Eleven years ago today, I did one of the bravest things I’ve ever done: I walked into my boss’ office at my non-profit job in DC, gave my two weeks notice, and then went full time with Stephanie Shaul Events and also moved to Raleigh two weeks later. I was so confident in my decision and felt such peace and excitement about it, but it was still slightly terrifying to leave a secure job and salary, move to a new city, transition careers completely, and take my wedding planning business full time, all on my own (1.5 years into business – January 2027 will mark 13 years of SSE!). I had prepared (financially and mentally) for months, but it was a definite leap of faith and trusting in the Lord.

I cannot believe that this little dream of mine has become what it is today, and it really does feel so surreal sometimes. I feel like I’m able to use the talents and passions the Lord has blessed me with to serve others well, to spread as much love, joy, and beauty as possible, and to celebrate life and love on such a milestone day and during a once-in-a-lifetime season! I’m so grateful to every single person who has been a part of this exciting journey (especially those since day one), those who’ve encouraged and supported me, and those who have entrusted me with their wedding days. What an honor and what a profound privilege. It takes a village, and I’ve got the very best one imaginable!

It still sometimes feels so surreal, and I feel so fortunate to be my own boss, to do work that I believe so strongly in, and to serve the most incredible couples ever. While my life has evolved greatly over the years, at the end of the day, I’m still the same girl as I was back in 2014 who just wanted to bring a little more beauty and joy into the world in whatever way I could, a girl who wanted to a job and a life filled with meaning and intention where I could serve others, a girl who loved celebrating both the every day and the extraordinary moments of life, a girl who dreamed big dreams and trusted in a big God who would lead the way and provide. Suffice it to say, I am deeply thankful — for where I was then and for where I am now.

As I suspect is true for all of us, so much has changed since I launched my business in January of 2014. I lived in Washington DC, I worked full-time at a mentoring and literacy non-profit for inner city elementary school students, I was single, I had no idea what I was really doing but had the heart, drive, and skills to take a risk and see how it panned out. I loved weddings, I believed in what marriage stands for (and fervently hoped it was a part of my future), I knew God was calling me to use the skills and talents He gave me… but in a way that was so different from what I ever envisioned, what I went to college for, what I moved to Washington DC for.

All these years later, I still love weddings, I still believe (more than ever) in marriage and what it stands for (and am joyfully, unabashedly in love and married to the perfect man for me), and still believe God is using me in this work and with the people I get to serve through my business. I moved my business to Raleigh & went full time eleven years ago now, I fell in love, planned our own wedding, and have now been married almost ten years, and I firmly believe I have the heart, drive, joyful nature, and talents of a great wedding planner and designer.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man.” | Colossians 3:23

Launched in 2014, Stephanie Shaul Events is a full service wedding planning and design studio that plans weddings as perfect, memorable, and unforgettable as you’ve always dreamt yours would be. We joyfully serve couples who value meaningful, elevated design infused with your love story, an unparalleled and highly intentional planning experience, and a love of celebrating milestone events. Stephanie Shaul Events plans and designs every wedding to be uniquely stunning and highly personalized to our couples’ love stories. We believe that each wedding is the perfect opportunity to celebrate each couple’s love and the legacy, traditions, beauty, and joy that make up their life. We believe in marriages that are strong and lasting and that your wedding day is the first day of that beautiful marriage! We unabashedly adore love and celebrating that love alongside you, and we are rooted in legacy and strong marriages, kindness and joy, serving others wholeheartedly, and grace-filled love.

Endless thanks for following along and celebrating 11 years of full-time business with me; it is appreciated more than you know! I am so deeply, deeply grateful, and cheers to the next many years of Stephanie Shaul Events! To God be ALL the glory.

You can read more about the heart and mission of Stephanie Shaul Events and see the gorgeous SSE website here!

“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19