2020: A year like no other. What was supposed to be an exciting and momentous time turned out to be a dreary and historic start to a new decade. Covid-19, a recession, a divided nation on pretty much every topic at hand, and a tumultuous election were anxiety-inducing, exhausting and downright depressing to say the least.

On the other hand, 2020 turned out to be the year we count our blessings and appreciate the little things in life. That has certainly been the case for me and for Preoccupied Bride.

I was fortunate to celebrate one couple, create one of my dream designs for a styled shoot, win two awards and pivot my business with an exciting product offer.

I am excited to share my 2020 Year In Review with you.

Weddings

I had a few weddings lined up for 2020 and a ton of potential clients on the horizon when covid-19 became a part of our lives in March. As sad and stressful as it was to postpone almost all of my couples’ weddings to 2021, I am thankful that none of my clients cancelled their celebrations and I was able to plan and coordinate Sariga & George’s beautiful, intimate and covid-safe wedding in August.

The couple was supposed to have a 500+ blowout banquet hall reception but swapped that for an intimate 40-person backyard celebration, so they could get married on their original wedding date. Their church ceremony took place at Syro Malabar Cathedral, followed by wedding party photos at the Naperville Riverwalk and then a small backyard reception at the groom’s home nearby. It wasn’t what they initially envisioned, but it was a special day nonetheless as Sariga & George clearly valued their marriage over everything else.

Styled Shoots

I had the privilege of being invited to participate in a styled shoot at Providence Vineyard this year. The venue is gorgeous and unlike any place I’ve seen in Illinois. Hosting both ceremonies and receptions, Providence Vineyard is a stunning luxury barn and vineyard with a blank canvas in its main room that is perfect for all colors. My favorite season is fall and I LOVE Halloween, so I wanted to create a unique design that included both autumn colors and an elegant Halloween vibe. The color palette consisted of hunter green, gold and burnt orange to pop against the venue’s white backdrop and complement the location’s natural outdoor elements.

Awards & Media

I am thrilled to announce that Preoccupied Bride’s design, Fresh Rustic Romance, is ChicagoStyle Weddings 2020 Designers Challenge Winner! We are honored to win this highly coveted magazine award. We cannot thank ChicagoStyle Weddings and our talented vendor partners enough for what turned out to be not only an amazing collaboration but the winning design for a wedding tablescape! Preoccupied Bride was also awarded The Knot Best of Weddings 2021, and it’s all because of our amazing couples. <3

On the media front, I was featured on Planners Lounge for how to plan a branding shoot. If you’re a wedding planner (and honestly a business owner in general), I strongly recommend doing a branding shoot for your business. I knew the importance of a branding shoot but avoided the idea entirely for three years as I’m extremely camera-shy, but I finally planned my first one this year. It was not only a fruitful experience but really fun and beneficial to my brand!

Offerings

Is a wedding planner on your 2021 wish list? I have an exciting offer to share with you!

Do any of these sound familiar?

A wedding coordinator has become an essential cost for most engaged couples, but a wedding planner is a luxury expense, so I have created The Wedding Question Guide, an affordable digital wedding resource with over 275 interview questions engaged couples must ask venues and vendors before booking them—all through the viewpoint of a professional and experienced wedding planner. Have peace of mind knowing you’ve asked all the right questions before booking your wedding team!

Sign up for our list here to receive our Wedding Starter Kit and be the first to know when Preoccupied Bride launches The Wedding Question Guide!

Thank You

Before 2021 begins, I’d like to thank you for supporting me and Preoccupied Bride. From my wonderful couples who trust me with one of the most important days in their lives, to my community-over-competition wedding planner friends whose friendship, empathy and brainstorming sessions make me feel understood and sane, to my friendors and new vendor relationships I have the pleasure of collaborating with, I’m grateful for and in awe of this creative, resilient and evolving industry who literally makes magic and memories happen no matter what is happening in the world. 

Last, and never least, the biggest of thank you’s goes to my husband Andrew. He’s the one who encouraged me to take the leap into my business, and I can’t believe I’m still here three and a half years later. His infinite positivity, support and confidence in me brings a joy I cannot fully describe in words.

2020 was hard, but let’s press forward and approach this new year with a positive mindset. Here’s to a healthy and happy 2021. Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 31, 2020

---

Have you ever wondered what else to ask wedding vendors before booking them besides, “How much do your charge?” Enter The Wedding Question Guide.

This digital wedding planning resource has over 300 questions engaged couples must ask venues and vendors before booking your wedding team—all through the viewpoint of a professional and experienced wedding planner.

Make informed decisions about your wedding throughout the entire planning process with The Wedding Question Guide!