Who knew that saying "I do" to a job in weddings could lead to such an adventure? Meet Kirstie, a hospitality pro who stumbled into the wedding world. Little did she know that joining Wedgewood Weddings would be like saying "yes" to the career of a lifetime! From surprise ceremonies to venue grand openings, Kirstie's journey is filled with laughter, tears (the good kind!), and enough heartwarming moments to fill a wedding album. Grab some cake and settle in as Kirstie takes us down the aisle of her unexpected love affair with the wedding industry. Take it away, Kirstie!
KIRSTIE (SECOND FROM LEFT) WITH HER TRE BELLA TEAM
I started working with Wedgewood Weddings in 2019 after about ten years in the sales and hospitality industry. I never really thought about working in the wedding and event industry before joining the company. The only experience I really had related to the job was working as a wedding coordinator for a salon and spa in 2012. Still, I was mainly focused on scheduling hair and makeup appointments for brides and bridal parties. When I was presented with the opportunity to be a wedding coordinator with Wedgewood Weddings, I wasn’t sure I was entering the right field for myself. Flash forward to 2024; I’m over five years in and couldn’t imagine working in any other industry.
When I was hired in 2019, I started at the Lindsay Grove venue in Mesa, Arizona. I was particularly fond of this venue after looking through photos of all the venues in the region, so I was super excited when I was told Lindsay Grove would be my home property. I started my career as a Catering Manager, which was a ton of fun because coordinating events and selling weddings are my strong spots. I worked at Lindsay Grove for about four and a half years and was promoted to Valservenience Director during my time there. Lindsay Grove will always have a special place in my heart. The couples there were some of my absolute favorites.
THE GORGEOUS GROUNDS OF LINDSAY GROVE IN MESA, AZ
While working at Lindsay Grove, I had one couple that truly had a significant impact on me. A daughter came in looking for a wedding venue for her mom and dad. Her mom had stage four cancer and was not expected to live much longer. Her parents had been married at the courthouse before she was born, but growing up, she always told her mom that her dream was to throw her a real wedding someday. So that’s what she did. She met with me and booked on the spot. Her parent’s wedding anniversary was about two or three months out, and she wanted to surprise them by hosting the wedding on the same day as their anniversary. We had a few meetings to pick out linen colors and decorations and discuss the timeline.
On the day of the wedding, she had told her parents that they were going to a nice dinner and to dress up. When they arrived at the venue, the couple was greeted not only by the team members but also by an entire ceremony site filled with their closest friends and family. There was not a dry eye on the property. It was one of the most special weddings I’ve ever coordinated, and being able to share in such a beautiful moment is something I will hold onto for the rest of my life.
Lindsay Grove was my safe space, but after four years with the company, it was time for me to spread my wings and apply for a new property. In January of 2024, I started a new adventure and helped open our Tre Bella venue in Mesa, Arizona. I really loved this venue. It was a lot smaller than Lindsay Grove but had so much character. This venue taught me a ton of new skills, as I had never opened a property before. I learned how to transition inherited clients into Wedgewood Weddings clients, I learned all the steps that go into setting up an office, and I had to learn all the ins and outs of an entirely new property so I could have the skills to sell the space. It was a great experience, and on top of it, I got to work with a great team.
INDUSTRIAL-CHIC CEREMONY SITE AT TRE BELLA IN DOWNTOWN MESA, AZ
In May of 2024, I opened Clayton House, located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale. Clayton House has been such a blast to open. I'm from Scottsdale, so knowing the area helps a ton with selling the property. This venue is a completely different ball game compared to Lindsay Grove and Tre Bella because almost half of our events are non-weddings. Expanding my skills has always interested me, so working with a venue that can do both weddings and corporate and social events has been a great challenge.
THE EXPANSIVE RECEPTION SPACE AT CLAYTON HOUSE IN DOWNTOWN SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Working for Wedgewood Weddings has been one of my greatest decisions. I’ve worked for family-owned companies before, but something about Wedgewood Weddings has always stood out to me. I’ve always felt that they really care about their employees and truly make us feel valued, and I couldn’t be happier to work for this company.
Thank you, Kirstie, for sharing your inspiring journey with Wedgewood Weddings! Your story beautifully illustrates the passion, growth, and meaningful connections that define a career in the wedding industry.
***
POST CONTRIBUTOR: KIRSTIE HIBBERT
CLAYTON HOUSE BY WEDGEWOOD WEDDINGS