Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Dargel.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I graduated from Cal State Northridge in 2017 with a BS in Kinesiology to teach physical education. During my last semester, I worked part-time at Mount Palomar Winery in Temecula, as a cashier. I couldn’t afford to get my Master’s, so I decided to go full-time at the winery, where I moved up to wine server. After working in the tasting room for about a year, I was promoted to Wine club Manager and Wedding Coordinator. The winery was over 300 acres and had a beautiful wedding venue. That is what set me on my wedding planning path.
I learned every detail it took to put on a gorgeous wedding for all types of people. Not only that, I learned rather quickly to run a wine club and keep on top of relentless customer service for members. This two-part position taught me that working hard and staying hungry really does pay off. I worked in wine country for about three years before COVID hit and we were all furloughed. It was at this time, my fiancé, Conner, and I realized we were pregnant with our son, Owen. So our whole world literally changed on a dime. I had no idea what I was going to do for work or what the world was going to look like a month to month. Eventually, in December 2020, Conner and I decided to make the move, with our three-month-old, to Utah.
My family had recently moved to the Salt Lake area and it looked like the best choice for our new family. And it was! During COVID, I had plenty of time to think and wonder about my future and how I would provide for my new family. I decided to get my teaching credentials for physical education in Utah and go from there. I had always thought of starting my own wedding planning business, but there was always doubt. January come, Conner finally convinced me to give it a try. I always talked about how I would do and run things and he finally told me just to do it. Which is exactly what I needed.
I was a stay-at-home mom and I didn’t really have much to lose so why not try? And boy am I glad I did! Weddings by Kimberly Nicole has done so well and I am continuing to book weddings into 2022! We have been able to get our own place and get our son, now a 1-year-old, into preschool! I worked hard, came up with a solid business plan, and executed it. Weddings by Kimberly Nicole has just gotten started and is capable of so much. And I wouldn’t have gone through with it if it weren’t for my amazing Fiancé, who I am marrying this October.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth ride. Trying to start a business and take care of your infant!? Sometimes near impossible! But with the support of family, it was made possible.
It also can be quite intimidating competing against large wedding planning services, but trusting in my experience is key. Also, being somewhat bee to Utah, it’s not the easiest to break in and create a solid vendor network. It takes a lot of time and effort to gain the trust of others.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
WBKN is a wedding planning service. I offer Day-of-Coordination all the way to planning your full wedding. And anything in between. I specialize in coordinating the day of. That’s my passion and love.
Watching people walk down the aisle to the one they love most is the best thing in the world. I would say I am known for the customer service and the attentiveness I give to my clients. I make sure my clients know their needs are heard and I am working my best to make them come to fruition.
I want readers to know that WBKN is a wedding planning business that doesn’t treat you as a number. I take care of my clients as I would family.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In college, I was a D1 NCAA athlete. I ran the 400 hurdles, 100 hurdles, and the 4×4 relay. Being a part of such an intense sport at such a high level taught me the value of time well spent. You will reap what you sew. If you put in the work, day in and day out, you will achieve your goals.
Pricing:
- Day of Coordination $1000
- Basic Planning Package $2000
- Full Planning Package $2750
Contact Info:
- Email: weddingsbykimberlynicole@gmail.com
- Website: www.weddingsbykimberlynicole.com
- Instagram: @weddingsbykimberlynicole
- Facebook: @weddingsbykimberlynicole
Image Credits
Stephanie Smith Photography
