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 Leeds wedding planner Minihaha Garande today!

Name: Minihaha Garande

Business Name & Location: Brachetto Weddings, United Kingdom, Leeds.

Years Working in the Event Industry:  5

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business:  1

 Twitter: @BrachettoWed

 What is your typical day like?

I usually wake up at 8am with my five month old son talking away. After breakfast, my work day typically starts around 9:30am in my home office while my son takes a nap. The first thing which I do is post on Instagram then send and respond to email, text messages and WhatsApp conversations from clients.

Around noon, my son wakes up and we have lunch and spend time together until about 2pm when he goes down for another nap. In the afternoon, I schedule appointments for my clients and tend to tasks such as venue and supplier sourcing.

By 4pm, I check in with clients and update them on the latest work and ask any questions I have. I also update Instagram and Twitter around this time. My day typically ends by 5:30pm, however I find myself finishing work much later in the evening when I am working on graphic design for upcoming projects. After my work hours, I enjoy cooking, tweeting and spending time with my son.

How did you get started in the industry?

If I told you that I dreamt of weddings at a tender young age, you would think it is cliché; but it is the honest truth. I get such an adrenaline rush at the thought of weddings. I absolutely fell in love with the creativity in the wedding industry.

I graduated with a BA Hons Business Management degree at Leeds Metropolitan in 2012. I have always known that I wanted to own a business but wasn’t sure of what nature.

A month after my graduation, my sister got married and during studies, I found myself balancing both university life and wedding planning life effortlessly. Although she had a wedding planner who helped her secure some suppliers; I planned many aspects of her wedding day from wedding decor design to her bridal makeup.

I remember standing inside the marquee the day before her wedding in deep awe. She said “Thank you sis, we did it”. The marquee was designed to perfection; from the crystal chandeliers on top of her perfectly designed tablescape all the way to the bridal party attire. It was at that moment that I felt a sense of passion to become a professional wedding planner. I gained satisfaction from knowing I had helped design someone’s big day.

Prior to this experience, I had worked as a sales consultant at many firms where I gained experience in time management, planning, organization and the ability to work under pressure. I also had the opportunity to plan corporate parties and many other events such as bridal showers and birthdays. I gained valuable experience which have all aided in my wedding planning business.

A few months after I started my wedding planning business, I took an online wedding and event planner certification course. I constantly read blogs and journals as well as follow Alison Howard’s Wednesday Reports. They have all helped and aided in implementing plausible business strategies to help me attract and retain clients.

Where do you find design inspiration?

My inspiration stems from everywhere and anywhere. Mostly from my son, traveling, wedding blogs, business journals, articles, Instagram, Twitter and did I mention that I am a food junky? Perhaps not but my inspiration also stems from food. A few of my favorite renowned wedding decor designers include Preston Bailey, Colin Cowie and Vera Wang. I am in deep awe of their creativity and constantly find myself looking at their work for inspiration.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

www.plannerslounge.com
www.prestonbailey.com
www.alisonhowardevents.com
www.evolveyourweddingbusiness.com
www.bookmorebrides.com
www.brideappeal.com

Minihaha, 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.