Master Wedding Planner JoAnn Moore
Master Profile
Master Wedding Planner™ JoAnn Moore, MWP™, CWC, CGWP, CSS, Mountains & Meadows LLC, Weddings and Events—DBA JoAnn Moore Weddings.Family: I have been married to my amazing fire-chief husband, Charlie, for 22 years. I have 5 kids. My oldest is a Coast Guard senior chief officer. I have a son who is a small business owner, a daughter who is a math fellow for Denver Public Schools, a daughter in vet-tech school, and a son who attends Western State Colorado University in Gunnison who’ll represent the United States at the World University Winter games in Kazakhstan as one of eight Nordic skiers.Education: My degree is in science, and I worked in the medical field for 20 years before changing gears to study psychology, so I could better understand clients and families.
Getting started: I started by volunteering at various community events. My experience and knowledge in the industry grew, and I was asked to plan a wedding for a couple I knew—with that, I found my passion. I learned everything I could, attended workshops, conferences, and volunteered to work side-by-side with some of the wedding industry’s best. In 2004, I opened for business and booked 30 weddings in my first season.On business changes: Throughout the past five years, I’ve increased my fee and serve fewer clients. I’ve expanded to the Lake Tahoe, Calif., region and remain in the resort mountain communities of Colorado. I no longer offer set-up/breakdown services. I provide one quote to potential clients based on a preliminary conversation. I no longer provide a menu of services but prepare proposals based on what the client will need by way of expertise and time commitment.
Evaluating success: If at the end of the day, the couple, a family member, or guest says it was the “best wedding they have ever attended,” I know we were successful. When a venue or vendor tell a couple they MUST give JoAnn a call, I know I am providing amazing service. Notwithstanding awards…I evaluate success on reputation, referrals, attention to detail, and feedback from clients.One business mistake: When I first started, I priced myself too low and booked 30 weddings immediately. I did a great job but was exhausted. I quickly figured out I wasn’t charging enough and doubled my rates.Mentors: Ann Nola, one of this industry’s pioneers, and the founder of the Bridal Extravaganza Bridal Shows and the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants, to which I belong, is a mentor. I spoke with her on the telephone, then met her several times. What an exciting life! She started as a wedding planner before anyone heard of one. She’s a believer that a career as a planner is not for everyone. It takes a special person with the right gifts of professionalism, passion, integrity, and drive to succeed.
Industry influencers: Social media, Pinterest, and budget are influencers. Brides are much savvier and want to be ahead of the trends.inspiration: I’m lucky to work and live in beautiful locations where Mother Nature is the star. I use the outdoors to inspire—wildflowers and the four seasons provide color palettes. The light of dusk and subtle colors of evening provide the perfect backdrop for beautiful receptions. I also find inspiration in abstract works of art.Marketing strategy: Vendor referrals are key. I also receive referrals from previous clients and guests who have attended one of my events. It’s also important to show my work in magazines and online. I have a listing on The Knot.com and WeddingWire.com.Staying fresh: Play time and laugh time is important! I reset my mind with vacations, conferences, and fun with my husband!Ideal client: Someone who allows him/herself to trust the experts is ideal, as is someone who understands costs. A client who speaks up with, “I like it” or “I don’t like it,” that’s all I ask.Favorite business book: I love books by the best designers in the industry, Colin Cowie, Preston Bailey, Sasha Souza, and David Tutera. For business, I like to listen to webinars so I can get to the point quickly. Then, if I like the guest speaker, I’ll purchase their book.Reading now: Mostly, I’m writing—stand by for an announcement soon!Free time: I love to travel with my husband and visit my kids. I enjoy the arts, theatre, and music and attend concerts and plays when I can.Words of wisdom: I would give back the best advice JoAnn Gregoli gave me when I was struggling with bad clients. She told me to protect my reputation at all costs. At the end of the day, my reputation can make or break my business. She was right!Giving back: I enjoy working with our public servants and assist in planning many of their events, from badge pinning ceremonies and awards banquets to firefighters’ memorial services.Little known fact: While planning weddings, I was also a children’s dance teacher, teaching tap and ballet for 26 years, part time. I even volunteered for more than 20 years teaching senior citizens to dance.
