Two Planners and a Designer

BRIEF INTRODUCTION.
Greetings Everyone!! My name is Eileen Ajayi! I am a wedding/event planner who loves what she does. From deciding a venue, to planning the timeline and coordinating the wedding day I love every aspect. It’s a real privilege to do what I know I am blessed and equipped to do.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE WEDDING BUSINESS?
I started my business close to four years ago. I have, however, been planning events since I was 10. I am the go-to-person in my family. When something's happening, I'm hooking it up.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PLANNING/COORDINATING OR DESIGNING AN EVENT?
The day of the event. I love seeing everything come together. It is very fulfilling to see the result of all your labor and hard work. Additionally, when I am coordinating the day I get into what I like to call a 'zone'. Everything flows and I know I am doing what I am gifted to do. I imagine it’s like hearing the song you have written and composed. It's pretty amazing.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL BRIDE AND GROOM ON THEIR WEDDING DAY.
What's typical about a bride and groom on their wedding day is that there's nothing typical. Couples are different. Some are excited, some are nervous and anxious. It just depends. I have had frantic brides with grooms who are cool, calm and collected. I've had nonchalant brides with grooms who are control freaks. There is a wide spectrum of people in this world and at some point, they may get married. Everyone is different. But no matter the personality, it is awesome to see a man and a woman so in love and excited about spending the rest of their lives together. Frankly, it's an honor to share that day with them.

TELL US ABOUT A MEMORABLE WEDDING EVENT.
Let me preface by saying that I commit every wedding and event I do into the hands of God. I trust Him to take control and work out what I can and can't see. He has never and never will let me down. Recently, I was consulted to do last-minute planning and coordination for a wedding to take place within a month and a half of the time I was contacted. The family was expecting 400 to 450 guests. They were, however, unsure if that number was accurate. It was possible the guest list would be much higher. They really needed help with getting a grasp on the day. I met with the couple and did as much as I could in advance of the day to get things together.

One of the details the bride wanted was fish in the centerpiece vases. She told me she would pick them up and give them to the decorator. As I was running around between the reception venue and the church, I was on the phone tracking people and giving instructions as needed. At one point, I called the bride's suite and asked a cousin if she'd gotten the fish. She put down the phone to ask her. The makeup artist picked up the phone and said the bride was beginning to cry because she forgot. I was completely floored. The bride was upset (I never let that happen!) and I had no idea where I could get fish because I was not familiar with the city where the event took place. I told the bride not to worry, that I would take care of it. She was reassured and calmed down. I called a friend to get locations online for me of Wal-Mart and some of these chain pet stores. No pet store could be found. I did find a Wal-Mart. They had no fish. Wow!

At that point, I concluded that we would have to do without fish because I was running short on time and needed to get to the reception hall. I prayed and continued on my way. By the way, I was using a map to get to the reception hall because I'd never been there before. Trust me when I say everything was last minute!

As I was driving along, I saw that I was in a residential area. I was disappointed about the fish but accepted the reality of the situation. I was on the phone with my cousin when I looked up and saw a small, random strip mall. Guess what was in that mall? A little pet store! I was able to get all the fish I needed. I was so excited! I went through so much to make that wedding a success. By the time the bride and groom reached the hall, they were overwhelmed and excited. Everything was perfect! Over 600 guests came to celebrate with them. There was plenty to eat and drink. Everything fell into place and it worked out so well. I truly thank and credit God. It wouldn’t have been the same without Him.

FAVORITE COLOR?
I like blue. It's a very cool and relaxing color and I love that.

ADVICE TO THE NEWLYWEDS.
Now that you’re married, enjoy every moment and day of your life together. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. Do your best to grow in patience and love for your spouse. Be forgiving and be kind. Your spouse is a gift. Cherish them. Happy wedding planning to the engaged and happy married life!