We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Quick and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I truly feel blessed that my vision and dream of being a wedding/event coordinator has been as successful as it has been. I think the biggest factor is that the couples I work with know how much I love what I do and how passionate I am about it. I think I go beyond what people expect of a ” Day ” of Coordinator. I stay in touch with my couples and lend support whenever they may need it. I try to meet up with each couple before their big day to continue to build a rapport and trust that I can take their dreams and vision and make it all come together on their big day. . I am quick to respond to messages and am easily accessible to my couples.
 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Wedding/Event Coordinator. I was a teacher for 33 years when I felt it was time for a change I have always loved parties and celebrations ( my kid’s parties were pretty spectacular if I say so myself). I knew I couldn’t just leave education, so I took a different role ( still in education) so I would have less responsibility and be able to give more time into my business. I started off doing a wedding here and there. It was hard competing in Asheville where there are so many other wedding planners and coordinators. I soon realized more people didn’t want a planner as much as someone who can put it all together, work with the vendors and make their big day run smoothly and as stress free as possible. I have learned so much since this journey has begun. Every wedding, I learn something new. I’ve grown personally and professionally. One thing that I think sets me apart is my Pay it Forward Program. Several years back, a couple gave me all their decor….it was like Christmas for a Coordinator! Since then, I have asked my couples to donate anything they may not use again to my inventory for other couples to borrow. As of today, my inventory is 16 pages long. It has been such a blessing to so many couples who are on a budget or just don’t want to spend money on things they will never use again. Another thing that also sets me apart is the cost of my services. I feel like I give the couples a lot for the price that I charge. Many couples tell me that I am so much more affordable than other coordinators out there. I’d like the world to know that I am here and ready to help you SEIZE the day!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Places to eat: Tupelo Honey, Stoney Knobb, Chestnut, Rocky’s Chicken Shack, Biscuit Head, Red Stag

Places to visit: Biltmore House, Grove Arcade, Grove park Inn, Downtown Asheville and Greenville

Things to do: Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Go see the waterfalls in Brevard, Go to some of the smaller towns nearby to shop and eat…….Waynesville, Black Mountain, Hendersonville

I love living in the Asheville area because there are so many fun things in and around our city depending on your interests.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have received so much support from my immediate family and many close friends. My friend Lisa left her nursing career to open her own chocolate shop. That was her dream. As I sat in her kitchen helping her wrap her chocolate truffles, she encouraged me to take the leap and get my name out there as a Day of Coordinator. So I did, and since then, many friends have cheered me on, gave advice , recommended me and have showed me how excited and proud they are of me. My friend Rachel was engaged and she asked me to come beside her and plan the whole thing with her. The day of her wedding, I was passing out the programs when I saw a special note on the back to me, her wedding planner! My heart was full as tears came down. It was like I was official. Since then, I have done hundreds of weddings. Of course, I can’t leave out my husband and two kids. They have been my biggest fans! I am so grateful for their love and support.

Website: seizethedaywithgrace.com

Instagram: @seizethedaywithgrace

Facebook: Seize the Day with Grace

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