Passion drives this industry, and Briana Dixon, Owner and Lead Wedding Planner of Nouvelle Weddings, uses her passion to ensure that every couple receives the personal care and attention that's so important to creating their perfect day. Briana's favorite part of any wedding is the moment the couple sees each other for the first time and one of them gets teary-eyed at the sight of the person they love most in the world walking towards them. It's in those moments that she's so grateful to have this job and be a part of this most important step in a couple’s life together. Read on to learn Briana's inspiration for entering the wedding industry and how Aisle Planner helps Nouvelle Weddings deliver the client experience she wants to!
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
In high school, I worked behind the scenes as Student Director of the school theater program. While I loved managing all of the logistics of a large production, I knew theater wasn't my passion. A casual conversation with a friend shortly after college graduation put me on the path to event planning. After starting on the corporate side, I got a chance to work on a few weddings. There I found the passion I'd been missing and never looked back.
Why did you start Nouvelle Weddings?
Weddings were much different when I started the company in 2009. I really wanted to bring a more personal approach to planning and help to create more custom designs focused on each unique couple. It's so nice to see how that perspective is now the norm for this industry.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
We all love the beautiful designs and details of a wedding day, but I'd like to see more of a focus on the marriage itself.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner keeps us organized and efficient. Having all of our tools and resources in one place makes planning easy and stress-free for our clients.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
The layout and seating tool is amazing! Having everything from floor plans and table numbers to seat assignments and meal choices in one place makes the final organization and preparations so easy.
If you weren't the Owner + Lead Wedding Planner of Nouvelle Weddings, what would you be doing instead or what would your life be like?
I honestly don't know. Wedding planning is the one career I've been passionate about over the course of my life. I really feel like I'm right where I belong. If I hadn't found this, I don't know if I would feel as happy and fulfilled in my career.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
- Detailed itineraries for every member of our team.
- Safety pins and a sewing kit because almost every wedding dress gets stepped on and every bustle breaks.
- Lots of water! During and/or after photos, the couple is almost always asking for water. And let's be honest, drinking water throughout the day is the best way to avoid that wedding vendor hangover the day after. We bring bottles with us everywhere.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
Logistics are everything! The wedding day timeline is the foundation on which everything else is built and without that strong foundation, the smaller details won't matter. Take time to focus on the logistical planning and learn how to do that the best way possible. Wedding design is important, but the logistical planning is priority number one.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
Meticulously planned logistics and realistic timelines.
Is there anything you're particularly excited about working on this year?
We're expanding into the Nashville area and we've just recently brought on another lead planner to cover the Baltimore market. We're super excited to see how the business grows from here!
Just for fun
Three things you wouldn't board a plane without?
My kindle, my water bottle, and chapstick.
Dogs or cats?
Both! I had cats growing up and love them. But now we have the sweetest dog, and I'm starting to understand why people view them as such big parts of their families.
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
Healthier versions of American comfort foods.
What skill would you like to master?
Flat lay styling. I'm very inspired by some friends of mine who are masters at the art of flat lays. It's such a fun outlet for creativity and I'd love to get better at it.
On my days off you can find me…
Spending time with my husband and daughter! Whether it's relaxing or being more adventurous, we're doing it together!
Want to see more from Briana? Check out her website nouvelleweddings.com!
Hero photo courtesy Living Radiant Photography
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