ABOUT
wedding services for every couple ...
from coordination and partial planning to full service design and delivery
"When you relax into the trust that comes with choosing the best and most dedicated professionals, you can be present. And that gives way to a magic that all your guests can feel."
"I believe that every couple deserves to relax in the genuine care of talented and trusted professionals ... starting with your planner."
A BIT ABOUT ME
Luxury hospitality and events are my life's work - from marketing at IHG to catering sales at a boutique hotel to more than two decades as owner of the award-winning Susan Graham Signature Events. In 2019, I pressed pause on SGSE to travel with Forbes evaluating luxury hotels around the world for the Five Star rating system. Returning from that experience, I bring unparalleled attention to detail and design, intimate knowledge of luxury destinations and a deepened commitment to the height of service: anticipating your needs and proactively solving problems.
Headshot by The Decisive Moment
Experience
20+ years planning 100s of weddings
Background
A lifetime in the luxury hospitality industry with design degree and MBA
Heart of Service
I start from a place of hospitality ... from, "How can I help you?"
Meticulous
An unmatched eye for detail
Accolades
Georgia's Top Event Planner, Atlanta's Most Influential Event Planners, "Best Of" Atlanta Planners
What You Can Expect from Me
Expertise
Thousands of weddings planned plus years of spent evaluating the finest hotels in the world, along with accolades such as Georgia's Top Event Planner, have garnered me a sterling reputation as an expert in the field.
Advocacy
At the core, my job is to be your advocate. To bring your ideas and inspiration to life and negotiate with vendors to your benefit. I'm in your corner should a problem arise.
Calm
Snafoos - such as rain on your wedding day - sometimes happen. I trust in my deep experience to overcome any obstacle which means that I can handle them in a calm, cool manner. Most of the time, you'll never even know if something is amiss since it's kept entirely behind-the-scenes.
Transparency
I value open, honest communication and want the same from you. You'll always get my honest opinion backed up by years of experience. For Signature clients, I'll build a true event estimate from the start. For all events, I charge a flat fee plus travel, if needed.
MY FAVORITE THINGS
TAKE MY MONEY
Travel. Always travel.
obsessed with
Surfing right point breaks.
constantly
Propagating houseplants.
NEVER WITHOUT
Sparkling lemon water.
SECRET TALENT
Travel reels @truetravelanimal
creative outlet
Mixed media collage.
MOM TO
Rescued dogs.
Pour ME
A black Manhattan.
my self care
Workouts with my trainer.
GIVING BACK
Volunteer, Surfers for Strays
Want to Know More?
How did you become an event planner?
I'm still becoming. As with most things in life, it's a process that continues to unfold. My original career in marketing for the world’s largest hotelier had me planning themed parties, conferences and meetings worldwide. I began directing ceremonies on the weekends for fun 24 years ago and that led to the founding Susan Graham Signature Events in 2002. Since then, my business has evolved while my reason for being has remained the same: serving my clients with genuine care and connection.
What can we expect when working with you?
You can look foward to thoroughly enjoying your engagement while I bring your wedding dream to life … concepting the entire event, preparing a plan and engaging a dream team of vendors to make it happen. I love a collaborative couple but you can also just step in to make choices and leave the details to me and my team.
What advice to you give to couples planning their dream wedding?
Plan to enjoy your engagement. This is a time that will be unmatched in your life; it should be a time of eager anticipation. Hire the best vendor partners that you possibly can … people that you trust with your vision and your budget … and turn over the fine details to them. When you exhibit your trust in them, you will find that they go above and beyond in their efforts.
How do you select your vendor partners?
Simple. My dream team is comprised of partners that I thoroughly trust to give my clients the absolute best value for the highest quality and exemplary experience. I’m always open to new talent but will carefully vet them in advance.
What inspires you?
You! While I'll steer you towards a celebration that is timeless, your personalities ... your story as a couple ... will inspire all the little details that give significance and meaning to it. Personally? I'm inspired by my expansive worldwide travel and art.
How do you handle tough situations?
As a hospitality pro with a heart of service, I live by the mantra: You attract more flies with honey. That's always my first — and sometimes second and third — approach so as not to spoil any delicate relationships. However, when called for, I am a bulldog on your behalf.
Your Turn!
Now that you've gotten to know a little about me, I want to know everything about you! Most of my client relationships turn into
lifelong friendships of the most beautiful kind ... the kind where I get to see you grow together and maybe even make additions to your family. I want to hear everything you are hoping for and dreaming of for the celebration of your partnership. It's from that point of connection that we begin to craft the wedding of your dreams.