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 Croatia wedding planner Martina Rakic today!

Name: Martina Rakic

Business Name & Location: Weddings in Croatia, Croatia, Europe

Years Working in the Event Industry: 8 years

Website: www.weddings-in-croatia.net

Business Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/Weddings-in-Croatia

Instagram: weddingscroatia

What is your typical day like?

My day usually begins at 6am when I hit the gym. I like to start my day with a workout before going to the office around 9am and opening my inbox. My weekly schedule varies a lot through the year. In winter months, I spend most of my time working from an office, exploring new venues, and meeting new vendors.

My evenings are usually busy with Skype chats with my brides and grooms, although I try to keep at least two evenings a week free of any business related meetings.

During wedding season, which is from April to October for destination weddings in Croatia, my days usually consist of site visits and couples/vendors meetings.

Aside from wedding planning which is our core business, we have also started a wedding planning academy which runs from January through April where I work as educator and mentor.

How did you get started in the industry?

As a Croatian language and literature major, I was trying to find a suitable career (and teaching was not an option for me at that time). A local wedding planning agency was looking for an assistant and I decided to give it a try even though I had no previous knowledge (or interest, for that matter) about weddings. One weekend a colleague was sick and I had to jump in, which meant leaving my desk and actually showing up at the wedding. Needless to say, first few projects were not a big hit for me. But, after being a part of a wedding from a very early stage and coordinating on the day, I was soon promoted to wedding day coordinator and soon after to a wedding planner.

In 2012, I changed companies and now work exclusively with international couples. So, I can’t really say it was love at first sight but I find it to be a benefit not starting this career as wedding enthusiast but from a strictly business and career point of view.

My lifestyle includes continuous education through specialized blogs, online courses, and through business books. I’m very dedicated to improving my knowledge any chance I get.

Where do you find design inspiration?

I’m a total Pinterest and Instagram junkie! But I also must admit I enjoy reading magazines from all over the world. Travels are always a great inspiration, but I mostly rely on online sources. I’m surrounded by great colleagues who specialize in wedding decor and design. Thanks to them, I always have insight into the latest trends.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planners Lounge is a great place to find out specific wedding-related topics and professional advice. I also like Every Last Detail as they have a very specific approach in educating brides about wedding vendors and the industry. In terms of design inspiration, my favorites are Green Wedding Shoes and Style Me Pretty.

Martina, 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.