Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Marshall Brock
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. Tell us the story of how you got started.
It all started with my own wedding back in 2019. I loved every second of planning and organizing. Then I helped my sister in law with her wedding and then planned my best friends wedding and after that everyone kept telling me this is what I should do, and I finally felt like the timing was right in my life to start, so I made it official with my LLC in early 2023, started doing bridal shows getting more clients and then being one of STL Magazines A List top 3 finalist for Best Wedding Planner in Saint Louis.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I mean having your own business is never going to be smooth sailing 100%, but I love what I do and I care so much about all of my clients that even though it can be hard figuring out all the ins and outs of running your own business, I’ve loved every second of it, and I am just eternally grateful I get to do something I love.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a wedding and event planner. I do full wedding planning, partial planning, and day of coordination. There are many amazing planners in the saint louis area, but I think what sets us all apart is the individuals themselves. In this industry you as an individual are your company and brand. I am selling myself more than any of my services. With this job title you have to build strong relationships and trust with people, and just like any other relationship some are a great fit and some are better off in different directions and that’s ok. I don’t ever try and make something feel forced, because those are situations where things get tough, visions don’t align, and a lot of miscommunications happen which makes it a lot harder to have a successful wedding/event day, which in the end is the end goal for both me and my clients.
Another thing sets me apart from other companies is my exclusive partnership with Johnnie Brocks Dungeon Party Warehouse. Anyone who is a client of mine (during their whole contracted time so could be 2 years in they are planning ahead) gets 20% off their purchase every time they shop at Johnnie Brock’s while they are my client. They have a lot to offer such as decor for bridal showers, bachelorette parties, anything party related ect. But even if they don’t sell something a client might want or need, I have access to their vendors and can usually get my clients a better deal that if they bought it through a retailer or Amazon. I’ve gotten charger plates, tables cloths, glowsticks, mirror centerpieces ect for clients that ended up saving them money in the end.
I am very big on we all win together. I am nothing without my amazing vendors and my amazing clients. I am always willing to help someone if I am capable, or willing to work within someone’s budget if I feel it’s the right fit. Weddings are already so expensive I never want to take advantage of people and I never will. I have to make a living yes, but you can make a living without being greedy and that’s how I choose to run things. I make sure I keep things as fair as possible while knowing both my value, but also keeping integrity with my clients.
What matters most to you? Why?
I feel like I mentioned this in the last question. But I would say the relationship with my clients. If you don’t have a strong, honest, and trusting relationship it makes everyone’s job a lot more difficult. I think that is one thing that is nice about running your own business to, is knowing which clients fit and which don’t. This is a lesson I am still learning as I don’t like to say no to people, but I’ve also realized sometimes saying no is best for everyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolemarshallbrock.com
- Instagram: @nicolemarshallbrockevents
- Other: Tik tok: nicolemarshallbrockevent
Image Credits
Salvator Cincotta
Alex Nardulli
Tristan Singleton
Lyndsay J + Photography
