Today we’d like to introduce you to Adreean Shanklin.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Thank you so much for this opportunity! I never imagined that I would start an event planning company. I am the founder and CEO of Dani Cymone Events. We plan local weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for busy working professionals and discerning clients. We specialize in designing unique celebrations that allow our clients to enjoy creating memories with those they love. I have always been creative and love seeing a vision come to life and organizing celebrations for family and friends. After planning my destination wedding in the Dominican Republic, I began getting requests to plan other parties and weddings. I often planned events in the community as a former Girl Scout troop leader. Fueled by my husband’s and friends’ encouragement and working as a Special Education Teacher, I leaped into 2018 to pursue my passion for the wedding and events industry. I enrolled in a comprehensive program and enlisted the guidance of a business coach to hone my skills. In 2019, I proudly launched Dani Cymone Events, beginning a fulfilling journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
No, it was not an easy path to start my own business, with my own money especially. Initially, I experienced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty about the viability of starting a wedding planning business. Contrary to my initial belief that pursuing it as a business would diminish the enjoyment, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted when I decided to leap. Establishing a clientele in a competitive industry, especially in the early stages, requires persistent networking and marketing efforts. I always have to stay steps ahead to stay on top of my business. Managing the demands of a full-time teaching job while raising a family and pursuing a business venture poses challenges in balancing work and personal life. I am so grateful that my husband and children are supportive and work with me often leading up to events. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the wedding industry, leading to postponements and cancellations, which required adaptability and flexibility in managing client expectations. Managing cash flow during the initial stages of the business, primarily when seasonal fluctuations affect income, was also a challenge.
As you know, we are big fans of your work. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with it?
Thank you so much ! That makes me feel good to hear. Dani Cymone Events is a premier event planning company specializing in adult celebrations, from local weddings to destination weddings and honeymoons. We cater to busy professionals who need our expertise and resources to plan special events and travel arrangements. We offer full planning and design, event coordination and destination wedding planning services. Our passion lies in creating unique and memorable celebrations that allow our clients to enjoy making lasting memories with their loved ones.As a detail oriented and passionate planner, my top priority is to make my client’s big day as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. I’m here to listen to your needs, understand your unique vision, and bring it to life in the most creative and wonderful way possible. With my background in mental health counseling and teaching, I’m able to provide you with an extra level of support and guidance throughout the planning process, so you can rest easy knowing that everything is taken care of. I truly believe that a positive and joyful approach is the key to a successful event, and I’m committed to bringing that energy to every aspect of your special day. Let’s work together to make your event unforgettable.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Professionally, I would like to continue to grow and learn in my business. I would like to expand my reach internationally as well. The event industry is ever-changing, and we love to see shifts that move us all forward to make the process better. Couples are increasingly breaking away from traditional wedding norms, creating ceremonies and receptions that reflect their personalities, passions, and shared experiences. One popular trend is destination weddings, where couples venture far beyond their hometowns to exchange vows in breathtaking, exotic destinations. These weddings offer couples and their guests a chance to combine their nuptials with a memorable vacation, creating lifelong memories in a magical setting throughout a weekend instead of just one day. In contrast to grand, extravagant affairs, many couples opt for smaller, more intimate gatherings. These intimate celebrations allow couples to focus on the most critical aspects of their wedding day: connecting with loved ones, sharing heartfelt vows, and creating a meaningful experience. Family and friends are still raving about the experience from my destination wedding 11 years ago! Technology also plays an integral role in the wedding planning process, with couples using online tools and platforms to research venues, find inspiration, compare vendors, and manage their budgets. Wedding websites and apps streamline guest communication, providing real-time updates, RSVP tracking, and interactive features. We also see more sustainable practices. Many eco-conscious couples prioritize sustainability on their wedding day. They seek eco-friendly materials, such as recycled paper for invitations and biodegradable decor. We like to repurpose florals and decor to manage sustainability. Couples also choose vendors committed to sustainable practices, from caterers who use locally sourced, organic ingredients to florists who specialize in native, seasonal blooms.
Pricing:
- Our Pure Peace Collection-Full Planning & Design starts at $4,500
- Pure Joy Collection – Custom Planning begins at $3,700
- Pure Love Collection- Event Coordination starts at $2,500
- Pure Bliss Collection-Destination Wedding Planning starts at $1,700
- Pure Elegance Collection-Virtual Wedding Planning starts at $900
Contact Info:
- Website: www.danicymoneevents.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danicymoneevents/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaniCymoneEvents
Image Credits
SI and AJ photos- Credit -JP with Digital Age Film. Red and black wedding Cadre- Credit – Shots by O Photography- Odean Bridges Shots with Camille and me – Credit- Kapturly-Lexi Nicole Photo Green tented private estate wedding- Credit- Kapturly- Andrew Photo Film Credit -Miguel-Antillana de Fotografia- beach wedding
Phoenix Eye Photography
