Moms at Work
Special Events by Traci
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Here's the latest installment of Suzy's periodic series, "Moms at Work".
Traci Romano pauses before revealing the strangest client request she has received in her SoNo-based event planning firm.
"Body-painted wait staff," she deadpans.
No, really. Truly.
All in a day's work for Traci Romano. The Fairfield resident struck out on her own five years ago after the birth of her first child. Traci Romano Events offers comprehensive event planning and design services. Currently, 80% of the events she plans are weddings.
Traci's self-described style is "a modern approach to the classic wedding". Her designs have been featured in publications such as "Brides" Magazine, "Connecticut Magazine", "The Knot", "Luxurious Weddings" and "Modern Bride".
"I work with couples one-on-one to develop a style profile that is unique only to them," she said. "We developed our new design studio to assist us in that process. In one location we can look at fabrics, table top items, paper samples, invitations, dresses and gifts. Once a style profile is developed we begin to develop a storyboard that will be used throughout the entire planning process."
Traci's studio in South Norwalk is also home to a boutique with bridesmaid and cocktail attire from Vera Wang, Badgley Mischcka, among others plus jewelry, gifts and shoes. Access to the studio's research library is complimentary and contains portfolios of the region's best floral designers, caterers, musicians and photographers.
Running one's own business is taxing and event planning is even more intense since Romano's clients expect her undivided attention and energy. She works about 60 hours a week.
"Event days are no less than 14 hour days," she explains. "I'm lucky I can create my own schedule. If I need to be home for the kids, I can and then I can make up for the hours at night when they are asleep."
Like any working mom, Traci struggles to explain how she manages the family-work balance with elementary school aged-children Matthew and Julia. "As far as I know I still don't manage it. It manages me. Anyone who tells you differently is lying."
Traci Romano Events
Located around the corner from Sweet Rexie's Candy Store and just up the road from The SONO Baking Company.
50 Water Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: 203-354-9791
www.traciromano.com
email:
Five Questions for Traci Romano:
Favorite local restaurant? La Colline Verte
Favorite Holiday? Christmas
Favorite local shop? Posh in Fairfield
Most embarrassing iPod download? "Anything by George Michael -- all embarrassing but necessary to complete my 80s playlist."
Best wedding tip for engaged couples? "Absolutely nothing about your wedding is as important as your wedding ceremony uniting the two of you together forever. Don't let anything that could go wrong ruin such an amazing day. And yes, splurge on Jimmy Choo's."
Traci Romano pauses before revealing the strangest client request she has received in her SoNo-based event planning firm.
"Body-painted wait staff," she deadpans.
No, really. Truly.
All in a day's work for Traci Romano. The Fairfield resident struck out on her own five years ago after the birth of her first child. Traci Romano Events offers comprehensive event planning and design services. Currently, 80% of the events she plans are weddings.
Traci's self-described style is "a modern approach to the classic wedding". Her designs have been featured in publications such as "Brides" Magazine, "Connecticut Magazine", "The Knot", "Luxurious Weddings" and "Modern Bride".
"I work with couples one-on-one to develop a style profile that is unique only to them," she said. "We developed our new design studio to assist us in that process. In one location we can look at fabrics, table top items, paper samples, invitations, dresses and gifts. Once a style profile is developed we begin to develop a storyboard that will be used throughout the entire planning process."
Traci's studio in South Norwalk is also home to a boutique with bridesmaid and cocktail attire from Vera Wang, Badgley Mischcka, among others plus jewelry, gifts and shoes. Access to the studio's research library is complimentary and contains portfolios of the region's best floral designers, caterers, musicians and photographers.
Running one's own business is taxing and event planning is even more intense since Romano's clients expect her undivided attention and energy. She works about 60 hours a week.
"Event days are no less than 14 hour days," she explains. "I'm lucky I can create my own schedule. If I need to be home for the kids, I can and then I can make up for the hours at night when they are asleep."
Like any working mom, Traci struggles to explain how she manages the family-work balance with elementary school aged-children Matthew and Julia. "As far as I know I still don't manage it. It manages me. Anyone who tells you differently is lying."
Traci Romano Events
Located around the corner from Sweet Rexie's Candy Store and just up the road from The SONO Baking Company.
50 Water Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854
Phone: 203-354-9791
www.traciromano.com
email:
Five Questions for Traci Romano:
Favorite local restaurant? La Colline Verte
Favorite Holiday? Christmas
Favorite local shop? Posh in Fairfield
Most embarrassing iPod download? "Anything by George Michael -- all embarrassing but necessary to complete my 80s playlist."
Best wedding tip for engaged couples? "Absolutely nothing about your wedding is as important as your wedding ceremony uniting the two of you together forever. Don't let anything that could go wrong ruin such an amazing day. And yes, splurge on Jimmy Choo's."
