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

Hi Brandy, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started my business it was a series of fortunate events, lol! My husband and I were married on a Friday. On Monday, the two venue coordinators called me and told me that they had never had a wedding as well planned, as full of coordinated details as ours. They told me that they hoped I was ready because they were going to start referring me. It’s a different thing when someone with nothing to gain tells you you have a talent versus your family and friends. After that, all the pieces fell into place. My company name (Sweet I Do’s) was available and hadn’t been used (which meant all the corresponding website, social media, etc. items were available). We were able to quickly make it through setting up a legal entity, receive an EIN and get local business licensing. A completely full bridal show had a last minute opening. And the rest is history. I will say that I have a business background and a degree in accounting which I believe allowed me to understand the actual set up of a business. You know the not fun parts (especially in a creative business). I’ll be honest, setting up and running a business was never on my bucket list, I love being my own boss. I love being able to help couples enjoy the day that they have spent months and sometimes years planning. Watching couples, their families and friends be in the moment and make memories never gets old.


What should our readers know about your business?

I truly believe that I am what sets me apart from others. I know it sounds cliche, but truly the person in a service based business can make or break it. I’m super organized, I’m creative. I am an amazing advocate for my clients (both with their professional team and sometimes with their families). My couples are like members of my family, I want them to be able to look back and remember all the best moments of their wedding day (not all the stress and planning that went into it). I am so proud of the clients that I have had. That working together, we have created some truly phenomenal (and in some cases award winning) events. I am beyond proud that I have been able to stay true to myself, my brand and my values. I think one of the keys to having a successful business is knowing and working with the right people, taking care of your vendor partners, being willing to be flexible (while still being a client advocate) and most importantly always, always learning something new (or a better way to build a mousetrap 🙂 ). I know things are a little topsy turvy in the world right now. And there are loads of couples out there that are navigating their way through this “new normal” on their own. What I want those couples to know is – don’t think you have to figure this out on your own. It’s scary, it’s hard and there are so many unknowns. I know you are probably grieving for your changed wedding plans, and that’s okay. If you need help, reach out. I’m offering free consulting time to couples that don’t have a planner. Use the time to ask questions, get advice, work through vendor contracts, and navigate the how and what to tell your guests. We can even work out a plan B or plan C to help with the stress.


If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Some of my favorite spots aren’t inside the city – we’d have to check out Route 66 and some of the fun tourist spots in northern Arizona. On the way back down to the valley, we’d have to stop by Paige Springs Cellars and have a wine tasting! But when we came back to the city, we’d be checking out some of the fun local spots – the famous chopped salad at The Gladly. Listening to some local talent at the Westgate Entertainment District. Enjoying some beers from one of our amazing local breweries like San Tan Brewing Company or Huss Brewing Co.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people help me be successful! My husband Steve that acts as my second, handles household duties, deals with all the props all over the house (and the garage, and the two storage units…) and is my sounding board for all things wedding. He understands that I need wind down time after weddings and doesn’t mind me running a bath at 1:00 in the morning. My family that understands that some weekends I may not be home, but I will bring them cake! My vendor network that keeps trusting me with their couples. And of course my couples that had such an amazing experience that they refer me to their friends and families.

Website: www.sweetido.com
Instagram: @sweetido
Facebook: @Sweet.I.Do

Image Credits
Zonies Award – Single Image – Lee Media Nitta Treat Image – Laura Segall Photography Morong Image – Laura K Moore Photography Couple in bounce house – Wraines Photography Boho Image – Hanna Schmidtman Photography Boho Styled Shoot – Sweet Sunday Photography Motorcylce Couple – George Street Photography Megan/Micheal – Robert Godridge Photography