Erica has been in the hospitality and events industry for a while now, but finally decided to go off on her own! Rising Fern Events is her business baby, and she's using her years of experience to not only help couples plan their wedding, but also engagements!
One good take-away was this: Have you considered talking about what flowers are in season during your wedding date? In season flowers from local farms will be fresher than ones shipped in!
https://www.risingfernevents.com/
Erica has been in the hospitality and events industry for a while now, but finally decided to go off on her own! Rising Fern Events is her business baby, and she's using her years of experience to not only help couples plan their wedding, but also engagements!
One good take-away was this: Have you considered talking about what flowers are in season during your wedding date? In season flowers from local farms will be fresher than ones shipped in!
https://www.risingfernevents.com/
Hey everyone, you're listening to pistons in Prosecco, a podcast dedicated to showcasing awesome wedding vendors and providing the behind the scenes look at the wedding industry. I'm your host, Bryce Bjornson, owner of Jack's 47. We create a better experience for your guests by serving delicious drinks on draft with style. Today we have Erica Bastone, is that right? Is that the correct pronunciation?
Erica Batstone :batstone. Yeah. Yeah. I've heard bad Stoney and yeah.
Bryce Bjornson :Erica is the founder and lead planner of Rising Fern events. Erica, thank you so much for joining me on the podcast.
Erica Batstone :Thanks, Bryce for having me.
Bryce Bjornson :So you've been in the business for a while now, I think we talked earlier. And you said you've been doing it for about 10 years or so. So you for rising furnace, a new business new company, but you are well versed and experienced in the wedding industry. So tell us a little more about how you got started. Oh, wait, hold on before you do that. Whoo. This is called pistons and Prosecco. So I want to know what your favorite beverage is.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I was hoping you would ask. So. I've been waiting on that. Um, mine is a gin gimlet. It is a drink that I was introduced to just a couple years ago. And I just really loved it simplicity. And I love that it always is served with a little cute like coupe or coupe glass, wherever you want to pronounce that. So yeah, that's my drink of choice at the moment.
Bryce Bjornson :Nice. Nice. I like that. What about for wintertime?
Erica Batstone :Like a mulled wine. I'd say,
Unknown Speaker :okay, Mm
Bryce Bjornson :hmm. I make this really good DJ Steve called no Chino. And it's an Italian Italian tradition, I guess to pick green walnuts towards the end of June. And you cut them up like just in quarters, steeped them in, you know, whatever. everclear vodka or you know, something very neutral, obviously. Yeah. And then you add honey later on. And it's just a very, like, complex, but easy to make. DJ Steve. So that's like my winter.
Erica Batstone :I love that. Fancy and yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, yeah, it's good. Good for you.
Erica Batstone :Sometimes earthy, and yeah. and simple. But really, yeah, that sounds nice.
Bryce Bjornson :It's just cool to see those green walnuts, cut them up and then have it everything turned black. You know, you're like, Oh,
Erica Batstone :yeah, totally.
Bryce Bjornson :Magic. I can see why people back in the day. Didn't understand that there is a What do you call it like magic? The Magic was real.
Erica Batstone :Right. Right. Right. Like what is turning into?
Bryce Bjornson :Anyway, so glad we got your favorite drink? I guess as as sometimes. So, back to your experience and kind of how you got started. You said 2010 was your entree into the business or the industry doing a little more about you know, kind of how you got started and different roles you played and kind of what drew you in to the events slash wedding industry?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I'd love to. So I would say everything really got started when I was young. I remember journaling about you know, things I want to be when I grew up, and I remember that list consisted of, you know, being a professional backup dancer for Janet Jackson and event planning. My dancing career ended. I mean, I continued through adulthood, but you know, the body can only take so much and wasn't ever able to audition for Janet. So it is no but uh, I've been I've been planning for me, I've just always been someone who I'm, you know, I was very extroverted. I'm a little more introverted these days. But I just love seeing people have a really good time. I love being a part of that. I used to always have themed parties for birthdays and all that kind of stuff. And so in 2010, I actually moved down to Asheville from New Hampshire and oh nine. And then in 2010, I really started to think, you know, what else do I want to pursue because at the time I was into outdoor recreation, I have a degree in recreation management. So I was working with the outdoor program with Asheville, you know, taking kids rock climbing and whitewater rafting and all that fun stuff. But I really wanted to get into the event world. So you know, I just started talking to people and networking and ended up working. My first gig was as like an office assistant for Emily with occasions by Emily when she owned it. And then from there, I went and got my certification as a special event planner through AB tech. And then I was connected to Asheville event company and worked with them as an assistant and then with claxon Farm is their bridal attendant and then decided to travel the world for about five years I traveled to places like New Zealand in Australia. In Australia, I did weddings out there in Tasmania, I worked in a flower farm so I love flowers and I got a lot experience with that. And then I got into Colorado after those trips and actually worked as a catering coordinator out there in Boulder, where I really like I have a really big love for food as well. And so being able to do weddings and events with that food focus was really, really engaging and also taught me a lot about, you know, menu building and stuff like that. So just with all of those experiences, combined, I then went into doing some venue consulting with some people out in eastern North Carolina. And then all that took me over back to Asheville, where I then became a wedding coordinator at the farm in Candler, and I've been doing that I was doing that for three years. And so, you know, being a coordinator is amazing, we did a lot of months of work, but I was I'm someone who always really loves to grow, and to just kind of challenge myself and kind of reach new levels. So to me, it was I was ready to embark on starting my own business, which is how raising for an events game and you know, wanting to really get into more of the full service planning to be able to really connect to people earlier on in the process and, and really help them to design and create the wedding that is really true to what they want. So that's that's kind of a short story of the journey. I love
Bryce Bjornson :it. Well, I went to Australia a couple years ago, and I swore that if I didn't have a dog, I would have stayed there. Yes, even Australia because I love it. But oh, just um, I did a little like a two week course down near Byron Bay.
Erica Batstone :Yes, I love Byron.
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah, it was like inland about an hour or so. And that was like a permaculture course that was a lot of fun. And then after that, I I made friends at the, you know, at the farm, and some of them lived, you know, throughout Australia, others were coming in from all over the globe, which is crazy. But I hung out with my friend up in the Sunshine Coast area. So I guess, north of Brisbane, I need to go back. I'm forgetting all the
Erica Batstone :I know, I know. I believe so. But yeah, where were you living? Oh, man, I did two different trips there. So the first trip was right after. So I spent a year in New Zealand and then went over to Australia for a month and did like the whole, like, East Coast, just kind of like the you know, Melbourne, Cannes, Sydney, all that kind of stuff. And then when I went back for a year, I spent most of my time in Tasmania because I just really loved how it's just more cultured and down to earth and the rest of Australia. It's more of similar to New Zealand where it's just I don't know that people are it's just a different kind of people. Yeah. And just working on that flower farm. I just felt a really close connection to that family. And I just had such a great experience. And I love it. I yeah, I would definitely love to go back and visit at some point.
