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As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to work as an organizer of events. When I watch television shows that recommend looking back at what you liked to do when you were young for inspiration about what you should be doing now, I know that I am doing exactly what I was meant to do. In my memory trunk, I have a calendar for each year, with every single day chronicled, starting around first grade (with lots of stickers and doodles), through college. From then on, it is detailed in my various Palm Pilots, smart phones and laptops…although I do print a summary of each month just in case. Recently when my parents were cleaning house they found this and brought it to me. It is the Party Book I created when I was around nine years old, with pages and pages of party outlines. Who to Invite (including a section for “Maybe”), When, Where, Time, Other.

Unfortunately I only completed the first page; I guess the limited budget of a third-grader doesn’t go far. I keep the book on my desk and it is a daily reminder of how much I’ve always loved putting together a great event!

When I attend class reunions (that I help to plan, naturally), no one is surprised about what I do now. And that makes me happy, because they must remember me as good in that capacity, whether chairing Prom committee, organizing the graduation trip to Mexico or running for student government.

Early in my events career I worked on a multitude of events, both fun and exciting, and grubby and thankless. I remember setting up radio promotions at a corner gas station, getting ready for the “talent” (DJ) to arrive for his live broadcast. Vivid in my mind every Halloween is the day that I had to hollow out more than 50 large pumpkins for a client carving party, and couldn’t fully flex my fingers for at least a week. Just as memorable, though, are the great, once-in-a-lifetime events I’ve been a part of. Bringing my sister along to a concert of our favorite country music star, pressing the “fire” button for the San Francisco 4th of July fireworks show (colored fog, we call that), and helping to coordinate the Auberge du Soleil 25th anniversary celebration…those were all highlights of my career.

Working with couples on their wedding day brings an even more personal connection and commitment to the event. Now, I’m not producing a huge holiday event for thousands of people, I’m helping to create one of the most important days of someone’s life. I take that very seriously, and every day recall how I felt getting ready for my own wedding. I’m honored to be a part of something so wonderful, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a couple have a fantastic day, and to receive their wonderful texts, emails and letters after the wedding. Except, maybe, receiving their Christmas card or birth announcement one, two, five years later. Thank you for letting me do exactly what I’ve always dreamed of!