We are so happy to have Jessica Zimmerman, owner of  A Southern Tradition in Conway, on the blog. We’ve got a great Q&A for you today. Stay tuned in the coming months as Jessica shares her wedding planning behind-the-scenes tips, trends and inspirations. So happy to have you, Jessica!  

 

Weddings in Arkansas: How did you get your start as an event stylist/planner?

Jessica Zimmerman: I’ve alway had an eye for details. I’ve always appreciated a great party and the work that goes into pulling off a fabulous event. I graduated college with a communication degree with the hopes of being an event planner.  I also knew I wanted to own my own business so I went to work for a small business to learn everything I could about what that entailed.  When the opportunity to own my own event planning business became available – I was ready!

Weddings in Arkansas: What do you like most about event planning?

Jessica Zimmerman: I love that no two events are the same. Every client has their own vision and I love making their vision come to life. Because no two jobs are the same, my everyday work is never boring.

Weddings in Arkansas: Tell us about your business, what do you do exactly?

Jessica Zimmerman: We do it all! We have a wedding designer, a wedding coordinator and a floral designer on staff. We offer unique rentals that you won’t find anywhere else.  

Weddings in Arkansas: How does A Southern Tradition stand out from the competition?

Jessica Zimmerman: I’ve been told by others that there is no other place in the state like A Southern Tradition. One of the challenges of planning a wedding is working with multiple vendors. At A Southern Tradition we provide unique rentals, fresh floral, one of a kind invitations, a wedding coordinator on staff — my clients really appreciate getting so much through one vendor. 

Weddings in Arkansas: So you do floral? What kind of fresh floral?

Jessica Zimmerman: For weddings we do centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, and everything in between. 

{photography by Photography by Melisa, bouquet by A Southern Tradition}

Weddings in Arkansas: What kind of invitations do you offer?

Jessica Zimmerman: We are one of two companies in Arkansas that carry Smock and Bella Figura letterpress invitations. We also offer invitations that can be 100% customized to the customers needs and printed in the store. 

{invitation available at A Southern Tradition}

Weddings in Arkansas: Do you ever get to attend a party and just enjoy it, or are you always thinking about it from a event designer/planner’s perspective?

Jessica Zimmerman: To be honest, I work so much that I rarely get to attend an event that I am not producing. However, on the rare occassion that I get to attend a party, I can’t help but look at it from an event planner’s view. It’s just in my blood!

Weddings in Arkansas: What makes you the happiest? (Work)

Jessica Zimmerman: From a work stand point, when my clients tell me how much they loved their wedding. They are so appreciative and thankful. My goal is always a happy client.  I absolutely love what I do and nothing makes me happier than when my client loves what I do for them.

Weddings in Arkansas: Who or what inspires you?

Jessica Zimmerman: My three greatest passions are planning beautiful events, travel, and food (whether it be cooking it or eating it). But I find most of my inspiration through travel. 

Weddings in Arkansas: What are some of the trends we will be seeing in 2013?

Jessica Zimmerman: Right now, I am personally obsessed with monochromatic color palettes and an ombre floral scheme.

{image via pinterest}

Weddings in Arkansas: What is your favorite part of your job?

Jessica Zimmerman: The best thing about owning your own business is getting to choose who is around you everyday. I have the most amazing team. We have so much fun together; we laugh and there is no better feeling than enjoying who you work with everyday. 

Weddings in Arkansas: What is your current day-to-day like as owner of A Southern Tradition?

Jessica Zimmerman: My day starts around 5am with work emails and social media. The store is open from 10am-5pm. If I am not at the store, I am on location with clients.  I like to be home by 7pm to have dinner with my husband. 

Weddings in Arkansas: What are your favorite types of locations for the events you set up?

Jessica Zimmerman: I love anything outdoors! Nature is always a gorgeous setting. 

{photography by Melissa McCrotty Photography, floral by A Southern Tradition}

Weddings in Arkansas: When you aren’t working hard at A Southern Tradition, what can we find you doing?

Jessica Zimmerman: Right now my husband and I are building a house, so just about all of my free time is spent on that project. But I love eating at great restaurants and spending time with my husband, Brian and our little dog, Sophie. 

Get in touch with Jessica and her talented team!

A Southern Tradition: 501.336.0326