Bryce Bjornson :That's awesome. Yeah, me too.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I wish it wasn't so far away. But at the same time, it's, you know, it's worth it. Not
Bryce Bjornson :that I ever hold a wedding conference down there. I'll just say it's for work. You know,
Erica Batstone :let's do I think that Yeah, that's great.
Bryce Bjornson :So, so Erica, would you started rising Fern events? And I always think, you know that there's three different parts of the job of a coordinator. I mean, obviously, there's a lot of thing tasks and roles they can play during the wedding. But it seems like they tend to specialize in one of three categories, either design, planning, or coordination. Do you fall into any of those more than the other? Or do you kind of embrace all those at the same time? What would you say? Your answer is?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, that's great question, I would say I am, I have perfected the month of coordination. So I have done over 100 weddings as a month of coordinator, I feel like I could, you know, do it in my sleep, I feel very knowledgeable about that I can I can handle all those aspects and feel very confident going forward with that. You know, I'd like I said, one reason why I started rising Fern is that I really wanted to create, you know, really shows that people that are, you know, newly engaged and really need assistance, you know, that year or two out before the wedding. And one of my, you know, passions is designed is creativity, and so be able to kind of be a bigger part of that process in the beginning feels really, it feels like a really fulfilling, you know, position to be and just to help people to figure out, you know, what do they like to do? How do they want to represent their story within their big day? And how do they want to celebrate that with people. So it's like, I feel like I have the coordination totally under wraps. And right now it's like, I want to get into full planning. And so that's where, you know, that's the direction I'm heading in is I want to I want to go into the full planning and then the design is just kind of coming with that whole experience. And just, you know, as I refine, you know, my skills and everything that's the full planner designers is really where I want to where they want to take it so
Bryce Bjornson :yes, you really want to get started with them in the beginning. Not take on the last minute. Yeah. Yeah,
Erica Batstone :I mean, it's, it's great, I'll do it. You know, I don't mind it at all. It's just that I, I did, I opened this business because I got in the industry because I love people, I love relationships. And that's one reason why I've traveled so much is that I love getting to know people's stories and just their backgrounds, their different beliefs, their all those things, like I just love learning about people and just being able to be a part of, like, such a special moment in a couple's lives is. So it's such an honor. And I just find that this is a really beautiful way to be a part of people's lives in a way that creates an impact and just brings about a lot of joy and a release of stress like that, that to me, it's just, it's one of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs I've ever had. So
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, and I think starting from the get go, you would obviously build more of a intense relationship or engage in relation with the couple rather than I feel like day over month, you're more like, helping out, you know, you're not really, you're not really working with them, you're just kind of like working for them, which is not bad. It's just a different level of relationship, I would think. Yeah, that does.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, and I've definitely had like, I mean, I still have clients, you know, from the farm that I'm still really close to, and we keep in touch. And, you know, they come visit me with their kids. And it's like, I really, really try even in that last, you know, month of working with them, like I really do still try to connect to them. But it is that I desire that want, like you said, just feel like work with them for longer and really get to know them. So yeah, that's good.
Bryce Bjornson :So are you focusing on Western North Carolina? Like within an hour of Asheville? Is that kind of your desired radius? I guess, something like that. I
Erica Batstone :love that question. Yeah. So I mean, I would say, you know, yes. But as you can hear from my story, I love travels. So one of my like long term goals is to be an international wedding planner. So the goal is to be able to connect to venues and places around the world, which we've already started doing, and to be able to just offer, you know, packages to people who are like, Hey, you want to go get married in Guatemala, you want to go to Bali, so be able to I have, you know, connections into these places. So we're able to, you know, partner with people and be able to create those really interesting experiences of people that are more local. So I'm really open to it all. But yeah, I'm willing to travel. I have backpack and will travel.
Bryce Bjornson :I love that. I yeah, I'm kind of jealous of the planners and photographers. They can just like pick, work in Iceland, you know? Yeah. But at the same time, like, I don't know, if I want to work in a place where I want to, like,
Erica Batstone :travel and explore. Yeah, like,
Bryce Bjornson :I want to be at the beck and call of someone when I'm like, yeah, in new place to go. But, but I think it'd be fun. Like, I don't I'm not a very How do I say this without sounding not saying, like, I don't, I don't. I'm, I'm legally in my day to day, but I don't like the idea of doing nothing for like a week, you know, like, I'm not that the type that's gonna go like, sit on a beach for like, a week. And that's my vacation like I but I'm not like, you know, I don't need to be working all the time or be rushing around. Like, I'm not like that at all. So I could see going somewhere, like working for, you know, the day and having the weekend, you know, or the day before and after? I don't know. I think that could be cool. But yeah, yeah, I can't travel them are with the truck.
Erica Batstone :Yeah. That's true. Like, not so much someone. Yeah, you'd have to like partner with someone overseas that had the same kind of thing. And then you could like help run it. But that Yeah, I'd be hard. Yeah. But that is one reason why I love being a planner is because you can work a little more remotely and in different places, and, you know, so
Bryce Bjornson :totally, so. So let's dive into Asheville men, and just West, North Carolina, in regards to, you know, couples that are looking to get married here that are maybe coming in from elsewhere, or even local couples, you know, what advice would you give to those folks? Just if you could, if you I know, you've done a lot of events, right. So Asheville is kind of a unique spot and that we're heavily, you know, reliant on tourism, as part of our just as part of this region. And it's very mountainous whether it can be crazy, anyone who's like trying to bring up some data, people often don't think of or especially when they're traveling in from like Florida flat and doesn't get no, you have any advice for couples in that regard?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I would say definitely. I mean, the thing about Asheville it's so great is that there's always so much popping up here. So of course there's like venues opening up every other week. You know There's, like so many skilled professionals here. And there's so many, like different options for food. And I really think that this is a great place to have a wedding because there's so much diversification and like style of venue, if you want something like the Biltmore, if you want something more low key by a waterfall or like there's so many options there, which is great. I would say, of course, it's important to think about like seasonally, like, what, what season speaks to you, like, I think spring is actually one of the most ideal seasons to get married here. Because the blooming of the trees and the bushes, it's just like, fantastic. I mean, yeah, the flowers that come out in like, you know, April to May, I would say, are just very, very impressive. I've had friends come visit me during the spring. It's like, wow, this is the most beautiful place I've ever experienced in the spring. And they're world travelers. So, um, I would also say, and yes, seemed like Floridians, like I've had, you know, Florida, Florida and Florida and guests. I don't know if that's the right way to say it. But, you know, come up, and like they're freezing in June. So maybe they should think about August, you know, like something like, you know, just to keep your guests comfortable thinking about where they're coming from and what's comfortable for them.
