Meet Annamarie Gansheimer | Wedding Planner & Business Owner

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

Hi Annamarie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea to start my own business came to me over time and as a result of experiences and time spent learning in the wedding planning industry. I earned my degree from Arizona State University in Special Events Management and Tourism, with a minor in Art History – so I always knew working in a creative space was what would fit me best. Throughout college, I held internships and jobs at various Arizona wedding venues and with several wedding planners who truly helped me to focus in on cultivating invaluable skills as a professional that are essential to succeed in this business. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentors! After college, I stepped into corporate events full time (while still doing weddings on the side) to test the waters in something new; but something kept pulling me back to the wedding industry and a desire to work in that space never left me. Once the pandemic hit, and when being in the business of planning gatherings that bring large groups of people together…I was more or less forced to take a hard look at what I wanted to do long term. I realized that being a wedding planner was my calling and, if I wanted to be all in, I needed to start something completely on my own and dive in head first. I wanted to build a service for my brides and clients that was crafted, by me, with a focus on effective organization, seamless execution, and treating every event as a unique experience. So, Satin & Slate Weddings and Events was born from my mission to do just that!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business, Satin & Slate Weddings and Events, is a wedding and event planning company based in Arizona. I offer wedding planning services to all couples who are wanting a logistically sound, fun, and stress free day. My packages range from Day of Coordination, Partial Planning + Design, to Full Service. I help guide my couples through the incredible experience of planning their wedding, while providing top notch service and a professional to turn to when questions arise.

I have spent over 7 years in the event planning and wedding industry learning as much as I possibly can so I can best serve the people who come to me for help with planning one of the biggest days of their lives. What sets us apart is my dedication and commitment to treating every client like a friend. They are not just another box to check off of on a completed list of events for my company. No two couples are the same and I enjoy learning about the special things or experiences that they want to include for themselves and for their guests. In addition, organization and detailed logistical planning is something I place a great deal of importance on. Making and creating specific timelines and precisely detailed layouts/set up documents is what I think really helps us to pull ahead of the pack. My planning process ensures no details are left behind and helps couples to trust that their special touches and moments will be executed and shine.

As most small business owners will tell you, getting to the current point in your business has not been the smoothest ride; and the same goes for Satin & Slate. I had worked with various wedding planners in the past as I learned the ins and outs of the industry – but my main focus was on learning how to plan and execute a wedding or event…not on the business side of things. Being that I am the first in my immediate family to start my own small business, I quickly realized the importance of asking for help and accepting that I definitely won’t get everything right the first time. Figuring out licenses, taxes, insurance, processes, marketing (even navigating social media!) has been a journey – and one that isn’t stopping anytime soon! One thing I appreciate that my business has given me is the constant reminder to keep learning, always being willing to have an open mind, and to never stagnate – to keep moving forward. The professional and physical growth of my business is incredible to witness, but the personal growth it has given me is something I am deeply thankful for.

I want people to know that planning your wedding can be fun! I meet so many couples who are overwhelmed by the details and the pressure and just want it to be over with. By hiring a professional wedding planner (like me), couples regain their freedom to enjoy the process and get the help that is needed to make the best decisions for what they truly want.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am currently based in Mesa however we have lived and spent quite a bit of time in the Biltmore, Uptown area of Phoenix. The outdoors holds a special place in my heart and so I would definitely take my best friend to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and climb Piestewa Peak! I also love the Brown’s Ranch area in north Scottsdale and the McDowell Mountains for some great hiking and mountain biking. We would top off any hike with a bite to eat at Ingo’s in Arcadia – the Crispy Chicken Sammy is 10/10.

In addition to wedding planning, I am also a certified yoga and barre instructor! I teach yoga and climb at Black Rock Bouldering Gym on Shea and 32nd St. in PHX. I can’t say enough good things about the gym and the amazing ownership! Lastly, I would recommend a barre class at Sweatshop on Central in Uptown where I love to go for my personal practice.

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 thank three unique groups! The first being the wedding venue Villa Siena in Gilbert, AZ where I held my first events internship. They hired a young college girl with no experience in weddings (other than having watched every episode of “Say Yes to the Dress” on TLC) for their intern program when all I had on my resume at the time was a high school nannying job! I can confidently say that the days spent at Villa Siena learning from the amazing coordinators and staff is what both ignited and solidified my passion for the wedding industry.

The second would be the wedding planners I interned with and later worked along side throughout college and after. These incredible women taught me the importance of how to be all in. They completely built my knowledge base for planning weddings that I use now in my own company. I would not be where I am today if they had not been so willing and committed to helping me learn as much as possible and, most importantly, trusting me to lead plan weddings on my own under their brands and gain that experience.

The last, but arguably the most important shout out is to my family – specifically my parents. The confidence my mom and dad have for me and in my business is unmatched. They are the rock and steady foundation that has allowed me to pursue my passions with the knowledge of knowing that I always have unwavering support from those who love me the most.

Website: https://www.satinandslateweddings.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/satinandslateweddings/

Image Credits
Alyssa Phillips Photography Moorehouse Creative Ann Massey Photography