Even if you’re a practical bride or one that desires to be hands-on and DIY most of the planning and details, we can’t stress enough how important a planner is. Often times, brides-to-be are overwhelmed with how much a wedding actually costs…so they try and cut costs here and there, eliminating essential hire such as planners and settling for the first photographer to offer them what they think is a deal. But we have to say, one of most common pieces of advice we’ve read from previous brides is to hire a planner.
This week’s featured Coterie member is more than just a planner. Having served in the US Navy and working in hospitality for 10 years, he’s pretty much mastered the art of handling details, coordination, and pressure. In this interview, you’ll learn lots about Darryl, owner of D’Concierge Events, + some fun stuff you might not have known about him.
Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the wedding and events industry?
I’ve worked in the hospitality/special events industry for 10 years now. I realized I had discovered my calling when I plan at a very early age in my life. The joy of coordinating event details and the sense of fulfillment I experienced from witnessing the complete transformation of such a meaningful day in another person’s life engendered my love for event planning and coordinating. In 2006, the doors of D‘Concierge Events opened to the public. I totally believe my company’s name really speaks for itself; Myself and my team we actually become the bride and groom’s personal concierge during the entire wedding planning experience. I help plan every aspect of weddings from start to finish. From selecting exotic flowers for a bridal bouquet flown in from Iwakuni, Japan to searching across the country for a fifty-year-old bottle of wine from the year that the groom’s grandparents were married, our services go beyond wedding logistics.
What did you do before Wedding Planning?
I served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Essex LHD 2 in Seasbo, Japan working as one of the special assistant to a commander aboard the ship.
What are your dreams for your company?
D’Concierge Events is my dream! Since I was 11 years old I knew I had a love for all things luxurious :) . My company is my baby, my only child, and any father’s dream for their child is to flourish and excel beyond the stars. My dreams have now turned into reality.
What do you love most about your job?
You will hear my say this word ” Experience” during this interview a lot..lol. I love to create a beautiful and stress-less EXPERIENCE for my couples. Brides and Grooms should cherish every moment of their wedding planning process! And I love to make sure that will happen for them.
In your area what are some of your favorite venues and why?
Just like purchasing real estate: Location, Location, Location. I tell many clients find a venue that wouldn’t need a magician to make beautiful that compliments their style. Traditional hotel ballrooms are standard in my own opinion and not my favorite venue choice. Here in Houston, there are so many newly renovated spaces with history and lots of character. I’m all about luxury!. I don’t consider myself a trend follower.
What trends are you seeing with 2013 and 2014 brides?
I’m seeing a lot of brides going away with traditional sign in books. A trend I would like to see more of would be having guest sign something that you will use or see again. The signing of wine bottles is one of my favorites. Couples have their guest sign three to four bottles of wine for their 1st, 5th, 10th, and 15th anniversary. And each year they will pop the cork and enjoy that bottle, and also seeing all those that came and shared that special day with them. If the couple isn’t a wine drinker they can use anything they love.
What would you say to brides-to-be who are on the fence about hiring a wedding planner?
A wedding planner is not just concerned about the wedding itself but is more of a multi-tasker who must prepare all aspects to deliver a truly flawless event. Couples rely on a wedding planner’s ability to make everything happen—hiring a band and photographer, ordering flowers, getting help with venues, and selecting a caterer. With all these terms in mind, our task is to get the best services at the lowest cost from vendors. The success of every wedding celebration mainly lies in our hands and if something goes off track, we need to be able to act quickly with a solution while remaining calm and cool along the way. They should definitely hire a wedding planner or a Day Of Coordinator. Couples often believe they can work a full time job, take care of their families, plan seating arrangements for 550 guests… Yes, you heard correctly a seating chart for 550, yes I’ve actually done that and stamp and seal 500 wedding invitations. The purpose of hiring a wedding planner is to make this process a beautiful and memorable experience. If there is crying involved, the tears should be tears of joy, not anger because the groom forgot to book the DJ or flowers were delivered in the wrong color. The difference in the stress level of a bride who has a professional planner and one who doesn’t is palpable. When it comes to the day of your wedding, the most important thing is that you are able to relax and enjoy it. You are the bride. You don’t want to end up being the point person for the issues and questions that will inevitably arise. Hiring a planner frees you and everyone you love to live in the moment on your wedding day. A good planner serves as a buffer in tricky relational situations. It’s a known fact that it’s impossible to make everyone happy when planning a wedding. A planner is a safe neutral person to point to for direction. It’s easier to tell your future mother-in-law, “My planner thinks we need to….” instead of “I think we should….”.
Why should brides choose you as a planner?
As the creative mastermind behind D’Concierge Events, I approach every bride and her wedding as delicate blueprints for an event of a lifetime. Charged with creating a personal relationship customized experience, I nurture and cultivate lasting relationships that have blossomed far beyond the wedding. To clients, friends, and loved ones I have an innate ability to make lasting connections and an inimitable talent in translating creative vision. My passion lies in knowing I have a direct impact not only in the flawless production of events but the intrinsic reward in knowing I can contribute to a momentous time in a bride’s life. The joy of coordinating event details and the sense of fulfillment I experienced from witnessing the complete transformation of such a meaningful day in another person’s life engendered my love for event planning and coordinating.
Now let’s have some fun!
Favorite thing to do? – I simply adore all things weddings,every detail about them! Seeking new luxury experiences and unique ideas to share with my current or future bride and groom.
iphone, blackberry or android? – Team iPhone – Words can’t not describe my romance with the iphone :)
Mac or pc? – PC
If you could travel to any location right now, where would it be? – Anyone that knows anything about me they know I have a love for exotic beaches and the ocean. But, right now I would love to travel to see my parents and grandparents in Belleville, IL and just relax amongst the ones that love me the most.
Favorite song? book? tv show? – My favorite song of all time is by the amazing Ms. Rachelle Ferrell ” Til you come back to me”. Favorite T.V. – I’ve to admit I’m a Gladiator – Scandal. I’ve read many books, but if I had to choose one favorite it would be “Just As I AM” by the late great author Mr. E.Lynn Harris.
Guilty pleasure? – Cat napping on my comfy sofa with my two miniature dachshunds watching DVR.
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Munaluchi Features
Nigerian and African-American Fusion Wedding in Texas
View his portfolio page here https://www.munaluchibridal.com/vendor/texas-wedding-planner-d-concierge-events/ Visit the site – http://dconcierge.net Get in touch – [email protected] [divider]
I’m a huge fan of Darryl’s! Lvoe this