Unknown Speaker :Because they probably sweatshirt.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, yeah, right. Yeah. And when it comes to like flowers, since I have another side of my passion lives in flowers, but you know, thinking about what seasonally grown in that area. So what if you're in Montana, the flowers are going to be different than what's in Asheville, the mountains of Asheville. So, you know, if you want to maybe save some money there, or just work with things that are more locally grown with the flower farmer in town, you know, thinking about what's local to that area is really important.
Bryce Bjornson :That's a really good point. I didn't even I mean, I think about that. I've always been into seasons and local food and all that. So I think about that stuff with produce. Nuts, flour. And what seems to be hip these days is like Eucalyptus. And I'm like, where are they getting? Like, are they flying it in from like, Yeah, do you? Do you have any idea? I'm just curious where this is coming from Florida,
Erica Batstone :you know, Eucalyptus? That's a good question. I mean, I know people that we've like, I've seen farms in town grow Eucalyptus, like the farm. Some
Unknown Speaker :in Nashville. Okay. And yeah, like
Erica Batstone :they actually had a whole Eucalyptus row. So it was cool to see that because I'd never actually seen it grow. You know, and it's small, small scale, but you know, probably California definitely overseas. I don't know if Japan or maybe Australia, I always think of eucalyptus for Australia, because they're all the koalas, but that might just be a total false like, assumption. Yeah, definitely over a lot of overseas.
Bryce Bjornson :stuff I don't really talk about much is the local flower thing. I mean, yeah, I know, there's flower farms in and around Asheville. Some of them are wedding venues like Lady London, but people don't i don't really. I'm not a florist. I don't talk about that. But it's interesting to think that we don't really bring that up. So that's what this podcast is for is talking about things that people don't usually talk about. So let's go in the spring. I agree. I think it's a great season to get married. When the leaves start popping out, you know, in which it becomes green. That color green is different than like late. Yes. Like right now. I'm looking around. Everything's still green. But it's like, yes, some of the leaves are changing and they're they're darker. It's you know, it's just a different look at so fresh in the spring. You know,
Erica Batstone :it's a neon it's like a bright like, really?
Bryce Bjornson :Live. Yeah. I love it. I just I can't wait till April now. I know. There's an API. It's like late April, when it started. Yeah. And so in regards to flowers. Do you think that people yeah, should maybe consider the season because a lot of flowers are coming from like, South America. And is it Holland where they grow a bunch of,
Erica Batstone :huh? Yeah, there. Yeah. There's some in Holland. Yeah, I know. You're talking about Yes. Um, yeah. And like, especially they like working on a flower farm that she like, you know, she grew everything on site and harvested and processed we did me arrange for weddings and everything and then seeing like, the bigger processing plants of like flower plants, in a sense, like I'm so all about local flower farmers. And I know this isn't my industry, but it's just like a passion of mine. And it is fun. You know, I just I love design and decor and flowers. So I think it's, yeah, I think being able to work with a local flower farmer, which there are many to choose from that like can be able to give you fresh, you know, like literally probably cut the day before making arrangements for you. They're going to last so much longer look much brighter and beautiful and hold up better than having them shipped, you know, on a cargo ship, across the seas. And just like being able to work and support a local flower farmer is really I don't know, I just I just Really a lot of florists if they're not farmers, they're still working with some of those local farmers too, which I think is great. So it's kind of like everyone supporting each other. But yeah, like just I mean, like right now dahlias. Gosh, dang it, you can probably see every single flower farmer in the area right now. It's just showing all their beautiful dahlias, which is really fun. So, you know, that's going to be your your early, you're like late August through mid late September will be all your dahlias, which are like one of the biggest, like one of the most profitable crops here one of the ones that most people want in their bouquets. In the spring, you're going to get more peonies, everyone likes those pops of bright pinks in the blushes and stuff. So yeah, I don't know. Like, again, I'm a flower fan. So I think it's something that I would think about, like, what kind of flowers I want? Yeah, of course, you know, it just yeah, it's just one thing to consider. Well, one of the things
Bryce Bjornson :that has come up a lot on this podcast is the idea of having your three priorities figured out. So if that's, you know, if your priority is, like having a really fun party, then I would think that music, and mood and bed would be like a real big part of that. But if you're really more on the aesthetics and the style of it, and maybe that's flowers, decor and rentals, you know, like, I think people need to prioritize. And so if they are prioritizing, florals, thinking about, you know, what season they're getting married in the date is important. So that's, that's a, that's a good thing to think about. I like the idea of, like, there being a guide, like a visual guide, so month by month, like what flowers are local to Asheville, you know, yeah, putting that out as like a as like a lead generator, you know, definitely Loris or planners, you know? Yeah, feel free to take it and run with it.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I like it. I like it. Thanks. Right.
Bryce Bjornson :Because I do I have a I actually have an Asheville venue finder, because I was trying to get ahead of couples. I was like, No, don't get married at the Biltmore come get married at the venues that I work at, you know, like, yeah, wait, uh, you know, and I haven't had a lot of traction on that. But it's fine. I like being helpful. Anyways, yeah, definitely. That's part of it. helping people find venues because there's so many of them. I mean, everyone know, they can start a venue and I've seen some, they're like, we don't require a day of coordinator. I'm like, what, what do you mean, you don't like, I'm just the bar service, not just I am the bar service. I'm not a planner. I don't you know, make any money off planners. But I'm like, No, you need to have a day of coordinator. Like, that's just Yeah, I've been to enough weddings and seen them. You know, if there wasn't one scene, maybe some things go wrong, it could have been avoided, or fix things or, you know, one, one planner or coordinator slash planner, actually, she got stuck out in the mountains of canler trying to turn my truck around because I was hauling and my bumper got stuck on a stump, like on the side of the road, those hidden ones by that. So they had cut the tree down, but only like and left maybe eight inches, 10 inches, whatever. And Ivy Grove Grover it so I just rolled over what I thought was Ivy, but I got stuck on the stump and she got her Cherokee or whatever it was, and towed me out.
Erica Batstone :That's awesome.
Bryce Bjornson :That's the wedding planner.
Erica Batstone :That's awesome.
