Meet Brooke Simmons | Wedding & Event Planner

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

Hi Brooke, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk in this industry I think is huge! In order to stand out from the crowd, you have to be willing to take risk. High risk can often…. and hopefully, lead to high reward! I’ve done this recently with a styled shoot I was offered to lead. Coming up with a mood board & overall design of the shoot was intimidating. How do I stand out as a designer? How do I make this shoot different from the rest? Without stepping outside of the box and pitching those sometimes crazy or different ideas, you never will stand out to your potential clients! It’s okay to take the leap!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to be your ‘out of the box’ event planner. I love the different and more unique ideas that clients bring to the table and want to achieve for their event. Who doesn’t want their event to be different or memorable to their guests? That is where I excel! I thrive in those unique settings! Offering you those crazy ideas that turn into a huge hit the day of your event! Starting out, I’ve always had that unique touch and this is how it sets me a part from other planners in my area. My boldness intrigues a lot of clients, wanting to pursue more and see where these unique ideas and visions can take them for their big day! The wedding industry is oversaturated with so many choices… it’s extremely overwhelming. I stand out by truly being myself. Being colorful, creative, and bold. I knew from day one that I wasn’t going to change my true self to book more clients. You get who you get from that initial phone call!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a huge foodie so I would take them around the town on a food trip! We’d start slow with maybe a restaurant or two for just apps and drinks! I know some of THE best areas in town that have the cheesiest nachos, and a perfect beer to pair with it! Thennn we can visit another restaurant to get into the entrée portion of the day, and finally finish off with a yummy dessert, or two, from a local joint that has melt in your mouth cookies! To me, that sums up the perfect day! Enjoying great food, while immersing yourself in good conversation with a good friend. The cherry on top would be the sun shining on a beautiful summer day, while a local musician is playing live music at one of the bars/restaurants we stop at!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In all honesty, my daughter was my push to start my business. At the time I started ‘F&A’ I wasn’t even pregnant yet. I just knew that I wanted to be present with my future kids. To be able to set my own schedule and be fully invested in their lives growing up. To allow myself that opportunity while still not losing my true self. This was the perfect fit for me to have the best of both worlds. Be a mother & still have the flexible job that makes me, me! Since she has been born, she continues to be my drive to push myself harder. To show her, as she continues to grow up, that any dream can be achievable!

Website: https://foreverandalwaysplan.com

Instagram: foreverandalwayseventplanning

Facebook: Forever & Always Event Planning

Image Credits
Megan Hannan Photography
Cassidy Danae Photography
Jennifer Alter Photography
Michelle Lippert Photography