Community Highlights: Meet Rachel Gladstone of Weddings By Rachel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Gladstone.

Rachel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I stumbled into the wedding business 20 years ago when I took a job at Scarritt Bennett as their Weekend Wedding Assistant. (My novel, loosely based on my tenure there, came out in 2020). I’d been on the staff of a production company, writing a TV pilot, when the project ended suddenly, leaving me unemployed and in need of a paycheck.

As is common with starving artists, I was familiar with the hospitality industry having run the gamut from bartending to catering to being a concierge in a big hotel. When I heard about the job at Scarritt, I immediately jumped at it because the idea of helping brides get down the aisle sounded like a dream job. After three years there, I branched out on my own, growing my business through personal relationships with brides and their mothers, venue owners, and vendors of every stripe.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As an industry professional, you hear all kinds of horror stories about Bridezillas, Momzillas, and unexpected disasters that would catch your hair on fire.

I have been very lucky because I only have a handful of horror stories to share. Sure, little things have gone wrong but every time, my team and I have come up with creative fixes without ever having to inform the Wedding Party.

And when we pull it off it’s like we’ve been part of a little miracle.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I think the reason that couples seek me out is the fact that when they hire me, they know I will be with them every step of the way from our initial consultation to their sparkler exit. I run a small shop and am proud to offer personalized service to every client.

Getting married is one of the greatest adventures a couple can embark upon and I’m always honored to be part of their Big Day. Nothing makes me happier than seeing them reveling in the best day of their lives except for the moment at the end of the night when they tell me they couldn’t have done it without me.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love Smartless. It’s a hilarious, podcast hosted by Will Arnett, Jason, Bateman, and Sean Hayes. It makes me laugh which is one of my favorite pastimes!

Pricing:

• Full Planning Package: $6,000
• Partial Planning Package: $3,500
• Day-Of Planning package: $2,000

Contact Info:

• Website: weddingsbyrachelg.com
• Instagram: @nashvilleweddingsbyrachel
• Facebook: @nashvilleweddingsbyrachel
• Other: TheKnot.com

Image Credits
Peter Newsom and Victoria Hjelte (Through Victoria’s Lens)