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Hey there, fellow wedding planners! I’m thrilled to take a moment and reflect on the incredible experience we had at 2021 Becoming Retreat for Wedding Planners. As many of you know, I had the honor of co-hosting this intimate and transformative event with my amazing Brand Strategist, Wanda Feliz. From July 18-21, 2021, we gathered at a charming Airbnb in Ballground, GA, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Here’s a sneak peek:
Our goal was crystal clear: to take our businesses to the next level through strategic branding and marketing. We wanted to create a space where like-minded wedding planners could come together, push each other forward, and build a strong community of support and accountability. And let me tell you, the five planners who joined us were driven, hard-working, and big dreamers, just like you!
The Kickoff
The moment we kicked off the retreat, it was clear that this was going to be an extraordinary experience. We began each day with invigorating yoga and meditation sessions led by the talented Hadassah Joseph of Beu Beginnings, setting the tone for a focused and rejuvenating day ahead. The planners were also spoiled with beautiful and thoughtful swag and gifts every day because who doesn’t love a delightful surprise?
We made sure to take care of our taste buds too! We had the privilege of being catered to by a talented personal chef team from Dogwood Catering, who treated us to mouthwatering meals throughout the retreat. From the welcome dinner in all-white attire, where we dove into mindset and empowerment, to the closing brunch where we celebrated our growth, every meal was a moment of connection and nourishment.
Day One
Day one kicked off with a powerful branding session led by the incredible Wanda Feliz. She guided us through the process of identifying our ideal clients, understanding their needs, and crafting messages that truly resonated with them. It was a lightbulb moment for me when I realized how critical it is to speak directly to our dream clients.
Next up, I shared how to create systems and workflows that not only streamlined our businesses but also ensured we get paid on time. I guided the planners through the entire client journey, from the initial inquiry and discovery call to the sales process, proposal creation, contract signing, and even the offboarding phase. They left this session feeling equipped and empowered to handle any client interaction with confidence.
Later, Wanda returned to the stage and demystified the world of marketing and social media. She helped the planners overcome any fears or doubts they had about showing up authentically online and taught them how to leverage these platforms to attract and connect with their dream clients. It was a refreshing perspective that removed the stigma and made social media feel like a powerful tool in our hands.
To wrap up day one, I led a session on executing flawlessly on the wedding day. I shared tips, and strategies to ensure that as wedding planners, they could handle any challenge that arose. From vendor coordination to managing unexpected surprises, the insights were invaluable and gave them the confidence to handle any situation like a pro.
On Monday evening, we were all set for a poolside cocktail party at The Hotel at Avalon, but Mother Nature had other plans. However, thanks to the talented Tina from Fabulous Fox Designs, we found ourselves in an elegantly transformed indoor space, sipping cocktails and enjoying the ambiance. It was a testament to the resilience and adaptability we had cultivated during the retreat.
Day Two
Day two was all about taking action and turning our plans into reality. We dove deeper into creating effective systems and workflows, developing irresistible packages, fine-tuning their pricing strategies, mastering marketing techniques, and perfecting our discovery calls and sales processes. It was a day of intensive co-working and coaching sessions, where each planner had the opportunity to receive personalized guidance and support from both Wanda and me. The energy in the room was electric as we worked side by side, bouncing ideas off each other and watching our plans come to life.
In the evening, we traded our workstations for a cozy indoor picnic with a Taco Night theme. La Petite Picnic Atlanta converted the sunroom into the perfect fiesta! It was the perfect setting for relaxed conversations, laughter, and building deeper connections with our fellow planners. We shared stories, challenges, and triumphs, knowing that we were surrounded by a group of talented professionals who truly understood our journey.
Day Three
As the final day arrived, we were filled with a mix of excitement and a touch of bittersweetness. We knew that our time together was coming to an end, but we were eager to make the most of every moment. I took the lead on this day, guiding the planners on how to become the Chief Executive Officers of their businesses rather than being overwhelmed as the Chief Everything Officers. I taught the importance of delegation, leadership, and creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth. It was a transformative session that left them feeling empowered and ready to step into their new roles with confidence.
To wrap up our incredible journey, we enjoyed a heartfelt closing brunch. We celebrated their accomplishments, exchanged contact information, and made plans to support each other as they continued to grow their businesses. The sense of camaraderie and community that was fostered throughout the retreat was palpable, and we knew that we had formed lifelong friendships and professional connections.
As I look back on the 2021 Becoming Retreat for Wedding Planners, I am filled with gratitude for the experience, the knowledge gained, and the connections formed. It has been such a blessing to see each of the planners implementing all the strategies they learned from Wanda and me over the last two years.
And now, my fellow planners, I invite you to mark your calendars for the 2024 Becoming the Business Retreat for Wedding Planners, scheduled for January 26-29, 2024. Registration opens on June 12, 2023. CLICK HERE to join the waitlist. Trust me, you do not want to miss out on this life-changing opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with a group of driven and passionate professionals. Together, we will continue to elevate our businesses, support one another, and create a thriving wedding industry community. Let’s BECOME better women, CEOs, and planners. It’s time to BECOME our DREAMS!
Special Thank you to all of our event partners and sponsors:
Retreat Concierge: Maria Scott of Luxe Business by Maria Scott & Tevin Acklin of the Silent Bestman
Lodging: Airbnb in Ballground, GA
Rentals: Event Works
Catering: Dogwood Catering
Florals: Tinted Event & Design
Photography: Kim Hymes Photography and Rocheal Photography & Co.
Monday event venue: The Hotel at Avalon
Tuesday event designed: La Petite Picnic Atlanta
Hair & Makeup: Vigilante Makeup & Hair Artistry
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Hey there, fellow wedding planners! I’m thrilled to take a moment and reflect on the incredible experience we had at 2021 Becoming Retreat for Wedding Planners. As many of you know, I had the honor of co-hosting this intimate and transformative event with my amazing Brand Strategist, Wanda Feliz. From July 18-21, 2021, we gathered […]
June 1, 2023
Recap of the 2021 Becoming Retreat for Wedding Planners
