If you’re looking for an event planner with spunk, personality and a whole lot of creativity, look no further than Erin Lowndes, owner of Plain with Sprinkles Events. Throwing the word “traditional” out the window, Erin makes sure to plan weddings that stand out from the rest by incorporating the couples quirkiness into it all, making her the perfect planner for those who dare to be different. Erin took the plunge into being a small business owner after moving to Asheville, North Carolina not too long ago, and she already has us wow’d! Keep reading to see just what makes both Erin and Plain with Sprinkles anything but plain on today’s Vendor Highlight!
Tell us a little bit about the story of Plain With Sprinkles.
My husband and I moved out west to Arizona for his job, and I had a rough time trying to find a theatre stage management position that worked best for me. I found out that it wasn’t the theatres, it was me! Stage management wasn’t working for me anymore, so I started searching on how to use my skill set in production while avoiding the corporate world. I was so lucky to find an amazing wedding and event designer in Tucson, AZ who hired me for my theatre and event production background. I mentored and worked with her to learn the wedding industry, design, and floral. My time with her was invaluable. I completely fell in love with this industry. When my man and I decided to move to Asheville, NC I knew that this was it. It is time for me to start a business. Plain with Sprinkles Events came from my love of confetti cake. The idea behind the name: adding the couples personality (the sprinkles) to a traditional and predictable event is what really makes it special. When the sprinkles are added they give color and texture to the day that no one else can have. I believe it is SO important for couples to find those bits that make them weird and amazing and share it with their friends and family. I also want to plan a day with the couple in mind – not just the bride.
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is being the first one to greet and congratulate the couple after the ceremony. I get to see their cheesing smiles and the love in their eyes. This is the most pure moment of the day, and the rest is history.
My other favorite part of my job is the process itself. I love being able to be a part of a couple’s wedding planning process from start to finish. It is so rewarding to be able to create and collaborate with other vendors to make this dreamy day for my couples.
Who or what inspires you?
Couples who want to share their weirdness or personality in their day! I love to work with couples that want something a little different and to share that with their friends and family. It is the few things you add that make the couple stand out and make their friends and family remember that day for the rest of their lives.
What advice would you give to aspiring small business owners?
Just go for it! If you are nervous, then mentor or work with someone who knows the business for a while. Just soak it up like a sponge, and then get out there! There is enough work for everyone.
What is your favorite part of The Big Fake Wedding experience?
I had the pleasure in participating in The Big Fake Wedding in Charlotte this past April. Since I’m new to North Carolina it was an invaluable experience. I got to know Charlotte, vendors in the area, and show my stuff. I had a blast working with 35+ vendors over two days to make this event happen. The collaboration and friendships cultivated are the most valuable part of the event for me. I got to see vendors that I have never met before in action, observe who I would totally work with again, and as a planner I can confidently refer them to clients without hesitating. As a bonus, I got photos of my floral and design work from three different photographers with three completely different aesthetics as well as a professional video.
Photo Credit:
Maggie Mills Photos (1) | Melissa Holland Photography (2) | Bill Healy Media (3) | Inspired Life Photography (4)
More from Plain with Sprinkles:
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