Ear on Careers – Mary Dann-McNamee, Wedding Planner
June 23, 2010
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In this episode of “Ear on Careers,” we are pleased to welcome Mary Dann-McNamee, founder of Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators located in Manhattan Beach, California. Mary is one of the most sought-after event coordinators in Southern California, as well as on-air talent for the Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away,” and the WE Network’s “Platinum Weddings.” She also is a published author and contributor to many prestigious wedding magazines.
Mary Dann, Wedding Planner
Mary graduated from Fullerton College in California, a two year junior college, with an Associate in Arts degree in Visual Merchandising. She went on to study at California State University, Chico (commonly called Chico State), and majored in business administration. Mary worked as a waitress in order to put herself through both Fullerton College and Chico State. After working in the hospitality industry and starting her wedding planning business, Mary went to graduate school at Antioch University in Marina del Rey, CA, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology.
In the podcast, Mary explains her path to becoming a wedding planner, which began at the tender age of 5 when she wanted to make something special for her guests! Mary’s first stop after college was at the Ritz Carlton, where she made wonderful contacts and learned about the wedding business from the perspective of the venue. She started Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators in 1991, with weddings being her specialty. In order to be able to give the tools for emotional support to her brides, Mary became a licensed marriage therapist. She feels that college prepared her well for being an entrepreneur, as she learned skills in multitasking and finance, as well as gained her independence.
Listen as Mary describes a “typical day” for her, balancing her family and work lives. She shares a war story from her early days as a wedding planner, and another one captured on the television show “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” In addition, Mary expresses her surprises in the field and offers tips for budding wedding planners. We hope this very informative podcast gives you insight into the exciting and fun – but also challenging and stressful – career as a wedding planner.
Mary’s book, “Wedding Wisdom” is available at www.amazon.com. If you prefer to receive your hardcover book autographed by Mary, go to www.marydann.com/book.
Top-Tier Tutoring is very excited to bring you the web’s premiere “career day” podcast series – what we call “Ear on Careers.” This series of podcasts is designed to introduce our listeners to successful leaders in a variety of different fields, including business, industry, medicine, the arts, and so much more.
We welcome your feedback and ideas. Please submit a comment below, send us an email or give us a call at 973-243-1212.
Comments
3 Responses to “Ear on Careers – Mary Dann-McNamee, Wedding Planner”
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It sounds great, Rhonda! I’m so glad I was able to do this and so flattered that you asked me to. Thank you!! I hope listeners enjoy it and get a taste of what it’s like to be a wedding planner. Everyone deserves to have a career they love!!
Much Gratitude,
Mary Dann-McNamee
P.S. I’m always happy to answer any questions anyone might have so please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Greetings Mary! Just got your book this weekend, no more negative thoughts, only positive thoughts and affirmations — I can’t put your book down, so glad I got it. I am on my way to becoming the best wedding/event planner I can be! Look forward to learning more from you!!!
Desiree
Mary…thank you SO much (still listening)…so far, this is great. I just finished listening to your podcast from wpn…it was great, too! I feel you are the type of mentor I’ve been looking to have (and I’m very, very picky). I have the same love and passion for wedding and for helping clients have an enjoyable wedding planning journey, topped off with a great start to a wonderful marriage. I look forward to hearing more of your advice. I just wish you were here in TX. I’ve tried to find a good mentor here, and it’s cut throat…other planners do not want to help you – all they see is competition. I feel that whatever the Lord has for you (including clients) it’s yours. But helping others is the best way to help yourself and establish your business. So, I thoroughly appreciate your willingness to help other planners. That is an unselfish, kind thing to do, and God bless you for it. Well…I gotta press the pause/play button so I can finish listening to the rest of your info. Love it!