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 Rachael Puccino of Edenton, NC

Name:  Rachael Puccino

Business Name & Location:  Rachael Mary Weddings, LLC – Edenton, NC

Years Working in the Event Industry: 10

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 5

Website: RachaelMaryWeddings.com

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

Additional Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/rachaelmaryweddings

What is your typical day like?

I start my day around 7:00 a.m. First, I let the pups out, get them fed, and then head to the kitchen for an iced coffee. I love taking my time when I can in the morning. It takes me a while to wake up (I am not a morning girl). If the weather is nice, I enjoy my coffee on the porch or snuggle up on the couch. After that, I usually start my workday around 8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Starting with emails and anything I left on my checklist from the previous day. I usually try to go for a run or workout earlier in the morning after I’ve checked my emails around 11/11:30 a.m. or later in the day if my husband is joining me. I usually enjoy a light lunch around 12:00 p.m., and if it’s a Tuesday – Thursday, I prepare for any meetings/monthly appointments. Mondays and Fridays are a light day for me, especially during the wedding season. I may check some emails, but I’m usually recovering from the weekend or prepping for the weekend.

How did you get started in the industry?

I always knew I wanted to be a wedding and event planner! From the time I was in 3^rd grade, I wanted to own my own business. I was inspired by my dad, who has been successfully self-employed for over 35 years! I come from a very, very large family, which also led me in the direction of events with constant family parties happening. I attended the International School of Hospitality remotely (before that was a thing) in 2013 – 2014 and graduated with a certificate in Conference Management and Event Planning. While in school, I started an internship at a production company, which led me to corporate and social events. I very quickly realized my passion for social events and that corporate was not for me. Once I had made that decision, I knew immediately my next step was to start my own business. In late 2017, I left my position at the production company, and in January 2018, I started my business! Instantly, I knew I wanted to share my love and energy to make a stress-free environment for couples on their wedding days!

What inspires you?

What inspires me the most is my grandmother, Nancy. Although she passed away in 2022, she is a major part of why I am here doing what I do today! She was the party queen; she arrived first and left last. She was everything; she set up the parties, cooked for them, and did all the extra work that goes into it, including mingling with everyone. She had 11 kids and 37 grandchildren and never missed a beat when it came to a birthday, holiday, or even just a simple Sunday dinner.

For design, I am inspired by simple, clean designs that make a big impact on your venue. I continue to be inspired by business coach and mentor Candice Coppola. Candice is an inspiration to so many, and got her start in CT just like me, building her business from the ground up! She is honest and kind in how she works and has helped me continue to build a strong business all up and down the East Coast.

AND Love! I love to love; I love love so much! Nothing inspires me more or makes me happier than seeing a couple so in love celebrating with their family and friends!

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

https://plannersplaybook.com/

https://www.instagram.com/rocknrollbridemagazine/

https://www.rachelrosebridal.com.au/

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

When I’m not planning or on-site for a wedding weekend, I’m going for a run, hike, or bike ride. We love the outdoors, and with two dogs, we try to get out as much as possible with them! My husband and I are mountain people, so we love to vacation in Colorado or anywhere the mountains are! Or a good beach day to just relax. I also love watching a good movie, snuggling up on the couch, and catching up on my favorite shows, but who doesn’t?

Rachael, 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.