In-Depth Interview with Event Design Group -Munaluchi Bride

Event designer & planner, and MunaLuchi Coterie member, Natalie Melton of Event Design Group, LLC has fifteen years experience in the wedding industry. With a style described as classic, timeless elegance, Natalie strives to design events that will continue turning heads twenty years from now, leaving brides and grooms-to-be saying, “I want my wedding to look like THAT!”

Learn all about Event Design Group, LLC, in this informative and inspiring in-depth interview.

Name: Natalie Melton
Business Name: Event Design Group, LLC
Founded: 2003

Describe your business. Event Planning & Design Services.

What did you do before starting your business in the wedding industry? I was a Program Manager.

How long have you been in the wedding industry? 15 Years!

How would you describe your style? Classic. I recognize and love a good trend but I embrace timeless elegance. I want people to look at events that I’ve produced 20 years from now and say, “I want my wedding to look like THAT!”

What motivates you? I’m very passionate about what I do. I truly believe this is my calling. It doesn’t feel like work, so it’s not really hard for me to be motivated about anything event related!

Why should brides/grooms choose you? I truly care about my brides and grooms and ultimately, want them to thoroughly enjoy one of the most important days of their lives. They shouldn’t have to focus on or worry about the details of their day. As the professional, it’s my job to ensure that both the bride and groom, and their details are taken care of. We pride ourselves on creating that experience for each and every client. Also, every vendor that has EVER worked with us will tell you, EDG WORKS HARD!!! People don’t expect it, but we move mountains, and tables and chairs for our clients, LOL. Nothing is too big or too small for us. We’re here to get the job DONE!

How does your company define and measure success? Happy, Satisfied, Clients. I care SO deeply about this. We’re never going to be perfect, but we strive to be.

What do you enjoy most about your work? Design Concept creation, getting to know my clients and Day of Execution

Describe a proud moment while working in the wedding industry. Anytime I do a room reveal to a client and they are overjoyed. I had one mom in tears. She was so happy. It made me cry happy tears too. I LOVE WHAT I DO! (Can you hear me screaming that? My heart leaps.)

What’s the best compliment you’ve received for your work? When clients and vendors affirm that I’m walking in my purpose. Without prompting, I’ve had multiple clients and vendors come to me and say, “This is what you were born to do.” I love how God reassures us.

What are your business goals? For my company to continue to grow. I want EDG to be a firm. A team of amazing planners and designers. I’m hiring!!!

What’s your favorite part of the wedding industry? Collaboration! I love working with like-minded vendors, always striving to set the bar and create impeccable client experiences. It is SO important to me to work with the ultimate professionals; professionals looking to take the industry by storm. I also think we have some of the most AMAZING creatives in this business. I love to glean inspiration from them. It’s very inspiring.

What’s your least favorite part of the wedding industry? Hmmmm, the industry… lack of diversity, there is so much talent and creativity amongst people of color and it goes overlooked and untapped. There is an unfortunate stigma, for some, associated with minority business. It’s a real sticking point for me. I want to break that stigma. I want to constantly have a network of minority event professionals around me that break that stigma. One of my business goals is to have a strong representation of every vendor type, consisting solely of persons of color. Not that I would ever exclude anyone that wasn’t a minority but I always want to be able to be able to call on a minority vendor partner that I know will show up and show out for my clients. The experience for our clients should be consistent and impeccable.

Describe your vision of the “perfect” wedding. So each wedding is about the couple, so this is relative. However, a perfect day will definitely consist of the following: Timeliness, Great Food, Even Better Entertainment (I dance at almost every wedding, lol) and clients that are blown away!

Where do you find the most inspiration? My clients (I’ve got some pretty snazzy clients, who doesn’t love that!), Home décor, I am addicted to visiting model homes… ADDICTED! Fashion. Other vendors in the industry. I’m in awe of the talent God has given to some of these planners and designers out here. Creation. We can find beauty in everything around us.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know? I luh God, you don’t luh God….