Meet Ingrid Yeh | Wedding/Event Planner & Officiant

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

Hi Ingrid, what do you attribute your success to?
Hi there, thank you so much for having me! Being very much a people person, I’m very conscious of others’ energy, as well as the energy that I put forth. I thrive and do my best work when I feel my own energy is not only appreciated but also reciprocated. While I’m aware my level of connection with others will vary from person to person, I always aim to present my best self to those I work closely with—whether its my clients, my colleagues, or my team.

As there are many moving parts and people involved in planning a smooth and stress-free event, creating a positive synergy with all parties involved is the best way to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for everybody. My goal with every event is to maintain a calm, approachable, and friendly presence, even though some situations (and people) are more challenging than others. While it isn’t always easy, I pride myself on being able to maintain a positive, professional, and personable demeanor in order to create meaningful relationships from every event I plan.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m truly humbled by how much I’ve learned and grown in the past 13 years (going on 14) of being in business. It’s been anything but a smooth, easy, or linear process—as growth rarely is. Like any meaningful journey, there’s been a continuous learning curve that I always remain open to no matter how long I’ve been at it, knowing there will always be valuable lessons in every experience that I have still yet to learn.

One thing I’ve been more intentional about lately is learning to lean on others for support. Steering away from my tendency to operate as a one-woman team has been a personal challenge to overcome. I occasionally have to remind myself that even if I Can do it all on my own, doesn’t mean that I Should. While I’m very selective with who I trust and lean on, I’m quickly learning the many benefits of having a solid team to assist me—as it not only helps me immensely, it also helps ensure a smooth and successful event and happy clients. And that is Always the goal!

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.
Being born and raised in LA, I admittedly took for granted many of the gems that I grew up around. Old Town Pasadena is somewhere I’ve grown to appreciate more now that I’m older, and after having moved away and returned to the area. It’s such a nice place to take out-of-towners to walk around, enjoy some shopping and dining, grab a drink, whatever you’re feeling. For more outdoorsy visitors, I’d take them hiking at any of the classic LA spots to hike—the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Park trails, or any of the beach hikes. For the foodies, I’d take them around to my go-to spots in the SGV area for some bomb Asian food. Or better yet, I’d take advantage of all the amazing ethnic diversity that LA has to offer and explore some new places and cuisines together!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people to acknowledge and thank for all their love and support throughout my journey. I’ll do my best to narrow it down!

First and foremost, to my supportive family and friends who’ve been there from the beginning when Grand Entrance Affairs was just an idea—cheering me on over the years as I’ve worked hard to build it to what it is today.

To my best friend, Jonathan, who is always there reminding me to be my best self in every situation and helping me rise above any challenges along the way.

To my amazing clients, past and present, for trusting me with something as important as their wedding or other special occasion. It’s truly the greatest honor and one of my biggest motivations to always give you nothing less than my best.

To my fellow industry friends/vendors (“friendors”), for teaching me so much and being such a big part of why I love what I do.

Lastly, to my biggest mentor from back when I was a wee little intern still learning the ropes—the late, great Michael Willms of Entertainment Design Events. Thank you for seeing the potential in me, helping me build upon it, and for teaching me so much of what I know and still do to this day. I’ll always cherish your mentorship and friendship, all the memories, and all the laughs. And I’ll always work hard to make you proud.

Website: https://www.grandentranceaffairs.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grand.entrance.affairs/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/icyeh/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GEAspecialevents/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grand-entrance-affairs-pasadena-9

The Knot: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/grand-entrance-affairs-pasadena-ca-2075784

WeddingWire: https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/grand-entrance affairs/f0704cf821376d28.html

Zola: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/grand-entrance-affairs

Image Credits
Feature photo: Mycoal Dee’s Photon Emporium
Image 1: Studio Castillero
Image 2: Hanh Nguyen Photography
Image 3: ITLA Photo
Image 4: Fun Lovin Camera
Image 5: EP Love
Image 6: Mycoal Dee’s Photon Emporium
Image 7: SDLR Media
Image 8: LA Digital Photos