Meet Lilli Black of Sweetly Paired in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilli Black.

Lilli, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up in South Louisiana, I had a hospitality background from a very young age. I worked in restaurants and bars for many years, understanding the industry, and how all the parts of events work together. I grew up on a plantation in South Louisiana, and I learned SO much about tourism while I was growing up. I worked in restaurants, catering, and hotels for years before I moved into the events world as a planner.

After college degrees in several varied fields, long years in interior design, event design, and catering, I started in the wedding industry in 2010, a decade ago… (Whoa!). I owned a flower shop, which I started from scratch in 2010 in my garage. I did 16 weddings in my first year, 125 weddings the second year. We grew out of two spaces with the flower shop and grew into more luxury florals the next few seasons. I learned in luxury events that planning was my passion.

I started planning in 2012 and in my career, I have planned, designed, and managed more than 1000 events. I am passionate about having my couples be guests of honor at their own events, instead of just the hosts. Guest experience is paramount, and it’s how we guide our clients in their planning process. We do not only full-scale weddings and events with 150+ guests, but micro weddings and events with a luxury feel – with 15-40 guests! Just because you have a smaller guest count it shouldn’t mean you have a lower per-guest expectation for service, culinary experience, or expectations.

I come from a hospitality background and have made a career of owning businesses in the hospitality field. I love being in a position to make my clients have a team be supported with and Sweetly Paired is a culmination of that experience and history. My team is everything- They manage our clients, as well as my crazy butt. They know everyone, and can find you just the right bluegrass singer for your wedding – or karaoke party, haha!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth, haha, no. When is an event planning smooth? I have a book mostly written, and soon to be edited. Nothing about what we do is smooth. Nothing about entrepreneurship is smooth. That said, it is the most rewarding thing I’ve done, and on the top of the list for the most rewarding things in the world.

Some of the best things:

Knowing that I pay a salary, benefits, and vacation for someone who needs it.

Knowing my clients pay for the very best team of planners, and can feel comfortable with us as their planners.

Some of the worst or funniest – haha, ask me about my book. Happy to tell you more…

The streakers, the pukers, etc!

Please tell us about Sweetly Paired. What should we know?
Sweetly Paired specializes in the planning of weddings that are mostly destinations, but also happen in the Denver Metro area. We are based in Colorado. We love our destination weddings, and work for our clients to find the best of all vendors to make their dreams come true! The wedding should be a reflection f the couple and the budget, and we are happy to make the two things meet in the middle.

Our favorite couples are those who are looking for comfort and adventure in the same conversation. We are extremely organized, but also very sensitive to all of the family issues at the same time.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
AH, this question. I would have chosen a service-based, instead of product-based business, since product-based businesses are tough to manage. Other than that, I don’t think there is a thing.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6300 E Hampden Ave 2106 Denver 80222
• Website: www.sweetlypairedcom
• Phone: 3039952867
• Email: lilli@sweetlypaired.com
• Instagram: @sweetlypaired
• Facebook: @sweetlypaired
• Twitter: @sweetlypaired

Image Credit:
Erin Witt
Ashley Kidder
Ali & Garrett

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