always been paramount to me; it’s a value I championed even in my college commencement address. Genuine connection defines who I am as a person. Our client relationships transcend transactions; they’re rooted in authenticity and trust. I’ve honed the type of high-touch wedding planning experience that allows us to cultivate real relationships while ensuring an exceptional planning journey.

I strive to stay connected with our clients through social media, staying up-to-date on their life’s adventures and milestones. While I maintain boundaries, I remain accessible. Clients know they can reach out during weekly office hours for a quick call or share moments like wedding dress shopping through texts. As they embark on new chapters—whether welcoming babies, building homes, or embarking on adventures—I’m there to extend congratulations or simply say, “hello.”

As my brand evolves, I’m increasingly focused on enhancing the human connection both during the planning process and beyond the wedding day. I have several ideas in mind, and I’m eager to integrate them as the year progresses.
Ultimately, my connection and loyalty with clients are fostered through active listening, unwavering advocacy, and steadfast support through all life’s milestones, victories, and challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.planitterra.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planitterra
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/planitterra
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plan-it-terra-missouri-wedding-planning-design
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/plan-it-terra-jefferson-city
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/planitterra

Image Credits
Ashley Ice Photography, Emily Broadbent Photography, Photo KC, Ashton Ahring Photography, Elizabeth LaDean Photography, Heather Roth Photography, Lighter Focus, Love Tree Studios