We're so thrilled to have our dear friend Sara Muchnick here today for a little Q & A, after having recently launched her fabulous, full service event planning company, Sara Muchnick Events. Welcome, Sara!
Hitched: How did you get started in the wedding industry?
Sara Muchnick: My career in the wedding industry started as an intern in college. My first experience was with Fandango Events in Baltimore which is now the decor company Chicka Chicka Boom Boom [also known as Chicka]. After that, I interned for Rita Bloom and Tracey Bloom Schwartz at Creative Parties in Bethesda, Maryland. From there I went north to work with a wedding planner in Philadelphia and finally landed back in the DC area at MD based Sugarplum Tent Company. The creativity and drive here in the DC area was so much greater than I experienced in other cities. My time at Sugarplum helped me become a pro at executing outdoor events and making sure to have weather contingency plans. In 2006 I joined Engaging Affairs and planned with them for the eight years that followed. My experiences under that company included weddings 1) planned in 8 weeks 2) for as little as 45 guests to well over 500 guests 3) Indian extravaganzas, elephant and all 4) Vietnamese Tea Ceremonies 5) multi ethnic/cultural and religious ceremonies and 6) travels from Connecticut to Miami and the Bahamas as well as many stops in between. I've learned a ton along the way. The challenge and excitement of creating something new for each client has been truly worth the long hours. Not to mention an honorary degree in psychology should be awarded...
After leaving Engaging Affairs in 2013, I officially launched Sara Muchnick Events and I can honestly say it's been a wonderful and unexpected whirlwind since day one. My associates and I can't wait to see what's to come!
Hitched: What inspired you to start Sara Muchnick Events?
SM: I'm not sure there was anything specific that inspired me to start SME. I felt I got to a point where if I was ever going to do it, now was the time and I didn't want to wonder "what if". With the amazing encouragement I had been receiving from past clients, family and friends I decided to take the steps to create a new brand that I felt would appeal to a timeless, sophisticated clientele looking for a luxury experience for the planning and execution of their weddings.
Hitched: What's your favorite part of the process, or favorite part about working with DC couples?
Hitched: What are some of the hottest wedding trends we'll be seeing this fall?
SM: Trends is a hot button topic for me. I read about the trends, but they aren't usually at the forefront of my events mainly because trends go out of style. The last thing I want is for my clients to look back at their pictures in 5 or 10 years and wonder why they ever did what they did. It's very important for me that we create timeless celebrations that won't seem dated. Kind of like the 80's bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses. You all know what I'm talking about. But, if I had to choose one trend that I like, as pointed out by my associate Keren, it's the use of all types of chairs as opposed to the standard chiavari reception chair. Whether you mix and match or just do all the same unique seating element, I think an unexpected chair adds weight and interesting personality to an event set up.
We're so grateful for Sara's wedding expertise, and are incredibly proud to support SME! Stay tuned for upcoming guest posts from Sara, where she'll address tons of your wedding planning questions & much more!
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