We had the good fortune of connecting with JoAnn Moore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JoAnn, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
When asked, how do I feel about taking risks, I must reflect as to the fears I’ve always had with change. I started out not comfortable with change in my life. Even if things weren’t perfect, or exactly what I wanted,, I believed at least I know what I have and what I can expect. I even made comments that “I don’t like surprises, unless I know about them.” Again, not comfortable in the beginning of my career with taking risks. The breakthrough for me was working hard to understand my fears and where they originated. I didn’t like fears in my life having any control over my life. With a lot of work and enjoying the outcome from taking risks, only to discover, the outcome was always better than I could have imagined. This is true with my work, with my relationships, and with working with others. No risk, no change. I’m a lot more comfortable with change, growing, creating bigger and better and constantly moving in the right direction of where I want to be in my world of wedding and event planning.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started out working in the medical field, Cardiopulmonary, in various hospitals. I discovered my love for working with couples when I would volunteer to work at various community events and then I was noticed for my creativity. I was asked to put together a wedding for a couple who’s parents I worked with on events. I enjoyed all that came with the creative process of planning a couples “happily ever-after.” Once I made the decision to go from working with the “sick-heart” to the “love-sick-heart” I never looked back. I grabbed every educational opportunity I found, which wasn’t much when I first started out as a wedding planner. I read everything I could get my hands on and I took every opportunity I found to work planning weddings and events. It all paid off and now, with 30 years working in the wedding/event industry I still enjoy each and everyday I work planning celebrations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I lived and worked in the Vail Valley for 35 years, raising five amazing children, I would start there. From the amazing restaurants in the valley, to the activities, special events, mountain trail hikes, exploring the back-country, and enjoying the solitude of the steams and lakes. There’s the Vilar Center for the Performing Arts in Beaver Creek to the Gerald Ford Amphitheater in Vail. I equally love the front-range life of Denver and surrounding communities. I would stay at beautiful hotel in downtown Denver and take in a play, musical or concert that would be performing at that time. The Red Rock amphitheater to the Performing Arts Center, I can’t get enough of it. Then, there are those lovely little towns and communities like Palisade where the best peaches in the world are grown. There is no time to be bored in Colorado….and I never am.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Let’s start with my own father’s archaic beliefs as to the role of women, actually gave me the determination and drive to prove him wrong. I worked harder to become successful for me, and no one else. I worked with various true professionals in the wedding/event industry and learned from some of the best. I surround myself with those who believe in themselves as well, many of whom are strong women. I also work with talented men, who are equally creative and have an amazing work ethic. And, we all need someone in our life to believe in us. My husband Charlie is the most amazing person I’ve ever met. He believes in me and my dreams and supports my efforts at every turn. He does challenge me with problem solving and yet, in the same breathe, he allows me to grown. I’m very lucky to have my husband walking side by side with me. He is a successful Fire Chief for over 40 years. He knows hard work is what it takes to be successful. I’ve learned from the BEST!

Website: www.joannmooreweddings.com

Instagram: @j.m.weddings

Facebook: @Joannmoore

Image Credits
Julia Wade Photography, Kelly Lemon Photography, Kent Pettit Photography, Two Elk Images, Jackie Cooper Photographer,

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