Featured Vendor – Sherilee from Events by Sheri

Events By Sheri

1)    How, when, where and why did you get started as a wedding vendor? Has it always been your dream job or did you happen to fall into this profession etc… Tell us the whole story!

I’ve always been passionate about organizing events, from big birthday celebrations to elaborate travel plans. As a teenager, I dreamed of becoming an event planner, but my studies led me in a different direction. I earned a BCom in Financial Management, which led to a corporate job. My first real interaction with wedding planning was for my own wedding. My planner disagreed with many of my ideas and, to my dismay, disappeared a month before the wedding! I took it upon myself to book and plan all the vendors, timelines, and special details. I absolutely loved it, and my wedding turned out exactly how I wanted it. A while later, a guest from my wedding asked me to plan hers. My corporate experience helped me thrive under pressure, and I loved the creative aspect of bringing the couple’s dream day to life. I was hooked! I am now a full-time event planner specializing in full-service wedding planning. I always tell people that I don’t work; I create for a living!

2)    Describe what services you offer for potential clients and what they can expect working with you. How do you ensure that each wedding you’re involved in reflects the couple’s individuality, needs, wants etc…

I offer full-service wedding planning, which means I take care of every detail for your special day. This includes everything from sourcing and booking venues and photographers to creating personalized websites, managing RSVPs, sourcing specialty wines, customizing wedding gifts, and even finding bridesmaids’ dresses—you name it! I make an effort to get to know my clients well, which allows me to make recommendations and add ideas that truly reflect their interests and personalities. I encourage my clients to deviate from traditional norms to ensure they enjoy their day to the fullest!

3)    How do you stay inspired and continue to innovate in your work within the wedding industry?

I draw inspiration from each client, venue, and vendor. I try to approach things differently and avoid getting stuck in a “this is how it has to be done” mindset. This approach makes every wedding a new and exciting experience! I also spend a lot of time scrolling through Instagram and Pinterest to stay updated on new décor trends and interesting ideas.

4)     What are the most important advise or direction that you give to clients? 

My most important advice to clients is this: it is YOUR day—not your friend’s, your parent’s, the minister’s, or mine. Do not feel like there’s anything you have to do or can’t do! The people who love you will love you no matter what you decide.

5)    What are some of the most memorable weddings (or wedding highlights) you’ve been a part of and why do they stand out for you?

One of the most memorable wedding highlights for me was setting up a beautiful celebration under a huge willow tree, adorned with fairy lights. At the end of the night, after everyone else had left and most of the lights were off, with vendors packing up the last few things, the couple asked for one more dance to their favorite song. They danced in the dark under the fairy lights, just for themselves. This moment was so filled with love and joy. It was incredible to witness and to know that I helped make that moment happen. Since then, I’ve made an effort to create a small, intimate moment like this for every couple on their wedding day; it’s the gold standard of moments I aim to create.

See Event by Sheri’s details here.

Garden Route Weddings

Leading wedding directory of service providers and venues in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, South Africa.