Meet Premier W.E.D. - an Event Planning + Design Company
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Many people think of wedding and event design as a big-budget splurge when in reality, it could save you time as well as money. When done effectively, your wedding budget can be maximized. That's the speciality of Dawn Schenkel and her team at Premier W.E.D. who "turn fantasies into memorable realities". They will work with you to hone your overall vision as well as execute on the details so you get what you want.
Ashley's Bride Guide goes one-on-one with Dawn Schenkel of Premier W.E.D.
A Premier W.E.D. client's wedding ceremony and reception at the Schermerhorn in Downtown Nashville
Number of years in the business:
12 with the actual company 1 before on the side.
How did you get started in weddings?
I worked for the largest non-profit in TN handling, marketing, membership, fundraising and special events. Started a family and realized I could have a better schedule and make almost as much doing events on my own. Started Premier W.E.D. and haven’t looked back.
What do you like most about weddings?
The “Dream” finally coming to life for that couple when they enter their wedding. Their faces when they see the details laid out and can finally “see” the results of all the planning is priceless.
What’s your favorite wedding pic/video and why?
No way I can choose this b/c I pride myself on individuality and uniqueness. I have many facets of design and to choose just one would be a shame. I love contemporary design, traditional, vintage, urban, country…it all has it’s place!
What is your service philosophy?
My tag line for years has been “We turn fantasies into memorable realities”. I have seen industry people literally copy that word for word into their websites and/or just use versions of it. That isn’t a statement to just use because it sounds pretty. We mean it! I think the point is….I have always strived to bring to life a vision of the client in a manor that is suited to their personality. The service in that is to “hear, help and execute” the clients needs. Some are more involved than others and that is what makes my job so versatile and enjoyable! It’s an honor.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
I am as logistically sound and organized as I am creative. When I was younger and hadn’t met my calling it was a curse. I was never satisfied in my job. Now I am blessed to share my gifts (because I think it is a gift to have that balance) with others.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors?
A Village of Flowers - Creative, kind and they get my design sense.
Keoni K Photography- Humble, and a great visionary
Liberty Party Rental - Always a friend in the business Jason Davis
DJ - Goes above and beyond his job requirements to help me, which in turn helps the client.
BBJ Linen - service and of course, quality.
Who do you recommend when you’re not available/not a fit?
I’m always available! ☺ I have 3 directors that balance our availability. I try to never turn business away. Not to say I don’t think there are great men and women out there that could be a good referral.
What do you read/watch regularly to stay on top of wedding/event trends?
Wedding magazines of all kinds, I follow the fashion industry a lot (I feel it has a huge hand in event design) and I certainly don’t watch the reality shows! They drive me batty!
Which wedding trend do you love?
Vintage weddings
Which trend do you hate?
Party buses for guests.
Which trend are you glad is gone?
Dollar Dance, twinkle lights and tulle
Which trend are you sad is gone?
Porcelain wedding cake toppers
What are your favorite wedding websites/ neatest wedding find?
etsy.com because of it’s uniqueness and it’s been a couple of years now, but the ring bearer bowl was my favorite. It’s just now becoming popular.
What's the one thing you think a budget bride should always make it into a budget:
A WEDDING PLANNER AND DIRECTOR!!!
What's one way brides can save money/be more economical?
All in one wedding location/ and or no alcohol
For the platinum bride, what is the one thing youve always wished a bride would add?
Out of state rental items that are non-existent in TN.
What would be doing if you did not work in weddings?
Interior Design
Favorite TV show and why?
Used to be Lost but now nothing….no time to watch TV
Last vacation?
Vegas Baby!
What are you reading?or last thing you read?
The Power of a Praying Wife, NY weddings, and Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum Novel series. I admit to needing a little, what I call…Bubble gum for the brain sometimes. I have to let my mind rest.
Just curious, what advice would you give to brides on choosing a florist?
Compare quotes and apples to apples. Don’t get two different design schemes and try to compare…it never works.
What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
The biggest misconception is that they can’t afford me or any wedding director much less a planner. (Again…two totally different jobs!) My most budget minded client I have had to date just said…..”You can’t afford NOT to have a planner!” She didn’t understand that until getting further into the process and seeing the tricks I pulled and the favors I asked for to get her wedding in the right budget.
Does your company do anything special that a green bride might want to know?
We offer vendors who specialize in green products. Catering, invitations, rentals, etc.
We hope this spotlight on Premier W.E.D. and the fantastic pictures that Dawn has shared inspire you - they really are spectacular. For more information on Premier W.E.D., you can visit their website where you'll see more pictures and events they have done on their blog. You can also follow them on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook!
Photos provided by: Premier W.E.D.
About the Author:
Tabitha
Blogging is something I’ve enjoyed doing for years. My interests lie mostly in lifestyle related topics like fashion, style, design, food and weddings. When I heard Ashley was looking to bring on new members to the ABG team, I jumped at the opportunity - I can’t think of a better way to stay involved in weddings than to write about them and to stay in touch with the trends and new ideas. Lucky for me, Ashley likes my blog and trusts my experience to bring me on and so far, it’s been a blast.
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Posted on August 5, 2010 |
Filed under: Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
1 Response to This Post
Posted on August 5, 2010 @ 12:32pm