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 Oklahoma wedding planner Leslie Herring Crabb today!

Name: Leslie Herring Crabb

Business Name & Location: Leslie Herring Events | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 

Years Working in the Event Industry: 6 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 2 years

Website: www.leslieherringevents.com

Facebook Page: Leslie Herring Events

Instagram: @lhevents

What is your typical day like?

Every day is different. While I am getting ready, I do a quick check on texts and emails so I know what to expect for the morning. I always arrive at my studio in time to grab fresh flowers from my neighbor florist and light a candle before my first meeting.

I have a staff of three. I take full-service wedding clients and run the business (accounting, marketing, social media, etc.). My other two fabulous planners take their own wedding clients. We love working as a team and have a passion for people and marriage.

We take a max of two appointments per day and have two designated after-hours meeting days per month. Our studio is nestled between a Sonic and a Starbucks, so we get our fair share of caffeine! In my downtime, I might be taking a business course or running or attempting new gluten-free recipes. I love wine and we are currently working on a company signature drink, which will be included in our monthly status meetings!

How did you get started in the industry?

I began as an editorial intern for Brides of Oklahoma magazine and The Knot magazine in college and dabbled in wedding planning after graduation. I fell in love!

I enjoy most aspects of the job including budget management, design, vendor relations, and connecting with my clients. After working as an executive planner for an event planning company in Oklahoma City for a year, I opened my own event planning business. I am certified through The Bridal Society. I believe that my internships, networking, vendor relationships, and hard work (plus many peanut butter sandwiches) helped me get where I am today.

Where do you find design inspiration?

Instagram always gets my wheels turning, though lately when I have a reception or photo shoot to design, I try to rely on my own brainstorming. One of the first things I do when I book a bride is ask for her Pinterest page. This immediately gives me an idea of her style.

I love natural surroundings and modern furnishings, so I enjoy blending natural and industrial elements into my event designs. I am a feeler by nature, so any design that evokes emotion will get me hooked. I really enjoy following Z Gallery, Pottery Barn, Style Me Pretty, and a few celebrity planners on social media.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planner’s Lounge helps me as a business-owner in creating boundaries and with those questions I have that seem so ambiguous.

Local Pursuit Community is something I really cherish because it keeps me grounded.

The Knot has great articles I can send my brides that I don’t have the time to create, like a father-daughter song list for example.

The Bridal Society is a great, interactive resource for me to ask questions and get feedback and advice from other planners.

Leslie, 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.