Meet the At Last Weddings Team: Jaclyn!

Its about that time again where we introduce someone from our team, but this time it's a special one as we introduce our owner, Jaclyn! This hardworking lady established At Last Wedding + Event Design over 11 years ago + has helped hundreds of couples tie the knot stress-free. With her confidence + detail-oriented mindset, she has grown the perfect team to execute weddings all throughout the Central Florida area! Now, you may not see her on the actual wedding day anymore because she runs the business side but everyone still connects with her throughout planning! Without her, none of us would be where we all are today! 

Everyone, give it up for Jaclyn!

Photo by KT Crabb Photography

Photos by KT Crabb Photography

How did you get started in the wedding planning industry?

In high school I knew I wanted to eventually run my own wedding planning company and being in Orlando it was important to me that I attend UCF's Rosen College of Hospitality Management to get my education and kick that dream into action. While in school I worked for various wedding venues and a wedding planning company. Upon graduation I created At Last Wedding + Event Design and we've been in business for over 11 years! 

What was the hardest part of starting your own business?

Knowing what needed to be done to legally set up a business. For example, I registered At Last Weddings as a business but no one ever told me I needed to do that annually so I just didn't renew and my registration expired, I reinstated it but had to pay a huge fee.....never made that mistake again!

Photos by: KT Crabb Photography / Josh & Rachel 

What is your favorite part of a wedding day?

I don't go to the wedding days much anymore because my fabulous team of rockstars run them but when I did I really loved the moment right before our couple enters their reception. Just before they are introduced I stand there with them alone and I get to see their love and excitement right before I open the doors! 

Photo by Wings of Glory

If you could change one thing when planning your wedding what would it be?

I got married 11 years ago (yes, I got married and started At Last Weddings the same year!) and trends were quite different back then. I actually love me wedding but one thing I would change would be the flowers. At the time I wanted yellow gerber daisies (ugh!) for everything and it definitely would have looked better if I had complimenting pieces and shades instead.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

All of my spare time is spent with my amazing family. They're my everything! Hubs is Eric, my 9 year old daughter is Emily, my son EJ (stands for Eric Junior) is 7 and our pup Sydney is 12. Our crew loves watching movies, taking trips, and playing games. Juggling a full time business and being a Mom has its challenges but I love it :)

Photo by: Erika Grace

Photo by: The Talented Photographer

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

• I have bright blue eyes and no one else in my family has them, they all have brown! 
• My husband and I met in high school newspaper class when I was 15 years old (he was 17) and we've been together ever since.
• I played lacrosse for 6 years. Started in middle school and was even on the UCF team for a very short time before it became too time consuming.

Photos by: Kristen Weaver Photography / KT Crabb Photography

If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?

The 70's. I'd love to see my parents as teenagers, especially my Dad who was a bit of a "wild card" back then. 

If you weren't a planner what vendor would you be in the wedding industry?

A wedding officiant! I enjoy speaking in front of people and this still leaves an opportunity to really connect with the couples getting married.

Photos by Alexis Kline Photography / Sivan Photography

What is one thing you'll never do again?

Backpack through Europe and stay in hostels. In college I studied abroad and then backpacked through 8 countries in Europe. I stayed in hostels in each city I went to. Mostly fine experiences but some not so much. Now when I vacation I appreciate a nice hotel or airbnb :)

What character of Friends do you relate with the most and why? 

Anyone that knows me knows I love Friends! I'm definitely a Monica. I'm meticulous, clean, and usually the "boss" in most situations!

Photo by KT Crabb Photography

We love you, Jaclyn!