Sandy Perla - Bridging Wedding Planning and Real Estate: Journey of a Resilient Entrepreneur

How does one seamlessly blend the worlds of wedding planning and real estate? Sandy Perla, the dynamic entrepreneur behind Occasions by Sandy, shares her incredible journey from catering and venue management to launching her own business during the pandemic. You'll learn about the comprehensive wedding planning services she offers—from full planning to an express package for budget-conscious brides—and how her background as a transaction coordinator led her to obtain a real estate license with Century 21 Redwood. Discover Sandy’s unique ability to offer holistic services that make life easier for her clients, as well as her aspirations to grow her team and expand destination weddings internationally.

Ever wondered how a single mom balances a bustling career with personal passions? In this episode, Sandy opens up about her life beyond business. From family adventures and travel dreams to her dedication to community service, Sandy's life is a testament to living fully while giving back. She discusses her plans to host a meet-and-greet event for her real estate clients and lenders, and her excitement about promoting destination weddings abroad. With a focus on loyalty, respect, and finding joy in every moment, Sandy’s story will inspire you to pursue your dreams fearlessly. Don’t miss her candid thoughts on love and her openness to new possibilities when the time is right.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:30

The name of my business is Occasions by Sandy. I'm a wedding and event planner in the Northern Virginia area, Maryland DC. I'm also a realtor with Century 21 Redwood, so I usually like to offer my services to my wedding clients because getting married and buying a house usually goes hand in hand. So that is my main focus for the wedding planning and the real estate. Okay.

Speaker 2: 0:56

And then can you go into a little bit more detail for the wedding planning and the real estate? Okay, and then can you go into a little bit more detail on the wedding planning side, like what all does that entail, what kind of services? I think you have like three tiers. Can you go into that a little bit for people who are curious?

Speaker 1: 1:06

Yes. So I like to offer full planning, which is basically for the bride that has no clue where to begin, the one that wants to be, have somebody to work with at all times. That basically means that I will help pick all the wedding vendors give them based on their budget. I have different vendors that you know have different pricing, so I'll make sure that I'm sending them to the right vendor. It also means that I'm doing all of, like their invitations. So pretty much from start to finish, they will have me by their side.

Speaker 1: 1:41

Partial planning would be where I'm just helping them pick three vendors. They would choose which ones I'm helping them choose. And again it will include, like the timeline, final walkthroughs, any type of meeting. I also offer decor, so a lot of the brides like to take advantage of that as well. And then partial I'm sorry the day of coordination is more of like you know, the bride has done everything, bride and groom have done everything and they just really need help executing the day of. So it's a little bit less intense.

Speaker 1: 2:16

But that package usually starts eight weeks out because I don't want to just show up to an event like. I want to know all the vendors. I contact them before to generate the timeline, and so a timeline is also included final walkthrough, so they still get all the important elements, but it's just. I come in later into the picture and I recently also added Express Day of Coordination, which is basically the lowest package I have, which only includes eight hours and it's just less hands on for the bride. That pretty much has done everything and doesn't need all the additional help, and they're able to customize it. So if they want to add rehearsal, they can add that on. It's more for the budget conscious bride and I think that really helps them.

Speaker 2: 3:04

Love that. I love that you have different tiers, especially for people who are more like self-conscious and people who are like all right, this is my big day. I planned for this. This is what I need and want, so I love that you have that range. Yes, I need and want, so I love that you have that range. Yes, tell me your story about how you got into this industry and maybe what certain things you've done that led you here.

Speaker 1: 3:21

So I started out in catering back in 2012. So basically I was doing all the tastings, I was having the clients come in to do linen selections, and then at that point I got to visit so many different venues. So from there I just kind of fell in love with everything. I became my own event planner for the catering company and so from there the location was in Springfield and I'm here in Leesburg, so I decided to apply for a wedding and event manager at Oatlands. So I did venue management for about three years and then COVID happened.

