why be a wedding planner?
AN INTERVIEW BETWEEN MY BIGGEST FAN (MY HUSBAND)
AND MYSELF.
Let’s go back to the start.
For this article I’ve asked my husband, Tom, to interview me about what I love about being a wedding planner and why I decided on this change in career. As a high school teacher, he took his assignment very, very seriously. He came up with the following questions and interviewed me over a glass of wine in my new office space at Common Circus. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as Tom enjoyed writing his assignment. .
Hi Emma, It’s now 6 months since you started Bay Window Events. Could we start by telling us a little about yourself?
First and foremost, I am a people person. I thrive off connection, I find joy in the details, and I’ve always had a soft spot for celebrating life’s moments—big and small. I’m also a working mum, a project manager by trade, a creative at heart, and someone who loves turning a vision into something real and beautiful.
Why did you decide to get into wedding planning?
For anyone that knows me, they know that nothing brings me more joy than other people’s happiness. I’m the kind of person who cries at the opening of an envelope, loves to have friends over, loves to entertain and really loves to celebrate all their moments.
Having a background in large-scale events and project management, I also clearly like to be organised and get shit done.
But for me, it never felt satisfying in those industries, I never fully connected with heart to what I was doing.
I remember the first friend I helped plan her wedding and how much joy and excitement it brought me to make her a mood board, to organise the hens night, to help her find a new florist after her last one cancelled last minute, and to set up on the day and take the stress off her shoulders. From there I had a taste of it and couldn’t get enough.
To be part of such a special and intimate moment in someone’s life is honestly such a bloody honour and I feel so lucky every day.
The name Bay Window Events is a little unusual. How did you decide on BWE?
The name Bay Window Events was inspired by my mother’s love for them. When buying her first home in the 1970s, she opted for a termite-ridden house with a stunning bay window over other much more sensible options. All my grandparents told her she was crazy.
Skip forward to January 2025 when my husband and I were walking around Battery Point in Hobart trying to think of a name for the business (where every second house has a bay window)—and Bay Window Events was conceived.
Bay windows are elegant, timeless, and full of character. They’re usually found in rooms where families gather to talk, share stories, and celebrate. That’s exactly what Bay Window Events aims to bring to every wedding: beauty, warmth, and a space where people come together.
What are the most important skills or characteristics in a wedding planner?
Oh this is a tough one to answer because I don’t think there’s a one size fits all for wedding planners. I think different couples are looking for different things in their planner. In saying that I do feel there are a few non-negotiables that come with this job – such as listening and really hearing your clients when they tell you what they want in their day, paying attention to the little details – whether that’s factoring in 5 extra minutes into the ceremony runsheet because you know your brides childhood dog is going to steal the show and temporarily de-rail the ceremony with their cuteness, or being able to spot the spacing of candles being even on your reception tables. So in summary – a good listener, meticulous with timelines and managing the unexpected and finally attention to detail – all the details.
What would you say BWE’s point of difference is?
Personalisation. Expert support. Creative vision.
We don’t do cookie-cutter things. Everything we design is tailored to reflect our couple's personalities, values, and style. We offer grounded support, clear planning frameworks, and a strong creative eye. You’ll feel like you’ve got a best friend, logistics manager, and creative director in your corner—because you do.
What are 5 things you love about being a wedding planner?
My couples. In the last 6 months alone I’ve worked with over 10 couples with different stories, cultures, values and aesthetic preferences. But one thing that’s remained constant is that they are all just genuinely full of love and openness. It’s so special to have strangers let you into the intimate details of their love story and trust you to bring it to life.
Second to that are the vendors! Some of my biggest cheerleaders have been other vendors. A special mention to Jess at Newcastle Flower Markets who has supported me since day one and been my voice of reason. And the incredible Kristy from Leaves & Fishes for partnering me in business and in friendship - it's so good to have people who just get you. I am so grateful for that. Working a wedding day alongside like-minded creatives just feels like hanging out with your besties. Not to mention seeing their process up close; it’s pure magic.
Okay this answer is getting long so I’ll wrap the next three up in quick succession:
I love the concepting stage—dreaming up how your day could look and collaborating to get to that “THIS IS IT!” moment
The wedding morning—the energy in the air, the giddiness, the joy. It’s electric
And finally, I love hearing beautiful vows. I cry at most weddings. It comes with the job.
What are the three biggest ways you can help couples bring their ideal wedding to life?
The biggest way I help couples bring their ideal wedding to life is by making their vision feel real. Sometimes you’ve got all these ideas floating around in your head but no clue how to piece them together. That’s where I come in. I take what’s in your head and bring it to life, not just on a Pinterest board, but in the real world. I also help save you time and energy. Most couples don’t realise just how many hours they can lose down the planning rabbit hole. It can be upwards of 60 hours!! I take that load off and turn the chaos into clarity.
And finally, I help weave you into every part of your day. Whether that’s a toast to a loved one, including flowers from your first date in your bouquet, or using the lyrics of your first dance in your signage—your story deserves to be reflected in every detail.
What’s something couples tend to forget when planning their wedding?
How they want to spend their wedding morning.
It’s the first few hours of the biggest day of your life and how it feels matters. Do you want a slow, calm morning? A playlist and champagne with your bridal party? Time with your parents?
Set the tone intentionally. It makes all the difference.
Finally, where do you see Bay Window Events three years from now?
This is a good question. I had to give this some thought as I haven't always been great at blowing my own horn.
I'd love to be seen as a trusted vendor with a reputation for warmth, creativity, and dependability and become a leading name in NSW for calm amidst the chaos of wedding planning. Personally I would like our brand to be known for crafting deeply personal, visually beautiful, and unique weddings and not just ticking off Pinterest trends. And, honestly? Something my kids feel proud of. I want them to grow up seeing their mum build something meaningful and full of heart.
