How I became a Wedding Designer RN

I had someone ask me via facebook why I had a nursing background but I do wedding design. And I thought this would be a great opportunity to share this with my loyal blog readers.

I have always enjoyed planning and decorating social parties like birthdays, baby showers etc. and events at my parents pub in Hess Village which is called 'Side Bar'. It was just something that I enjoyed doing I never once considered it to be a career or anything, it was just a hobby.

So in 2004 I graduated from the Nursing program and immediately got a job in the hospital. I liked nursing I really did, I liked the skills and knowledge involved, I loved helping patients that was the best part was the people I've met.

It was only after planning my own wedding and then having my daughter where things started to change. I loved planning my wedding, I had such a great time doing it. I used to sketch and sketch out what the decor would look like, what my invitations, cake, centrepieces were going to look like. It was so much fun!

After I had my daughter my mindset changed. I started thinking about what I want her to have in life...I used to sing! And I still love singing! But for some reason I let silly people make me feel bad about doing what I loved, who I realize now were just insecure themselves, bully me out of a dream. Well I knew for my daughter's sake I didn't want her to ever feel that way. I think we all have something we were meant to do, and its very possible to be doing that 'thing' whatever it is. Well what a phony was I. I can't tell my daughter to go after and do the things she enjoys doing... but then not do that myself. So my wheels started spinning.

I began helping friends and family with their weddings, I took courses, helped out other wedding planners on their weddings while I was nursing. Then this past Oct I quit. I am now making a living off of doing what I love... and you know what... I'm so happy! I'm passionate about making my clients weddings creative, one of a kind, beautiful and to their vision. I love networking and seeing what other professionals are doing. I love seeing whats latest and greatest in weddings. I love travelling to conferences. I love meeting new clients and hearing all about their dream wedding. I just can't say 'LOVE' enough.

I still feel bad about leaving the profession during a shortage, but I need to remember a) that shortage is never going away and b) everyone is responsible for their own health and one less nurse in the system isn't going to change it. But you know its funny because I know several people who are in another profession and are dreaming about becoming a nurse. And I tell them to go after it. You need to do what you love. We only live once, why be miserable and afraid to take the next step to doing what you love? We all deserve to be happy and be the person we are meant to be.