Our newest staff member, Operations Coordinator, Elise Sears, has only been with our team for a little more than a month, and quite frankly, we don’t know how we managed before she came. Elise seamlessly slipped into the role and after only a few days on the job, joined our creative team for a full week of back-to-back photo shoots where she jumped in and worked tirelessly all week long. She manages so many details that need to happen to get information out to both our readers and wedding pros, helps with photo shoots – both prep and execution, does market research, social media support, and the list goes on and on. Our office mantra used to be “It’s fine. It will all be fine” said with a more than a little desperation. Now, we just look at each other and say, “It’s fine. We have an Elise!”
Name: Elise Sears
Job Title: Operations Coordinator
Career path: The Magazine Industry
School: Southern New Hampshire University (Online Program) – 2019
Hometown: Brandon, MS
Share a bit about your family. I’m the youngest of four, so growing up there was never a dull moment, let alone a quiet one! My parents are my biggest fans and support system. They have always encouraged me to follow my dreams, especially when I came to find the love of working in the magazine industry!
Six years ago, I was promoted to my favorite title yet, Aunt LeeLee! My nephew Mason has captured my heart in more ways than I thought possible. It’s so fun getting to see him grow up into the adventurous little guy he is.
What is your favorite part of your job and what memories stand out about your experience here? There are already so many things I love about this job, and I’ve only been here a month! In my second week of working for I Do Y’all I was given the opportunity to see an abundance of behind the scenes production and planning. That week introduced me to not only the hard work and enthusiasm that goes into this publication, but also to the hard-working women I have the honor of working alongside of. Being around that kind of environment makes me proud of the stories and unique quality that goes into this book!
What wedding pros do you love – blogs, magazines, vendors, etc.? I think it would be crazy for me not to mention I Do Y’all. I discovered the magazine about three or four years ago, back when it was originally Premier Wedding. I love how unique our content is and how inclusive we are in all aspects of the wedding industry! There are so many amazing vendors I have met in this industry, but the few that have stood out to me the most would have to be 4Top Catering’s amazing food and service, The Prickly Hippie’s flowers, and Blake Mccollum Photography.
Sum up your own wedding for us (or your dream wedding). I get asked this question often, mainly because I’ve been in the wedding industry for about two years now. It always makes me laugh because I don’t exactly know all the details of what I would want! I do know that it will be unique, probably on a beach or a small venue in the fall, and accompanied by close friends and family.
What are your hobbies and or things you are passionate about? Being a photography major, I love driving around taking random pictures of anything that captures my eye. I think it’s amazing that I can create art outside of my sketchbook and paintbrush! Music and poetry have always had a special place in my heart (even though I can’t sing to save my life). When I was in high school, I started keeping a “Thought Book” that I would write poems and song lyrics in that meant a lot to me. To this day, I still find myself adding on to it. I am always up for a road trip; traveling is so therapeutic to me!
Who are your personal heroes, professional or personal? As cliché as this may be, my parents truly are my heroes. Seeing everything they have gone through and how they choose to carry themselves has truly been inspiring to me. They have so many people in their lives that look up to and adore them, and for rightful reasons! I know how much of a blessing it is to have parents that cheer you on in everything you do, it’s hard not to call them my heroes.