Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Wessells.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Morgan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My love for people, food, beverages, and events started at a young age! While attending San Diego State University, I joined a sorority and got my first taste of planning by helping with the coordination of socials, fundraisers, and philanthropic events.
Things only got better, and really escalated my love for events, when I interned with the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Florida in 2011! After graduating with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management in May 2012, I made the decision to move back home to Temecula because of the growing wine industry – maybe more so for the wine at first, but ultimately to get into a one of the wineries tasting room to sell wine and events.
With the help of colleagues at Wiens Family Cellars, I was able to learn selling techniques that would soon push me into selling weddings in their event department. Little did I know I would assist and coordinate over 250 weddings and close to 100 events within 3 years! Like any young twenty four year old I wanted to move on to bigger and better things, and find a way to move back to San Diego.As I was looking to get into hotels, since there is quite a bit of growth in the hotel industry, I was fortunate enough to find an opportunity with Evolution Hospitality. They took a chance on me (since I had zero hotel experience) and brought me on as their Social Catering Sales Manager at their Hilton Mission Valley location.
After almost two years there, it was time for another change! I found this incredible hidden gem called The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and haven’t looked back!
Not only do I have a passion for people, events, and weddings, but also social media! With a little persuasion, each property (especially The Inn) has allowed me to post on their Instagram accounts which has truly connected us with the most amazing clients, vendors and couples of all ages. Many may not believe it, but we’ve had a huge amount leads come from posting on Instagram! It’s incredible to see how much engagement really makes a difference in creating the best experience for each of our couples and guests!
Has it been a smooth road?
There have definitely been some bumps along the way and all wonderful learning experiences! Each role within my career has taught me something new about the industry and more about myself. All I have to say is patience is key!!
Something that is an everyday struggle on the professional and personal side of the hospitality industry is turning friends and even some family down – whether they are a vendor or a client. I’ve always been a ‘yes’ girl and learning to say no to either photo shoot, inclusions, discounts, etc. have been the hardest part of my job(s). I’ve learned it’s ok to say no and not stretch yourself or your team thin!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is a historical, charming, and luxury resort that is part of the Tribute Portfolio Collection (under the Starwood / Marriott brand). It is a unique destination property that hosts one wedding per day and is perfect for couples that love to create their own space while using the natural elements of the Inn. We have six lawns, two ballrooms, a restaurant, a spa, and eighty rooms on roughly twenty-two acres. We are known for our garden weddings, delicious food, and outstanding customer service!
I am most proud of our team! They work so hard to make each wedding extremely special and intimate for the couple. I am a huge believer that teamwork makes the dream work and boy does our team WORK! Between the hotel staff, the flexibility of our banquets team and the accommodations of the spaces on property, I believe that really sets us apart from other venues in San Diego. Maybe even due to our social media (Weddings page), but I could be biased!
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes! San Diego has the perfect weather and the best people to work with! We are very much a people helping people city/community and it’s amazing! We have a plethora of venues and it only continues to grow! I would recommend getting your feet wet on the venue, hotel, or catering side of things if you’re looking to make the jump into the wedding industry. Hotels will certainly teach you in the ins and outs from an operational standpoint, and I personally have learned a different side of marketing. It’s challenging, but that’s the best part and best way to acquire skills quickly!
As a catering manager, I really appreciate when the planners are inquisitive about what goes on behind the scenes because it makes our jobs a lot easier and the couple’s day a lot smoother! My only request with vendors and planners is to please ask questions! We appreciate when they take the time to see what works best so that we (all) may serve them and the couple to the best of our ability.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5951 Linea Del Cielo Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
- Website: https://www.theinnatrsf.com/weddings/
- Phone: 858-381-8205
- Email: mwessells@theinnatrsf.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddings_theinnatrsf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheInnatRSF/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-inn-at-rancho-santa-fe-rancho-santa-fe-2?osq=the+inn+at+rancho+santa+fe
Image Credit:
Dear Lovers, The Grovers, Joshua Aull Photography
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