We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacquelyn Aleece and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jacquelyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was initially motivated to start my business because I didn’t like the structured and slow paced environment of Corporate America. The thought of living 30 to 40 years stuck in a cubicle, only allowed to talk to others in meetings or on a lunch break, was not well suited for my very energetic personality. Growing up, I watched many women in my life be financially reliant on their spouses and not able to stand up for themselves in fear that financial stability or essential care would be taken from them. I knew that I had to create a business so that I could be my own boss, set my own rules, and create a level of independence where nobody could hold me hostage in a toxic environment of any kind. This has been one of the most liberating processes of my life.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is wedding planning. I say it’s an art because it’s about creating an experience for the couple, their families, and their guests that honors the celebration of marriage through decor, design, food, drink, senses and lots of details- large and small. What sets my company apart is that I consider us a customer service business that specializes in wedding planning. First, we are a customer service business – nothing c
How did I get to where I am today? It started a long time ago in a little town called Colts Neck, NJ where my grandfather owned a restaurant and wedding venue (after immigrating from Greece, leaving his family behind for many years, and working multiple jobs to build wealth and success). At 10 years old, I started working on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays as the coat check girl during weddings so I could catch a glimpse of the newlyweds and help wherever I could. My love for hospitality, events, weddings, and organization just continued to grow.
What challenges have I faced? The biggest challenge was starting. I was getting overwhelmed a
I love our brand and what we stand for because we want to give families an opportunity to truly be present at their own events. I know that is probably cliche in my business to say but the truth is, nobody lives forever, people get sick, and hard times fall on us all. Sometimes, looking back at old photographs and remembering a truly happy day is all that we have left of a loved one or ourselves. Weddings are an important moment in time to celebrate family and love. What could be better than that?
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.
When my friends visit LA, we have a lot of must-do’s. At the top of the list is lunch at The Beverly Hills Hotel Cabana Cafe! The decor of the hotel is so fun, the staff is amazing, the food is delish, and it always has the best celebrity sightings. We always have to head up PCH to our favorite Greek restaurant, Taverna Tony’s, because the dips are just amazing, the atmosphere is so cute, and again….another celeb sighting location. We love walking the Venice boardwalk because of the breakdancers, skateboarders, basketball games, and people watching; then, we follow it up with lunch Great White. Our favorite foodie restaurant is also in Venice – SCOPA; it is just *chef’s kiss* … sit at the bar and tell Cole that Jacquelyn sent you in for one of his incredible cocktails!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to Shoutout two people who have impacted my life. My first shoutout goes to my amazing partner, Robert. He is an Ivy League educated engineer who followed his dream of being an actor. When I met Robert, it was the first time I had ever met anybody who had made a life decision that was against social norms and against the grain. I was really inspired to look at the path my life was on and to make some really fun and necessary changes to follow my own dreams. My next shoutout goes to a past co-worker from my American Express days- Mike, a Senior Vice President. AMEX is an amazing place to work for people who thrive in a Corporate America environment, but there was an itch I couldn’t scratch working the 9-5 grind. I told Mike that I was really wanting to pursue starting my own business over lunch one day. Up until that point, every person that I mentioned this to told me that I was crazy; Mike told me to GO FOR IT and go for it now. He said, “You’re young, you’re smart, you have energy and no spouse or kids relying on you to put food on the table for them right now. If you’re going to take a chance, this is your moment.” I never had a chance to thank him after that lunch, but it’s a conversation that I think of often. Sometimes, when everyone thinks your dreams are just dreams, you need one person to believe in you and your vision and give you an extra push – that is exactly what Mike did for me.
Website: https://theweddingplanandco.com/
Instagram: @theweddingplanandcompany
Facebook: @theweddingplanandcompany
Other: Tiktok @jacquelynaleece
Image Credits
Daniel Cruz Photography Lizzie Burger Photography Ayenia Nour Photography Sarah Murray Photography Stefani Welsh Studios Molly Quill Photography Wild Whim Photography Karen Hill Photography