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 Chicago wedding planner Gabriela Schreiber today!

Name: Gabriela Schreiber

Business Name & Location: Beso Weddings & Events in Chicago, Illinois

Years Working in the Event Industry: 3

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 3

Website: www.BesoEvents.com

Facebook Page: Beso Weddings & Events

Twitter: @BesoEvents

What is your typical day like?

As a wedding planner and business owner, I’m busy managing my time between running the business, serving my clients and cultivating vendor relationships. My day-to-day tasks can vary depending on time of year and the type of activity going on during that time.

A typical day starts at 9am and the first task is to check emails and my to-do list. I then check the latest industry news and update my social media while having breakfast…multi-tasking is key! My day involves wedding planning activities such as client calls/meetings, updating timelines and schedules, and creating décor concepts. I usually have lunch at my desk unless I have a lunch meeting scheduled and may be working on prospective client consultations and proposals or business stuff like expense tracking and invoicing. When I’m not working from my home office, I’m “out in the field” at client and vendor meetings, venue tours and networking events.

My day ends at 6pm unless I have evening client appointments or industry events to attend. My clients are typically busy professionals or students so it’s common to schedule evening and weekend appointments. How do I get it all done? I always have my iPhone, iPad or laptop nearby to help me stay on top of things!

 How did you get started in the industry?

During my 10 year career as an HR management consultant, I worked with diverse clientele, teams, budgets, project planning, and managing the inevitable glitches. I knew I could do the same for engaged couples seeking help with their weddings. After planning my own wedding and helping family and friends with their events over the years, I was motivated to combine my love of planning with my passion for weddings and pursue my dream of starting a business.

I went on to earn my wedding and event planning certification and later launched Beso Weddings & Events.

Where do you find design inspiration?

Everywhere! My philosophy is to “think like there is no box.” I am most inspired by my client’s unique love story and wedding vision. As they share the details of their perfect wedding day, my mind immediately starts thinking of unique ways to pull it all together to create an amazing wedding day experience for them and their guests.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planner’s Lounge is insightful and resourceful for my business and professional development (love the Friday Favorites!). Other useful sites are Preston Bailey’s blog, Wedding Industry Experts, and Wedding Planner Magazine blog. I also recommend joining local wedding industry community groups on Facebook.

Gabriela, 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.