We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassandra Richardson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassandra, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
i have always had a creative streak. I come from a creative family of people who love to draw, paint, cook, bake, and sew. Growing up in that environment as well as going to a creative arts school really allowed me to explore multiple creative outlets. I tended to lean toward the art section. I loved color theory, perspective, how shapes, color, and texture come together to create a work of art.

I also loved weddings. Everything about weddings gave me such pleasure! Going thru the JCPenny Bridal catalog and marking the items I loved, paring veils and dresses together, noticing what gowns were carried over to the next season… this was my Friday night. When my sister got engaged it was a dream come true. I was able to plan my first wedding. And then the movie “The Wedding Planner” came out and I was over the moon with the idea of having this as an actual career.

Planning weddings is my happy place. It allows me to be creative on a grand scale.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a full service event planning company that helps modern couple host extraordinary weddings through noteworthy planning and custom designed experiences. My clients say that what sets me apart from other planners is that I am professional, creative, and help them enjoy their events. They also usually say that I’m worth every penny!

I’ve learned over my 20 some years in the industry that even when you are running a business you will get so much more satisfaction from making your clients and their guests happy. Yes a paycheck is nice but I love witnessing moments of pure joy at each event.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being based in Phoenix there is so much to do. We would enjoy the Botanical Gardens, art museums, and catch a game. There are gourmet restaurants that cater to any craving we could have. And for some nighttime fun there are several speakeasy or rooftop bars that offer amazing drinks, live entertainment, and my favorite activity: dancing!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would first shoutout to my parents who encouraged me to be creative and independent.

My sister, Tammy, was my original partner and she and I complemented each other perfectly. I still call on her to bounce ideas off of.

As my business has grown I have taken on a mentor, Terrica, who is a force to be reckoned with in the event industry. She tells it to me straight and has such an amazing mind for business.

I also have the support of the Certified Wedding Planner Society, with whom I am certified through and continue to be educated through. Lori and Krisy offer constant support, years of knowledge, and overall love for the wedding industry. The CWP always reminds me to keep my standards high.

Website: www.cassandranicholeevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassandranicholeevents/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CassandraNicholeEvents/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cassandranicholeevents6906?si=WqJ57VAx61-aUkt_

Other: https://cnevents.my.canva.site/

Image Credits
1. Mine 2. Mine 3 & 4- Cyndi Hardy Photography 5- Mine 6- Tyler Sayre Photography 7. Merlo Photography 8. Client

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