Daily Inspiration: Meet Ophelia Childress

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ophelia Childress.

Hi Ophelia, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am Ophelia Childress, a native Nashvillian. I am a proud wife and mom to 2 boys, Kobe, age 6, and Nasir (due October 2021). I love music, spending time with my family and friends, and singing. A typical day for me, when I am not working, is cooking for my family, having great conversations, laughing with my favorite people, and Netflix and Chill lol.

My love for planning and coordinating events came way before I launched my business in 2020. I attended performing arts schools for eight straight years until my graduation from Nashville School of the Arts High School. Therefore, being on stage and the process of producing a great show has always been in my blood. I am addicted to production, what goes on behind the scenes, and all the moving parts that comes with it. When my husband asked to marry me in 2016, I immediately kicked into gear to research, organize, book venues & vendors and plan every detail of my vision for my wedding. I pride myself on being a resource for people in my personal and professional life, so it took off naturally when I coordinated my first large Nigerian wedding in April 2019. In 2020, during the pandemic, like most, I was stuck in the house with my family and my thoughts. I wanted to rediscover what my purpose was outside of being a Mom and a Wife. In July 2020, What’s The Occasion Wedding & Event Planning company was born, and we have been growing ever since.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being a planner and coordinator has not been smooth sailing. However, it has been consistently growing, which I am happy with. Some obstacles were simple just making sure I was equipped to handle the physical labor it takes to endure wedding days.

My corporate experience for the last couple of years has been a desk job relaxing and working in the comfort of my own home. Now, I have transitioned to wedding days where you are on your feet easily for 10-12 hours with little to no breaks.

As with any start up business you have to have some money to invest in your vision. Shortly after I launched, I lost my 9-5 during the pandemic that was not only helping to support my family, but financing my business.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Nashville Wedding Planner and Coordinator. I help my clients plan the details of their desired wedding or events with research, booking, and scheduling tours that meet the needs of my clients and so much more. From fabrics to fashion to a realistic budget, we offer three different packages for our clients. We don’t try to over sale our services; we simply try to attract the energy and good vibes we give off. I collaborate and work with a solid team of mostly women who are just as eager and excited as I am to produce the best results for our clients. What sets us apart is our simple southern hospitality. We treat our clients like family from start to finish. It’s a personal and emotional journey to plan a wedding, so if the vibe is off, you should take heed to those red flags and get someone who matches your energy. I have learned early in this industry that every client is not for me and I am perfectly fine with that. My integrity which is tied directly to my business has no price tag. I am most proud of when I can alleviate added stress from clients by planning, organizing, and coordinating one of the biggest days of their lives. I love when a plan works out!

During the pandemic, we also starting bringing fun into people’s homes since the world was shut down. We planned and coordinated ” Staycations” mainly for couples who missed date nights or anniversaries. WTO would come in and transform their desired space in their home. We would have mobile massage therapists to come in the house. Set up a romantic, sweetheart dinner for two and have a professional chef cater their favorite dish including live band options. It was a huge hit!

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Some people know this but not all especially my clients. I have a heart for music. I sing and have sung in so many places specifically weddings, so I am always eager and excited to hear the music selections of my client’s playlist for the Dj. I also have a podcast with my husband called “WTOW&EP lovers & friends” that is a direct correlation of my wedding brand “What’s The Occasion Wedding & Event Planning providing transparency regarding the ups and downs of millennial married couples. Not only do I want to help my clients plan a beautiful wedding, but through my own experience, assist them with a few nuggets after they have said, “I do! “

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://wtoweddingandeventplanning.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheoccasionwep/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatstheOccasionWEP/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/whats-the-o-ccasion-wedding-and-event-planning-nashville
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wtow-ep-lovers-friends/id1545101623

Image Credits
Photographer: Stephanie Bullock (All Wedding images)
Photographer: Chanitra Dreher
Photographer: Kevin Wurm
Designer: Carol Smith
Florist: Something Borrowed Blooms
Cake: Nashville Sweets Assistant
Coordinators: Jasmine Mitchum & Takuara Nieves
Venue: Margaritaville Hotel Downtown Nashville