Bryce Bjornson :But anyway, so So yeah, so advice regarding, you know, for couples regarding Asheville weddings is to think about seasons and you know, the kind of the aesthetic you want flowers when those are in season. That's kind of the gist of that, right? Is the
Erica Batstone :Yeah, just just like what's the ambience? Like what environment Do you want to be in? Are you very, like luxurious and elegant? Or are you more like down to earth and wanting it to just be more low key casual with like, some really good views or I mean, you know, it's just like, but you know, there's so many options. But yeah, I think I think obviously the venue to me, kind of sets the tone for what you're looking for. Which is usually Of course why it's kicked first other than just getting the date of course, but I'm kinda like other things.
Bryce Bjornson :Have you seen anything go wrong at a wedding that you want to share? Oh, gosh, yeah, it doesn't have to be, you know, obviously, no one's mistake, but have you ever seen something happen where you're like, oh, and you use that for as learning experience?
Erica Batstone :I would say let's see I have one example that is was was out of their control, but it's just like always having just reminded me to like yeah, always having a backup plan. right time. What do you mean? No, it was with like electricity. So like the venue losing electricity. Oh, I didn't even think about that. Yeah, I've had it happen a couple times. I was so this is just a really fun story. So basically, I was when I was doing weddings in New Hampshire, and we had one wedding that basically like, luckily dinner had finished and then all of a sudden, we were like starting a dance floor, and then the power goes out and I'm just like, Okay, what are we gonna do now you know, wait getting everyone kind of calm, like we're gonna figure it out just chill, you know, you're good go out on the patio watch, you know, just hang out. And then I'm looking for like, you know, a stereo system to get to a generator to have like a backup dance party outside. Um, and, and like, I'm like, finally, like finding the speaker system. And all of a sudden, the fire alarm starts going off and I'm like, Oh, shit, you know. And so basically, what had happened is because the electricity was going was out the kitchen that was on site, the the fans, the exhaust fans were then not able to function so that billowed smoke in the whole kitchen, fire alarms go off. So they had to evacuate everyone outside the building. At that point, the dance party just wasn't happening. I just like it's okay, we're gonna get back to Don't worry. Yeah, and then on top of it was just so fun because it kind of like the turned around for me everyone being like, confused and a little frustrated. So all of the the whole wedding party decided to take photos with the fire truck and the firefighters and like, just had this whole is fun into some light. Like, these are gonna be great wedding photos for like the kids to see what.
Bryce Bjornson :They made it. Yeah, they did it. Right. They dealt with Yeah, fun way.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Um, but yeah, that's, that's just one of one of my fun stories that I've experienced. But yeah, I just tried to have, you know, just ideas for backup plans. And I'm trying to think of anything else that kind of comes to top of mind right now. Always, oh, like DJs are really important, I would say, making sure that you connect with your DJ and like the style of personality, and also the style of music, just making sure that you're because that person really does control the energy and the vibe of like half of your event. So just like making sure that you're getting someone that kind of connects to your style of music and style of party. And you know what I mean? So yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :yeah. I mean, I truly believe every vendor category is important, but it just depends on what you're going for. You know, and that's exactly what a smooth if you want smooth transitions. A DJ is important. Like, if you don't matter if they play, they play the song, the right song for the right time, whatever, hire someone for a couple hundred bucks, but the one Yeah, like really no music, and really no parties? And really no, yes. And no, yes, that's your, you know, that's the upper tier in that category, right? There's just I mean, there's Yeah, right. You could anyone call themself a wedding bartender and just bring a folding table and a cooler, you know, like, there's different levels to every category, it just depends on what you care about, as a where you're gonna put your money, because if you went all out in every single category, you're spending, you know, 100 grand, at least, yeah, like I say, you do focus on what you really want. Some people just want us and they get they spend a, you know, 10s of thousands of dollars on a venue that has amazing mountain views. There's, there's
Unknown Speaker :That's true.
Bryce Bjornson :And he's out there that have mountain views that are not 10s of thousands, just
Unknown Speaker :right, right, right.
Bryce Bjornson :But yeah, um, they're really expensive. And, you know, that's what people want, and they don't care about food, or whatever. So, again, prioritizing your categories is important. And DJs are one of those categories.
Erica Batstone :Yeah. Because they're emceeing and they're introducing your family and your friends. Also, I guess one thing that did come to mind that is like my number one recommendation, which is also why I'm in my position, is don't delegate any of the wedding day tasks to any family members, or close friends unless it's like a toast or something. But like, I've had people where it's like the follow the brides like setting up their sound system for ceremony, and it's not working. And then it's like, got so much feedback during the ceremony. And it's just like, just my goal is like, I know, it costs to have a coordinator or a planner, but it's just like, I think it's so worth or like, or to have somebody do the ceremony music. But I think it's just so important to allow your closest friends and family to like to not have a job that day and just fully enjoy the experience with you because it's not going to last long. And it's just like money can always be made. But those memories can't be, you know, redone. So I think it's just so important to outsource as many of the tasks as possible. Yeah. And, like you said, prioritizing what you really want
Bryce Bjornson :Exactly
Erica Batstone :first, but yeah, just like trying your best not to delegate to friends and family.
Bryce Bjornson :They really does fly by I mean, I did a wedding this year where they were taking pictures, up until last call. A couple did not get a break, like they might have eaten. But every time I looked up, they were taking pictures with another family member, another family another, you know, and I was like, yeah, the groom came to the bar. He's like, Oh my gosh, Bryce, I had no idea like they say it is it whizzes by but like, I feel like all I've done is take pictures. I'm like, yeah, that's all you do. And yeah, like it was, it was bad. Everyone had fun. It was a great, you know, great wedding. But it's just a reminder that it does fly by you need to prioritize what you care about. And you also need to put your foot down. When other people are like, oh, come take a picture. Do this. Like No, we're Yeah, the answer. We want to do this. So are like, that's
Erica Batstone :why we have professional photographer. Like, if you want to dance on the dance floor, we'll get pictures like us being, you know, having fun in the moment. Yeah, yeah, I was. So yeah, it's tricky. I don't
Bryce Bjornson :know how that happened. But they were taking pictures the whole day. Oh,
Unknown Speaker :yeah.
