Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Brucker.
Hi Maggie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Our company stemmed from my dream of becoming an entrepreneur, stepping outside of the corporate box, and making the world a prettier place to be in. I am a business owner, creative entrepreneur, writer, designer, hopeful romantic, wanderluster-er, Grammy-winning singer (in my car), dancer, and crazy dog/cat mama. I am obsessed with all things brass, leather, and faux fur, and bourbon is my choice of cocktail, always.
My background has always been in the creative arts starting from an early age in the theater. I loved being around and collaborating with innovative people; singing and performing with them on stage. My life motto is ‘Creativity Breeds Creativity’ and surrounding myself with artistic folk makes my world go ’round! My inspiration from family, good friends, and being present in life’s simple moments are what drives my business and is the core of our company. I will always root for and stick up for the underdog and my love for “the little things in life” help create authentic and emotion-filled celebrations for my clients.
Being a forever tomboy, my career in design started as a whim in 2004 when I received my Interior Design Certification. After working in the design industry for two years, I was asked to help a friend with his catering company in southern Connecticut. This is where I realized my passions for design and events could blend together. After three years learning the catering ropes, I began working as the Event Planner for the acclaimed Barteca Restaurant Group and Barcelona Restaurants where I was responsible for planning, designing, and executing all corporate, social, and off-site celebrations and was featured in The Hartford Courant’s article, “Dinner by the Bite.” In 2010, I decided to follow my entrepreneurial dream and open the doors to Double G Events.
When I am not working, you will most likely find me on a paddleboard, taking long road trips and getting purposely lost, perfecting my smooth dance moves, traveling everywhere I can, or relaxing in front a killer fire with a glass of Woodford’s Bourbon.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Business owners face challenges and obstacles on a daily basis — it’s basically what they sign up for. 2020 and the outbreak of the Pandemic were extremely difficult years for the events industry in general. As government shutdowns and mandates occurred; venues closed, and most heartbreaking of all, having to guide and watch our clients go through postponement after postponement. This was the first time in my 20-year career that I did not have concrete answers for my clients or my business. It was as if I was unable to do anything. In the end, my clients were the most amazing troopers and waited out the year and 2021 and 2022 are back with a mission.
As a result, being in the events industry also comes with another challenge and downside: you have to sacrifice your weekends and family time. There have been multiple family events, birthdays, weddings and funerals missed because I spend most weekends celebrating someone else’s milestone. What’s the tradeoff? In the east coast, our event season lasts from April to November, so we have about four months to travel and relax.
The most important lesson I have learned from the Pandemic is to focus on my own art, my business standards and current clients. Despite the current “boom” in the industry, this doesn’t mean you have to take on more than you would on any other normal year — not every client is a good match, and you do not have to say yes to every inquiry. You’ll attract the right clients if you find your sweet spot and charge what you’re worth. Burned out people are no good to anyone. Give your clients the attention, focus, and creativity they hired you for and everything else will fall into place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a designer who finds inspiration everywhere, I begin my design process by getting to know our clients thoroughly. I want to know what your world looks like. What’s your favorite restaurant or recipe? Do you like to go out or cuddle up at home? What’s your favorite way to unwind? Where’s your favorite spot in the world to visit? While I’m always happy to see your Pinterest images, I can learn so much more about you by understanding the furniture, interiors or art you’re inspired by. Tell me about your pets, your family and the traditions you’ve created together. I want to tell your story.
My design process doesn’t begin and end with a mood board. It is ever evolving as we work together and get to know each other. It’s not a science; instead, an art that unfolds organically. Together we will explore what works and doesn’t work. We will navigate what feels right and what we need to leave behind to ultimately create a day that’s made just for you. My goal is for your guests to step into that space and feel who you are as a couple. I want them to see everything you’re about.
Close your eyes and picture your wedding. Hear the music, smell the flowers, taste the food… and then take yourself out of it. If any couple can walk into that space and call it their wedding day, we have to go back to the drawing board because that isn’t their wedding.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Following two years of struggles, closures, and government shutdowns, the wedding industry is finally booming again. According to estimates 2.6 million weddings will take place in 2022 — the highest number since 1984.
On the downside, supply chains and demands will be affected. With so many celebrations and events being planned, securing what is needed for clients has been challenging. Prices are higher and delivery is delayed. As pricing increases, so does pricing for artists and creatives.
Weddings and events are growing and we are seeing larger guest counts. People are ready to have their big blowout bashes; no longer confined to the ‘micro wedding’ — which is a phrase I really dislike. As much as we enjoyed the intimacy of 2020/2021events, couples are ready to go big. The guest counts have already increased significantly.
Art-inspired design is another trend we love. Every room becomes an experience. Incorporating complex graphic elements or artistic branding into their details, clients are thinking about custom ways to fill (or complete) empty spaces. For instance, we have clients who upload images of their favorite Dutch art, architectural spaces, and furniture pieces which is helpful to understand their style more than simply uploading photos of weddings they like on a Pinterest board.
Contact Info:
- Email: maggie@dgevents.us
- Website: https://www.doublegevents.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgeweddingdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dgeweddings/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dGweddingDesign
Image Credits
Sarma and Co.
Monika Eisenbart Photography
Joanna Fisher Photography
Justin Jun Lee Weddings
Robert Norman Photography
Stephanie Brauer Photography
