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

Hi Daryl , how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I must say that it is interesting answering this question during my Covid-19 stay at home order. At this writing, I really miss my work. I have brides who had to abort their plans and reschedule for a future date, and my heart goes out to them. And I believe all celebrations are necessary to maintain a work/life balance. I believe my work as a bridal valet enhances my life because it is work I love. I have, in the past, worked in other aspects of the service business which paid the bills, but did not feed my soul or need to have the satisfaction of really touching someone’s special day. My point is if you love what you do then the work/life balance is a little more seamless. Over time, (and spurned with the help of Covid-19), I have come to appreciate all that I work to celebrate: family being there for each other, traditions, transitions, and gratitude. What I know is that balance in life is the key to health and happiness. If one side is ignored or forgotten, then it must be temporary and energy and focus must be brought back to make sure both sides are fueled. I would hope that my services are part of a bride’s plan to bring balance to her work planning the big event and her life so she can relax and enjoy the journey of her special day. And I pray to be able to get back to that soon!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Any wedding is a production. No matter the size of the wedding, they all share certain components that must be crafted together. It is a collaboration which is the creative part I like best. Prior to opening my business and now coexisting with it, I am a professional actress. And as part of theatre, commercial, and film productions, I have learned how to support others and work as a team towards a common goal. Everybody on a bride’s wedding day is there working towards the same end no matter what their specific task is. I believe what sets me apart when I work with my bride. I recognize that I am part of a team to help the bride, our main character, and every other character in the production of her wedding to arrive towards a successful end.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Delray Beach FL and we have everything I need right here. Our main thoroughfare is Atlantic Avenue and it has the food, the nightlife, and the shopping anyone would need to be entertained. My favorite restaurant in Delray Beach, however, is Third and Third. It is OFF the Avenue and more of a local haunt and non-touristy. Great menu, great bar, great music. I would definitely take them to Wakodahatchee Wetlands Outdoor Park. It was built as a sanctuary for native birds, turtles, small native animals, and alligator sightings are possible. It is an elevated wooden walkway and free of charge. Then we would spend a day at Morikami Japanese Garden. And early Japanese farming settlement called the Yamato colony inspired this wonderful attraction. The gardens are magnificent and the museum chronicles the Yamato colony and George Morikami who farmed the land in the 1970’s and then donated his farmland to Palm Beach County. It is a wonderful place to have a wedding as well! I grew up in Florida, and I truly think Delray Beach…the beach..is one of the best beaches anywhere. It is wide and easily accessible and you can get a drink at the SandBar or have brunch at Luna Rosa. We could check out a show at the Crest Theatre or check out the art at Old School Square Cornell Art Museum. Lastly I would make sure we got a foot massage at www.footrelaxing.com. AMAZING!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would have to shout out to my childhood friend Cece Olack. I remember on a visit with her about five years ago, sharing my frustrations about the work I had been doing. I was at a jumping-off point with wanting to have my own this business, but I was frightened to just do it. She had great ideas for packaging my concept and marketing it. I am grateful for the confidence she had in me which gave me the confidence to give it a go…and I am so glad I did!

Website: www.atyourservicebridalvalet.com
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