Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Reinke.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the wedding industry 9 years ago (2008) working at one of the top rental companies (Abbey Party Rents) in San Diego. It was from this job that I learned the importance of being a good vendor and building good vendor relationships. I was doing sales and event coordination for Abbey’s and I had one client in particular who was doing a home wedding at her grandparent’s estate in Del Mar. I was planning all of the logistics for the rentals which included everything from lighting, staging, tables, chairs, porta potties, and more. She had asked me to just plan her entire wedding and at that moment, I knew wedding planning was more than just a passion! I knew I could make a career out of it. And although I was not her planner (it was too much of a conflict with my current job I had), I quit shortly after, and started Sweet Blossom Weddings! It was the hardest, but best decision I made to go on my own and start this business. It has been so successful and grown over the years!
Has it been a smooth road?
It was tough starting the business in 2010 when the economy wasn’t so great! I was brand new as a wedding planner in San Diego so I was doing weddings for very little money. I stayed strong and knew I needed to do what it takes to build my reputation and gain a great portfolio. Luckily, I had already built some great relationships with vendors in the industry from my past job and they were so kind to refer some clients that first year. The first few years were slower, but from there, the business grew and grew. By 2013, I had over 15 weddings and 2014, I had 24 weddings! I knew the business was going to be a success, but it wasn’t always easy! Wedding planning is something that I truly enjoy and I am so blessed that I get to do a job that I love! This year, I became so booked with weddings that I decided to take the next step and grow the business! We now have 3 other lead planners who are taking on their own weddings with SBW. And we are even expanding to Orange County!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sweet Blossom Weddings – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We are a full-service wedding planning boutique specializing in wedding planning for all couples in Southern California! I have created some unique packages, especially our first month-last month package, where we help clients find the right vendors based on their budget and style. We set them up for success with wedding planning and help answer questions along the way. But they do a majority of the planning and small details in the in-between months.
As a company, I am most proud of the team I have grown! We have some great assistants (and planners) who are on wedding day! All packages include three day-of planners! One is the lead wedding planner, who is the couple’s contact from the beginning to end! Second is a set up assistant who helps set up personal items (guest book, menus, weddings programs, etc) Third a bridal assistant for the couple and family, who is a personal assistant for the day to help with photos or keep on track with timeline and anything else that may arise. I think this separates us from a lot of planners. We never have less than 3 planners on wedding day! And I do say planners because many of the assistants lead their own weddings as well!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love all of the options for wedding venues! You can have a wedding with your sand in the toes at Loews Coronado or a wedding at hotel where you feel like you’re on the east coast (US Grant) or a venue with an amazing view (Coasterra or Scripps Seaside Forum). There are also a lot of fabulous hotels in San Diego (Estancia, Hotel Del, Rancho Bernardo Inn, Park Hyatt Aviara, The Grand Del Mar, L’Auberge) that are all unique to this city! We also have quite a few ranches and barns (Leo Carrillo Ranch or The Slate Barn are just a few). So many options, it’s hard to choose!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sweetblossomweddings.com
- Phone: 858-668-8263
- Email: info@sweetblossomweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetblossomweddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sweetblossomweddings/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sweet-blossom-weddings-san-diego
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/sweetblossomwed/
Image Credit:
Kristina Adams Photography
Katie Beverley Photography
Bryan Miller Photography
Jessica Jaccarino Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