Erica Batstone :And that's also helpful if you want like a slower guest count. Because if you have a hunt, you know, 300 person wedding, you're going to be taking pictures all night, but even at person wedding, you're probably not you're probably going to be able to you don't have to visit with each individual person or couple years. I mean, like you have more time to so
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, it's finishing the trend, and guest counts is obviously dropping, or did drop this year 2020. And next year, it's still, you know, people are reaching out to me and saying they're gonna have like, 75 people. Yeah, last last year, my first few years, were always like, 125 150. Yeah. And I find it interesting, because, at first, I was a little bit worried. I'm like, Oh, 50 people, like, that's not a party. I mean, it is, but it didn't gamble, when I kind of thought it out, you know, dreamed it up, envisioned it, I was like, Oh, that's not gonna be, you know, festive. Because at the 125 people wedding, a lot of people seem to dip out after dinner, you know, because at 125, it's not your closest friends and family. It's your extended relatives, and they your high school soccer coach, and all these random people. And you know, they'll have a drink and listen to the toast and then leave, you know, but when you only have 40 or 50 people, I've found that they all stay the whole night, you know, because it is your closest people. So it's finishing to see that trend kind of happen, I guess, for this year. And I'm curious to see how it goes next year. Another thing is that your cost drops, because you're not feeding 150 or 200. People. It as I said, some people are still holding those size weddings, but some people are not. And what I say to those couples is, well, you're saving X amount per person do something cool, like a gelato cart, or live music, or a photo booth or something that will enhance the guest experience because that's really what it's in my opinion. That's what a Wayne's vibe is having a great experience for you and your guests. So along those lines, do you Is there anything that you can think of that couples could add on if they were to have a smaller guest count? Like do you have ideas of you know, maybe some cool upgrades they could utilize here in the area or just some ideas of how to maybe they had a budget of you know, X amount of dollars but the guest count dropped a bunch so they have some money to play with maybe if they still want to spend that much so what would you recommend for those?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, a couple things that come to mind is like maybe doing like a nice like welcome party the night before something you know, like renting out like a smaller venue in town and like giving that giving people like more have experience of downtown areas so be renting out like the twisted Laurel or something and you know, just having a more intimate or just a pre party because to me, I like the idea of weddings being a full weekend long experience and like, you know, I love the idea of when when the venues have like lodging on site and people can kind of stay for a few days. Just because I think weddings again, go so fast are usually about five, six hours long. It just seems like it flies by so when people are coming in to see you it's just wanting to just see them and elongate that experience as much as you can would be I think beneficial, you know, just to Yeah, just appreciate them being there and be able to catch up and everything and and also you know, as far as the day of the wedding I would say aesthetics, looking into you know, maybe some nicer rentals or furniture like I love creating little vignettes or like nooks of fun little you know what maybe not a photo booth but a photo area where it's like you can have some cool like vintage you know couches and chairs and furs and fun little things to to have who people that hang out in and maybe a cigar lounge and you know stuff like that just to create you Different To me it's all about the different yeah the experience like you said of being at the wedding and what they're feeling and when they walk in the room when does it was it feel like maybe doing some like, I love when you see you know, greenery that's installed in the ceilings or like something that has like that effect maybe if it's like a high ceiling just to kind of make it feel more cozy like putting in some some floral or greenery installations on the ceiling would be really nice. Um, so those are a couple a few ideas that I have. But
Bryce Bjornson :I love the vignettes idea I interviewed Jesse, who owns vintage Indigo rentals.
Erica Batstone :Yeah, Jesse. Yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :she's a lot of fun. And that's one of the things we talked about is creating those spaces, because a lot of these venues are pretty open, you know, not all of them are like Haiku is a great example of a venue that doesn't feel empty. You know, I mean, like, I'm talking about the big just like, warehouse like wedding venues. Those can be neat can and need to be broken up when you have a small guest count, because their capacity is like 300 500. So when you only have 75 people, you know, creating vignettes, creating space spaces, people to interact and kind of break up the space is really important in my you know, in my experience, just interact with those spaces has been, you can tell it's like people will talk to each other that normally wouldn't. I give the example Jesse, I'm like, if I'm at a table, you know, dinner table, and that's all the seating there is, I'm not going to go talk to you, there are tables and wherever you stand. Next time we sit down and like introduce myself. But if there's a set of couches, or lounge area, you know, I'll go over there and someone will start talking and you know, just creates a better experience for your guests. So yeah, I'm a big fan of that. I love it. So you you just started the the rising Fern events business, and you booked some clients. So you have some couples working with? I'm just curious, where are they getting married? Are they getting married at venues that you are familiar with? Are they getting married? at you know, the backyard of their house? Or family land? If you don't mind share? I mean, you can just start enroller specific because, you know, but yeah.
Erica Batstone :So right now, two of my clients are getting married at Highland Brewing Company. And then I have one couple getting married at Willow falls. And that's really a beautiful venue. I actually haven't been there yet. But I remember even looking, I was looking into it like a week before they inquired, and I was like, Oh, I really want to work at this venue that I got there in Green Book. And I was like, Oh, this is perfect. Awesome. Um, and then I have my other client actually has her wedding or their weddings in a couple years. And that's going to be in Charlotte at one of the art galleries. So So yeah, I got all over the place. But
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, I have a wedding booked at Willow falls. It was supposed to happen in June of 2020. And I believe it's for May 2021. So I'm really looking forward to that. Yeah. And that was a fun one because I referred the photographer. Oh, cool. I was very proud of myself. I'm like, Yeah, I can, I can make
Unknown Speaker :good for you. That's awesome.
Bryce Bjornson :You know, a lot of people, you know, not a lot of people. Some people might book the bar last, but some people see the truck and they're like, Oh, we need that our wedding. And I'm like one of the first one's books. So
Unknown Speaker :I love that.
Bryce Bjornson :Tell you photographers out there. I make referrals to okay. Yeah. So be No, I'm just kidding.
Erica Batstone :Yeah. And your gear truck is like, not only is it functional as a bar, but it's also like such a great photo opportunity. You know what I mean? Like, it's got multiple, you know, benefits to having it there. So, we're really like, professional skilled, like fun, friendly cocky, you know? So
Bryce Bjornson :that yeah, it's, uh, we had a lot of fun. At one wedding, the the guests were like, sitting on the truck and taking pictures, and I encouraged them. I was like, hop up, you know, it's made of, yeah, not, it's not a new car. It's a relic. And it was so cool to see people enjoying it and taking picture with the truck. And with the bar in the back, they can see you know, it was like it was just really cool and unique. Great. But anyway, so. So yes, let's see. So we'll have balls and then Charlotte. And it's an art gallery. Do you think that's going to be a trend is like getting married and more like historical venues like museums and places that are more, you know, let's say cultural rather than a bare bones venue. Do you think that's a new a new trend or is it just kind of random?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I mean, well, when I worked in Colorado, I'd say like half of the events I was doing was at one of the the local museums art galleries and museums, I think it just makes it really fun and interactive for guests. I also just visited the Asheville Art Museum a couple weeks ago. And I just it's cool because you can you can have like the wedding downstairs like with all that there's beautiful like Florida ceiling windows and you know, it's a really cool space, but then you can also rent out one of the one of the galleries for your guests be able to enjoy and walk through. So yeah, I don't know, I don't know if it's gonna be a trend. But I think it's a cool, it's an I think we're so in a being in this area. I think we're so used to seeing a lot of outdoor venues, but it is kind of neat. And I find it exciting to work in different spaces, like an art gallery that just has like a different feel to it. And I love color and texture. And I didn't think it'd be really nice to have that where it's like, you don't even have to pay for decor like you it's already provided for you. You know, like the half of the experience is just walking around looking at the art.
