Making dreams into reality every day.
Teacher Feature: Julie Blakey
This post is part of a series highlighting new talented instructors who will be part of the leadership at our wedding planner training course February 20-23 at Gather in McKinney, Texas. For the first time, AACWP is offering virtual seats to this course, so wedding planners and venue coordinators across the country can advance their careers! To register, click here.
About Julie
Headshot by Allen Tsai Photography
Ever since she was young, Julie loved planning things. You'd never find her without a cute notebook to write everything down, including to-do lists for herself. She valued planning get-togethers for her friends growing up, and took joy in bringing people together.
When asked about this joy, Julie says, "In our busy, over-stimulated world we too often forget to relax and 'be' with other people. Usually the only moments we give ourselves fully over to it are at weddings and other big life events that we attend. There’s something about wearing different clothes and taking the extra time to get ready – you seem to invest more of yourself in the event and moments. That’s why I love planning weddings so much! It brings my love of planning and relationships together."
Julie has planned over 100 weddings in her career and considers herself blessed to have owned her wedding planning business for 8 years. Each event is different, and she never stops growing or improving. Julie was trained and certified by nationally known wedding planners and designers, and serves on the board of AACWP. She has been honored to be awarded as the best of the best amongst the wedding planning industry.
She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 12 years and they have two beautiful children. Gavin who is 6 years old, has a kind heart coupled with strong negotiating skills and keeps his parents on their toes! Caitlyn, who is 4 years old, loves animals, dancing, singing and anything pink! If Julie is not planning you can find her hanging out with her hubs going swing dancing, binge watching their favorite TV shows or eating Tex-mex and queso! In her personal time she loves to read and work out.
Big News for Julie!
In January 2017, Julie took another leap of faith and decided it was time to broaden, expand and freshen up the brand identity, and she partnered with fellow wedding planner Melanie Ewing, owner of Melanie and Co., relaunching as Refined Romance Events. Melanie and Julie, along with their amazing team, bring their planning worlds together to provide a seamless experience with vendor connections that run deep.
While they specialize in elegant, sophisticated affairs, they have been known to throw on their cowboy boots for a rustic, modern wedding full of love – perfectly blending the modern Dallas couple with their Texas roots. They have planned everything from outdoor chapel weddings and weddings on private estates, to black-tie formal ballroom affairs. Their wedding services have included those with scripture verses beautifully woven into the ceremony and those that are completely non-religious, all centering around love. The Refined Romance team can creatively navigate your guests through back country roads or downtown streets on trolley cars, or create a fun-filled atmosphere on private limousines! The team is known for their attentional to detail, warm and friendly personalities and hearts as big as Texas.
Julie's Work
Featured image credits:
- Photography: A Sea of Love
- Florist: Holly Viles
- Venue: Avalon Legacy Ranch
- Chargers and Linens: BBJ Linen
Ready to join AACWP? Click here to register for a virtual set in our upcoming February wedding planner training course!
