Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photo to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Pennsylvania wedding planner Alexandria Proko today!

Name: Alexandria Proko

Business Name & Location: Alexandria Catherine Events based in Chester County, PA

Years Working in the Event Industry: 2

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: less than 1

Website: alexandriaprevents.com

Business Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/alexandriacatherinepr

Instagram: @alexandriaproko

What is your typical day like?

One of the lessons that I learned early in my self-employment journey is that you need to make time for yourself. It’s very easy to feel burnt out in this industry, and in order to avoid that, you need a work-life balance. I wake up and handle any urgent emails before going to the gym for an hour.

Once I’m home, I spend the rest of my morning answering emails, running business-related errands, etc. In the afternoon, I focus on my events and touching base with vendors… and more emails!

Once per week, I make an effort to do some sort of networking. I sit on a variety of boards including Wish Upon a Wedding Philadelphia and if I’m not taking time to chat and meet new people through those, I seek out other opportunities.

How did you get started in the industry?

My academic background is in archaeology and anthropology… which sounds strange, but actually connects. When I studied, I was heavily drawn towards ceremony, tradition and of course, with archaeology, detail. After receiving my Bachelor’s, I received certification in Event Decor and studied Event Planning. I also shadowed other planners an interned.

Out of college, I worked in venue sales where I learned invaluable skills that I’m able to apply to my business and practice today. I’d known from the start that I wanted to own a business because I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and it seemed like a natural next step for me… so six months ago, I did it!

Where do you find design inspiration?

I find often find inspiration in my surroundings. I’m very drawn to history and love to encourage my clients to make the event as personal as they can by tying in bits and pieces of their upbringing or family history into their celebration.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I find WeddingWire to be great because you’re able to get reviews for prospective couples to see, but they also go out of their way to offer great educational opportunities for vendors.

Obviously, Planner’s Lounge has been such a help because you offer a really wonderful mix of information and advice.

I also really enjoy reading the Philadelphia Wedding blog because it’s focused on my local target market and it shows what is trending in my neck of the woods!

Alexandria, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.