How I Faked It (Honestly) and Found My Purpose: My Wedding Planning Journey

Let’s be honest — starting something new as an entrepreneur can be terrifying.

When I first launched Next Chapter Weddings, I had never planned a wedding outside of my own. Yep, I said it. I didn’t come from a long background of luxury weddings or high-profile events. I came from owning a dance studio for seven years and planning recitals, fundraisers, and community events. I helped with Chamber of Commerce galas and local mixers, but weddings? Weddings are a different game.

And yet… I had this fire inside of me.

I knew I was supposed to help couples fully experience their day. I wanted to remove distractions, protect their peace, and create a space where they could actually be in the moment — not just pose for it. Because I believe love is worth celebrating. Real love. The kind that makes your voice shake and your heart leap.

Where My Wedding Planning Journey Began

So I started.

Even though I didn’t know everything, I promised my clients one thing: you’re going to get a stress-free wedding, no matter what.

I showed up with my planner, my timelines, and my full heart. I listened to my couples, asked good questions, and stayed late. I learned with every event. And you know what? I got better. My systems improved. My confidence grew. My business blossomed.

And it all started with the quiet decision to move forward before I felt fully ready. Because sometimes? The best thing you can do is fake it until you make it — with integrity. Not faking who you are. Not faking your values. But showing up with belief in what you can do — even if you’re still learning. That choice became the first step in what would grow into my wedding planning journey.

So if you're a new entrepreneur, feeling like you're in over your head, you're not alone. And you're not incapable. You're just becoming. That matters.

5 Truths That Helped Me Start Before I Felt Ready:

Passion is a real qualification

If your heart is in it, if you have a real reason for doing what you do, don’t downplay that. Clients can feel when you're genuine. Let your mission drive you, even if your résumé is still growing. Passion doesn’t just fill in the gaps; it fuels the long nights, the problem-solving, and the moments when you wonder if you can really pull it off.

You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to listen

Ask great questions. Stay curious. Let your clients tell you what they need, then meet them there. That’s how you build trust and deliver. Some of my best solutions came not from experience, but from hearing a couple’s vision and finding a creative way to make it happen.

Organization goes a long way

You don’t need a fancy title or decades of experience to be prepared. A clear timeline, a solid checklist, and the ability to follow through — these build confidence fast. The truth is, being organized not only helps you, it reassures your couples that they can relax and enjoy their day without second-guessing anything.

Every event is a classroom

Treat every single client like they matter (because they do), and treat every wedding as a chance to grow. Your skillset will expand if your ego doesn’t get in the way. I learned early on to view challenges not as failures, but as lessons that make me a better planner for the next couple.

Don’t wait until you’re perfect to begin

Perfection is a moving target. Start messy. Learn publicly. Give yourself the grace to evolve — and don’t apologize for your journey. The growth and confidence you’re hoping for often come after you take the leap, not before.

Embracing Every Step of Your Journey

Building a business from scratch isn’t always glamorous. But it is beautiful. Because every time you choose to take that next step, even scared — you’re becoming the woman you were always meant to be.

Keep going, friend. You’ve got this. 💛

---

With love and purpose,

Brandi

Founder of Next Chapter Weddings

📍Houston, TX (but ready to celebrate love wherever it takes me!)

 Let’s stay connected → @next_chapter_weddings