Speaker 1: 4:02

But I had already decided that I didn't want to continue doing this for somebody else. I already had all the tools, all the knowledge to basically do it for myself. I didn't know we were going to have COVID. So literally right before it hit, I had already started working on my website and I had a vision of what I needed to do, and so when we went on lockdown, I used that time to get it all together and just finish my website and just I ran with it. And here I am a few years later. So I'm glad I did it and, yeah, really happy Love that.

Speaker 2: 4:36

And then how did that lead you into real estate as well, and how do you find that they're working hand in hand?

Speaker 1: 4:41

So at that time, before I decided that I was going to do that, I was working for a realtor, a REMAX Premier. I was their transaction coordinator, so essentially I already knew everything contract wise. And again during COVID I, the lockdown I studied to try to get my license and then, as soon as we were able to go back into the world, I went in, I took the test and I passed it. So it was just. I used that terrible time to turn it into a positive thing for myself. I am a single mom, so I had to like figure out how to get revenue. I got tired of the nine to five and this allows me to basically do my own schedule, be there for my kids when they need it, and it just really worked, and it works for my little family.

Speaker 2: 5:33

Yeah, I love that. You definitely did not waste time doing that. You're like all right, like that, find another way to like. You know exactly me all that good stuff, find your passion and everything. Yeah, where do you see yourself in the next five years with your business?

Speaker 1: 5:48

So right now I'm really trying to focus on growing my business. I do have two other planners or associate planners that I work with, and so I just want to be able to take on more. I am only one person right now, so just growing. And then I'm also trying to promote destination weddings. I am from El Salvador, so I've been there twice lately and I'm trying to start promoting there. I also have family in Italy, so I want to make sure that you know.

Speaker 1: 6:17

So just trying to do the destination wedding thing, that's what I'm really trying to push. I also just joined a team at Century 21 Redwood, the Gabriela Group, so I'm really excited to see where that takes me. We have a lot of plans. So just basically merging both things that I do and maybe trying to do more real estate. There are so many of us out there, but I feel like my clients, my wedding clients no one can touch those people, yeah, and so that's who I usually try to you know. Let them know that I do this, and since we already know each other, it's just like a really easy transition. So just growing within the county, within the state, growing the destination portion of it, and then continue to grow my real estate business hopefully.

Speaker 2: 7:06

That's brilliant, I love that you've thought about that and are like this is where I want to start going into and transition into that. That's great. Yes, and for marketing for yourself. How are you going about that online? Are you on TikTok, are you on YouTube, instagram? Tell me about what you're doing and how you're getting the word out there about what you do.

Speaker 1: 7:25

Yeah, so I actually that is, I get a lot of my referrals or my uh leads from social media. I do have Instagram, facebook and Tik TOK. I try to be very active on both, so sharing stories constantly anytime I'm at a, I'm at an event. Uh, and I actually forgot to mention I did win best of Loudon for the wedding planning last year. So that was really nice and I feel like it gave me a little boost and it also kind of made me feel good knowing that what I'm doing is being well received. So that was really helpful.

Speaker 1: 7:57

But definitely social media is. It's extremely important, uh, and I make sure that I uh share constantly. Uh, I also have, you know, there are certain venues that have added me to their preferred vendor list, so I do get leads from that, which is kind of really nice because I'm getting it directly from the venue owners. They'll give me a direct referral and then the next one would be a direct client referral. So if I've worked with another bride and they have a friend that's getting married, they'll send them my way, which is really nice. Um, to you know that they do that. So that's usually how I promote myself. I also do a lot of networking. Uh, that's been really important. Um, I do styled shoots, uh, with other vendors and that's how I get to meet new vendors and create those relationships. So I'm definitely out there, um, making sure that's how I get to meet new vendors and create those relationships. So I'm definitely out there making sure that people know I'm here and that I'm here to help.

Speaker 2: 8:52

I love that. What advice would you give somebody who is struggling to get out there and get their name out there, and maybe they're like I don't know how to go about this. I'm really scared, I'm nervous. What would you like for them to know that maybe you've learned along the way?

