Signature Occasions is a wedding and event planning company based in Ridgeland, MS. For every client, they strive each day to create the wedding or event of their dreams. The staff at Signature Occasions use their years of experience to help people know where to spend money, how to define their event style, and make an overall cohesive and personal event. Their unparalleled personal service, attention to the smallest detail, and a passion for finding just the right element to make a wedding or event unforgettable, are just a few of the reasons brides and clients throughout the South choose Signature Occasions.
Deborah Simmons, Signature Occasions’ Master Wedding Planner, has earned this distinguished designation with the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). She is the only Master level consultant in the state of Mississippi, and 1 of 70 Masters in the world. With 25+ years of event planning experience, she also serves as State Coordinator for ABC. She holds a degree in Business from Georgia State University. Each year Deborah attends the ABC conferences featuring national wedding industry leaders such as David Tutera, Colin Cowie, Preston Bailey, Mary Dann, and Sylvia Weinstock.
Additionally, Deborah is a Seminar Speaker for local, regional, and national industry conferences. Her clients include both national and local professional athletes, elected officials, Fortune 100 Corporations and non-profit organizations. Her weddings and events have been featured in The Northside Sun, VIP Magazine, Mississippi Weddings Magazine, Social South, Premier Bride and The Jackson Free Press. She is also a contributing editor for Mississippi Weddings Magazine and has been a featured guest on Fox 40 and Friends. Her memberships include the Association of Bridal Consultants, International Society of Event Specialists, and Wish Upon a Wedding (Founding President, Mississippi Chapter).
Deborah shares with us the services provided by Signature Occasions for creating a special and memorable wedding.
Deborah, how long has Signature Occasions been in business?
This past October was 10 years.
How did you get started?
I had been planning parties and corporate events for past employers for decades. My daughter got married in 2005 and that is when I realized what I really loved was planning weddings. I felt I could help brides and their families plan beautiful events, while at the same time being mindful of their budget.
What do you like most about what you do?
Getting to know my brides and their families and helping them during one of the important milestones of their lives.
Tell us about you and your company: what you do, special services, products, exclusives, etc.
We offer services from Full Service planning to ‘Directing Only’; it totally depends on what the bride or client needs us to do. Along with our planning and coordinating services, we have an extensive offering of invitations (stock & custom), bridal accessories (toasting flutes, cake sets, guest books, etc.), bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts, hostess gifts. Anything to do with a wedding or event, we offer!
If you could give a bride one tip/one bit of advice, what would that be?
Actually I have two pieces of advice I always give my brides. (1) No wedding is perfect. We will do everything we can to make their day as perfect as possible, but they have to let go, have a great time and never lose sight of the ending – to be married to the love of their life. (2) I tell all my bride (and their moms) … At different times during the day before the wedding and the day of, stop at least 3 times and take everything in – the sights, sounds & smells of what is going on around you – make a mental note of these moments. These are the moments you will remember the rest of your life.
For a special and unforgettable wedding, contact Deborah Simmons and her helpful staff of Signature Occasions by phone at 601-952-1960, email: info@signatureoccasions.com or visit their office at 292 Commerce Park Drive, Suite D., Ridgeland, MS 39157.
Blog written by: Jenny Cox Holman
Email: jenny@bridems.com
