Today we are thrilled to introduce a new series on the Styled Bride blog – Styled Spotlight! In this monthly series, we are asking one creative wedding professional a series of questions so you can learn how they got started, why they love what they do, what they love most about Philadelphia, and more. We adore Q&A’s and are so excited to read each vendor’s unique answers to our questions, while also giving you the chance to see the wedding industry pros we turn to time and time again in a different light. We hope you will join us as we embark on this new journey on our blog!
To kick off Styled Vendor Spotlight, we thought it was only appropriate to interview Susan Norcross, the Styled Bride’s Wedding Director! Before teaming up with Styled Bride, the wedding division of Styled Creative, Susan worked extensively in special events, and she launched her own wedding planning company after being inspired while planning her brother’s wedding. There’s much more to her story, so meet Susan:
1. Let’s get to know you! Tell us a little bit about your background.
I have worked extensively in the field of special events most recently spending eight years at the Philadelphia/New York City-based PR firm Cashman and Associates, where I worked my way up from Manager of Special Events, to Director of Special Events, to a Vice President position. I coordinated a variety of events including galas, charity fundraisers, retail, restaurant and nightlife openings, product launches, fashion shows, gifting suites, press conferences, meetings and concerts.
I left Cashman & Associates in 2011, and after a brief hiatus, found myself applying my event expertise to the wedding industry. It all started when I helped plan my brother’s wedding. Shortly thereafter, I founded my company, Two Rings ~ One Circus, weddings, celebrations and events, and began planning special events for numerous clients.
I met Beka many years ago, but it wasn’t until our paths crossed in the wedding world that the potential for a dynamic collaboration became apparent. I decided to merge Two Rings ~ One Circus with Styled Bride, becoming the Wedding Director overseeing the planning for all bridal clientele.
2. How did you know that the wedding industry was the right fit for you?
I have always loved working in special events but wanted to pursue something that incorporated more of my design background. Weddings are the perfect marriage (no pun intended!) of two of my best skills – organization and creativity. I love working with brides to help not only plan the day but style the day and bring together their vision.
3. What do you love most about weddings in Philadelphia? The history and architecture- everywhere you go – there are amazing backdrops and photos to be had.
4. How would you describe your aesthetic? Classic, elegant, romantic with a touch of the unexpected.
5. What is one piece of advice you hope to impart on brides and grooms?
Don’t sweat the small stuff – no one will remember the little things that may not be as perfect as you envisioned them. What they will remember is the experience they had and the time they spent with you, your groom, friends and family. So if you are stressing over cocktail napkins and letting it ruin your happy night- don’t, let it go and get on the dance floor. If you don’t have any fun – chances are everyone else around you isn’t having any fun either.
Five Favorites…:
1. Element that always catches your eye?
Lighting – good lighting can completely transform a room.
2. Song that should be on everyone’s playlist?
It’s hard to find something for everyone but a tried and true one is The Beatles “Twist and Shout” – everyone has to participate (It might be a law). The twist is a wedding reception favorite.
3. Moment at a wedding? The first dance and parent dances, it just always makes me cry.
4. Way to spend the day after a wedding? Brunch (it’s a great time to recap the night’s events with family) and a little site seeing (see the question below)
5. Hidden gem in Philadelphia? Bladen’s Court off of Elfreth’s Alley, located midway down the street, which is basically an alley within an alley that leads into a charming circular courtyard.
