Vendor Spotlight: Bliss By Sam

20 May Vendor Spotlight: Bliss By Sam

Chicago is excited to open it’s arms to the fabulous and extraordinary planner from North Carolina, Samantha Dockery, the owner and lead consultant at Bliss By Sam! We had a chance to sit down and talk with Sam about her successful business, her source of inspiration and what she loves about Chicago.

Jewell Events Catering: How long have you been in business?
Bliss By Sam: Ten years! We’re celebrating all year long!

JEC: In no more than 3 words, describe what your company does.
BBS: Wedding Planning Architects

JEC: What is one thing that sets you and Bliss By Sam apart from others?
BBS: ME! As planners (for the most part), we all offer the same services. Our personalities and experience are essentially what sets each of us apart. A long time ago, I learned to embrace who I am as a person and have learned how to use that to my advantage in planning. My smart mouth, Type A, fun, daring and devoted personality has fueled Bliss’ fire.

JEC: Where does your inspiration come from?
BBS: My daydreams! After I meet with my couples, I literally lie in bed early in the morning and late in the evenings imagining what their wedding day should look like based on what they’ve shared with me about themselves as individuals and as a couple. I love when I have those ‘A-ha!’ moments.

JEC: What is one emerging trend for events?
BBS: I am loving that couples are still choosing bold colors and multiple shades of them! Right now, I’m in love with the color blue. I want all my grooms and their male attendants to wear blue tuxedos!

JEC: What is the craziest or most fun event you’ve done (no names, just details!)?
BBS: Oh the stories I could tell! To be honest, the craziest ones are always the saddest. The crazy stories usually mean someone close to the bride has gone ballistic over some detail and has ruined the entire day. With that being said, I’ll share with the most fun event!
It was one of the first weddings I ever did in North Carolina. I’ll never forget Grant and Whitney! They were wed at Fearrington Village surrounded by 30 of their closest family and friends. It was so beautiful because it was the first and only wedding where I felt like a part of the family. I had a chance to connect with every guest!

JEC: What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business?
BBS: We’re open to multi-cultural weddings and wish more of these types of couples hired us! Every planner at Bliss By Sam wants to continue learning and would love an opportunity to learn about as many multi-cultural weddings as possible!

JEC: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone planning an event?
BBS: If your budget doesn’t have room for a full-service planner, at least hire a day-of coordinator. Even if you’re the ‘host’, you want to feel like a guest, not a worker bee!

JEC: What’s your favorite ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Chicago?
BBS: I just moved to the South Loop and have fallen in love with Meli Cafe! They have Martini Mondays and the pear one is to die for! Did I mention the martinis are only $6?!?

JEC: What is your favorite part about being in the industry?
BBS: This is going to sound really cheesy, but I love LOVE! My favorite part is knowing that I’ve been instrumental in ensuring that one of the most important days in a couple’s life was stress-free (planning wise) because I took care of them.

JEC: If you were a type of food, what would you be and why?
BBS: Lasagna. I have a lot a layers. Some rough, some smooth. But everything about me works well together to make one delicious chica!

Thanks so much Sam for sitting down and talking with us! We’re thrilled to have Bliss By Sam in Chicago!!