Meet Elizabeth Klespies of EKS Weddings and Events

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Klespies.

Hi Elizabeth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My first job out of college was as a Youth Activities Host with Disney Cruise Line. It was both the best job and the hardest job that I have ever had. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing people and most importantly, it introduced me to the customer service industry. When I returned home from my time at sea, I knew that I wanted to work with people, specifically planning and executing events.

My career within the event industry started in private country clubs, beginning as an assistant and working my way up to the Director of Sales and Catering at a PGA-owned facility. I oversaw a variety of events from corporate meetings/conferences to golf tournaments to social affairs, but my favorites have always been weddings. Day-of coordination within the venue was where I excelled and it allowed me to meet a variety of other industry professionals – photographers, djs, florists, etc.

Fast forward to March of 2020. My catering team had done an amazing job at preparing for the year ahead. We had already surpassed our annual sales goal, we had hired a great team of people to work events, and were in the process of updating our catering equipment (linen, buffet setup, chinaware). We were so excited … until everyone had to start canceling their events due to Covid-19. We were understanding and flexible with our clients, but it was a tough blow. I remember tearing up at dinner with my husband explaining how many events were canceled in just that day. We watched our very full events calendar just crumble in what felt like a blink of an eye.

It is sometimes funny how things work out. This forced pause in business gave me time to reflect. I had always wanted to open my own business and plan weddings and events under my own name. It had just never seemed like the right moment until then. My husband was extremely supportive, so I left my secure job at the country club to start “EKS Weddings and Events.” And I am so happy that I did.

It has been a challenging but wonderful two years. I really hit the ground running, working with 20 different couples during my first full year in business. 2022 and 2023 are looking to be really exciting, filled with so many different couples and venue experiences. I am Atlanta born and bred, so it’s really cool to be able to work all throughout my city. Every day is different and it’s always exciting to see what comes next.

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?
Many people assume that starting an event-focused business at the start of a global pandemic would be a horrible idea. And I did have my fears. However, it turned out to be the perfect moment. The whole industry was paused, so I had the time to develop my website and marketing strategy before events started back up again in the fall of 2020. And when people did start hosting events again, couples were even more eager to find a planner … either to help them redesign their wedding for fewer people or to shift their wedding to a new date completely.

The whole wedding planning process was greatly affected by the pandemic. Events just couldn’t be executed the same way that they had always been. My job was to guide couples through different challenges, trying to reduce their anxiety and stress. However, I was also trying to figure out the best method myself. Everything was new. Many strategies were just trial and error and I feel like a lot of my success was partially due to luck. It’s been a great year and I am glad that I have been able to help couples through the process without any Covid-19 outbreaks (so far).

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
EKS Weddings and Events, an Atlanta-based wedding planning company, is here to make couples’ lives easier. Whether they need some professional advice or someone to take the reins from the beginning to end, I will be here for them.

There is no wedding too large or too small. I have had the pleasure of working with many different couples from many different cultural backgrounds. Every wedding is so unique and I love creating special moments for each individual person/couple/family.

I always feel like I am selling me and my personality when initially speaking with clients. I don’t make anything or have a product to sell. Rather my job is to bring a bunch of different pieces together, creating a coherent vision, and then execute that vision to perfection. I tend to stay very calm and neutral in stressful situations, which is especially helpful on the day-of. I can take on other people’s stress and diffuse any situation; I don’t get rattled very easily. And I try to do it all with a smile.

I am very proud of the reviews and responses that I have received from couples thus far. It makes me feel great that they are happy with my work. A wedding is such a big day in a couple’s life and you want them to love it and be happy with it. There is no better feeling than looking at a couple honestly enjoying their day.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck always plays a small part in life. I have definitely had some good fortune on my side and I feel blessed. I always try to put good vibes out into the world and fill up my karma bucket.

Pricing:

• Taking the First Steps – $300
• Month-of Coordination – $2000
• Full Service Planning – Starts at $5000

Contact Info:

• Email: elizabeth@eksweddingsandevents.com
• Website: https://www.eksweddingsandevents.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eksweddingsandevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eksweddingsandevents/

Image Credits:
Note – Photos are labeled with photographer’s name Katelyn King Photography Abby Byrd Photography Sav K Brown Macy OConnell Photography Mary Claire Photography Rivet Events Stepping Stones Photography