Speaker 1: 9:06

Fake it till you make it. Wow, I hear that a lot Seriously, because I mean, even though I had the experience of like everything, like you know, there had to be the first client that had to put their trust in me and then from there it's just basically, you know, knowing that, you know what you're doing and having the confidence Don't be scared to. You know, I basically took a leap of faith by quitting my nine to five. I didn't know if it was going to work, but in my heart I felt like it would and I did everything I could to make sure it was working. So I would say don't be afraid, Don't be afraid to be on social media. That's really important, especially with, just you know, things have changed, yeah, and it's going to be really important for you to kind of stay on top of that and, you know, just trust yourself, network and have faith in yourself, Because if I can do it, you guys can do it too.

Speaker 2: 10:00

Absolutely. That's such a great message and it's good affirmation to you, like what you said before, where you were nominated and you won Loudon's Best, Like that's a testament to like hey, I'm doing something right.

Speaker 2: 10:14

I was flattered, yeah, and I you know it's, it's, it made me feel good to be very proud of and you did it all like on your own hustling, trying to get in there and doing your thing, so congratulations thank you, yeah, thank you and um, do you have a business location where you have like the shoots that are happening or where people can come to you, or are you renting out?

Speaker 1: 10:37

no, I'm currently still like I'll meet my clients either either like a coffee shop, um, or you know, we'll meet at their house, or sometimes they'll come to my, uh, where my things, uh, all my decor items, are in my mom's house. Yeah, so I've made like a little studio of decor. People can come there check it out, um. So, um, as far as styled shoots, honestly it's finding the venue first, and finding the venue that's willing to let you use the venue at no cost. Once you have the venue and the date, then you start's willing to let you use the venue at no cost. Once you have the venue and the date, then you start basically building your team. So, as the planner, I have to find the you know, the person that's going to be the bride hair and makeup florist.

Speaker 1: 11:15

So it's basically, you're putting a whole little wedding together, uh, and everyone gets the benefit because we all get access to the pictures, we all make the connections and it just really works well. So, as far as the style shoots, it's just finding the venue first and then from there you just kind of take it from there.

Speaker 2: 11:33

Awesome, and I guess you have like a list of people or contacts that you know like okay, I work with this person, they're awesome and I'm going to bring them along here. Are you currently like also trying to find the newest, trendiest thing that you want to add?

Speaker 1: 11:50

How does that work with people? I'm always looking to add people to my vendor list. Of course, I have my preferred vendors and that's one of the things that clients like, because when you start planning a wedding, you have zero idea of, like you know, pricing or who's doing what. So when we have our first meeting, I try to get basically an idea of what it is you're trying to do, your budget, and then from there I'll connect them directly with the vendor. Of course, I'm always trying to grow my vendor list and try to meet new people, trying to stay on trend.

Speaker 1: 12:17

Obviously, something that was on trend last year could be Like right now. I feel like the 90s are coming back, Okay and just yeah. So definitely trying to grow, and I do that by networking. And when I do styled shoots, I do like to find new vendors that I haven't worked with, because then we're making a new connection. Yes, or a lot of them are trying to grow their business and you know I'm there to support them and if I can do that and help them grow as well, then that's what I'll be doing Awesome.

Speaker 2: 12:58

And now, speaking of trends, what trends have you noticed lately that you're like oh interesting. Last year it was nineties, this year.

Speaker 1: 13:00

I'm noticing like a shift or we're going back to this. What are you seeing? Yeah, I'm definitely seeing a lot of smaller weddings. People are not wanting to do like. You know. It's the micro weddings are definitely in this year. Have you know? I have at least five or six where it's only like 40, 50 guests. To me that's a lot.

Speaker 2: 13:17

Oh, my God, it is.

Speaker 1: 13:18

But you know, or even smaller, so that's really important to them. And then I find that you know the bride and groom are willing to spend money on what they think is important, so like a lot of more minimal decor. You know less is more, you know, so that's really also. I feel like that's really changed, because in the past it's always like you know flowers Exactly, so this year it's just a lot more laid back and you know people are also just more conscious about you know who they're inviting to their weddings. So you know closer friends and family, you know, rather than people that you just like met exactly or family that you haven't seen in years, because your mom wants to invite.

