WeddingDay Pro Spotlight: Sarah Journay, Journay and Co.

When it comes to the discussion and planning of an event like your wedding—you could be excited and nervous, but also frustrated and overwhelmed. Either way, this day evokes emotion. Because emotion is the touchstone of this day, the atmosphere surrounding you becomes vital to curating an environment for celebration. That is why Event Designers and Coordinators like Journay and Co. become an essential part of the day. Sarah Journay, Owner and Lead Designer at Journay and Co., understands the passion of an event like a wedding. She says, “I think it's important my clients know they can always lean on me! Whether you need someone to cover logistics, design, or you just need someone to vent to for the day, that's what I'm here for.”

It is Sarah’s passion for event management that makes her the perfect helping hand to any couple. If passion crosses your mind when you think about tying the knot with the partner of your dreams then you need to turn to Journay and Co. to help design that once-in-a-lifetime celebration. We sat down with Sarah to discuss her business and learn more about what it means to be passionate about weddings.

Can you tell us about what motivated you to start your business?”

“My motivation to start my business, in short, was having my son. I had worked in the industry for a few years and loved what I was doing but I knew I had the potential to do more and to serve my couples in a unique and special way. Having my son motivated me to be the best version of myself in a way I've never felt in my entire life. He deserves the best mom and I didn't feel like I was giving that to him by limiting my abilities and not sharing them on a greater scale. Thus, Journay and Co. was created and the rest is history!”

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What led you here?

“My business experience comes from just that - experience. I started working in the hospitality industry when I was 13 at my family's restaurant. I then worked my way through college as a bartender and an office manager for a small business in my hometown. After graduating and working in the medical field for about two years, I was graced with the opportunity to work for the venue at which I was hosting my wedding (The Loft on Isanogel and The Lodge at River Valley Farm) as a venue and event coordinator. What I thought would start as a part-time, fun position quickly grew into an opportunity to learn marketing, management, coordination and design skills. I'm still so grateful to this family and their business for presenting me with the opportunity to recognize my passion.”

Would you say that your passion lies in your business? If so, what is that passion and how does it affect your business?

“There are two elements of my business that I feel my passion lies within. They are love and design. My clients are full of love for their partner, their families and their people. I love working with kind and genuine people and I'm lucky enough to have found that both in my clients and vendors! When it comes to design, my design process is a bit different. I pull elements from architecture, art, interior design, fashion - you name it, it has probably inspired me in one way or another. I'm constantly challenging myself to do more and be different. Every wedding and event I do has at least one element that sets them apart from any other that I've done! Something that is entirely unique to them.”

 

As a business owner, what do you strive to accomplish? What should potential clientele know about you?

“As a business owner, I strive to make the planning process an enjoyable, stress-free experience! This is one of the best days of your life! Let me do all the legwork while you enjoy your time with all of the love that is surrounding you and supporting you. I think it's important my clients know they can always lean on me! Whether you need someone to cover logistics, design, or you just need someone to vent to for the day, that's what I'm here for!”

 

Tell us about your services. How can you make a couple's day beyond anything they could have imagined?

“My services include Full Planning, Partial Planning and Month-Of Coordination. Full Planning is everything. Start to finish I am there and you have the option to be involved as much (or as little) as you'd like to be! I cover the design, the bookings, the logistics and you're able to simply show up and enjoy every second.”

Why do you love your industry?

“Community over competition seems to be a trend in this industry and I love it! Almost every vendor I've encountered (other planners included), has been so kind, welcoming and full of advice and inspiration. I think in an industry of love you just want to spread that kindness to others and that's an amazing thing!”

 

What is your favorite thing about what you do? What creates fun in your job?

"My favorite part of my job is the design. I love the logistics and planning aspects of my job, but designing your day is where I really shine and my creativity runs free.”

 

What are the most common questions you get from your clients?

“Where to begin?! I think one of the most common questions I receive is 'How do you please everyone?' The honest answer is - you can't. I'm an advocate for my couples through their entire planning process. When we run into hiccups with vendors, friends or even family, I'm here to remind everyone that we're here to celebrate them and that's what keeps us all grounded and moving forward.”

What are the services you provide that clients are surprised about?

“I think the biggest surprise comes when I tell them I'll handle any communication that they're uncomfortable with - even with family and the bridal party. Sometimes it's hard to execute a plan with family and friends. Bringing in a third party helps to smooth out that process and keeps everyone well informed and stress-free!”

 

What is the difference between a planner and coordinator? How do you know which service you need?

“A planner covers it all - back end logistics, design and execution. A coordinator is for those couples that already know what they want and feel confident in their planning abilities and their time to do so! A coordinator executes all of the plans you already have in place to ensure your day runs flawlessly.”

Why should a couple hire a designer for their wedding?

“One of the hardest aspects of the planning process for couples is bringing both styles together. That's what I'm here for. The littlest of details are representative of your story. The flowers, the food, the place settings, the colors - I pull elements of each of you into every detail! I tell my couples that every piece of their design should spark a conversation.”

 

Do you believe in branding a wedding? What should a couple know about branding their wedding?

“Yes! I love branding weddings, but I think less is more. Have those special details that carry through your wedding from your invitations to your favors. Keep it simple and recognizable.”

 

What is next for you? What do you have in store for the future of your business?

“We're coming up on a few international weddings, which is a first for us! We're excited to broaden our horizons and really grow within the industry, but mostly we're excited to bring our couples' visions to life. Every event is different and they're all so special to me in their own way.”

 

 

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