Bryce Bjornson :Right? Yeah, we cool we we don't have a lot of museums here, though. I mean, we're, yeah, I said this, this area is dominated by tourism. And it's more of like the outdoor the breweries that you know, it's not. Yeah, like a historical city. Like, you know, Philadelphia, you know what I mean? It doesn't matter. Yeah. We're just a different it's a different beast. And that's what I find interesting about the wedding industry is that depending on your locale, it's going to look totally different, right. New York City is a totally different market than Asheville and Charleston. A totally different market than both of those. So
Erica Batstone :right. Yeah, totally. Yep. Exactly.
Bryce Bjornson :I'm, uh, yeah, I'm curious to see. See what happens with venues around town, as you said before, there's a new one every week or so. popping up? Yeah. Yeah, it's it's funny, cuz some of them like aren't even venues, it's just someone's house. Yeah. And they're like, they're like, Hey, you can get married in the backyard. We'll call it a they call it a venue and it's great. I'm like, man, they're, you know, they're making something out of nothing, which is great for the venue owners. It's just, it's funny. It's, I wonder where the tipping point is in saturation, because venues are really expensive. Everyone, you know, you got it. You got to charge kind of what? What they charge, you know, like it's really dip below a certain amount just because of the investment because of the right grieve. You're giving the couple that day. But I wonder if at some point, you know, just like breweries here, I'm like, if another brewery opens up, like, I know, that can be popular too. Like is every single brewery is it just like a fail proof business? You know? Yeah, I hear that shut down. No to have shut down in the past 210 years. And Okay. Why would blow up? I forget the name of it. The other one was off Broadway on Broadway, near downtown Asheville and that shutdown archetype. took it over.
Erica Batstone :Got it? Yeah.
Bryce Bjornson :So the fact that there's like 30 breweries only to have shut down. Makes me think I should open up a brewery but
Erica Batstone :I know total I know. But now I'm traveling brewery. I yeah.
Bryce Bjornson :brewery on wheels. That'd be
Erica Batstone :cool. And they like just set up downtown like permit like a little corner on the street and like, like handle like, you're like homebrews that'd be kind of neat. Is that
Bryce Bjornson :is Yeah, unfortunately not legal. Otherwise, okay.
Erica Batstone :I was gonna set it no of like you can.
Bryce Bjornson :You knew you know, I'd be on it. My idea was to set up the truck downtown and serve non alcoholic drinks. So sell like,
Erica Batstone :like a mocktail?
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah, or just like or even just water and lemonade. You know, whatever. Maybe a like seltzer or you know, flavored seltzer water, whatever. Just to show people like, Hey, I could anything on tap, and your truck and it's beautiful. And you know, so many so many bachelorette parties are coming through and having them take pictures with it. I need to do that this
Erica Batstone :day. That sounds like a business plan. Like ready to be written.
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah, last Friday, I have Friday off this week. So there you go. Maybe bro down because I'm telling you downtown is packed and just getting back with the truck. It's free advertising. You know?
Erica Batstone :It totally is. Yeah, definitely. I love it. That's what I love about having a business too is that freedom of of possibilities and like the freedom to dream and like actually like, be like Wow, now I there's like nothing stopping me. I can do this. I can collaborate people make these things happen. Or you know what I mean? Like, that's what I love about it, too.
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah, I agree. I was working at a brewery where I thought I was more of like a creative influence. But I wasn't I was just two hands and two feet and something else. And I was I didn't like it. You know, I was like I I have ideas do and I'm good. creative and um, you know, obviously like it can get shit done. And Yep, to just be the help at that point. It wasn't it wasn't fulfilling for me. You know, some people find that and, you know, actually the guy that worked with me, he didn't care. He listened to podcasts all day. And you know, he was fine with it. But I was like, oh, let's do this. And that, and let's do weddings. And other you know, I was and I just felt kind of, like, quieted down or just not listened to. And that only lasted I was only there for a few months. And then I think the same thing happened at another place I worked. And eventually I'm like, you know, I just need to start by, yeah, because you're right, you do have the creative control. You're, you're allowed and almost encouraged really, to be a visionary and be creative and come up with new fun ideas. And I just, yeah, I would never, I would never work for anyone else. And I,
Erica Batstone :yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :someone approached me at a wedding and was like, Oh, I love what you've done with this, you know, it's really cool. And she handed me her business card. And it was like a marketing agency. And it kind of sounded like she was saying, oh, if you ever want a job, like reach out, you know, she didn't like say, we want you on our team. Like it wasn't like, for kind of the Burbidge she was using was kind of like, Oh, you know, I was like, and I said, Yeah, yeah, yeah, you could be an ad. I think she said something like that. And I was, I was, you know, I was honored, but at the same time, I was like, I'm never working for anyone else ever again. I have really appreciate. Here's your card back. But yeah, yeah, no, it was nice. But I think you know, there once you get the taste of it, and you do have the quote, and if you have the qualities to succeed. Yeah, there's no turning back. Yes, yes. For me. But so is this your first business venture? This raising? Yes,
Erica Batstone :yes. I mean, I'm trying to think of I mean, there's other things I've tried, but not for profit, you know what I mean? But this is like the first like, yeah, business venture where it's like, Alright, goodbye full time, job and benefits. I'm just gonna go and like, jump off this cliff and see what happens.
Bryce Bjornson :So great. You got to have the courage to just do it. And you did it. So that's awesome.
Erica Batstone :Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate that means a lot.
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah. I my last business was a duck farm.
Unknown Speaker :I loved
Bryce Bjornson :But anyway, yeah. So this, but now I'm doing this and it's much, much better fit
Erica Batstone :for me. Yeah, that's great. Awesome. Good for you. Yeah. Congratulations to you as well.
Bryce Bjornson :So, Erica, we I know you've just started the business. But how do you see rising Fern evolve? Over time, like, you really just want to be the plant the head lead planner, stay as a solopreneur and travel the world and travel through, you know, obviously do weddings and Asheville and stuff? Or are you hoping to build a team out in the next few years and really become, you know, a true company? Yeah, just do it on your own?
