Inspired Wedding Planner Tea: Isis Petrie Williams of Posh Events LLC Cherry Hill, NJ

Hey Lovie, 

In a industry where it seems like no one quite understands what it is we do let alone what  we go through as wedding and event planners ,we all need a girlfriend that we can sit down , chat, and sip a crisp glass of wine with and that is exactly what my Inspired Wedding Planner Tea post is all about. Industry BFF's its time to close the door, lock out the spouse and kids and get comfy to get the latest tea and perpsective from our own wedding planners in our community. This month we sat down and chatted with Isis Petrie Williams of Posh Events LLC located in Cherry Hill , NJ and I am sure you are going to take gain plenty of take aways and even question your own stance on some industry issues. 

So what is the story behind Posh Events LLC, how did it all start ?

POSH Events started in 2002 as a family affair. Formerly named PureNSimple Productions (the worst name ever), I started planning social events with my cousin who was big on the DC/California scene at the time. We were focused more on private events. I stumbled upon the Association of Bridal Consultants and switched focus to weddings and the business became more of my baby and focus than for the family.

In your opinion what are the top three character traits a successful wedding planner need to have?
​
Great personality (the ability to speak "the language" to multiple people in multiple positions at any given time, great networking skills (you need to have an abundance of resources) and the art of management...of both time and resources.

What is your wedding planning Jam ? 
​
Our goal is always to tell our couple's story. To give their guests insight into their real life relationship, through the 5 senses in a 5 hour span. We are big on family and the intimacy of the relationships we have with our couples. I don't take it lightly that I'm entrusted with helping people celebrate a day they will always remember and will share with future generations to come.

So inquiring minds want to know, what is your take on networking, is it required to be successful in this industry ?

Networking IS this industry. People work with people they like. We've all seen it, the "popular kid" that no one actually cares for and everyone talks about...you don't want to be them. As my father always says, it's actually NOT about who you know but more importantly, who knows you. Networking leads to referrals and a referral based business is the easiest to maintain.

What is your wedding industry pet peeve and how do you work around it ?

Liars. I do not like vendors who overpromise and under deliver. I form relationships from a perspective of tell me what you need to best do your job. I try to match my clients with the vendors I know can fulfill their needs. I always want it to be a win-win for all involved. Dishonesty, and saying you can do more than you realistically can, is a sure fire way to rub me the wrong way.

In what areas of your business have you seen the most success and what do you attribute that to ?
​
I'm honestly most proud of the team I've developed. You rarely see a weddingwire review, and we have many, that doesn't include some mention of my POSH girls. This is success in my eyes because I know I'm only as successful as my team. As we continue to do bigger events, bigger budgets, higher profile clients, having a team that just gets it, is what makes me feel like I'm finally doing this thing right.

So the inspired wedding planner community wants to know what Isis Petrie Williams believes to be the three most important items every planner needs in his/her emergency kit.
​
white duct tape-aisle runner anyone? safety pins-we have pinned many a bridesmaid into their dresses Wine-out- removes red wine stains from those pesky crisp white shirts the groomsmen are too drunk to care about.

So when you are not planning well exceuted events in the New Jersey, Philadelphia , New York area how do you spend your off time and how do you balance it all ?

My focus outside of my business is with my almost 9 year old superhero Chris. I'm a mom to seriously the best little boy ever and I enjoy seeing the world through his eyes. For grown up activities, I love to travel and while i'm away from home, find new places to shop and eat. I know that sounds greedy, but food really is my fancy.

You bring many years of experience to the industry what is the one piece of advice you would like to share and leave in the Hall of Fame with the The Shaun Cox Inspired Wedding Planner community ?

Find what works for you and do it. We all enter this business as a passion and somewhere along the way, we lose our footing often getting swept into the cyber world of who we need to be. When you feel overwhelmed (and you will), stop and take a look back at why you started this business. Who you wanted to help. What you love about weddings, and make sure as much as you can, you keep that as your "why". Don't ever compromise so much of yourself that you lose the love for what you're doing.

How can other Inspired Wedding Planners connect with you ? 

You may follow me on facebook at Isis Petrie Williams or our business page POSH Events, LLC or on ig at posheventsisis

Want to use this post in your E-newsletter, blog, 
or website? Feel free as long as you include this complete
statement: Chattanooga and Cleveland Tennessee Premier
Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Planner Mentor Shaun Cox of A D.I.Y. Affair Weddings and The Shaun Cox Personal Brand 
 publishes the Inspired Wedding Planner Education blog filled with secrets,
tips and how-to's for operating your wedding planning business. Get your
exclusive  tips and tricks
at www.TheShaunCox.com. Shaun Cox  is a Wedding Planner Mentor based in
Cleveland Tennessee, training and educating Wedding Planners nationwide.