Meet Clarissa Edmondson | Wedding & Event Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clarissa Edmondson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clarissa, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I feel a numerous key habits in my life have lead me to succeed. First, is passionately keeping the faith, praying, and trusting in God. Leaning on sound advice from my husband, children, family and close loved ones. Practicing self care for thirty minutes a day. I make it a habit to choose something nourishing for my body, implementing an activity that is relaxing and calming. Furthermore, I make it a habit to stay grounded through reading positive affirmations, listening to enriching and educational podcasts, an practicing meditation. The other habits I have implemented are being organized, and developing systems. I set goals by writing them down, and developing a sound strategy to complete each one. I make it a habit of being a social butterfly, networking, and meeting other professionals in-person and virtually. I believe in being a team player, and making it a habit to uplift your colleagues, and fellow staff. I make it a habit to take breaks; it helps you to reset; and to continuously remember my “why” within my business. Lastly, the other habits that have contributed to my success is my willingness to push hard, stay motivated, be resourceful, and surround myself with like-minded individuals.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Midwest born girl from Kansas City, Missouri, residing in Georgia as a Wedding & Event planner. My niche is planning intimate weddings, events, and marriage proposals. What sets my business apart from the rest is the experience you receive.I not only plan your event but we focus on the customer experience; I implement and encourage self-care practices with the client throughout the planning experience.

Part of the experience is the fun pre-event activities with the client such as attending a pre-brunch, and pre-dinner, or other fun outing I plan especially for them. I not only develop a great relationship with my clients; but with the professional vendors. I’m most proud of the staff on my team, because they are talented, creative, and loyal.

I’m excited about all the new projects, events, and client experiences we are creating. Furthermore, I’m excited about my past partnerships with Macy’s at Stonecrest Mall Bridal Shows, curating, organizing the professional vendors, and planning the bridal-shows. I have also partnered with other wedding planners to plan weddings, co-hosting a wedding podcast, events, and other wedding related projects.

I got here starting back over two decades ago living in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri planning for my close loved ones and friends. I would plan their weddings, and other social events. I moved here to Georgia over a decade ago and continued to plan, and host events. Networking events, Mixers, Charity events, Girls Night Out/In, The Little Black Dress Party, and more! I am who I am today because of God, my supportive husband, outstanding staff, and being consistent in my craft.

I have made it and effort to continuously educate myself, collaborate with other planners, and build my network. Becoming an Wedding & Event Planner came with it’s challenges. I was a teenage mother, I had to work extra hard through high school, and college. However, despite many obstacles I faced;I did persevere. I always had incredible support system, and that’s how I became an entrepreneur. The lessons I learned along the way is no matter how hard it gets, to reflect on all the hard work it took to get here. If you are faced with negativity, hardships, and rough patches lean on your support system. Reflect and evaluate after each client, always make room for improvement, and take breaks if needed.

My brand is an experience, I take your beautiful vision. and dreamy details and bring it to life. Furthermore, The Sweetest Thing Events is for the busy bride, and groom; or individual who do not time to pull their details together. We offer elopement and micro wedding packages, a la carts, to day of, and full service packages. We are now offering Event Design launching later on in 2022. Furthermore, I myself have walked down the aisle so I know first-hand what the engagement and wedding process to like. I have helped countless brides with choosing beautiful color palettes, shopping for the perfect venue, wedding gown, to keeping the client on task through the wedding checklist. My staff and I will take the worry out of your wedding, an/or event; so you can relax and enjoy.

I also want to invite people into another part of my life, and when I’m not planning a wedding or event I’m a birth worker. I launched “Adlena’s Embrace” @adlenaseembrace. I have been in the field over 2 decades I am a Certified Holistic Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, Pregnancy & Infant Loss Advocate, Fertility Advocate, Maternal Mental Health Peer Support Facilitator for teenage parents, and I facilitate perinatal virtual classes. I’m also a Doula Mentor, and participate community outreach & Education.

We will have 2022 bridal workshops, wine tours, themed events, brunches, charity, and holiday parties and events. Lastly, we are implementing a new package especially for Grooms. 
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would plan a day trip to the beautiful wine country in the North Georgia Mountains, we would stop and have Brunch at Montaluce Winery, and go on wine tours, and participate in wine tastings. There’s over 30 wineries throughout the North Georgia Mountains. We would stop at Cavender Creek Vineyards, and The Cottage Vineyard Winery. We would stay overnight and enjoy the beautiful views at the Valhalla Resort Hotel, and grab craft cocktails and food in the upstairs Sky Bar overlooking the mountains.

Before leaving the mountains we would stop at the haunted walking tour in historic downtown Dahlonega Georgia, enjoy walking around the shops, and sightseeing.

The next day we would head to downtown Atlanta at the lovely spot with indoor/outdoor seating, dark, intimate, and pretty, to “Cafe Intermezzo” and grab a bite to eat, enjoy one of there many cheesecakes. The must -see would be a day of shopping in Atlantic Station, grabbing something sweet at my favorite candy shop Kilwin’s.

Later that week, we would go to the MLK Center + historic Auburn Ave, and go walking in Grant Park, and stop by the Woodruff Art Center and tour an exhibit, ending the night at downtown at the Glenn Hotel Kitchen, and go upstairs to the Sky lounge for cocktails, and live music enjoying the views of the Atlanta skyline.

We would wake up grab some coffee at Hodge Podge in the city. Stop by the Dekalb Farmer’s Market and buy some fresh flowers, and a few bottles of wine, and fresh organic goods. Later on in the day we would go downtown to the CNN Center Tour, Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coke Cola. As we wrap of the week I would go to iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa for a massage, pedicure/manicure, and enjoy the nurturing atmosphere, and beautiful welcoming space. All the lovely au-natural products, hand scrubs, and more. Before retiring for the day stop to grab a hot steamy cup of tea at, “Just Add Honey.”

The most exciting places in ATL are the beautiful parks, such as Piedmont Park, the water, gazebo, and there’s a stunning venue there. Perfect place for a wedding, event, or it’s gorgeous for a photo shoot. The “belt line” is wonderful full of eateries, shops, you may rent a bike, there’s lots of places to go and see. A nice place to dine in the beltline is “Superica” they offer a brunch as well. MLK Ctr is rich in history, my fav is the wineries in North Ga. Mountains breathtaking and gorgeous. I think it’s also fun to check out the Atlanta Street Car, and make your way to the new Black Wall Street in Stonecrest, GA. A popular must-go is “Slutty Vegan.’ Stop and check out the Selfie Museum, and Trap Museum. There’s also a food truck downtown called. “Man vs. Fries: the food is amazing! One of the most exciting people here to meet is Tyler Perry and to take a tour of his studio!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to recognize my husband, Quentin because he’s always been extremely supportive. He encouraged me to become an entrepreneur. He believes in my passion, and he’s really been the driving force behind me all of these years. My husband always gives sound advice and if I’m discouraged he’s uplifting. If I’m overwhelmed he holds space for me, and gives me grace. He knows when things get tough, he gives me the pep talk I need to keep going. He’s my rock, and he’s made being an entrepreneur and incredible experience. Lastly, he’s apart of my staff, and working together with him is empowering.

Website: www.sweetestthingevents.com

Instagram: @sweetestthingevents  @adlenasembrace

Twitter: @Sweetestevents_

Facebook: https://m.Facebook.com/thesweetestthingevents/

Other: Email: clarissa@sweetestthingevents.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Kima Golden Sweetest Thing Photography by Kima Photographer: David Velick Keylite Media Photographer: Trarell Torrence Torrence Studios Photography & Art Photographer: Tina Hughes TMH Events Photography