Jordan Cruz of Enchanted Events designed this chic picnic experience, with the help of vendors including A Bushel and a Peck Floral Design, A LA C’ART and more. Photo by @kelsimariah.
We spoke with Jordan Cruz, the principal designer and creative director of Enchanted Events, about her event planning experience, the services she provides and her favorite aspects of the business.
What year did you become interested in event planning?
JC: I fully became interested in event planning in 2019. I’ve loved planning since I was in high school and became a big part of my roles when I entered the professional world. In 2019, I stepped into the full thought of having my own event planning business and deciding to take the leap of faith and officially launch Enchanted Events in September 2020. Fun fact: I had the business name in my head since high school but twisted the words a bit from “Enchantment Events.”
What drew you into the event planning world?
JC: I would say my creative side and my love of celebrating others drew me into the event planning world. Event planning truly brings me happiness and excitement, and the reward is seeing the person receiving so happy. With event planning, it’s a creative outlet but it also takes a lot of organization, which is an area that I’ve always loved since I was little, meaning I love different stationery items like pens, notebooks and a good planner. To this day I have a hard copy planner but with technology now, I have a phone calendar as well.
What type of events do you usually plan?
JC: All events – no event is too small or too large. I have planned weddings, birthdays, quinceañeras, baby showers and graduations.
What are all the services you offer?
JC: The two services I currently offer is event design (full-service decorations) and production coordination (also known as day of coordination)
Explain how a meeting would go with a potential client, where they’re describing their party theme/ideas to you.
JC: First, potentail clients will inquire through our website enchantedeventsri.com. We’ll then schedule a fifteen-minute consultation call to discuss the event. The potential client leads the conversation with all the details regarding their event and which service(s) they are interested in. During the conversation I take notes and ask clarifying questions along the way, such as:
– How many people? Location of the event? start and end time? set up time and break down?
– Specific theme and colors. Followed by if you have a Pinterest board or photos please text them to me, although the design is unique to each client it allows me to visualize a little more in depth regarding creative direction.
– What are some areas are you nervous about? Who are your vendors? Any areas you are still planning?
Following the conversation, a quote is provided based on the service and details gathered.
How was the planning process for coming up with Amie’s proposal to Lauren?
JC: It was so much fun! Amie reached out to me and shared she was ready to pop the question. We immediately scheduled a call and I heard all of Amie’s thoughts and her vision, she wanted it to be a fully planned weekend. I heard her thoughts and I came up with the game plan of Airbnb stays, food options and coordinating the big day when she would propose. The coordination for the proposal happened with the photographer as we knew roughly the time, they would arrive at India Point Park and came up with a plan with the photographer to look like a bystander. Although it was a gloomy rainy day it turned out to be the most perfect day!
In what ways did you contribute to Amie and Lauren’s wedding?
JC: I had the honor to be their event planner from start to finish, from the initial message we are ready to plan to their wedding day and executing it. We had monthly meetings that consisted of gathering their vision, sending out options, being the vendor’s point of contact, having to do’s, creating the wedding timeline and being their wedding best friend (as I call it). Did I mention, it was a brunch wedding so fun and unique!
What are some of your favorite aspects of event planning?
JC: I love being creative, working with amazing vendors and ultimately being our clients’ events best friend. Our clients fully trust us and we create a great relationship, you would think we have known each other for years. The day of the event seeing our clients, fully in the moment and enjoying themselves (production coordination) is the icing on the cake! When it comes to event design I love seeing our clients in awe and in love with the final design. So many areas of event planning that are my favorite hence why I love it!