Today we’d like to introduce you to Jo Ann Schwartz Woodward.
Jo Ann, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I love our story…. As a husband and wife team we have created countless unforgettable weddings for Houston couples for over the last 15 1/2 years. I received my masters degree in social work from Tulane and went on to become director of business development for a major Houston corporation. I left the corporate world shortly after our romantic honeymoon in Tahiti to pursue my passion for planning and joined forces with my husband John Woodward and his extensive background in restaurant management and catering business.
If I have to spend most of my Saturday nights at weddings than what better person to be with than my partner in life. I loved our wedding and want each of our couples to love, love, love theirs.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Starting off in a new marriage and a new business definitely had its challenges. We bring totally different skills to the table. We learned quickly that if we were to reach our goals we needed to eat, sleep, drink and breathe weddings.
At the time we started our business in 2001, there were not a lot of planners that were willing to share or exchange any knowledge. I read every book I could get my hands on as well as joined the Bridal Association which is a National organization to take courses, seminars and conferences. We still attend many summits to keep fresh on our wedding planning ideas.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Schwartz & Woodward story. Tell us more about the business.
We believe that no two couples are alike and no two weddings should be either.
Whether you are planning a large Houston reception or a small ceremony, a destination weddings or a multicultural event, Schwartz & Woodward has the resources and expertise to produce a smooth, seamless occasion.
We primarily do complete wedding planning and only do one wedding a weekend.
When a couple secures our services they know that they will be working with me.
Each wedding begins with an in-depth interview with the couple to find out where they met, how the proposal was orchestrated, where is their favorite place to eat and to travel as well as family traditions which are very important. This collaboration assists us in helping the couple make their wedding day unique and is personalized to their tastes.
We make the planning process easy for the busy bride and groom. A wedding is one of the most expensive celebrations that you will host and it’s our goal to provide the couple with valuable guidance to ensure that they avoid costly mistakes.
There is a myth that when you hire a planner that you give up the reins for your weddings. This is not true…. we work as a team.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck…. The role of luck was meeting John Woodward, my husband and partner.
At the time we started our business the Houston economy was thriving.
There is no luck involved with planning weddings…. it is hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.schwartzwoodward.com
- Phone: 713.780.1282
- Email: joann@schwartzwoodward.com
Image Credit:
Tomas Ramos
Serendipity
E. Sullivan
Ashley K. Photography
Select Studios
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