Backstage with Jasmine Cianflone

Today we go Backstage with Jasmine Cianflone, owner and principal planner of This Moment Events in East Windsor, NJ...a little town about 15 minutes outside of Princeton. Jasmine is a wonderfully sweet lady who is making her mark in New Jersey servicing multi- and intercultural brides. She has incredible vision, drive and passion and I know you will absolutely love her just like we do.

Hi Jasmine, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. We are so excited to hear all about you. So tell us, how long have you been in business?

TME opened its doors officially in July of 2010, so we're coming up on our 2 year anniversary.  It's been a great ride so far!

Why did you decide to enter the wedding industry? How did you get your start?

Weddings were an easy choice for me- I get choked up if I even drive past a wedding.  I just LOVE them and the possibility they represent.  I was that "typical" little girl who has always been obsessed with weddings, entertaining, and parties.  I used to make place cards for Thanksgiving dinner and insisted that everyone dress for the occasion, even though my family is the type that likes to stay in pj's and eat all day.  Some part of me has always wanted to be a wedding and event planner, although I didn't think of it as a viable career option until I discovered "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?"  Yes, I was inspired by a TV show!  I'd watch it, and make comments to my then boyfriend (Now husband) about what they could have done better, how I would have done things differently, and why I'd be so good at planning weddings.  One day he said "Then why don't you just do that?" And that fateful day in 2004, the idea for This Moment Events was born.  I had zero real experience so the idea and the dream sat while I worked a "real job" in corporate America as a software licensing specialist and salesperson for a business to business technology reseller.  All the while I was planning events for friends, co-workers, and even at work.  Eventually the pull became way too strong, and I started applying for internships. In 2008, I landed one with Curtain Up Events in NYC.  I loved every single second of it!! The hours, the pressure, witnessing the quiet moments between families... it was incredible!  The owner trusted me so much that I got to run two weddings for her while she was out on maternity leave.  I knocked them both out of the park (despite many a snafu) and I knew it was just time to get out there and do it for myself. I noticed a gap in the market in NJ - no planners were focusing specifically on multi- and intercultural couples and weddings, and being in one myself, I figured I'd fill that gap!

I love your vision and your ambition. How did you choose the name This Moment Events?

Honestly I tend to think it chose me.  I went back and forth about naming the business after myself, or naming it something like "Amazingly Gorgeous Special Days".. but a string of adjectives just didn't speak to me.  To me, weddings and milestone events are about the moments.  The stillness in the moment right before the chapel doors open for the bride to make her grand entrance.  The moment the nuptial couple's eyes meet across the aisle.  The moment they are pronounced married and become a family, really and truly... There are so many of those moments embedded within the day and the planning process itself and I consider it my mission in life to help people take stock of those moments- to stop and be present, because literally, this moment is all we really have.

It really and truly is about the moments in life. Speaking of special moments, what accomplishment are you most proud of?

I think honestly my greatest accomplishments are all the events that I've done.  In 2 years I haven't done hundreds, but each one has been unique, special and really enjoyed by the guests of honor.  And I am very proud to have played a part in that. 

Jasmine, will you share with us your greatest challenges or fears?

My greatest challenge in this business is remembering that it's not a competition.  I have a bit of a hard time staying focused on the goal of doing what's right for me and for TME and not losing sight of the goals I've laid out for the little empire I'm growing. I have to remind myself that the race is with me, not every other planner out there. My biggest fear is that I'll somehow fall short or not do someone's story justice.  It hasn't happened yet, but I'm constantly upping my game to make sure it never does.

Thank you so much for sharing that with such honesty. I know there are many others that can relate to this fear. Pushing past that fear and moving onto a little wedding eye candy, would you mind sharing with us your favorite wedding photos?

This photo is from my first paid wedding as This Moment Events, and my first full planning client - who just happened to be my sister! She was single for a long time but she met her match and got married for the first time at 47! Our incredible photographer, Kate Connolly of Kate Connolly Weddings put together this shot of the meaning of one of the Adrinka symbols that are featured on the couple's rings. Paired with the bout it just makes a great statement, and showcases a little of my modern, funky, multicultural style.   

That is absolutely beautiful. I love the meaning behind the symbol! So Jasmine, where do you see your company going in the next 5 years?

In the next 5 years I see myself running a highly successful planning & design firm, offering full event design services- I'd love to move more into a design role myself or hire a team to do this.  I'd love to have a staff of about 3-5 like minded people. I'd like to be maxing out our books at 20 events per year, staying really focused and boutique.  I'd like to have a storefront or office space that gives other pros a chance to meet clients, hold events, and generally indulge in all things wedding.  I also see myself branching out to pursue some of my other entrepreneurial goals. I'd like to launch my secondary venture of business coaching and branding services for micro- and mom-owned businesses.  

And last but not least, why did you choose to attend Backstage Bridal Pro Academy?

I chose to attend Backstage Bridal Pro Academy because I am all about continuing education.  I'm still pretty fresh to this whole business owner thing, and I'm always looking for ways to grow and improve my skill set.  There is always something new to learn, and the lineup for BBPro is second to none.  Industry leaders are packed in there.  And I know I'll get an incredible experience along with my education.  I'm also very excited for something NEW that isn't the same old convention- I know this will go deeper than planning 101, and I can't wait to get in there!

Thank you so much, Jasmine, for taking the time to chat with us today! We can't wait to meet you in September!

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