Vendor Feature: Donnah Phipps – Poised Events

How long have you been in business?

This Thanksgiving will be 6 years.

What made you start Poised Events?

My background is in Catering and Events and as a catering manager, I saw a need for couples planning their weddings but needed someone to execute their wants and needs.  managing their timeline and some in charge to make decisions or support the vendors.  And more importantly, they could be present at their wedding and not worry about the logistics or where the toasting glasses were.  Plus, I always new I wanted to be a “she boss” and never knew when or how but after 6 years working for a big catering company, I felt it was time!

What is your favorite part of owning your own business?

I guess the ownership and knowing that everything I do is a representation of me and the knowledge I have gained through experience and education.  I love to share and teach and also create, and I feel my work even if it is Month of Coordination shows my passion.

Who is your ideal client?  Who inspires you in your design?

Our ideal client is someone who knows what they want but not always knows how to execute it or is looking for someone to manage the day.  I love my month of coordination clients as that is the bulk of our business.  We do have a few full planning clients per year and it is so exciting to plan and design.  What inspires me is simplicity goes a long way.  I love putting a little fashion with a lot of classic. 

Describe the process of working with you.  What do couple’s need to know?

I feel I am easy going and enjoy laughter.  I love to hear their story and get to know my couples even if I am working with them for 3 months or 1 year.  I tease my clients letting them know that yes, it is your day, but it is really mine.  Then I go into explaining what I mean, and that is I am here to manage your day so that you don’t have to worry about anything but being present.  Because you have shared all your ideas, thoughts and concerns with me, I am able to do what I love even better. I don’t have to ask so many questions or second guess any decisions I have made on behalf of the client.  We also talk about family dynamics and letting me be the one to help as I am the stranger and hope to provide a level head as I am here for the day and not forever. A lot of times, my clients come to me with ideas and details and don’t necessarily know how to bring it all together.  We dive into details of the day and what is important and what experience you want to feel and have your guests be a part of and how to bring that to life.   I have seen many events and weddings and I also share with my clients that I like to be a little devil’s advocate to make you think about the big picture and flow. My client always get what they want with a little more thought of why and how it will make better sense!

What trends are inspiring to you right now?

I am not sure this is considered a trend , but I am loving the micro wedding due to our new lives… but I think I have always loved more intimate settings. Don’t get me wrong, this girl loves a big celebration too!  But there is something about a wedding under 50 that makes you present and a part of everything. As for Trends, I am all about linen and floral and what is inspiring me right now are jewel tones.  The colors are so rich and colorful, the shy is the limit and I see linens and flowers in those colors.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Vanilla bean!  yes it seems boring, LOL. depending on the day I add bananas or strawberries and melted heath bar mix YUMMERS!!!

Where would you most like to travel?

At this point anywhere!!  I have a bucket list and one of the places I would love to go in Australia and then of course since I am down there, head over to New Zealand and Fiji and of course add wine tours!! LOL

I LOVE teaming up with Donnah and her team. Working with them? Let’s talk about how to make this partnership even more amazing!