Shout out to the most motivational coach ever, Kim Mathes-Moore. You inspired me to be better every single day. Thank you for teaching me lessons on the court that I use in life. #kfna
On my way home from work each day, I pass a lot of things that make me happy. My favorite coffee shop, CVS, and a local park with sand volleyball courts. Although I’ve never stopped at this park, it makes me smile to see people playing a game that I love so much. Each day I see people playing, I do two things:
I think about my time as a volleyball player in college. I was s0 in shape! I miss those days!
While traffic is stopped, I check the players’ form and strategy to see if they really know what they’re doing!
Van Dyck Park, Northern VA
Last Friday, it was a great day for sand volleyball. The sun was out and every court was filled at the park! As I was waiting in traffic, I noticed there were actually some skilled players out there!
Once traffic started moving, I had an interesting thought. In my mind, two of my favorite worlds collided. I realized wedding planning and volleyball have a similar goal. Everyone involved is working together for a win!
Just like a volleyball game, there are two teams competing against each other while coordinating a wedding! My team includes the following:
Head Coach: Me
Assistant Coaches: The Couple
Team: Service Providers for the Event
As the coach I’m there to guide the couple as they make decisions about their wedding. I also figure out the best strategies for the big day and I help the team stick to the plan. My goals as a coach are to keep the couple happy and make sure the vendors are motivated, informed, and prepared with all the tools they need to beat the other team!
Who’s on the opposing team you ask? All the things that could go wrong! For example, some of my personal favorites:
Horrible Weather
Unprepared/Late Vendors
Missing Wedding Cake
Not Enough Food
Unruly Guests
Venue Challenges
Every “game” is super intense. It’s important that I have a plan for anything the other team could possibly throw at us! “Blocked” by horrible weather? There’s an indoor plan! Missing wedding cake for the “ace”? No problem! There’s a baker on the catering staff and a Wegmans only 5 miles away! Just like volleyball, I have to have an extensive playbook!
And Believe it or not, coordinating a wedding is just as competitive as volleyball. At weddings, I’m not hitting people in the face or shattering dreams by blocking hits. I am, however, doing everything I can to make my couple happy and impress venue owners and service providers! It’s an amazing feeling when I’m referred to other couples by not only the couple, but the team I worked with as well!
Volleyball definitely played a part in me becoming an awesome planner. Although I don’t wear a volleyball uniform to my weddings (I don’t have formal spandex), I do bring the same focus and dedication to every event. It’s important for me to always “win” for my couples and my business!
Can you dig it (ha!)????