With a passion for turning dreams into reality, Shelby of Plan On It Events and Design has become a go-to expert in Texas wedding planning at The Wayback. In this exclusive interview with owner Shelby, we dive into the journey that led to her becoming a wedding planner in Texas and the joys of creating unforgettable weddings at The Wayback, the perfect intimate wedding venue just fifteen minutes from downtown Austin, Texas. Join us as Shelby shares her tips and tricks for wedding planning, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what sets The Wayback apart compared to other Austin, Texas wedding venues. Whether you're a bride-to-be seeking inspiration or curious about the world of wedding planning, this interview will give you the inside scoop of all things wedding planning at The Wayback.
How did you become a Texas wedding planner, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
My interest in the wedding industry was sparked during my college experience at Texas A&M University. I took a few floral design classes with my horticulture minor and fell in love with design concepts and the behind-the-scenes events on campus. After graduating college, my first job in the industry was as a venue manager and coordinator. From there, I learned the ropes of what a wedding day should look like! I love being a trusted advisor to couples and seeing all of the hard work of planning come together for a wedding day!
What is your favorite part of a wedding day?
Definitely the first look! You can see the nerves of the morning completely wash away as the couple sees each other for the first time in their wedding day garb. All of a sudden, they aren't anxious about the rest of the day but are just excited to live it out with their partner. First looks are one of the most intimate moments on a wedding day and truly anchor you into your memories of the day. I cry almost every time I see one!
Can you describe the unique features of The Wayback in Austin, Texas what makes it an ideal wedding venue for your couples?
Wow, where do I even start!! The Wayback is the perfect property for intimate, full weekend celebrations. Not only is it in gorgeous West Austin, but it feels like a luxury property without seeming pretentious. The grounds are gorgeously maintained, and the client experience is second to none. Plus, couples get an entire run of the property for the weekend with lodging, so you are truly taking a vacation alongside your guests. No other property is as intimate and beautiful for a whole weekend experience with your closest friends.
What are the key factors couples should consider when choosing a wedding venue, and how does The Wayback address these considerations?
The top things guests need to keep in mind in the venue search are their budget, guest count, and how they want the wedding to feel. From a logistics perspective, your overall wedding budget and guest count should limit the venues you plan to tour. You don't want to spend too much of your budget on your venue and not be able to achieve the vision you want with what is left over! Asking for a comprehensive proposal, including the venue rental costs, food, beverage, and staffing costs, is vital before locking in your venue.
Could you share some of your most memorable moments from planning weddings at The Wayback?
Seeing the design we work so hard to create, source, and organize come to life on the wedding day is second to none! My absolute favorite moment from a wedding was one in October of 2022, seeing the bride walk down the aisle surrounded by 50 of their closest family members and friends. The weather was perfect, and the florals were the focus of the decor that day. Everything during setup had run so smoothly, and seeing the bride so happy, walking down the aisle to an ethereal song, I felt like I was in a dream!
What services do you offer as a wedding planner, and how do you customize each wedding to reflect the couple's personalities and preferences?
We offer everything from event management (closest to a "coordination" style package) to full-service planning and full weekend experience planning! We have a core process at the heart of each wedding we plan - but the schedule, details, design, and vendors are unique and personal to every couple. With our full-service couples, we go through an extensive design process that allows our clients to submit lots of feedback so we can make sure the wedding reflects their personality, love story, and heritage.
How do you work with couples to create a cohesive and harmonious wedding theme, from decorations to the ceremony and reception?
Design, design, design! We start off the planning process by having overarching conversations when it comes to design. Do they already have colors in mind? Is there a specific vibe they would like to go for? What descriptor words are they using to search platforms like Pinterest for inspiration? We let those preferences and priorities guide the first set of vendors we book; then, we pause to dig into the design process. Our couples fill out an extensive design questionnaire and provide us with their custom mood boards, and we have a meeting to kick off the design process. Then, after lots of mood boards, feedback, and design kits, we come up with a play-by-play of how we want to design each space of the venue and part of the day to make it reflective of the couples' style!
The wedding industry has evolved over the years. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and ideas to provide a fresh and unique experience for your clients? Networking with other vendors! Continuing to look to my peers and other industry professionals worldwide keeps me inspired and thinking creatively about how we can incorporate different elements into our clients' weddings. Collaborating with other industry professionals on styled shoots is also a great way to flex those creative muscles and get outside the box!
What advice do you have for couples just starting the wedding planning process, especially if they are considering The Wayback as their venue?
First, focus on your guests, and everything will fall into place. Chances are, when your guests are having the time of their lives - you will be too! Keep them in mind through each step of the process, and you will have a wedding that people will rave about for the years to come. Second, hire a vendor team that you trust! That will allow you to release some control (and stress and anxiety) over the wedding day because you feel confident in the team assembled to bring your vision to life.
Finally, what is it about wedding planning and working with couples at The Wayback that you love the most, and how does this venue help you bring your client's dreams to life?
I love working with couples at the Wayback because their priorities align well with mine. Couples who host their weddings at The Wayback (and the team of staff at the property) care a lot about their guests' experience on the wedding weekend and create a full weekend, vacation-like atmosphere for the entire celebration. The Wayback property allows you to have your favorite people all in one place for the weekend. With the onsite cafe, guests are treated to top-notch food all weekend long. Planning a wedding at The Wayback means you will essentially take a vacation with your guests to celebrate your union - what could be better?
If you're embarking on the journey of planning your wedding weekend at The Wayback in Austin, Texas, use these tips and tricks from a Texas wedding planner to make sure your wedding weekend is a success. If you're looking for an intimate wedding venue that some of your wedding guests can stay at, then The Wayback is for you. And if you need someone who knows the ends and outs of wedding planning, The Wayback Shelby with Plan On It Events and Design stands ready to turn your vision into reality. Ready to secure your wedding date? Schedule a tour at The Wayback today!
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