We talk shop with our readers’ favorite Durham-based event planners
Compiled by Isabella Colucci
Designing successful events is a true labor of love for these five experts; each thrives on crafting stress-free, unforgettable experiences. Their passion shines through in every detail, from the joy of shared moments to the satisfaction of seeing clients and guests revel in carefree celebrations.
What is a major lesson you’ve learned since you began planning events?
Keosha Joyce Every event will have something that goes wrong! As a wedding planner, it’s my job to remain calm for the client, my staff and myself.
April Pyatt No two events are the same. Every event and every person is different.
Bea Plummer Murphy’s law: What can go wrong, will go wrong. So, prepare as best you can.
Joye Speight Everyone wants the same thing, whether they know it or not: great atmosphere, great energy, the opportunity to experience something new, fresh and innovative, [plus] great food and entertainment.
What questions should a client ask an event planner during a consultation?
KJ The client should vet their potential planner to make sure they are credible and capable of managing an event by asking questions like: Do you have liability insurance? What certifications or courses have you taken? Do you have any references who would be willing to speak with me?
AP [First], make sure you know how long they’ve been doing this. There’s something to be said about experience (or lack thereof ). Make sure that you get a good feel for their process. Ask: What’s your approach? What are your deal breakers, and what’s your stress level?
Have you planned a Durham-based event that stands out in your memory?
KJ One of my favorite Durham events was a large multicultural wedding held at the Durham Convention Center. The couple and their guests all had such a fun time, and I was able to learn about traditional Nigerian wedding customs during the planning process.
AP There was a wedding at Bay 7 that we planned. A beautiful venue, beautiful colors, everything from the stationery to the design of the wedding itself was really cool. There were a lot of custom elements; they had a children’s area that we made custom umbrellas for and personalized games. People did not want to leave, and even though it rained that day, it still turned out gorgeous.
JS The Art of Cool Festival, which was a festival focused on reimagining the jazz scene in Durham and introducing new artists, [as well as] Made in Durham: A Little Brother Block Party, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of iconic hip-hop group Little Brother’s album “The Listening.”
What makes your planning company unique?
KJ I have been in the world of weddings almost all of my life. I believe my genuine commitment to my clients and customer service sets Enchanting Events & Designs apart. We provide more than a service to the majority of our clients – we become a support system during the planning process.
AP I don’t think that anybody will out-work our commitment to getting it right. The level of planning and preparation is pretty top- tier to us. I’m [also] very responsive and timely.
GP Besides the fact that we are sisters, our niche is romance planning. We plan events, but our specialty is planning anything romantic – from dates, proposals and weddings to getaways. We are all things romance.
JS Experience, wisdom and the ability to creatively solve problems. Execution and, most importantly, inclusion, equity and planning events with the mindset of, “How can we make an impact for the client, community and vendors?”
What’s your favorite aspect of planning events in Durham?
KJ Durham is such a unique community with so many talented people. I love being able to work with local vendors – you become a family!
AP I love the feel of Durham as a whole. [It] feels very inclusive, and it feels safe. Everybody’s very kid friendly, very family friendly. I’ve never felt out of place in Durham at all.
GP Our favorite aspect of planning events in Durham is the community. Durham has such an eclectic and vibrant community.
JS It’s my home. I love putting on for my city. I also love loving on the people in my city.
Any tips for navigating event permits and regulations in the city?
AP Pay attention to the deadlines. In the City of Durham, we’ve got deadlines for permits – back your timeline into those deadlines, because if you don’t, your event will not be the success that you need it to be.
GP Visit the city website and familiarize yourself with the requirements and deadlines before setting your event date.
JS Start early. Be kind.
Looking for more event expertise? Peruse our sister magazine, Heart of NC Weddings – consider it your personal guide to North Carolina weddings!
has operated
Enchanting Events & Designs for nine years, offering full-service wedding and event planning, plus event design.
and Giovanni Plummer are sisters and born-and-raised Durhamites. The siblings became business partners when they founded Profound Elegance Romance
Concierge Services together in 2016.
Joye Speight
has 27 years
of experience planning both large and intimate events; she started her business, Virtue Events, 24 years ago.
What, When & How?
The planners share answers to their most frequently asked questions
When should I book my event planner?
BP & GP It depends on the type of event and the client’s needs. For example, if the event is a gala, full-service wedding or corporate event, it should be a year from the date of the event.
How often should I expect to hear from you?
KJ Clients can reach out to me at any time; however, I reach out biweekly for general check-ins. Once we are closer to the big day, sometimes I can speak with a client almost daily depending on their needs.
What happens if something changes?
JS Last-minute changes are bound to happen with any event; it’s an unspoken rule. We make sure that we are flexible enough to pivot to solve any problem.
