Get to Know Proud to Plan: Erin

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Childress Photography

Tell us about yourself: 

I'm Erin Proud, owner and principal consultant of Proud to Plan. I started this business in 2007, and have seen it develop into something way more than I could have ever imagined! I have been married to my husband, TJ, (that I'm lucky to have as the head of our stationery division) since 2006. We have two kitty sisters, Riley and Roxy and a pitbull/lab mix named Reese. 

Where do you live?: 

Wilmington, DE

Give us three words that best describe your personality:

Optimistic, hilarious and tenacious

How did you get involved in the event industry?:

From an early age, I gravitated towards planning things- I was head cheerleader in high school and very active in student council. When I went to college, I majored in Hotel/Restaurant Management and took a concentration in event planning. During those years, I interned in all aspects of special events at an Atlantic City casino, and upon graduating college, took a position coordinating events for a large global Pharmaceutical company. I took a side job managing weddings and loved it so much I decided to try and make it a full time gig!

What's your favorite part of a couple's wedding day?:

Showing the bride the reception room for the first time! There's nothing better than hearing her gasp and seeing the reaction to everything she's worked so hard to plan. It's like watching a dream come true right before your eyes!

When you're not doing events, what do you do?:

I'm the secretary of the University of Delaware's Hospitality Alumni Association. We put together networking events and give current students the opportunity to learn from those of us that have been there before! I mentor a few students each year and make sure I speak in one class every semester. My education was so important in helping me realize my dream; I really enjoy paying it back to the University that got me here!

Do you have any hobbies? Or what do you do for fun?:

I love eating out and meeting friends for drinks! I rarely have free time, so when those opportunities arise, I jump at them!

Fun question, if you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?:

Chickie's and Pete's crab fries. And a Blue Moon with 2 orange slices.