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 North Carolina wedding planner Meagan Graddy today!

Business Name & Location: Magnolia Grove Weddings and Events, Wilson, North Carolina

Years Working in the Event Industry: 7

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 2

Website: magnoliagrove.wix.com/magnoliagrovewedding

Business Facebook Page: Magnolia Grove Weddings and Events

Instagram: @magnoliagroveweddings

What is your typical day like?

I work from home, but my schedule can vary day to day. I typically have one day a week that I stay home and actually “work from home”, while many other days of the week are filled with traveling to venues, meeting other wedding professionals, and consulting with brides. Typically on days that I am traveling, I get a few hours of work done from home in the morning then schedule myself with meetings starting around 11am.

My husband works from home as well, so I like to spend the mornings with him and our dogs, because oftentimes my work day stretches into the later hours of the evening. I am definitely guilty of overworking and have at least one day a week that I may work as late as 11pm trying to get things done.

How did you get started in the industry?

My dad is a chef, so I grew up being exposed to the industry, although didn’t initially see myself as being part of it. When I went off to college, I thought that I would work in special events in the capacity of large-scale college or corporate events, but weddings were something that fell into my lap.

I had taken a job as a catering manager at a private college after graduation and found myself constantly worried that I wasn’t doing enough to help couples who were getting married in our area. Being that there were no other wedding planners in my hometown and there was a definite need for it, I decided to just go for it!

What inspires you?

Jenna Kutcher and Hilary Rushford are two girl bosses that I have derived a lot of inspiration from. Although not fellow planners, they each have found their voice and used the opportunity to be very open and honest with their clients about what it’s like to own a business and to do what they do. Their honesty resonates with me and helped shape my own business in a similar fashion.

I never want to project an image that my life is perfect. I have bad days like everyone else. I don’t feel comfortable in a bikini, I cuss a little, and sometimes I sleep in instead of going to church on Sundays. My life is not perfect. But I work hard, and I genuinely love my clients. And watching fellow girl bosses with much bigger followings than I have helps me remember what I want to be my focus.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Two Bright Lights is great for publication opportunities. The Rising Tide Society is a wonderful community of creatives that offers tons of insight and advice for fellow industry professionals.

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

Admittedly I am a workaholic, so much of my free time is spent with brides or other industry pros (even if it’s just to grab coffee or socialize). When I’m not with them, I can definitely be found watching Netflix with the hubs, cuddling with our 3 dogs, or shopping at Hobby Lobby.

Meagan, 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.