Callie's Credentials [and Why She Kinda Knows What She's Talking About]

Written by: Callie

Header Photo by: Wanderlust Wedding Co

Since this is the section of the blog that talks about weddings I thought we would start from the beginning to explain how I {semi} know what I’m talking about when it comes to weddings, and particularly, venue stuff.

So after college, as you can tell from our About Us page, we were all post grad losers. At the time of my graduation, Kenzie was still in school so she got a pass for not working. I, on the other hand, had the worst time finding a job. Not for lack of trying, because I applied to at least 4 jobs every day for the better part of 8 months. Nothing was really working so I took a break and helped my mom with her estate sale business.

Because of the estate sales, Kenzie and I have always had a problem with acquiring too much stuff while not getting rid of anything. Currently, our “playhouse” and half of the garage are completely full with our treasures and un-walkable. We eventually thought that other people might like our crap too so we opened a sort of rental business for people decorating their wedding venues to use items we already had.

Photo by Second Shots Photography. Decor by us at Simply Splendid Rentals

The business did not take off. We still have it and every now and then someone will like a few pieces enough to rent it but not all that often. But because of this business we got on a few Facebook pages that cater to helping current brides-to-be find vendors for their weddings. And on that page there was a caterer looking for a person to handle all of the planning and setting up of reception tables and centerpieces for her clients weddings. I became that person.

It was great, I loved working with the brides and dreaming up their centerpieces with them. Going to different venues every week with mom, Kenzie, and Brenna in tow to help me set everything up was always an adventure and 9 times out of 10 was actually fun.

A 250 guest wedding we set up for at The Springs venue.

But long story turned short is that the caterer was a scam artist, didn’t pay me for 3 months of work, and messed up all of her clients’ food menus. Eventually, after being sued by several people but never showing for court, she skipped town and is now running a new scam in the Austin area.

So I was back to square one for a job. Luckily a few weeks later, a wedding planner got in touch with me because she needed help with her weddings. This one was legit, it was Sweet Tea & Linen and I worked with Carolyn and her husband, John, for a few weddings and loved every minute! She worked a lot with a venue called Hodge Podge Lodge whose office manager was moving away and she nominated me to be the replacement.

I’ve now been there a little over a year and it’s been so great. I love meeting new people every day, building vendor relationships, and helping make each bride’s big day the best day ever for her and her partner.

So, I do actually know a bit about weddings. And if that’s not enough, I’m also an engaged person (proposal story to come soon)! Now I get both sides of the coin; I’ve worked behind the scenes of 50+ weddings and now I’m on the front lines of my own wedding. I’ll share any secrets I know and would love to help you plan your wedding in any way I can!

Tell me your burning wedding questions and ideas of what you would like to hear us discuss on the wedding page by emailing us at thegirls@rambleandrove.com!

Have specific venue questions? Leave me a comment!