Founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2010, Sarah Viera Event Planning & Design has designed and coordinated over 500 events including weddings, intimate dinner parties, and sensational elopements. President, CEO, and designer, Sarah Viera, inspires her design by taking the clients vision, finding a unique element for inspiration, and creating an original, one-of-a-kind event for each client. Her love for the small details is what makes each event one of their own. Her company has earned a reputation for excellence by designing and coordinating extraordinary events, and has been featured world-wide from international bridal blogs to local publications.
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
When I was younger, my dream was to be an Olympic athlete. I moved to Colorado the day after I graduated High School to live at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and pursue my dream. While I didn't make the Olympic team, I was able to attend the 2000 Olympics as a training partner and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've ever had! While training, I was attending undergraduate school and working part time at a conference center.
Post-graduation, I knew I didn't want to run conference calls forever. I remember telling my husband this and he said, “You're Type A, you'd be great at project management.” My husband is a project engineer, and, in his mind, he was thinking of something in that field, which didn't interest me at all. But, I liked where he was going with this thought. From there, I took an online certification course, hoping to do large events and fashion shows. It ended up being more geared towards weddings and I instantly fell in love with the idea of taking the stress off of someone for their special day.
Why did you start Sarah Viera Events?
I remember at my own wedding my mother was running around making sure the baker showed up, the napkins were folded the way I wanted, and the guests were being welcomed. But what she missed was me getting into my dress, sipping champagne, and relaxing and enjoying this special moment in my life. Once I started my business, I made (and still make) it a priority that moms, aunts, grandma’s, sisters, etc. aren't running around but rather enjoying these special moments in all their lives.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
The competitive nature of the industry! My favorite quote is “community over competition.” I think we need more of this. There's enough business for everyone and there's nothing better than celebrating our peers in their successes!
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner has been an organizational goddess for our company and our clients. We were using a few different platforms for inquiries, invoicing, timelines, etc., but with Aisle Planner we can send initial inquiry information to clients where they log in and it'll be the same platform throughout the entire booking and planning process. Aisle Planner is also a great tool for our “Day Of” clients that we're not speaking with weekly, but we can check in and see their progress through the checklist. My Type A client’s love Aisle Planner as it keeps them organized and on track.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
My favorite thing about Aisle Planner is that it's all inclusive with so many features. It allows our clients to have design boards, track their budget, and check items off their checklist to keep them organized and track their guest responses. From the business side, it allows me to see where my client are in the planning process and which vendors they've booked, but it also keeps our bookkeeping organized as well.
If you weren't the President, CEO, & Designer at Sarah Viera Events, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
I would love to travel more, see the world, and experience life in other countries.
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
Our detailed notes and timelines, gum/mints, and comfortable shoes!
What would you tell someone who is thinking about starting their own planning and design company?
Never compare yourself to others! Do what your heart is telling you to do and what makes sense in your mind. The only person you should be in competition with is yourself!
Is there anything you're particularly excited about working on this year?
I'm excited for a new year of designs and inspirations, I'm excited to celebrate 10 years in the business, and I'm excited to take another leap and scale the business one more step!
Just for fun
Three things you wouldn't board a plane without?
Headphones, eye drops, and a tooth brush for long flights.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs of course!
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
Variations of charcuterie boards with lots of cheese and bread…and wine!
What skill would you like to master?
Cooking!
What’s your go to casino game?
Blackjack
What song do you know every word to?
Baby Got Back – Sir Mix A Lot
On my days off you can find me…
Binge watching TV in bed with my sweats on!
If you catch me out and about I’m always wearing…
An emerald ring my mother gave me.
Want to see more from Sarah? Check out her website sarahvieraevents.com!
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