Conversations with Amanda Berisford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Berisford

Hi Amanda , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, I was always cutting up magazines and creating perfect weddings and perfect homes in all of my notebooks and binders. I had no idea they could be career paths so I started out college to become a doctor. It didn’t take long for me to change paths and start art school to be an interior designer. I loved designing but quickly realized that what I was doing was not quite right. I wanted it to be a more personal experience to my clients, to teach them how to design for their specific needs and not what they saw in a magazine. I got certified as a professional organizer and that finally felt like where I needed to be. I was able to design spaces that fit their individual needs and helped them learn how to take charge of their own spaces. An opportunity opened up for me to help style weddings and I fell in love! I knew I wanted to do it all for couples and help take the stress away of planning their weddings. I think that my background gives me a unique approach to the planning process. I help my couples individualize their weddings and really focus on what is important to them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything is ever without struggle. It did come pretty easy though because I surround myself with amazing supportive women. Not only did they offer me a space in their business so I could come in and learn, but they fully supported me doing it on my own. It was hard to make such a big career change in my forties and take on something so important as handling a couples wedding day. But the experience I had gained in my other endeavors made it almost seamless.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I use my interior design background and knowledge to help my couples visualize their day. I want to help them bring in their unique personalities and only use Pinterest or Instagram to jumpstart their vision. I also want to be sure that the couple has moments built into their day to actually be with each other and take it all in. Private moments. I am known for giving my couples a beautiful sweetheart table design with their story woven in and incorporating their interests when I can. I am most proud of the fact that I can handle anything that comes my way quickly and often with help from amazing vendors! Knowing that I kept the stress away from my couple and their families so they had their picture perfect day.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My advice is to put yourself out there to assist other planners in the area and be coachable. There is no way to know everything ahead of time and you need to be able to pivot quickly on a wedding day. Experience in different situations is key. Go and network as much as you can. The friends you make along the way are the ones that are going to be saying your name when asked for recommendations. You can assist at styled shoots and show them your unique skills and work ethic.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lavenderminteventsanddesign.com
• Instagram: @lavender.mint_weddingplanning

Image Credits
Christina Kelley Photo