Firstly, Congratulations on your engagement and forthcoming wedding.  My name is Shujuan Shannon (pronounced Shu-Wahn) and I love Coordinating weddings. I am a mother to my 10 year old daughter, Faith Anastasia. My company, To Have and to Hold specializes in helping Atlanta area brides and grooms create elegant, memorable and meaningful weddings.

I have been in the Event Planning industry for 20 years as Caterer, Event Planner and Wedding Coordinator. In 1999, I completed training as a Bridal Consultant and turned my passion for weddings into a business.

What other type of events do you plan?

I specialize in weddings only. Why?  Weddings are so beautiful. Weddings create an ambiance of happiness, joy, love, and most of all, it is a sacred union.

No two weddings that I plan will ever be alike from the simplest indoor wedding with just parents to a lavish gala for Atlanta’s V.I.P’s. I love the romance and excitement. It’s my passion and I feel it’s my true calling. I love what I do and I love the industry.

What do you love most about your job as a Wedding Coordinator?

I love pulling together the unique ideas from each couple and intertwining those ideas into their ceremony and/or reception. I feel weddings should be a reflection of the couple's personalities.

 What is the greatest Challenge as a Wedding Coordinator?

Educating the bride about the role of a Wedding Coordinator and the benefits of having a professional to assist with planning. It is the perception of many brides that Coordinators are only hired by the more “affluent”. That belief is far from true. I recommend hiring a Coordinator no matter what your socio-economic level.

Another challenge is the perception that hiring a Coordinator is a waste of money and that the money could be spent elsewhere. As a Coordinator, I provide flexible rates for my services and would not ask the same fee for a wedding of 25 and a wedding of 300. It’s not about the money.  It’s about providing a service and doing my job well. The biggest challenge of all is the negative outside influences that some brides can receive. That negative energy trickles its way into my planning.  When this happens it is my job to remain professional and let my knowledge and experience prevail. 

What’s the best advice you can give a bride planning a wedding?

Regardless, of your budget, be honest with yourself.  Realize that a wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime.  Don’t get caught up in the day.  Don’t leave yourselves still paying for your wedding months (or even years) after the wedding day is over.  Utilize the knowledge and skills of a professional wedding coordinator to help map out what’s best and help explore options. It’s like hiring a financial planner or an accountant. It’s an invaluable investment but much more affordable and definitely worth it in the long run.

What advice would you give to someone who chooses not to hire a Wedding Coordinator?