Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Patel.
Amy, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been a part of the wedding and event industry professionally for over 7 years now, creating memorable weddings and special events. My career began in Houston in 2011, working in a fast paced, time critical environment that demanded exceptional planning and organizational skills. With experience under my belt, I was able to build a vast network of wedding industry contacts, always gaining ideas and valuable knowledge in all aspects of the planning process.
Over the years, I have developed a craft to create an event planning experience that is not only smooth but organized and thorough for couples. In 2016 I was given the opportunity to branch out and create a company focused on telling the love story of couples and the path that unites two families, no matter how diverse in culture, customs or traditions together.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I am very fortunate to have a supportive family and group of friends. Being South Asian, most of my generation is expected to fit a mold of “acceptable” career paths such as Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, or Accountants. Although not fitting this mold was a challenge at first, it has proved rewarding to watch as I continuously break through these ‘social norms”. My path to becoming a Wedding Planner actually started off as a part-time job. I started planning weddings while I was at the University of Houston studying Nursing. I am passionate about education and learning, however, the joy and excitement I received from being a part of a milestone moment were irreplaceable. With this passion and excitement, I took the leap and jumped into the planning industry upon graduation.
When I first launched The Storybook Event, I had 3 clients. 1 friend, 1 friend of a friend and 1 vendor referral. I was barely scraping by and remember thinking if all the blood, sweat and tears were worth it. I set a goal: Give TSE 5 years of 110% effort, if not successful by then, I would close shop. Sticking to this goal mentality has proved beneficial as we are experiencing tremendous year after year growth. Entering into year 3, TSE has coordinated over 22 weddings and in process of planning 16 events this year!
The Storybook Event – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Storybook Event is a boutique planning company well versed in traditions and customs around the world. We pride ourselves on our high standards, attention to details and our “can-do” approach to planning and producing events. We believe that all couples should enjoy the planning process during which they work with experienced industry professionals who are as excited about their special occasion as they are themselves. We aim to open hearts and minds one story at a time.
The ability to pre-plan every detail while leveraging creative solutions is our forte. Purposely limiting the number of events planned each year, we uphold our standards and center the attention to you. Our attention to detail allows us to cater to your unique style ultimately allowing our seasoned team to deliver a once in a lifetime experience.
As the company has evolved, I am most proud of the constant success and happiness our team brings to each and every couple. We have received ample love and admiration from each couple, and their families on how their beautiful weekend was conducted to match if not exceed their expectations. There’s no greater success for our team than to hear we made someone’s beautiful moment a dream come true.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I live by Maya Angelou’ definition of success: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” I am married to my job of creating, design and orchestrating wedding events that tell the client’s love story.
For me, I find the greatest pleasure when couples and their families see the benefits and privileges of having a planner on their team. With each event, I grow and learn new ideas, concepts, and traditions to pass on to future clients.
Pricing:
- Our clients spend between $3,000 – $15,000 on planning services, which is based on the services each couple requires.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thestorybookevents.com
- Email: amy@thestorybookevent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storybookevent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/storybookevent/
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/storybookevent/
- Other: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/the-storybook-event-houston/6759dfaf8360aceb.html
Image Credit:
Bella Lumi Photography, Mir Anwar Studios, Daniel Colvin Photography, A&A Photo, Khanh Nguyen Photography, J. Cogliandro Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
