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 Marissa Pedone from New England.

Name:  Marissa Pedone

Business Name & Location: Marissa Pedone Events, New England

Years Working in the Event Industry: 15

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 2

Website: www.marissapedoneevents.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marissapedoneevents/

Instagram:  @marissapedoneevents

What is your typical day like?

I start my day leisurely, awakening to my Google Hub alarm at 8 am. I give myself 30 minutes to catch up on social media and review my emails from bed before making myself a latte at home. While enjoying my coffee, I respond to emails and set myself up for the day. I work from home unless I am heading off to meet a client for a venue site visit or tasting. I use a digital planner on my iPad to keep track of my priorities for the day, and I use a time block to ensure I have enough time to focus on things I need to get done, not just client and vendor calls.

I typically take a mid-morning break to work out on my peloton. I absolutely love cycling and think physical activity is crucial for business owners. It helps me clear my mind and set myself up for a successful afternoon.

I usually have a small snack for lunch, high in protein. I am guilty of being on the cottage cheese trend!  In the afternoon, I light a candle or use my diffuser. I pair this with a variety of different playlists to help me focus. I truly enjoy creating a space that is welcoming and fosters creativity. 

Working for myself is amazing because I have time to run a few personal errands throughout my day. I often do grocery shopping, laundry, and other home tasks between meetings and design presentations.

Depending on how crazy my inbox is and when my clients are available for calls, I end my day between 4 and 6 p.m. I think being available when my clients are important, and I often take evening calls.

My husband and I recently purchased a home in the suburbs after being city slickers for the last 10 years. We have a yard where we grill when the weather permits, and we love playing fetch with our dog. We spend a lot of our weekend time with our families, who are a huge part of our lives. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who support my business and lifestyle choices.

How did you get started in the industry?

It all began when I took an Event Planning 101 course in college (URI), taught by an alumnus from my sorority (Sigma Delta Tau). I absolutely fell in love with the organization and attention to detail. I focused all of my internship opportunities around weddings and events.

After college, I began working for a hotel management company, where I transitioned into conference services. I knew this wasn’t exactly where I wanted to be, so I began my search for a wedding and corporate events role. I was lucky to accept a position as an Event Producer at The Catered Affair, where I planned and executed events at venues like The Boston Public Library, Harvard Art Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art. This is where my love of weddings really flourished.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, I left my position with TCA but stayed connected to planners in the industry and worked on their teams for on-site assistance. I took a job as an executive assistant for 2 years but soon realized that I just couldn’t live without weddings and events. I began Marissa Pedone Events in December of 2021 as a side job, focusing on Month-Of Wedding Coordination. After 2 years of perfecting this offering, I was ready to get back to my roots, and I have transitioned my company to full-service design and planning. The response has been overwhelming, and I feel very lucky to get to do what I love every single day and to be able to support myself through it!

What inspires you?

I find inspiration on Partyslate, Planners Lounge, and Pinterest. I love reading articles about upcoming trends for both wedding fashion and design. I am often inspired by the successes of my peers and mentors in the industry. I believe in building strong relationships to help foster growth and, in turn, business! I love exploring new venues and find a lot of inspiration for creativity and design through the locations themselves.

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

When I’m not working weekends executing weddings, I spend the majority of my time with my husband, our dog, and family and friends. I enjoy reading mystery books in the evening, accompanied by a nice glass of red or white wine, depending on the season!

I grew up spending my summers on Cape Cod, and I am lucky enough to have a family with two homes to use for vacations there. I love the beach and feeling the sun warm my skin.

I am religious about getting manicures and pedicures! Self-care is so important to bettering one’s self-image. I have a morning and nighttime skin routine that relaxes me and is good for my body.

I am also an avid Peloton member. I try to get at least 30 minutes on the bike 3-4 times a week, coupled with a light arm workout. 

You can find me in the kitchen making dinner with my husband on weeknights. We like to share responsibilities and use the time to catch up on our day while we play music.

Marissa, thank you so much for sharing your story and a day in your life. If you are a wedding or 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.