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I've been playing around with both scenarios in my head. And I can see, I can see both things happening. I think right now. I think I just I see myself focusing on kind of more the solopreneur having more of, you know, the freedom and flexibility to live a life of my own terms and be able to just, you know, work with, you know, clients and not have to worry about Yeah, full team or anything, but at the same time, like I have this desire, this natural desire to be a leader and to be someone who wants Yeah, to be a leader of a company, and to be able to really cultivate a really great working environment. And I don't know, like, I'm the kind of person that's like, one thing I love doing, and I actually did it during quarantine. But like, if I have a team that I've ever, like, I want to do, like 3pm dance parties for five minutes. Like I always just like, want to find ways to like, cultivate a really positive work environment, because I feel like, from my experience working places, I've just never, ever felt really appreciated. And like I always just I want to create that for people. And so I do have this desire to have a team one day, I just don't know at what point that will be. But yeah, I do. I do see some bigger things coming along the lines. But right now I'm just kind of focus on you know, yeah, doing it, you know, as, as you know, myself being a lead planner. But yeah, I mean, and I also one reason why I you know, I love the path that I'm on is that I really eventually want to be somebody who can help encourage and, and kind of help motivate people to start their own businesses like a business coach kind of thing. I just, I really, you know, hopefully if all goes well, and I can learn all the, you know, trip over all the things and learn from my mistakes and do all you know, just find ways To grow and learn through all this experience that I can then be able to kind of, you know, reach down and say, hey, I want to help you up this ladder an hour, I want to help you, and give you the right tools to create your own business no matter what that is, whether it's wedding related or not. So that's kind of like a real future down the road. goal of mine, but, but right now, it's it's focusing on, you know, the clients and wanting to really create the experiences that the they're envisioning. So, of course, yeah, no,
Bryce Bjornson :good point, I did the math on having one truck and working every Saturday for wedding season. So for me, that's like six or seven months. And I did the math on what I was charging at the moment, you know, at that moment. And I was like, that's not a living wage for the year like, I can't, yeah, I bought another truck, you know. And with that, with making money from that, about a third, you know, like, I just kept invest in the business. But it's required me to delegate and hire and employ. And that's an interesting step, because I never wanted to do that. But now that I'm doing it, it's like, oh, some people love, you know, bartending weddings, and that's what they're good at. And like doing, you know, I enjoy it, don't get me wrong, but I'm like, I really enjoy the the marketing and the branding. Like, that's really where I Yeah, kind of flourish, I think. And so I think you have to step outside of your head when you become a manager or, you know, employ people and say, okay, some of us humans like, doing these things, and we're good at it, and others like doing these things, and they're good at it. And yeah, I think what happens is you use, you start to not get jaded, but you look at certain tasks, and you say, Oh, I don't like that. It's not a good task, like cleaning the trucks. I'm like, I don't love cleaning the trucks, like, you know, and I don't do a great job, right? There's people out there that love doing it, that work. They love detailing cars, and they're good at it. So why not pay them to do that? So I can focus on what I'm good at what I like, yeah. And so I think you having a business owner is one one big step. As a, you know, it can be a big step in someone's character development. And then I think hiring people is like, the next step, and can be very difficult, but I think it really does. Help you evolve, you know? Yeah. Which is no, think about.
Erica Batstone :That's really great. That's a great way to put it, I think. Yeah, and that's where it's like, you know, because I launched in May. And it's like it is that challenge of like I you know, when you're an entrepreneur just starting you are all the things are the accountant, the bookkeeper, the marketer, the salesperson, the email, inquire, follow up or, you know, like, your, your, all these things, and I think you're totally right, where it's like, and I'm already kind of learning, like, what the things were things I really love doing and what do I not like doing? You know, um, so it's like, hopefully, yeah, it would be nice to bring on someone just to like, be like, Alright, you like this task a little bit more than I do. And you're better at it than me so great. Um, but yeah, I think I just yeah, I think it would, yeah, it would eventually just be nice to have have that help. But also, it's like, I love building that community. And like having a team and like, I think when you have each other, like people in your, in your company that you can kind of like bounce ideas off of or just like, kind of help motivate the whole engine, you know what I mean? Like, it's just, it's nice when you have kind of that, that other, those other humans involved in the project, they kind of for me, it helps motivate me a little bit more to Yeah, more people are invested too. So
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, I have recently hired an assistant. And she's only part time. Yeah, I mean, she's, yeah, just a few hours a week. But when she's here, I'm working like I am. Yeah. Right. And, and I feel compelled to because she's obviously there and getting getting paid and by me, so I have to, you know, make sure that her time is being used and that I'm not just wasting time. But besides that benefit, having someone to bounce ideas off of having that camaraderie. Yeah, it is so much fun. And I yeah, I love it. I'm just I'm just realizing like, Oh, I really need to make you know more money with this business. So I could write totally not not so I can pay other people that so that I could eventually hire her full time or at least have that manager position open for someone to manage the my little private tasting room and manage, you know, clients and all that stuff. Because I'm about three, wait about two and a half, three years in, I guess and trying to do the math here. And, you know, in a few years, I don't want to be hauling trucks around, you know, and probably I think in two years, I will not be doing that. anymore, but that's gonna require a certain volume of business and a certain price point, obviously, and it's there right now I just don't. I'm obviously still bootstrapping. I'm not like, no one's invest. You know, no, there's no venture capitalist around here, there would be dollars or anything. Yeah, I'm still doing everything myself, like this past week. And, you know, as I said, I did two weddings, and I bartended hauled, you know, got the kegs. I, you know, did everything. And yeah, you just have to do that in the beginning. So I get where you're coming up. But I think, to have that vision of wanting to create a nice, fun atmosphere is really awesome, you know, in the future. And yeah, I, I totally know what you mean, like not feeling appreciated, and just kind of feel like, you know, hired hired help, or maybe that's me just saying it. But, um, yeah, to treat people well, and to, you know, to provide them with, you know, a good wage and good. Hopefully, some kind of benefit, like one of my benefits for people who work for me is that, like, I started this this year, is that they can use like the truck once a year for whatever, you know, like, a birthday party, or my sister actually just got engaged. So if she needs anything, draft bar related, you know, we're going to help provide that. So, you know, just make it fun, like, make it part of a team and not family. I don't think I don't ever want to be called a boy's family. Some people think it's like, cute and show me and I'm like, we're not you're not my dad. I'm not your brother.
