Before founding, Irene Tyndale Weddings and Events, Irene Tyndale had an expansive career as a corporate planner for several notable hotels. Since starting her own company, Irene and her team have developed a detailed and passionate approach to planning. When the pandemic hit, Irene quickly shifted and found ways to continue hosting the weddings of her client's dreams. Her nominator Jacqueline Vizcaino explains,
"Irene Tyndale Weddings and Events took a negative, the pandemic and event unrest in 2020, and launched Small Weddings Atlanta and Micro Weddings Atlanta. Irene guided her clients with 'kid gloves' and provided them options. While other planners were debating, flustered, and at a loss for words, she checked on vendors (family first, health second, and business third), awarding her the opportunity to redirect her efforts to support venues that were thinking of pivoting but just didn’t know what that looked like at the same time executing her client’s dream day."
We spoke with Irene about the value of family, who inspires her, why it was important to continue with celebrations during the pandemic, and how she feels that we can all continue to 'Show the Love'.
What inspired you to make the switch from being a corporate planner for hotels to founding your own wedding planning company?
It was never my intention to be a business owner. I loved working in hotels and had my heart set on becoming a Director of Sales & Marketing when I was fired/released from my current position in 2012. I was devastated, it was two weeks before Thanksgiving. My husband let me have my pity party and then said, “You should start your own business”.
Do you have a niche/main design aesthetic?
I have spent years and money on figuring out my “niche” and it finally hit me a few years ago - I love working with couples who are planning a heartfelt experience for their family and friends. Couples who prioritize guests as much as themselves. Our clients are a traditional and modern couple and it shows in their lives and carries through the wedding.
What's your advice for business owners in developing or discovering their niche/design aesthetic?
First figure out who you are, who you are personally & who do you LOVE to service? You can’t be everything to everyone. When you discover who you are and who you really want to service you will find your niche and aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to “YOU”.
In what ways did you need to change or adjust your plans for your business due to the restrictions of the pandemic?
We started 2020 with a full calendar and were projected to service about 25 weddings. In the Spring/Summer we assisted half of our clients with rescheduling/postponing and re-planning their weddings due to COVID-19. But as we assisted our couples with this major move, we noticed some couples who didn’t have a planner or were planning on having a destination wedding were struggling. Following CDC and local guidelines we quickly created a new service called “Small Weddings Atlanta”.
What're the hardest parts of continuing with work during the pandemic?
Keeping up with the ever-changing CDC regulations—per state, city & county. Keeping our clients, their guests, my team, and vendors all safe. Safety for everyone is constantly at the forefront of my mind.
What's the most rewarding part of continuing with work the pandemic?
Witnessing the brides & grooms say “I Do” in front of their closest family and friends. It's pure joy to assist and witness this moment. Helping them say “I Do” in the midst of the best and craziest time in their lives will forever be in my heart.
What inspired you to continue hosting weddings by launching Small Weddings Atlanta and Micro Weddings Atlanta?
I would say the most inspiring thing was getting a chance to work with our creative partners and vendors. Small Weddings Atlanta was created for couples who wanted to say in “I Do: in a New Way". In 2020 I wanted to make sure that I helped my creative partners stay in business, so every little bit of innovation helped.
Were there any concerns you and your team had while continuing to host weddings and events during the pandemic?
No, I can truly say when I brought up the ideas of “Small/Micro Weddings” they said, “Let’s do it.” My team was by my side for every wedding we executed last year.
Why do you think it's important to continue celebrating in the midst of hard times, like during the pandemic?
A wedding not only celebrates the love that two people have for each other, but it also unites family and friends. It gives everyone who witnesses hope for the future. Hosting weddings now will give future couples hope and keep them dreaming about their wedding. It's our job to keep them dreaming - our industry depends on that.
What is your advice for any budding entrepreneurs/business owners in general?
If you do not have a business background hire a Business Coach to walk you through the CEO journey. Create a solid business foundation. While you are doing this become an expert on what you are selling.
What motivates you to keep going in your business?
My biggest motivation is my family—I love that I can schedule my business around my life and family. I also love that my children are getting a real-life lesson on what it looks like to be an entrepreneur. Secondly, I am motivated by creating beautiful wedding days for my clients that are full of love, laughter, and logistics.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
I am proud of my overall business brand—it has taken me years to figure out who I am and who I love serving. Second, I am proud of the organic growth I have had over the last eight years in my business. All of this hard work has paid off with amazing clients and industry recognition.
Can you name three people who inspire you to do the work that you do?
My mother is my biggest inspiration—she's one of the strongest and fiercest women I know. She taught me the true meaning of loving and serving others. She has the biggest heart and is the ultimate hostess. My business was birthed from my husband (Duane) believing in me and inspiring me to start my own business and do it better with every client. I have two mentors Jon’ll Boyd and Kathy Romero. These women operate in excellence and they lead with their hearts. At the core of their business is the love for their family, clients, and mentees.
Do you use Aisle Planner for any part of your business, and if so how does it help you deliver a more mainstream client experience?
We use AP to stay connected with all of our clients—this is especially helpful with our Wedding Management clients. Clients love having a central hub where they can stay connected with me and keep their wedding planning organized.
What're you most looking forward to in this coming year?
Looking forward to witnessing my couples say, “I Do” and my new Course for Planners called, “Wedding Management Blueprint”.
How do you feel that you and/or other wedding and event pros can ‘Show the Love’ during these times?
We need to remember that behind every wedding business owner/company there is a family (big or small). Do not forget to “Show the Love” to your vendors as much as we do to our clients. Be kind-hearted when interacting with one another. Couples will come and go, but your wedding community is your tribe, so treat them well.
To find out more about Irene's work with Small Weddings Atlanta, visit her site here: irenetyndale.com/small-weddings
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