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 Insert name and location

Name:  Samone Goodrich

Business Name & Location:  Raquel Samone Weddings & Saint Louis, Mo

Years Working in the Event Industry: 10

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 5

Website: www.raquelsamoneweddings.com

Facebook: facebook.com/raquelsamoneweddings

Instagram: Instagram.com/raquelsamoneweddings

What is your typical day like?

A typical day for me looks different every single day. I work a full-time job and volunteer at my local church within our children’s ministry. On Mondays and Fridays, I work from home, and on other days, I work in the office. I am very grateful to work a job that allows me to be flexible to care for my wedding clients. I work within HR. On average, I start my day at 8 am (even on the weekends). After work, I head home, cook, and spend the rest of the evening working on my business. While working, I typically listen to education podcasts or audiobooks to allow me to learn. I am grateful that both my full-time job and my business allow me to serve others wholeheartedly, but in different ways. My end goal is to become a full-time entrepreneur.

How did you get started in the industry?

I am a firm believer that our industry should be rooted in hospitality. I strive to provide unreasonable hospitality because that’s what my clients deserve. My love for hospitality began in 2014 when I started working at Disney World. There, I was taught that it’s not about the things the customers get to do, it’s how you make them feel. You make them feel lost in a world that is less stressful and more fun. We were trained to go to great lengths to ensure we could incorporate a culture where people felt seen, heard, understood, and surprised and delighted. I had just graduated from college with a major in Theater Arts, and the idea of being able to be a part of a job where you could create a different world was exciting to me. Soon after, I realized I wasn’t meant to be an actress (although I still love it). Instead, Disney had opened my eyes to how truly magical weddings could be. For the longest time, I ignored it and didn’t pursue it until my friend had me plan her wedding in 2018. After that, I realized wedding planning was fun but hard. I don’t think it helps that I was the planner AND the bridesmaid. Eventually, I decided to start my business in March of 2020. Once I decided, I never looked back.

What inspires you?

I know it may sound cliché, but life truly inspires me. The places I go, the people I meet, and the experiences I collect all shape how I design wedding experiences. I draw inspiration from art, food, culture, architecture, and interior design. Each thing offers a unique lens that informs my creative process. However, it’s not just about aesthetics. These experiences also shape how I serve my clients. It has taught me to be attentive, intuitive, and thoughtful. They remind me that the most minor details often leave the biggest impression. Above all, it’s the love in my own life that fuels my passion to serve each couple in a way that’s deeply personal and uniquely theirs.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I absolutely adore Candice Coppola’s Planner Playbook. It’s packed with actionable resources that have truly elevated how I approach planning and design. Her blog and podcast are also on constant rotation for me. I’ve also been loving ‘The Business of Luxury Weddings’ by James x Schulze—it’s such a sharp take on the industry. And when it comes to marketing? Enji and Sara Does SEO have been game changers. Their tools and strategies have made a real impact.

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

When I’m not planning weddings, you’ll find me spending time with my husband, our two orange cats—Oscar and OJ—and our lovable basset hound, Benjamin (Ben for short). I’m always up for traveling, trying new foods, and discovering experiences that spark joy. I’m a Disney movie binger through and through. I also volunteer at my church and have the honor of supporting a few amazing kids who’ve become my bonus nieces and nephews.

Samone, 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.