Today we’d like to introduce you to Casie Caldwell.
Hi Casie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I left the marketing and hospitality industry to pursue a career in events. I first worked for another wedding planner and got my certification through The Bridal Society before starting Sparkleigh Productions. We just celebrated its 5th anniversary! Over the last two years, I expanded the company down to South Florida and also added officiating and floral services. I could not have made it to where I am today without my wonderful couples trusting me to design and plan their special day. I have made wonderful partnerships with my preferred vendors who go above and beyond for my precious couples. It truly is a business where love is the focus and dreams are brought to life!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Owning your own business is never easy. You are responsible for overseeing multiple roles in order for the business to function. Although it may seem easy and sometimes glamorous from the surface, there are many struggles and hardships to endure. There will be bad days. There will be occasions where a vendor was difficult to work with or a wedding guest is disrespectful. I feel like I had some beginner’s luck being hired by some great couples who were getting married at some amazing venues. With every booked client however, you have multiple couples who didn’t hire you. The reasons could be a mile long, but what is important is to be confident in your abilities and know your worth. Not every client is the right client for you. We all are going through a pandemic right now. During the lockdown, I decided I wanted to expand my services to offer officiating and flowers. It was a great way to stay busy and positive!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What got me into this industry was that I was creative and like to surround myself with fun people. I am most passionate about designing with my couples and creating a unique experience for their guests. Trust me, I’m all for the classic white wedding look, but I thrive when my couples are open to experimenting with bright colors and exciting themes. I enjoy educating my couples about trends and different kinds of flowers we can work with. I’ve done fun themes like Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Alice and Wonderland, and Beauty and the Beast. I even had a couple that wanted an enchanted forest theme with life-size topiary animals! I also enjoy bringing the event to life for their guests with experiences like a cigar roller, live painter or performers.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One thing I do regret was leaving my full-time job before saving up some money to lean on while getting started. You don’t always know when you are going to book a client. I am proud that I made an effort to get experience and get certified before starting my venture. Many people think that just because they planned their own wedding, they would be a great Wedding Planner. There are so many moving pieces and activity that goes on during the wedding day that our couples don’t even know about. There are so many details and vendors to keep track of. It truly takes a very detailed and hardworking person to deal with all of the stress for your clients.
Pricing:
- Month-Of Coordination starts at $800
- Event Styling starts at $1,400
- Full Planning starts at $2,500
- Officiating – $250
- Flowers/Decor – Starts at $1,000
Contact Info:
- Email: casie@sparkleighproductions.com
- Website: www.sparkleighproductions.com
- Instagram: @sparkleigh_productions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkleighproductions/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcsq_j2urE2MWU4fdXWp3w
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sparkleighfl/
