Meet Misty Dimaculangan of Alfresco Elegance in Downtown Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Misty Dimaculangan.

Misty, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
What’s interesting is that my other planning company, formally known as Vienna Rae Events, was created on a whim when my good friend insisted we go into business together after realizing how much we both enjoyed organizing events. (And this was after I rejected her idea on three different occasions- I had no business experience at all and she wanted me to run a business?! What, lol!) Not many months in, my business partner decided to take a different turn with her career and pursue the fashion industry instead. Meanwhile, a significant part of me had a hard time letting go of what we started. Although, I was extremely contemplative at first, I decided to take a leap of faith and start this business on my own.

As time went on and I slowly invested more of my time and energy into the industry, it was clear to me that I wanted my niche to be weddings. More specifically- intimate and outdoor weddings! Something about God’s beautiful nature and smaller weddings… not only am I very passionate about it, but I wanted to be able to inspire couples around the world that you don’t always have to do “grand and elaborate” weddings. Intimate, outdoor weddings can be just as beautiful in its own way! (And I know photographers will second me on this- NATURAL lighting is everything!!!)

Since starting this company, we have adapted into the industry exponentially. Personally, I’ve earned my wedding planning certification through the New York Institute of Art and Design, polished my skills, gained invaluable experiences and have worked together with some very special people. To look back and see the growth from when this idea started, taking the chance at this was one of the most life-altering, proudest, not to mention… a blessing in disguise decisions I’ve ever made in my career.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
NO, not at all. Some of the areas I struggled with was creating a pricing sheet and finally releasing a website for prospective clients to look at. Creating the pricing sheet was hard because I wanted to be fair with it, but it’s hard to determine your value in the beginning stages, and this was a struggle with me because initially I was selling myself short after putting in way more time and work than I ever expected. In addition, when it came to releasing my website, putting it out there for the public to see was a struggle too because I’m the type of person who will try to do things perfect. Unless something is perfect, I wasn’t going to publish it.

As a first time business owner/wedding planner, I had to learn a lot through experiencing a wedding first hand. I also didn’t have a mentor that I could reach out to, or ask questions. If I had a question, most of the time I would google it or even try to look up different wedding blogs online to find the answers. But it’s a part of the journey to run into obstacles and roadblocks.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Alfresco Elegance – what should we know?
Our fresh, modern perspective on wedding planning and styling is what makes us unique. From first concept to the last guest out the door, Alfresco Elegance, is dedicated to inspiring couples around the world to do more intimate, outdoor weddings. Engaged couples who choose to share their story with us, what we’ll do is create a seamless wedding that perfectly showcases a romantic style, and of course, the essence of the two individuals.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Katie La has played a critical role in Alfresco Elegance’s growth. She is our Creative Director at Alfresco Elegance, and she assists our couples with the design aspect of their wedding.

Pricing:

• Day of Coordination – $1500
• Partial Planning – $3500
• Full Planning – $4500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.alfrescoelegance.com
• Email: info@alfrescoelegance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alfrescoelegance/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alfrescoelegance/
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcMkU4QhMcWa1qsxeABRAFA?view_as=subscriber

Image Credit:
Brealyn Nenes Photography

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