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 North Carolina wedding planner Sabrina Seymore today!

Name: Sabrina Rena Seymore

Business Name & Location: Sabrina Seymore Events in Durham, North Carolina

Years Working in the Event Industry: 5 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 3 years

Website: www.sabrinaseymoreevents.com

Twitter: @sabrinaseymoreevents

What is your typical day like?

The first thing I do to start my 5:30am mornings is pray, check social media (guilty pleasure), check my calendar, and review emails on my laptop. I do all of this while eating cereal and drinking a huge glass of water. Next, I prepare waffles and a cup of milk for my 4-year-old son and 5 bottles of milk for my baby to take to daycare. I try to have my boys at daycare by 9am so that I can order a grande Café Latte and ham & swiss croissant from Starbucks.

One of the perks of having my own business is that I can decide if I want to work from home or go to my office. I only work from home if I do not have any scheduled appointments with clients or prospective clients. A lot of my communication is done via email and telephone. So, if the weather is nice, I will stay at Starbucks and lounge on the patio to do work.

I also work in the social work/mental health field as a certified substance abuse counselor. On a good day, I split my work day focused on completing case notes, or general paperwork for my caseloads and wedding and event-related work. I am so fortunate to have two flexible careers that allow me to pursue my passions at the same time.

Most of my clients work during the day so I handle my social work profession first thing in the morning. Then I follow up with wedding and event vendors to obtain quotes, review wedding day timelines, or make payments on behalf of my clients.

Whew, so now it’s lunch time! I call my husband to chat with him if I’m lucky to catch him during his busy workdays. One of my favorite places to eat at for lunch is Chipotle! I try “unplug” during lunch so that I can rest my thoughts and refresh for another 4-5 hour workday. Once the clock strikes 7pm, my company cell phone is set on silent, unless I have a scheduled phone appointment during the evening hours. If I’m successful in tackling all of my to-do’s, I close my laptop officially at 7pm as well. To end my day, I turn on my mommy and wife switch, which involves cooking, cleaning, homework (yes my 4 year old has homework), and bedtime to start it all over again!

How did you get started in the industry?

I attended North Carolina Central University in 2004-2008 and earned my Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management. I also attended Liberty University in 2010-2012 and earned my  Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. While earning my professional credentials, I spent much of my time planning events for friends and family members, which has blossomed as my career. My education and background in social work has prepared me to show compassion, solve problems, and think ahead.

Formally known as Mane Event Wedding Event Planning, I started my wedding planning business, Sabrina Seymore Events, in August of 2011 in my private home office. Shortly after, we moved into a 500 square foot office in downtown Durham and are now in a larger office space in Durham, NC.

In 2013, I earned my credentials as Certified Wedding and Event Planner from LWPI. I also attended a IWED accredited event designer class in Las Vegas, NV.  I have built an excellent reputation with my creative ideas, eye for design, and impeccable attention to detail.

My enthusiastic personality, combined with a genuine commitment to making every wedding & event flawless is why I love weddings & events! I have a genuine compassion for people, the well-being of people, and seeing people happy.

Where do you find design inspiration?

I find inspiration in so many things! I visit these stores frequently to find inspiration: Home goods,  Z gallerie, TJ Maxx, and Pottery Barn Kids. I also subscribe to Vogue Magazine, The Knot, Munaluchi bridal, O Oprah Magazine, and People magazine. I have a obsession with stripes and pattern walls so I look online at Decorators Best and Target home section websites.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

Planners Lounge – Awesome resource for wedding planners!

Munaluchi Bride – I am a member of this awesome bridal association. They feature real and styled weddings for inspiration!

Z Gallery – Z gallery always display the latest home interior designs which can be applied to event design as well.

Sabrina, 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.