Meet MICHALEA SMITH | Owner and Wedding Coordinator

We had the good fortune of connecting with MICHALEA SMITH and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MICHALEA, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
In the beginning when I started wedding planning (it was just a hobby) I met a woman at church who knew my grandfather. She told me that her daughter was getting married and that my husband told her that I could help. Boy oh boy, had no clue what I was getting myself into. Just about anything that could have happened, happened. Instead of having a bridezilla, it was the mother of the bride who was demanding and wanting this and that. I felt bad for the bride, because when we spoke, she told exactly what she wanted and how. The MOB thought it should be bigger and more of how she wanted it because she was paying for it. Well, the bride gave in. Oh yeah the bride and groom were living out of state and wanted to come back to West Palm Beach to get married. I believed it took about 6 months to plan and I only spoke to the bride over the phone. I only saw the couple 3 days before the wedding. Insert shocked emoji. Well the day arrived and it was like a nightmare from the moment I woke up, until midnight. First, the veil was crushed, then it just went downhill after that. I wanted to runway, instead I cried and said I would never do this again. After a good nights rest, I got my pen and paper out and started making notes and reaching out to vetted professionals for advice and direction and here I am today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a wedding addict and I help brides and grooms tell their unique love story on their wedding day. What sets me apart is that I’m non-traditional, I’m not a one size fits all. I only focus on Month of Coordination, working with couples who want something unique.

I’m proud that I never gave up or gave in. No matter how many times I fell or the numbers of mistakes I made I kept on going. I’m excited about working with some amazing creatives, hiring a team, and learning new things.

Many may not know that I have a degree in business as well as in education. I knew how to start a business but I didn’t have a clue what was totally involved in being a wedding coordinator. It was not easy, but I just kept on learning and reaching out for guidance and help.

One of the lessons that I’ve learned is that not all money is good money and always stay true to who you are.

I have been called strong-willed especially by my father, but I just see it as a woman being determined to do what it takes to get the job done and I’m always up for a challenge.

Jamie a past says so.

Michalea is an excellent wedding planner. She worked with me after I had to re-plan a wedding in a month’s time due to Hurricane Ian. She met with me before the wedding to review details. She was so helpful in coordinating the day of our wedding, making sure everything was taken care of and everyone was where they needed to be. She really took everything off of our plate so that we could truly enjoy the day. She is so kind but also will take charge so that all runs smoothly. We are so glad that we found her!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OMG, we would definitely go to the Eau Plam Beach for a day at the spa and lounge by the pool and have lunch. We would have lunch at RH rooftop restaurant downtown West Palm. RH is a 4 story gallery filled with beautiful furniture for inside and outside.

Next we will take a drive to Delray Beach and head for Atlantic Ave is the spot for some delicious food and cute boutiques for some shopping

Me and my bestie love luxury and I have a favorite consignment shop City Girl Consignment. I go in there and find so many designer brands with the tags still on them for half the price. Ya girl love a good bargain.

Hopefully we can catch a good performance at the Kravis Center, grab dinner at Table 26 or Grato for some Italian, or Leila’s for some Middle Eastern food. For some of the best soul food Georgia Mae’s with Chef Boris no doubt.

I cannot let her come and visit without going to Meat Market Steak house.

I love street tacos and when I get a craving Tacos Al Carbon is one of my favorite spots especially the Lake Worth location .

I don’t really hang out that much, but Clematis Street is the place to be on the weekends.

The Norton Museum is one of my favorite places to art museums. It’s also a beautiful wedding venue.

How could I forget about the beautiful beaches. I live where many people to vacation. I love to just go there under and listen to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I truly believe God has kept me thus far. A few years ago, I was on my death bed and didn’t know it. Today I’m alive and doing better. My family has been such a huge support and has been there with me at every wedding. On the days when I didn’t feel like it, my husband and two beautiful daughters were there to hype me up. I met a wonder, talented and amazing wedding planner by the name of Jennifer Hardiman owner of Fabuluxe Events. I was at an event and not to many people wanted to talk to me, but she did and invited me to sit at her table. Jennifer introduced me to some other amazing wedding/event vendors and I mad some meaningful connections. There is also another amazing, wonderful planner and coach by the name of Terrica Skaggs. Let me tell you, she has helped me to get my whole life together. I’ve taking many of her courses, chatted with her over the phone and got a hug from her. Terrica is nothing but the truth. We still are communicate to this day. I’m also apart of the Married In Palm Beach publication. This publication is specifically for the Palm Beach area. I’ve been published and contributed to article in the publication. Married In Palm Beach, has giving me a lot of exposure.

Website: https://eleganteventsbymichalea.com/

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