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 Washington, DC wedding planner Ana Maria Restrepo today!

Name: Ana Maria Restrepo

Business Name & Location: Color My Dreamm Weddings & Events

Years Working in the Event Industry: 10 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: 5 years

Website: www.colormydreamm.com

Business Facebook Page: Color My Dreamm Weddings & Events

Instagram: @colormydreamm

What is your typical day like?

I start my day as a wedding planner at 6am in my home office with administrative tasks that include checking emails, returning calls, and responding to new clients. On Mondays, I set up all social media for the week then I dedicate one hour to advance my career, whether it is studying or attend a wedding planning networking event.

My husband comes home from work for lunch, so we eat together. During the afternoons, each day is different. On Monday and Tuesday, I like to meet with potential new clients for wedding consultations. Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are dedicated to current couples. On Fridays, I am usually finalizing details such as wedding timelines for upcoming events. My workday typically ends around 6pm.

How did you get started in the industry?

I studied management in Italy, where I met my wedding planner mentor and where I was exposed to the wedding industry. Once this ended, I moved to Colombia where I worked with a group of event vendors to plan weddings. At this time, I completed a wedding certificate for 4 countries: United States, Canada, Italy, and Spain.

In 2014, started my own wedding planning business. My business began from a wish I had to create happiness for engaged couples. Growing up, I saw my mother work as a corporate event planner for a family business. Three years later in 2017, I decided to get certified by The Bridal Society.

My first clients were hard to get. I went to many events, talked a lot with fellow colleagues, and I ended up meeting a wonderful florist who was so kind. We immediately had work chemistry and he sent over my first client, who today has become one of my closest friends.

What inspires you?

The things that inspire me include Style Me Pretty, Jeff Leatham, Marie Claire Marriages, the Italian Mediterranean, all things nature, silent time for myself, and working with music.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

The Small Business Administration, reading news, reading my local paper, and going out and networking in my community.

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

Apart from wedding planning, I spend time with my husband, friends, and I like to tutor children. I’m also trained as a fashion stylist and I like to help women work on their image so they feel empowered. My hobbies include reading, dancing, and relaxing at a spa. My favorite vacation spots are any place in Italy or on the beach.

Ana Maria, 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.

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