Today I woke up in 2019. I would be remiss to not reflect on the fabulousness of 2018! For years I have dreamed of starting my own event planning business. At the end of March, I decided no more waiting…I registered my LLC, got a business license, ordered some business cards and was ready to make my dreams come true! I have so much thankfulness for my husband, family and friends for encouraging me and supporting me every step of the way! I can honestly say, I have loved every minute of working with brides again and helping them make their wedding day the best day ever!
Literally within two days of launching A Pineapple Affair, I got a request from Kayla to be her day of coordinator on Folly Beach at the Regatta Inn in two weeks! I landed the job, and I was beyond fortunate to have such a sweet couple to kick off this venture. As an added bonus, they were from Georgia, right down the road from Athens, so it was certainly serendipitous and I felt super comfortable. Their outside wedding was challenging, to say the least. The wind was blowing so hard, it was blowing the silverware off the tables! Together with her family, we wrapped the bottom of the Inn to create our own little tent, called in additional tent sides for the actual tent, and remained calm. We never let Kayla know things were a little stressed downstairs and we got everything set up beautifully. Luckily, the wind died down just in time for the festivities to begin!
After Kayla and Tate’s wedding, I had the honor of assisting nine other brides this year! From Cori and Carson at the Coosaw Country Club to Melissa and Mike at The Gaillard to Kristi and Kenny at Belmond Charleston Place to Heather and Josh at The Mills House Hotel to Morgan and Collin at Wild Dunes Resort to Kristine and Ryan at Middleton Place to Mandy and Geoff at the Citadel Beach House to Morgan and Andrew at The Links at Patriots Point to Jeannette and William at The Tides Hotel.
I’ve gotten to see a different side of Charleston, one full of love and laughter as couples embark on their journey of martial bliss. Each bridal booking is like an interview, and I am I reminded of why I love doing this each time I book a new bride!
I’ve gotten to know new vendors and even worked with some twice so far! I have enjoyed getting to meet new people and I’m beyond inspired by their passion for their craft.
Since I also work full-time as the Director of Special Events at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, I have had to learn how to become more protective and more purposeful of my time. My busy season was this fall, and sometimes I’d work 16 days in a row between MUSC and APA. I’ve used my down time to soak up every minute with my husband and daughter, and really do all I can to love on them and let them know how much I appreciate them!
I only have a few open dates in 2019. I have another lineup of wonderful couples and I can’t wait to bring their weddings to life! I absolutely love getting to know all my brides throughout their engagements and seeing how much the brides and grooms enjoy their days. I truly feel like a fairy godmother, making their ceremony and reception sites perfect and ready to rock for their arrival!
Thanks for trusting me and supporting me during 2018! This side hustle of mine has given me more life and joy than I could have imagined! Special thanks to all my brides for being so sweet, kind and fabulous! 2019 is sure to be one for the books!
XO,
Abby
A Pineapple Affair 