Meet Sam Noel | Wedding Planner & Officiant

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

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
From a very young age I realized that I would one day run my own business. From selling pogs I made on the playground, to creating artwork for people’s lockers, I was always a hustler and an entrepreneur. As I got older I realized that I had a passion for planning events and making people’s special moments even more memorable.

After executing some close friends’ weddings; planning, creating timelines, and making sure their days were flawless down to the last detail, I was hooked! I created my business and started getting my name out there. I knew I would be successful if given the opportunity. Through word of mouth and a reputation of being professional and handling stressful situations with a smile – I booked multiple couples that next season. Then followed one wonderful couple after the next, and I watched them create beautiful moments together. It’s been 10 years and I haven’t looked back.

The process of all that I do seems nerve-racking to most, but it’s what brings me joy. My brain thrives on the organization, details and management of both time and people. I like being the person that couples can lean on for advice and know I have their best interests at heart. Being a wedding planner is honestly the greatest gift. I am privileged enough to say that I help people create once in a lifetime memories. That they get to reminisce with all their families and friends for decades. The quote is “if you love your job, you never work a day in your life’, I definitely think I’ve found that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am what a lot of people call “type-A”. My ability to focus on a task until completion and loving organization in both my personal and professional life, make me acutely great at being a wedding planner.

I would say that getting into this arena wasn’t something that happened over night. People are trusting you with a large budget and for one of the biggest days of their lives. They want to see a track record. When you’re just starting out it’s hard to show people what you can do, even though you know if given the chance, you will knock it out of the park. Making a good first impression is key and communication is always a top priority. Once you have had those successes, having clients who are willing to give you reviews speaks volumes to future couples.

When I think of lessons I have learned along the way, the amount is incalculable. I learn something from every event that I do because the people and relationships are different and even the time of year can effect what obstacles you might face. I’ve had to deal with rock slides, a literal fire and an officiant almost not showing up. I take things I’ve learned from every wedding and bring that knowledge with me to the next one.

I want the world to know that my brand is me. Grey Designs and Co. is my business but also my name. Grey is my middle name and was also my Grandfather’s middle name. It goes back to the 1700’s and I’ve seen it on gravestones at Gettysburg. I am a woman who cares about the integrity of my brand and the fact that I carry with me all the generations before. Being a woman owned business is a big deal. I love my name and I want it to carry value, not only in my family, but for all the other couples I help become their own family. That Grey Designs and Co. is the place where you and your future partner put your trust.

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?
If my friend were coming to Denver I would show them all the city has to offer. I would probably start with breakfast at The Corner Beet followed by a day at the Botanical Garden. You can spend hours walking and taking in all the spectacular flowers and sculptures. I would bring us a little watercolor kit so we could sit by the waterlily pond or the orchids, and make ourselves souvenirs to remember the visit.

I would also take them to a dinner at Linger one night. The ambiance is amazing and the food is top tier! After dinner we would of course hit up Little Man Ice Cream for the best dessert in the city. You can sit on that patio for hours and chat.. and even watch the occasional dancing lessons held by a local studio out on the terrace.

Depending on the season, we’d absolutely have to hit up a professional sports game — Rockies or Broncos! You can’t beat the energy at Mile High stadium. So much fun.

Finally, I would say hitting up a great concert at the Fillmore. We’d go to Watercourse for dinner beforehand and walk the few blocks over to the venue to take in the show. I absolutely love the Fillmore and think it’s the best venue in Denver for a concert. No matter the genre.

**Not to discount Red Rocks, but it’s technically in Morrison *wink wink*

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would say that my friend (and amazing photographer) Siri Raitto deserves a big shout out. We’ve done so many events together and she is so talented. Whether she’s my right-hand man for the event weekend or she’s the photographer for the couple, we work seamlessly together and I couldn’t do what I do without her support.

Website: greydesignsco.com

Instagram: @greydesignsandco

Image Credits
The Muller’s Photo Co.