So there came a time earlier last year, around early May, when I realized this whole Invision Events Birmingham thing was taking off much more quickly than I would have thought and that it was going to be bigger and more successful than I would have imagined. I then realized we were going to need another “me” in the picture, so to speak. Someone who was not only passionate and driven, but also someone who clients could relate to and would love. And of course, they would have to be able to handle the heat a wedding can bring and hold their own!

Literally the same moment I was daydreaming about all of this, my phone buzzed. I had received a message from an old friend of mine from college, Elizabeth Jackson. Liz and I had met through a mutual friend our freshman year, and while we were never besties, we were always friendly and ran in similar circles. We had mutual interests: a love for Auburn, all things southern and apparently now, weddings. It was literally perfect timing!

Liz is the kind of person that if you are lucky enough to call her a friend, well, you’re lucky enough. She is one of the most genuine and kindest souls I know. She has the patience of a saint and the most adorable laugh/giggle ever. Point blank, you can’t help but love her. Read on to learn more about this talented redhead and what all she brings to our team. We can’t wait for you to meet her! Cheers!…. Courtney

How did you get involved with weddings? Growing up in a small southern town, weddings are the big social event. My mother always helped with weddings at our church, and always the first to help throw a shower. Being her only daughter, naturally, I was employed as her helper. As an adult, helping with my friend’s weddings as a bride’s maid, everyone kept telling me I should do this for a living. I contacted Courtney, who I had been friends with since our days at Auburn, asked her if they had any room at Invision and the rest was history.

How would you describe yourself?  I would describe myself as thoughtful, sincere, humorous, giving, organized, a person who “gets it done and makes it happen”, a good mix between a type A and type B personality.

What did you think you were going to be when you grew up, and did you ever imagine this is what you would be doing with your life? Growing up I wanted to do many things, from a teacher, interior designer, forensic pathologist, to an ice skater.  (I don’t even know how to ice skate). No matter what I wanted to do, I knew I wanted to be in charge.  I have always been a leader and enjoyed working as a team to accomplishing a goal.  Wedding Coordinator was always something I thought would be fun and interesting but never thought it was a reality.  Thanks to Invision, I have been able to make that a reality and do something for a living that most little girls dream of doing.

What lessons has your work life taught you? Work life has taught me how to prioritize, critical thinking skills, ability to make a quick informed decision, and mostly how to work and manage people in a way that is respectful, considers mutual engagement, and efficient.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful in wedding planning? Organizational skills, flexibility, and critical thinking skills.

What motivates you? I would say being my best self every day. It is something I really try to do. I know what type of life and lifestyle I want eventually and I know what I have to do to get there.

How do you generate new ideas? I am a fixer by nature and like to think outside of the box. I love to take a process or situation and figure out a different way to do that process to make it less complicated, less people involved, cheaper, and more efficient. It’s pretty much what I do on a daily basis.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear? My greatest fear is failure, but failure is a reality sometimes. I am pretty hard on myself, so failure is something I definitely fear. However, you never know until you try and sometimes the best lessons are learned from failure.

What are your ideals? My ideals and goals for my life are to live a satisfying life, being the best at something and be known for being the best at that thing, having a family, creating and maintaining lasting relationships, helping others, giving back to the community and those less fortunate, and traveling everywhere I possibly can!

What is your guilty pleasure? Facebook, chocolate, going out to expensive dinners.

What has been the happiest moment in your life? Wow, this is quite the question, there have been many happy moments, graduating from college, promotions, recognition for hard work, but I think the happiest moments I’ll have are in my future, that gives me something to look forward to, I have a lot of living left to do!

Who has been your greatest inspiration? My grandmother (my mother’s mother) has been the biggest inspiration of my life. She is an amazing woman. She was married when she was 16 had five children, went back to school and finished her GED and went on to graduate with a PhD from Auburn University and became a professor. She did all of this, traveled the world, and raised 5 children. She is the godliest woman I know and the most caring individual. I always strive to be like her and make her proud.

What is your favorite aspect of wedding planning? Aside from being the key part of making the most important day for most a successful day, I love meeting and getting to know the bride, groom, and their families. The grandparents are my favorite.

What does your office or workspace look like? Very neat and everything has its place. A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind!

How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as someone who brought joy to those around her, who cared for others, and tried to help all she could. Those are high hopes, but if I can be remembered for just one, I would be a happy girl.

Who is your role model and why? As I stated before, my grandmother is my role model. But, I would like to add the many wonderful women who I call friends. I know some very successful and determined women and I always strive to be as successful and determined as they are. You are as successful as those you surround yourself with.

Who would play you in a movie? Emma Stone. Not only does she have red hair, perfect! But she is quirky, funny, and always getting herself in some type of crazy situation. I feel like that basically sums up my life.

What is your pet peeve? Intolerance or least not having the slightest ability to see life from someone else’s perspective and put themselves in other’s situation is my biggest pet peeve. Also, bad shoes on men, it is the worst!

One thing you never leave the house without. Lip gloss! Phone of course, but most importantly lip gloss.

Early bird or night owl? Night owl, it’s a problem!

What is your greatest adventure? Living life as a single adult woman. It is quite an adventure, from career, money, social and dating life. Navigating life on my own and balancing all aspects is always an adventure on a daily basis!