Speaker 1: 14:02

So clients are just more like no, this is what we want. So I would say just that the sizes have definitely decreased, and I also find that I have a lot of weekday weddings too. So Sundays or Thursdays they're kind of starting to be a thing as well. So it saves money. You know, a lot of the venues will give you a discount to be able to, you know, for those off-season weddings. So I would say that as well.

Speaker 2: 14:29

Okay, yeah, that's interesting to know. I did not know any of these things, so I'm sure some of our listeners will be like, oh wow, that's something to think about. That's actually a good idea. So thank you for sharing that. Who are you outside of work Like, when you're not busy trying to do real estate stuff, wedding planning stuff? What do you like to do to relax, to have fun?

Speaker 1: 14:47

So I like well, I'm a single mom of twins. They're a seven-year-old boy girl and I also have a 22-year-old son. So when I'm not doing work, I'm essentially being a mom. We love to travel, even if it's not like getting on a plane, but just doing day trips to hiking or just doing fun activities with them, spending time with my family. You know, that's really my main focus, usually when I'm not doing wedding planning, because that's really all I have time for. Yeah, I stay busy, but you know, like I said before, I'm able to adjust my schedule to where I'm there for the kids when they need me, and it works really well.

Speaker 1: 15:27

So, mom duty when I'm not working.

Speaker 2: 15:30

Yes, finding that little balance there, okay, yes, and then, um, is there anything that I have not touched on, maybe that you would like to talk about on the podcast? Since I have you here, I want to make sure that I touch all those key points or anything that maybe you would like to share, get off of your chest or anything.

Speaker 1: 15:46

No, I would just say that you know, again, I'm just trying to grow my real estate. I feel like that's just been a little bit slower on my end. But you know, like I said, I just joined the team. I'm going to be trying to. I'm probably going to be doing a meet and greet in the fall with all my clients a wedding client so that they can come and meet and maybe have some lenders on hand for, like, the first time home buyer, and again, I think I'm just trying to focus on growing the destination wedding part. So I'll probably take a few trips, do some marketing outside of, like you know, the United States to be able to do that. Let me see if there's anything else. I'm single, so I'm looking for a good man.

Speaker 2: 16:29

I love it. I'm sorry I had to throw it. I love it.

Speaker 1: 16:32

I've been single for seven years and I feel like, you know I'm single because the right person hasn't come along but I'm also a busy person, so I think that kind of scares people away. But you know, I feel like the right person will come along and whenever that happens I will be, you know, I will welcome it if it does. So I know that's kind of weird to bring up.

Speaker 2: 16:54

But if any listeners are out there, you know we've got Sandy over here Right right? No, I love that. And now for my final question. If you could leave our listeners with a message or maybe a mantra that you live by and want to share, anything at all that's in your heart and can be in regards to any topic, what would that message or mantra be?

Speaker 1: 17:16

Basically, you only live once. Don't be scared to do things that are out of the norm. Live your life like it's your last day and make sure that you're respectful and that you are loyal to your friends and the people that you are doing business with, because that will come back to you. I do a lot of volunteer work as well. I did forget to mention that.

Speaker 1: 17:43

So just making sure that you work. You know you give back to the community. Uh, I'm in the uh association of Dallas, association of realtors, a volunteer group uh, which they help. Uh, right now we're working with women giving back. Uh, we worked with loss in the past uh, mobile hope. So I do put a lot of time into that to make sure that I'm giving back to the community. Um, so, just just making sure that you are like as much as you're taking that you're giving back because, like I said, it will come back and I feel like the relationships that I have, they know that what kind of person I am. So, you know, having the friendships turns into you know business and it just goes hand in hand. So, be a good person, you know. Don't be, you know, a Karen or you know, just make sure that you're putting your best foot forward and live your day like it's the last, because that's one thing I do. I just try to make sure that I'm being the best I can for my kids and giving them a good example.

Speaker 2: 18:44

I love that Thank you so much for being on the podcast. You're welcome.

Speaker 1: 18:47

Thanks for having me. I hope I was able to answer all your good questions. You absolutely were. Thank you, thank you.