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 photos to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Connecticut wedding planner Lisa DiBenedetto today!

Name: Lisa L. DiBenedetto

Business Name & Location: Nightingale Events, Connecticut

Years Working in the Event Industry: 16 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 7

Website: www.nightingaleweddingandevents.com

Business Facebook Page: Nightingale Events

Instagram: @Nightingale_Events

What is your typical day like?

I start my day around 6:30am when my husband wakes me up as he gets ready for work.  I start my day by reviewing and responding on my email and social media outlets. Depending on the day, I like to add inspirational posts in my Instagram stories for all those fellow entrepreneurs waking up for the day.  Once the posts and replies are done, I get breakfast for myself, take my dog out, and prep for the day’s meetings.

A typical day involves visiting vendors to discuss my client’s events. For instance, visiting the florist to review the floral design with my clients. We normally visit 2-3 florists to see who is the best fit. After that, I normally head to my favorite restaurant, Red Fox, located in Middletown, CT for lunch.  After lunch, I go back to my office to respond to emails, work on event details, and continue with more meetings.

After my work day, my husband and I enjoy hanging out, eating dinner, and watching our favorite shows together.

How did you get started in the industry? 

I started working in the restaurant industry at 16 and fell in love with it! I decided to go to school for hospitality and continued my career in the hotel industry at 19 after graduating.

I have worked for major companies such as Hilton, Bertucci’s, Panera, and Nordstrom which has helped me to grow my craft by being in all different settings and working with different types of clientele and events.  Panera had a wonderful training program and Nordstrom works hard to never say no to a client which is very important in selling to them. You always find a way to help someone who is interested in a service.

I went to school for Hospitality with a minor in Hotel/Restaurant Management. After working in multiple settings doing weddings/events and helping people, I asked myself why am I not doing this for myself? After working for such influential companies, I had so much knowledge. It made sense to share it with clients in need of a wedding planner who could help them plan their perfect day.

I am inspired by motivation quotes from Women On Topp on Instagram and by other entrepreneurs showing their journey. My office inspires me because I built it over two years ago with an amazing photo and hair + makeup team. We collaborate on ideas and projects by walking next door. We also have many entrepreneurs in the building and I love to connect with them and learn from their experiences.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planner’s Lounge has been huge for me!  When I get stuck on figuring out a problem or a price, I review the blogs on their site. I also work with Erica Powell and CO. for private coaching which has been instrumental in my growth.  Additionally, I have worked with Candice Coppola. Her podcast has been so inspiring as well.

Aside from wedding and event planning, how do you spend your time?

When I am not working, I love to get out and enjoy the weather.  Two years ago, I picked up a jeep wrangler. I love to take the top off and go for long rides with the music blasting to rid myself of stress.  I also love to work on designing my home that my husband and I bought a year ago. It’ a foreclosure so every room needs to be redone and it’s been super fun to plan out each room and what it will look like.

I am huge into food and enjoy trying new restaurants. I like to take day trips to Rhode Island because I have been going there since I was kid. Even if it’s only a few hours or a week, it’s a good place to relax and enjoy the crashing waves and sun.

Lisa, 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.