Erica Batstone :I'm not your daddy. They're like, Yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :exactly. Like that term is just, I don't know, it's kind of silly to me. But whatever people, that's their choice was a business letter to us that I'm never going to, but but I think having a really good team that works well together. And is making money is it can be a beautiful thing. So
Erica Batstone :yeah. And like there's so many people I've worked with for I'm just like, I think about it, and I kind of like stick them in the back of my mind of like, if I ever expand, I am reaching out to them, because they are stellar. They work hard. They have a good attitude. You know what I mean? Like, so when I meet those kind of people, I'm like, how cool would it be to build a team? So it's like, yeah, there's definitely that that desire there. It's just that I'm so just starting that it's like,
Unknown Speaker :oh, okay,
Erica Batstone :that seems like a lot. But it's like, eventually, I feel like an extra two to five years. Hopefully, maybe that'll be something that'll definitely take off. But yeah, I
Bryce Bjornson :think Yeah, and it's my one of my buddies who's a bit older than me. I remember him saying this. He's like, man, it doesn't matter what you do in life. But if you do it with friends, and you're, you know, having fun, like, that's all that matters, he's like, you could be building a railroad. But if you're around, you know, good company, and, you know, making money at all it really matters. That's something that I've definitely realized working alone, you know, I'm like, Oh, this isn't, you know, it's good. It's, I'm fine working alone. I don't need people around. But it's definitely like, a lot different when I have, you know, Jeannie over and we're just, you know, laughing making jokes or whatever. But But working and getting things again,
Erica Batstone :yeah,
Bryce Bjornson :yeah, I'm looking forward to having her around more. And great. It's kind of Yes, it's, it's good to envision what you want the business to look like? Or else it's gonna stay the same. Like, that's what I'm not with you. And I was like, What do I actually want this to look like? And, you know, this is I haven't really shared this with anyone, but I think having brick and mortar bar, with the trucks as the bars, like inside the building could be like a fun concept. You know,
Erica Batstone :it's cool. I like it. Oh, that's
Bryce Bjornson :kind of maybe on my horizon in a few years, like thinking about that. I'm nowhere near it right now. But I could just see like,
Erica Batstone :Yeah, I was thinking like, what if like, each truck was like a separate a private party, like to help a social gathering like each like so you have like, five, six trucks. And I'm like, you could book a truck for X amount of dollars for three hours a night for, you know what I'm saying? And like, I'd like each group to like have their own private. Yeah, I don't know. I did.
Bryce Bjornson :I was thinking like, my initial idea was to have each truck be a different set of beverages. So one truck would be wine on draft. The other truck would be beer on draft. Yeah. Third one, would it be cocktails on draft, which is some, you know, we do. And that was kind of the beginnings of that idea. I don't know. I just, I look around Asheville. And I'm like, all right, all the breweries kind of look the same. Like all the bars, the dive bars are like, a little too divey you know, we don't really have many, in my opinion, like cool lounges. Maybe that's just not Asheville but like, you know, we need more like cozy, comfy, aesthetically pleasing bars, you know that aren't super grungy because yeah, we all know that double crown.
Erica Batstone :I agree with that like get you know, get Jesse in here like cover like yeah get out with some really awesome furniture and make it yeah cozy and like, sophisticated but but like comfortable god man. Yeah, exactly.
Bryce Bjornson :I'm here in the sun in my warehouse right now and deep in West Asheville. And you know what I'm already kind of building it. So I have these leather couches on the other side of my desk, I have nine tabs. So I have nine tab draft system not on the truck, but just a standalone kegerator. And then I have a vintage stereo setup with some art my guitars on the wall. So like, I'm kind of already building. Yeah, what I want it to kind of feel and look like, it's just a matter of like putting that in a public location. And actually notice, I'm like kind of already practicing, which is funny how we talk. Now people talk about what is that called, where they like materialize things into manifestation as they know, I'm already kind of a kind of doing that. So
Erica Batstone :good for you. That's awesome.
Bryce Bjornson :Anyway, well, Erica, do anything else you want to share about either your business or the wedding industry? With our listeners?
Erica Batstone :I would say yeah, I would say just you know, in this time, of course, everyone's just probably feeling really overwhelmed, frustrated, just just be patient, you know, if just really, you know, sit down with your partner and get clear on what you both want. And you know, it's there's no need to rush if something's not feeling right, you know, with rescheduling and whatnot, or maybe doesn't feel right to have the big wedding right now. Or just like just sitting down, like becoming really clear, like kind of just like taking a breath and saying like, Okay, what works for us, what do we want, if we injury scheduled, you may Yes, you may lose some money in deposits, who knows. But again, it's more about just like making sure that you're having an event that's true to you. And that feels really good. And it doesn't feel rushed. And, you know, I don't a lot of people are just like, I'm just so sick of I just want to get it over with and I'm just like, ah, but do you really like down the road five years from now? Are you going to be happy with that decision? So just be patient. Take your time. And you know, if you really want to get married, have a ceremony, but yeah, if you if you're looking for that big party, too, you can always do that in other form. But yeah, just just be gentle on yourselves during this whole process.
Bryce Bjornson :Yeah, no, I agree. And I love that. You do need to think ahead and say, do I actually just want to rush thing? You know, like that's? Or maybe they do, right? If they do great, but think about? I want everyone, everyone who's getting married out there to ask themselves that question. So
Erica Batstone :Mm hmm. Exactly. So yeah. And I'm here if you need I also do consulting. So if anyone just wants to talk about you know, what do we you know, either reschedule What does this look like? I'm there to help. So instead of hiring me as a full planner, if you just want to talk to someone in the profession, should just get some direction on where to go from there. I can I also do hourly sessions
Bryce Bjornson :that way. Oh, great. That's all I think that would be great. Because I feel like I would want to kind of plan my own wedding because I know the ins and outs in a way. But I would love to have a conversation with someone who is a true planner. No. So that would be something I would utilize. I wouldn't do full planning. But who knows my future bride out there wherever she is. Thinking so. Anyway, that's totally my guess.
Unknown Speaker :Right? Yeah, exactly. You didn't Nashville.
Erica Batstone :Oh my god. Yeah.
Bryce Bjornson :On that note, thank you so much for being on the podcast look forward to hopefully working with you in the future. And, you know, good luck to you and your new venture.
Erica Batstone :Thank you so much. Bryce was a pleasure speaking with you. And I'm excited to hear about all your fun ideas and things you got going on. And yeah, I look forward to working with you sometime soon as well.
Bryce Bjornson :Awesome. I'll put your link to your business in the show notes so people can reach out to you.
Erica Batstone :Perfect. And if anyone you know if anyone is watching this and and refers to this podcast, I'll give you $100 off a full planning package. Wow. Y'all first
Bryce Bjornson :anyway, on the vodka we should do. There's a podcast out there that puts the discount code on their website. So like I would have would be like Jax, 40 seven.com backslash rising Fern. And that would be like the code or something. I don't.
Erica Batstone :Yeah. Okay. Now we can talk about that. We'll figure that out. Okay, sounds good. Thanks. Cheers. Take care y'all. All right.