This is first in a series of interviews with venues and vendors. First up is an interview with Libby Martin of Dragonfly Events OC. That happens to be me! I am the planner and coordinator for Dragonfly Events OC. I thought this would be a fun way to get to know a little about me. Let’s begin!
Dragonfly Events OC: So, tell me, how did you get started in planning events?
Libby: That is actually a very good question. I found out planning events was something I really love doing when my oldest daughter was in Girls Scouts. I was never a Girl Scout myself, but it seemed fun and I ended up becoming the leader. I began planning Mother/Daughter tea parties and fall carnivals for the girls in great detail. Every year the girls would look forward to our little events. They were not elaborate or expensive, but I would put a lot of work into making them as beautiful and fun as possible. A friend of mine suggested I look into Party Planning. That is when I looked into planning events for other people and found out about wedding planning. That was back in 2011! In 2012 I was determined to start my own company and take on real clients. I did, and then I had to take some time to step back for a few years. In 2017, I stepped up again and this time I haven’t looked back.
Dragonfly Events OC: What do you love about planning events?
Libby: Another great question! I love the whole process. It’s like putting a giant puzzle together. In the beginning, you have an image of what the event should look like and then you get to fit the pieces together. The end result is a beautiful picture.
During the planning process, my clients and I work closely together. We search for the little things that will make the biggest impact. When we stumble onto something really fun and unique that falls into just the right place it’s a very exciting moment.
I am a visualizer through and through. I find myself taking every detail that has been discussed for the event and playing it over and over in my mind. When I am working on my notes for the event I am thinking about how every detail will look and how it should play out. When I imagine the ceremony and I am reviewing the ceremony wording, it makes me tear up because I can see how beautiful it will all be.
Something most people don’t realize is that I am constantly blessing the events with gratitude as I plan them out. I am always sending thoughts of thankfulness that everything will work out and problems will be solved with ease, and especially that the day will be beautiful.
Dragonfly Events OC: What do you think your “super power” or your strongest asset is?
Libby: Hmmm, I think I can safely say, it’s my problem solving skills. I would consider myself an unconventional thinker. Sometimes I see things completely different than others do and I hardly ever see a problem that cannot be fixed or altered. Fishing line and a glue gun or my two favorite tools!
The first big wedding I ever put together gave me a ‘make it or break it’ moment. A bridesmaid’s zipper, going all the way down her back, completely broke with no mercy! The bride instinctively knew to call me to the room and had the most faith in me. I was able to pin up the dress with about 50 safety pins, we took the ribbon from the Maid of Honor, made a bow with long strands of ribbon, and pinned it to the dress. No one ever knew and it never came apart. This quick thinking is very common in the really great planners.
Dragonfly Events OC: Here’s a tough question, Who are your clients and do you have a connection to them?
Libby: That could be considered a tough question. I have had to think about this for awhile. I can pinpoint some details for sure. My clients would probably be considered a bit on the Classic Romantic side of things. They love life experiences through travel, food, spending quality time with their friends and family. They love the magic of Disney. They have an appreciation for a bygone era, for vintage designs and items. They love the historical venues that offer a lot of details in design and have a vintage vibe.
That is definitely my style, too. I don’t necessarily want to travel to other countries, but I love traveling the world through food. I love Disney, I love the inspiration behind Walt Disney and the messages that his movies try to send to follow your dreams and keep moving forward. I love spending time with family and friends. I love historical architecture and all things vintage. I love hanging out at Flea Markets and looking at old pictures on Pinterest.
Dragonfly Events OC: Aside from planning, what are your hobbies or creative outlets?
Libby: I love to cook. I challenge myself to make new dishes when I can. I test it on my family, staring intently at their expressions to see if they actually like it! They usually do. I also challenge myself to make a lot of stuff from scratch. My favorite food is BBQ. I season everything, get it ready, and my husband puts it on the grill. We actually make a great team! We would like to go to New Orleans. Oh the yumminess of it all!
We also love to go on little trips together, as a family. Our FAVORITE getaway is going to Solvang, CA. It is so cute and has a lot of great food! You can probably tell, I really love good food!
Dragonfly Events OC: Gee, thank you for taking the time to chat in this interview. It was a lot of fun! Now to find my next interview victim!
Libby: Thank you. It was a pleasure!!
