Today we’d like to introduce you to Latrice Johnson.
Hi Latrice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Latrice Johnson. I was born and raised in the beautiful Florida Keys. Growing up on an Island is something not many get to say! I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have been raised in a friendly and supportive environment. I credit much of my “laid-back” style to where I was raised.
Ever since I can remember, I have always been a huge fan of love, finding your forever person, and watching cheesy romantic movies that always had a happy ending. Some of my favorites are, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, The Proposal, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember and Love & Basketball just to name a few!
There is something so magical about witnessing two people coming together to celebrate their love and begin a new chapter in their lives. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to plan my parents’ wedding that my passion for wedding planning truly ignited. My parents had been together since high school and were never officially married. When they finally decided to tie the knot, I eagerly took on the task of planning their special day. Little did I know this experience would change my life forever. From that moment on, I started delving into the world of wedding planning and found myself completely enamored with the entire process. The meticulous attention to detail, and the exhilaration of bringing someone’s vision to life captivated me. I realized that I had discovered my true calling.
With unwavering determination, I decided to transition from my career as an Exercise Physiologist and pursue my newfound passion as a Wedding Planner. I immersed myself in learning everything there was to know about the industry from design & decor to logistics and vendor management. All of this was possible through an amazing company called Blue Water Weddings. Working with this company owned by Julia Timmins has been one of the best decisions of my life.
Since working with Blue Water Weddings, I have had the privilege of working with numerous couples, each with their own unique love story and vision for their special day. Being able to play a part in making their dreams come true brings me an incredible sense of fulfillment, the joy that radiates from a couple surrounded by their loved ones, celebrating their love and commitment to one another, is a constant reminder of why I chose this path.
Wedding planning is not just a job for me; it’s my true passion. I consider it an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of curating unforgettable experiences and I’m grateful that my journey as a wedding planner began with my parents’ wedding.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a wedding planner certainly comes with its fair share of challenges. You are entrusted with one of the most important days in a couple’s life. With that being said, one of the main challenges as a planner is the immense pressure to ensure that everything runs smoothly. From managing vendors to coordinating schedules, there are countless details to take care of.
I also deal with different personalities and address last-minute issues or changes that can be quite demanding. However, it is precisely these challenges that make my job exciting and keep me on my toes. Handling pressure is honestly one of my greatest strengths as a planner, which I credit to being a multisport student-athlete in high school, and competing at the collegiate level, where mental toughness is a must!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a wedding planner, I take charge of organizing and managing all aspects of a wedding, ensuring a smooth and memorable experience for the couple and their guests. I specialize in vendor team building, layout and design, and top-notch communication with both the client and vendors, my expertise lies in creating a seamless and stunning event that reflects the couple’s unique vision.
I am renowned for possessing a calming presence and a positive attitude. Weddings can be stressful and emotionally charged events, and my calm demeanor helps alleviate anxiety or tension. I provide reassurance and support to the couple, ensuring they feel confident and relaxed throughout the entire planning process, and on their wedding day. My positive attitude and friendly demeanor create a pleasant experience for the couple and their loved ones which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. I believe that’s what sets me apart from other planners.
Additionally, I run a small rental company called “Wedding Nic Nacs” We rent out beach games for cocktail hour or welcome parties, and rent wedding items like flower girl baskets, table numbers, easels for signs, and other wedding-related items that clients most likely will never use again after their wedding.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost God deserves all the glory and credit! I wouldn’t be positioned where I am without Him and His guidance on my life. Secondly, my parents Calvin and Stacey Johnson, sister Lakelia Cooper, my husband William Erickson, and of course, close family and friends! I’d also like to give credit to a few standout Wedding Planners who have helped mold and develop me into the Planner I am today- Alison Cipri, Julia Timmins and Mary Palacios.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bluewater-weddings.com; https://weddingnicnacs.com/
- Instagram: @bluewaterweddings; @wedding_nicnacs
- Email: Latrice@blue-water-weddings.
com - Phone: 305-923-5575
Image Credits
Hampson Photography, Jannette De Llanos Photography, Chris Glenn Photography, Amanda Julca Photography, & Liam Photo and Video
