Just Marry! Inc.
Central Florida Bride magazine interviewed Susan Southerland, about her highly successful career as a wedding planner. We also asked her to share photos from her favorite wedding of 2008. Here is her story. 
Q Why is this your favorite wedding of 2008?
A This wedding was steeped in family history and tradition. Watching the ceremony in the tiny village of Silvi Paiz, where the groom’s grandparents lived was an extraordinary experience. Jeny and Lou were so well regarded, that most of the village showed up to watch the ceremony. I can’t describe the emotion behind it. It was breathtaking.
Q If you could tell brides to do one thing, other than to tell them to hire a wedding planner, what would it be?
A Don’t be afraid to have the wedding that you want. Pursue the dream that you share with your groom. Sometimes budget gets in the way, but there are always small touches that you can bring to the wedding that makes it very personal.
Q What service or product should brides not get married without?
A A great photographer. Other than each other, the photos are the only things you will have to preserve the memory of your wedding day. I can’t imagine losing those images.
Q Who is your absolute most favorite vendor to work with?
A Wow. I am so lucky to work with many amazing vendors. I couldn’t possibly pick just one. Orlando has a wealth of incredibly talented wedding professionals. It’s a great place to have a wedding.
Q Why did you decide to become a wedding planner?
A I love the emotion behind the wedding day. It is so rewarding to work with a couple for months and months and then see the event unfold.
Q How did you get started?
A I worked as an assistant in the membership department of the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. I helped with the member luncheons which got me started in event planning. Once I thought of starting my own business in the social market, the hotels and vendors I met while at the bureau started me on my way.
Q What is your most memorable wedding story of 2008?
A Jeny and Lou’s wedding has to be the most memorable story. Driving up the hill to the ceremony site with the bride and seeing the gorgeous décor with all the residents standing around awaiting the processional was incredible. Also, at the end of the ceremony, a marching band happened to be in town. They played while everyone danced in the streets. How can anyone top that?
Q If you could have any other job in the world, what would it be?
A I can’t imagine doing anything else, but my first love is being a mom, so I would say being a stay-at-home mom.
Q If a bride has an unlimited budget, what should she spend most of her money on?
A This is another wow question. I would say get the best of everything, food, décor, photography, video and entertainment. If her budget were unlimited, why spare any expense?
Q If a bride was working on a more limited budget, what is one trade secret she should know?
A Plan your budget very carefully and tell your vendors how much you have to spend on each of them. A good wedding vendor will help you get the most for your money, but be upfront about what you can spend.
Q What is one thing a bride should have with her on her wedding day?
A Every bride should have someone to be in charge, other than her. Even if she can’t afford a professional planner, get a friend or distant relative to be the point person on the wedding day. The day passes so quickly, the bride should not be worrying about how the napkins are folded.
Q In your opinion, what is the most important detail when planning a wedding?
A Planning a budget is definitely the most important detail. Whether the bride is able to spend $10,000.00 or $1 million, it is critical to know how the money is being spent. Wedding purchases are very emotional; it is very easy to overspend. No couple should be stuck with a huge debt after the wedding day.
Just Marry! Inc.
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