Jenna Chacon is the founder and lead planner of Revel & Roots Events, a boutique wedding and event planning company offering services for clients to fully revel in life's best moments with their family, friends and loved ones. The Revel & Roots team is more than just event planners. They're dreamers with a genuine appreciation for culture, food, wine, and travel. They're creatives who love love, with a passion for design. They have the capacity to execute any celebration—whether it’s a 500 person event or a 20 person dinner party—their goal is always the same, to create an unforgettable experience. Jenna values authenticity and believes in creating organic moments that inspire. Keep reading to learn what inspired Jenna to start her own wedding and event planning company, plus her favorite Aisle Planner tools and features!
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
Not to sound too cliché, but the passion I have for connecting people and celebrating life’s most authentic moments led me to the wedding industry. Hospitality runs through my blood. As growing up with a big Italian family in Chicago would explain, I've always valued time spent with friends and family above anything else. Life's nothing without the people you share it with and I want to celebrate every milestone, every day, every moment (in style and with cocktails) with my people, hence “Revel & Roots!”
Why did you start Revel & Roots Events?
This is my favorite question! I love sharing my story because my “why” stems from my own experience as a bride, which to be completely honest, was a horrible day-of wedding experience. My expectations did not meet my reality and I trusted others to step up for me on my wedding day. When that didn’t happen, everything (from a bride’s perspective) went wrong. My makeup artist didn’t show up, the flowers were the wrong color, place cards were in the wrong order, the ceremony started late, our champagne flutes broke, I wasn’t able to enjoy those “getting ready” moments with my bridesmaids, and we ended up with a couple of wedding crashers. I mean the list goes on and on! I was sad, disappointed, angry, emotional, and full of resentment. Yet, in those upsetting moments, I thought to myself, “I'll never let one of my brides ever feel the way I feel right now on their wedding day.” I later realized all of it was the fuel to my fire that I needed in order to create something that I believed in. The day I got home from my wedding weekend in Cabo was the day I said goodbye to the former wedding planning company I worked for and Revel & Roots Events was born.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
DIY projects. There's value and creativity in every vendor partner you hire.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner has been an instrumental planning tool for me as a wedding planner. As the majority of my clients live out of state, it keeps me connected and organized with each couple while planning across the country. I describe AP as our “online planning dashboard” to clients and they instantly express excitement and appreciation for this virtual resource.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
For the clients, I love the wedding website feature and the guest list manager. For me as a planner, I absolutely love the floor diagram features! Specifically how simple AP makes seating arrangements and guest meal selections. When I convert my diagrams to the PDF version and all the guest names and meals are listed out and color-coded on the diagram... That feature alone is worth every penny!
If you weren't the Founder + Lead Planner of Revel & Roots Events what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
Personal Stylist and/or Interior Designer. However, it’s still a dream of mine to dance on Broadway!
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
My “see-through” fanny pack filled with all the planner goodies, a take-charge, positive attitude, and umbrellas—for rain or shine!
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
Fail and fail again! Experience is our greatest teacher.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
On the wedding day, you'll never see me or anyone on my team without the clear fanny pack. It’s a hit with wedding guests and somehow it always makes an appearance in every couple’s photo gallery. Also, this is a small detail, but when I line up the wedding party for the ceremony, my team passes out breath mints to each person.
Just for fun
What’s the most used tool in your emergency kit?
Ibuprofen. It’s the most requested “tool” by everyone. Also, scissors.
I’m dying to design a wedding or event in...
Italy! My homeland.
What’s one trend you hope to see more of?
Pops of color (but done tastefully)!
Your favorite shoes to wear on event day?
My black suede fringed booties by Steve Madden. They're cute and comfy with a 2-inch heel.
If you could plan any celebrity’s wedding, whose would it be?
Jennifer Aniston, or Ellen and Portia’s vow renewal.
If you could go back in time, what’s one thing you would change about your wedding?
Only one thing? I would’ve hired a wedding planner!
Want to see more from Jenna? Check out her website revelandrootsevents.com!
Hero photo courtesy: Megan Blowey Photography
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