According to Atlanta wedding planner and event stylist, Susan Graham, her entire reason for being is to create a signature wedding by drawing out YOUR story and YOUR style. Every element of your wedding is carefully styled to create a lasting impression and every moment is orchestrated to perfection. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? We asked Susan Graham to share her inspirations and insights on how to work with a wedding planner, as well as how she designs the details and perfects all the delightful touches that elevate her events to spectacular celebrations.

{THE BRIDAL CIRCLE}:  WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN EVENT PLANNER?

{Susan Graham}:  It’s been a process that continues to unfold.  My original career in marketing for the world’s largest hotelier had me planning themed investor parties, conferences and meetings in the major markets.  I started directing ceremonies on the weekends for fun fourteen years ago and that led to founding Susan Graham Signature Events.  I celebrated 10 years in business in 2012.  I’m so excited about the next ten!

{TBC}:  WHAT EXPERIENCE CAN A BRIDE EXPECT WHEN WORKING WITH YOU?

{Susan}:  She (or He! Let’s not forget the grooms!) can expect to thoroughly enjoy her engagement while I bring her wedding dream to life … conceptualizing the entire event, preparing a plan and putting together a dream team of vendors to make it happen.  I love a collaborative bride but she can also just step in to make her choices and leave the details to me and my team.

{TBC}:  WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 QUESTIONS A BRIDE OR COUPLE, SHOULD ASK DURING HER/THEIR RESEARCH FOR THE PERFECT PLANNER?

{Susan}:

1. How long have you been in business?
2. What do you bring to the table that makes you the best choice?
3. Will my wedding be the only wedding you accept for my wedding date?
4. How do I benefit from your vendor relationships?
5. May I contact your references please?

{TBC}:  AS A PLANNER, WHAT’S YOUR BACK UP PLAN FOR AN EVENT THAT GOES WRONG?

{Susan}:  There is no better strategy than proper planning.  Often brides who see samples of my itineraries during our initial meeting gasp in a bit panic; the level of detail that evolves and is eventually committed to paper feels overwhelming when seen for the first time at the very beginning of the planning process.  I always let clients know that every bit of that planning is matched with an equal amount of flexibility on the wedding day, as things will always unfold a little differently than planned.  When every detail, every transition, every moment is considered and thoughtfully planned and something still goes wrong, I handle it behind the scenes.  Chances are you’ll never, ever know.

{TBC}:  WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDINGS?

{Susan}:  Plan to enjoy your engagement.  This is a time that will be unmatched in your life; it should be a time of eager anticipation.  Hire the best vendor partners that you possibly can  … people that you trust with your vision and your budget … and turn over the fine details to them.  When you exhibit your trust in them, you will find that they go above and beyond in their efforts.

{TBC}:  ARE YOU AVAILABLE TO BRIDES OUTSIDE OF ATLANTA?

{Susan}: Absolutely!  That’s my business: what is your dream and how/where can we make that happen?

{TBC}:  WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU COMING ACROSS WITH BRIDES GETTING MARRIED IN 2013?

{Susan}:  Rose gold, mixed metals and sequins in low-key colors. Chevron pattern in bold color.  Wreaths and garlands.  I’ve been pushing for ‘marbled’ for a few years and I think I see it starting to happen! In the food department:  now that we’re all over cupcakes, clients are starting to ask about custom cookie bars.

I keep with what’s current and what’s coming down the pike on my “Of the Moment” Pinterest Board; please join me there and add to the visual conversation!

{TBC}:  HOW DO YOU SELECT THE PARTNERS (VENDORS) YOU WORK WITH?

{Susan}:  Simple.  My Dream Team is comprised of partners that I thoroughly trust to give my clients the absolute best value for the best quality and experience.  I’m also totally open to new talent but will carefully vet them in advance.

{TBC}:  WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATIONAL IDEAS?

{Susan}:  My personal travels …. interiors … food … fashion.  Color; sometimes a single shade will spin into an entire wedding design!  But the most important source of inspiration as I’m planning is always my clients’ story.  What are they all about?  How did they meet and what keeps them together?  What is meaningful to them? Just getting to know my clients on a very personal level always reveals beautiful little threads of significance that can be woven into the wedding details.

{TBC}:  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ELEMENT DURING THE WEDDING?

{Susan}:  Is this a trick question?  The cake, of course!  Let’s all be clear, I can put some away!  But seriously, I preach custom stationery and linens.  Everyone understands that you need entertainment, flowers, food and beverage but the tone is set by the stationery and the foundation for the room is the linens and the chairs.

{TBC}:  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING MOVIE, AND WHY?

{Susan}:  Father of the Bride … sweet, funny, classic.

{TBC}:  WHAT IS YOUR MOST UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING MOMENT?

{Susan}:  The best moments are the ones just after the guests have been moved into place for the grand farewell but before my clients depart.  There is this very precious slice of time when I get to hug them and thank them; it’s bittersweet.  But the all-time favorite wedding moment for me:  Golf-carting my clients’ Pomeranian to photos for their lakeside destination wedding.  If you are thinking of including your dog in your wedding, we are going to love each other.

{TBC}:  WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE?

{Susan}:  “Be what you are. Give what is yours to give. Have Style. Dare.”  Stanley Kunitz

For more information about Susan Graham Signature Events, we invite you to visit her website or take a look at her TBC Creative Partner Profile.