5 Things I’m Most Proud of in My Wedding Planning Journey
- Brandi Swanson

- Oct 24
- 3 min read

Being a wedding planner is one of the most rewarding careers imaginable — but it’s also challenging, emotional, and full of unexpected moments. Over the years, I’ve faced my share of mistakes and learning curves, but there are also things I’m deeply proud of. These are the milestones in my wedding planning journey that remind me why I love what I do, and why I’m grateful to serve couples every day.
1. Creating Truly Personalized Weddings
One of the things I’m most proud of is helping couples create weddings that feel like them — unique, meaningful, and intentional. From carefully crafted timelines to thoughtful details that reflect their personalities, I love bringing their vision to life. There’s nothing more rewarding than hearing guests say, “This wedding was so them,” because that means I’ve done my job well. It’s not about trends or perfection; it’s about celebrating a love story in a way that feels unforgettable and deeply personal.
2. Building a Business with Heart and Purpose
I’m proud of the business I’ve built with intention, care, and sustainability in mind. Every decision I make — from pricing to client experience — reflects a desire to provide excellent service while staying true to my values. It hasn’t always been easy, but prioritizing purpose over shortcuts has given me a business I can stand behind wholeheartedly. Knowing that couples and colleagues see integrity at the heart of my work is one of the greatest accomplishments in this journey.
3. Embracing Community Over Competition
After years of learning the importance of leaning on others, I’m proud that I’ve built strong connections with fellow planners and vendors. Choosing collaboration and community — not competition — has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve seen firsthand how much better weddings (and businesses) become when we share knowledge, celebrate each other’s wins, and lift one another up. Some of my most cherished friendships have come from this industry, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
4. Supporting Couples Beyond the Wedding Day
I’m proud of the role I play in helping couples navigate one of the biggest days of their lives with calm, confidence, and joy. Beyond logistics, I love being someone they can trust, rely on, and laugh with — someone who makes the process feel lighter and less overwhelming. Hearing that a couple felt supported and stress-free because of my guidance is one of the most meaningful accomplishments I can imagine. And when couples stay in touch long after the wedding, it’s proof that this work goes far beyond one single day.
5. Growing a Team and Nurturing Talent
I’m proud of the team we’ve built at Next Chapter Weddings. Bringing in talented, dedicated people and empowering them to shine allows us to serve clients better and create an environment of growth, creativity, and care. Watching my team succeed, learn, and thrive is as rewarding as seeing a wedding day come together perfectly. For me, leadership isn’t about doing everything alone — it’s about creating a space where everyone can flourish.

Final Thoughts on My Wedding Planning Journey
Being a wedding planner is a journey full of highs, lows, lessons, and triumphs. While mistakes have taught me resilience and wisdom, these accomplishments remind me why I love what I do — and why I’m so proud to be part of my clients’ most important moments.
At Next Chapter Weddings in Houston, TX, we help couples plan intentional, joyful weddings that reflect their love story. We also travel beyond Houston to San Antonio, Austin, and destination weddings — bringing purpose, care, and expertise to every celebration.
Follow us on Instagram @next_chapter_weddings for inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights from our wedding planning journey.







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