I’ve had the pleasure of working with Amanda for quite a few years now. Weddings are beautiful, fun, days to remember - they are also filled with details, chaos, and some stress. Luckily, wedding planners can take out the guess work, make sure the chaos is under control, and take out the stress so you can get to enjoying your perfect day! It’s been a crazy year in the wedding industry but Amanda, as always, is calm, cool, collected, and takes everything in stride. After a busy fall season we had the chance to catch up for a quick interview! Check out the interview below (Amanda’s website and contact info is all listed at the bottom so you can get in touch with her as well).

Tell us a little bit about yourself & your business - How did you start Absolute Weddings? Why did you choose the Wood River Valley as your home base?

Our family began coming to Sun Valley when I was just two. My grandfather worked for the railroad, and when Union Pacific owned Sun Valley, it was an inexpensive way for him to bring my mom and uncle for a family vacation from Louisville, Kentucky. Years later they began bringing myself and my sister. We fell in love with this magical place. My sister and I learned to skate at the Sun Valley outdoor ice rink, and I later worked there in the summers from the age of 11 through college and skated in the shows. After college I moved out to Sun Valley for good and started working in the Duchin Room, then met my husband and we chose to raise our daughters Caroline (16) and Avery (11) in this special place.

I started my business as I was always helping friends with parties and one day, they said, you really have a gift for making these events happen beautifully and making people happy. And from there, Absolute Weddings began over 18 years ago.

What do you love the most about your job? What lights you up about event planning and creating the best experience for your clients?

What I love most is getting to know my clients and having our working relationship turn into a friendship. You will spend countless hours with your clients, getting to know them and their families, so gaining their trust is so special. At the end of the night, the smiles on their faces and relaxation they feel enjoying their big events, make me feel like I made a difference. I love that all these years later I get holiday cards, baby announcements and referrals from such special people. I still have a holiday card from a client whose Dad addressed it to “Franc” the planner from Father of the Bride! There is no greater compliment than someone saying “Oh you did my friend’s wedding!”

We’re focusing on local businesses for our business highlights - can you tell me about your experience as a business in the Wood River Valley? What do you love about this community that you want to share? Do you have a particular moment that stands out to you?

There is no other community with support like the Sun Valley area. So much of our business is through referrals because we all want to support each other and keep our local businesses thriving. One of my most special moments came from the Beaver Creek fire when I had to move a wedding from Galena to a private home in Ketchum on the day that the fire jumped the highway. With only a few hours before the event, Barbara from Barbara’s Party Rentals had already set up— the tent, tables, etc. and brought as many items as she could to the home. Erin Zell and Don Shepler from Galena brought their entire staff, every piece of silverware, food, bar items, glassware (you name it!) to the home and executed a most special event that I will never forget. The dedication and commitment of our local vendors is amazing!

Do you have a favorite wedding you’ve worked on recently that you’d like to share (or one that really stood out to you)?

I can truly say that each wedding is special and I get to make lots of memories at each event. I have been working with many clients for over a year to create their vision. This year, the dreams were still as large, but the events were not. I was so fortunate to have two weddings happen this summer that were for 11 people and for 15 people. Seeing these small, intimate weddings and celebrations where everyone has a very close connection with the couple is truly magical and the focus is on the entire family.

Anything you’d like to add? Or would like people to know about your business?

After 18 years, I still get excited for each wedding. I get misty eyed at the specialty dances. I love seeing new styles that are coming out and continuing to learn about trends and ideas as no two weddings are EVER the same. And most importantly, I love the connections and making memories. For as special as I get to make them feel, they do the same for me in return.

Ready to get in touch with Amanda? You can find her on the platforms below!

Website: www.amandaseaward.com

Facebook: Absolute Weddings

Instagram: @amandaseaward

Email: amanda@amandaseaward.com