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 Santa Fe, New Mexico wedding planner Minuet Sandifer today!

Name:  Minuet Sandifer

Business Name & Location: Magnolia Event Company in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Years Working in the Event Industry: one year and 3 months

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: one year and 3 months

Website: www.magnolia-planning.com

Business Facebook Page: Facebook.com/MagnoliaEventCompany

Instagram: magnoliaeventcompany 

What is your typical day like?

My typical day starts at 7am with checking my email. I spend most every day organizing and planning previously booked weddings and parties. The rest of the time I am dreaming up new designs for tablescapes and flowers. I’m a big floral lover and enjoy arranging flowers as much as I can.

I have two offices: one at home (where most of my work gets done) and another a few blocks away from home with an adorable pink shag rug and very girly décor. I love to bring clients to my office away from home because it gives them a good sense of who I am and the opportunity to share a pastry, sip coffee, and discuss their next special event.

My day typically doesn’t end until about 9pm. I’ve tried to get better at this but I love event planning so much that it’s all I want to do. It’s very entertaining for me. I’d choose it over TV anytime. This also has a lot to do with the fact that I started my business from the ground up; complete with creating/editing my own website and creating a community outreach program called “A Birthday Wish” that entails collecting party supplies and delivering “Birthday Boxes” to impoverished children in my community.  Event planning has taken over my life in a good way.

How did you get started in the industry?

I’ve always been very creative. I was a jewelry designer for five years in California and had been planning dream weddings in my head for YEARS. Event planning fell into my lap and was totally unexpected. I was working at the local hospital when my manager at the time approached me and said “ My sister is flying here from Texas and needs a wedding planner. I think you’d be really good at it. Do you want the job?” I of course said “Yes”  and it was all over from there. I had found my niche! That very first wedding was the best day of my life (and the brides). I met several vendors who I still recommend to this day.

In just over a year in business, Magnolia Event Company has grown substantially. I now have 3 wedding coordinators who have joined me in my endeavor to produce elegant events. I have big plans for 2017!

Where do you find design inspiration?

I love exploring Santa Fe. It is the most creative and inspirational place. I also draw a lot of my design inspiration from New Orleans. It’s creative architecture and culture are truly unique. I am a true creative heart. Sometimes inspiration strikes from something as simple as a pattern or a flower that I see growing in a Santa Fe garden. 

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I love Planners Lounge, Pinterest, and Aisle Planner.  There are also several blogs that I love to read like Green Wedding Shoes and 100 Layer Cake. 

Minuet, 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.