Hey everyone! As you know, my name is Danielle and I am the owner of Danie Marie Events. I am a Master Certified Wedding Planner and Ambassador through The Bridal Society, the leading Wedding Planning Certification Program in the world, and the largest membership of Certified Wedding Planners & Venues. We, at The Bridal Society, know how important hiring an educated Wedding Planner or Coordinator is. The Bridal Society is a wedding planner lifetime membership and certification program focused on raising the standards in the industry and ensuring that all couples have an opportunity to have the wedding day of their dreams.
I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite people, Jason Martin, owner of JMartin Weddings and Events.
Welcome, Jason! Thank you for joining me today.
Tell me a bit about your company.
I own three different companies that serve different sectors. Headshots division includes individual and group headshots for companies. JMartin Productions handles corporate videos for marketing, sales, and training. And then we have JMartin Weddings and Events. It is what I truly have a passion for and love. I'm a sucker for a good love story. Why else would I dedicate my weekends to doing weddings?
I've been a photographer for 14 years and started the company in 2008 and our first services were weddings.
And, how big is your team?
We have about 8-9 regular photographers that work with us on a weekly basis. Because of my colleagues and our network, we oftentimes reach out to other professionals for various purposes. Think of us as "The Transformers", we combine forces to make the necessary transformations to get the job done.
That makes perfect sense! Well, they say, "teamwork makes the dream work" right?
Listen, that's the only way. My favorite quote ever is actually by Margaret Mead "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
I absolutely love that! So, tell me, what inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
I remember when someone asked me to shoot their wedding. Let me tell you, I can't tell you how I did it with that camera. It didn't even have the proper flash and I loved the pictures. I thought it was something. But, you know, it's always the friend that wasn't going to get a photographer who asks "hey can you do my wedding?"
I quickly realized weddings are a sport. It's a situation where there are no second chances. I quickly realized it's not for everybody and that by itself has drawn me to it. But, some of the beautiful stories and the people that you meet I think that's what's kept me - the fairy tale of it all.
What is the one thing you wish you had known when you began your career?
Great question. I can say I would've marketed myself differently. Knowing our value and being able to communicate that value to clients. It's not just about the pictures. The experience is key. Another thing is the rapport you build with your clients - someone that can make you smile, that isn't going to over pose or over talk you, someone that knows how to guide you in those pivotal moments.
How many weddings do you take per year?
Between 30 - 50
Out of the weddings, how many would you say you do with a hired Certified Wedding Planner?
Unfortunately, less than 30%
Can you tell me why you prefer working weddings when a Certified Wedding Planner is hired by the couple?
Clients are offered a discount when they have a Certified Wedding Planner because if they don't have one I know my day is going to be tough. With a Certified Wedding Planner, my day will be better and smoother. Couples aren't as present when they have to handle the details of the wedding day. This is the most expensive party most people will ever have. You should enjoy your wedding. The only way to do that is if you aren't throwing/planning the party. The way I look at it is - if you have a Certified Wedding Planner they will throw the party and you can just attend and have fun.
Can you describe a scene when there is no Certified Wedding Planner?
I would need a two-hour interview to tell you everything. Every single that doesn't have a planner I notice a distracted bride, a bride that has to answer her cell phone, a bride that tells me "hold on" when trying to shoot because she tending to a problem, a bride that is being asked for directions, fewer smiles, people being late. The list goes on. I push getting a Certified Wedding Planner. I try not to be pushy for too many things at the wedding but I definitely push for getting a planner.
I also feel that venues have great intentions, however when I hear "the venue has a coordinator", everybody has their own concerns. Their main concern is the venue and their staff's performances. Clients need someone representing them (a Certified Wedding Planner) to make sure that their vision and all their wishes work out that they want them.
Do you wish all your couples hired a Certified Wedding Planner?
Yes, especially you.
Thank you Jason, I really appreciate that! It's always a wonderful thing when people understand what you do.
With that said, what is a common myth about your profession that you want to debunk?
Just because you are a photographer doesn't mean you can execute a wedding well. Weddings are a different animal. Also, don't practice on someone's wedding. You can always start as a second shooter.
Jason, thank you so much for joining me today. It's always great speaking with you. What is the best way for clients to contact you?
You can also check them out on Wedding Wire and The Knot.
If you are reading this today and you are interested in earning your certification in Wedding Planning, The Bridal Society is the very best decision you could ever make. The members of this organization feel more like family than colleagues. The Bridal Society provides lifetime FREE membership once you complete your certification, which includes countless benefits. Visit www.thebridalsociety.com for more information. If you would like to receive an exclusive discount code, message me!
Again, my name is Danielle owner of Danie Marie Events. Join me next time when I’ll be talking to another amazing wedding professional!
Tell me what you think below or if you found this helpful. If you have any questions about The Bridal Society or would like to book a certified event/wedding planner, contact me for a free consultation.
Happy Planning!
xo
~Danie Marie
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