Chelsea from Black Tie Optional shares her journey from corporate event planner to award-winning wedding planner, revealing how her passion for creating unique, personalized celebrations has transformed countless couples' special days. Her approach to wedding planning focuses on authenticity and originality, helping couples break free from traditional expectations to create experiences that genuinely reflect their personalities and love stories.

• Becoming an award-winning planner after starting her business during COVID when vendors recognized her exceptional skills
• The importance of the "big three" early decisions: venue, date, and budget
• Why staying true to yourself is the ultimate wedding planning philosophy
• Creating unique experiences like book wall installations and Harry Potter-inspired floating candle displays
• Strategies for handling opinionated family members, especially those contributing financially
• Essential vendor booking timeline: which professionals to secure first
• The value of videography—why it's the one thing couples most regret skipping
• Designing weddings that showcase Arizona's natural beauty rather than following trends

Use code HIVE25 to get a special discount on Chelsea's upcoming DIY wedding planning course launching June 1st, 2025. The course will guide you through every decision from engagement to post-wedding life.

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