Partner Vendor Feature: Wonder Event Rentals
In a time filled with uncertainty and chaos, we are trying to cling onto the good. Focusing in on what and who we value - especially in the midst of this season. We are constantly inspired by the people we get the privilege of working with. With that being said, today’s blog post is going to be a little different. We decided to reach out to one of our favorites, Wonder Event Rentals and ask a few questions about what this season looks like for them! Jeremy and his wife Connie are the owners of Wonder and are both humans we hold very dear to our hearts. They inspire us, love us, share their hearts with us and pour all that they are into their work. And with that, the interview! We know you will enjoy this just as much as we do.
How has the Covid-19 outbreak affected your business?
Covid-19 has impacted our business in many ways, but the most immediate effects have been on our team members, clients, and cash flow. Since news developed on March 15th it has felt like our business changed overnight. We have been forced to reschedule just about all of our events for the next eight weeks which has created an influx of calls, emails, and texts from concerned clients. Without any events for the next few months, we are not able to provide much work for our team which affects their income. As business owners, my wife and I truly enjoy the opportunity to provide jobs to people and we are saddened that our ability to do that during this season is greatly affected. Lastly, income for our business has essentially come to stand still, while all of our normal expenses continue. We are not receiving the remaining balances for upcoming events, and few clients are booking future events at this time. This has not been easy to cope with and we are taking this day by day.
Photographer: Garrett Richardson
Florist: Siren Floral Co.
What are you telling your clients who reach out with concern?
Our mission has always been to be a resource for our clients, so we are being intentional to instill hope in this situation. In light of our current circumstances, we have adjusted our normal policies and are allowing all clients who are immediately affected by this to reschedule their event to a new date, and we are transferring their balance to the new date so that no financial loss is incurred.
Photographer: Kami Olavarria
Florist: Ahr Floral
How are you staying positive amidst the chaos?
My wife and I believe in Jesus and that He is a good father. I am being intentional to keep myself grounded and focused on Him, believing that this will come to pass. I am constantly reminding myself that all of my life He has been faithful, why would He stop now?
Photographer: Alyssa Rachel
Florals: Ahr Florals
What are little bits of normal you’ve been able to maintain during this time?
I'm starting off every morning with a cup (or 2) of coffee and trying to maintain a normal workday. After getting caught up on all of the emails/calls I am going about the normal work that I do during the week of refining and improving our internal operation and business systems. Outside of the business, I'm trying to have some fun, do things that I enjoy and find things to laugh about with those that I am close to.
Photography: Christine Tustin
What would be your advice for brides who have to move their big day?
I'm sure that most brides are dealing with a flood of emotions and that can easily be overwhelming, so it's important to remain calm and gather all of the facts before making any decisions. I think it's wise to act quickly and efficiently in contacting your venue and vendors to discuss date change policies and then make sure that everyone is available for new potential dates. Stay organized, keep everything in writing, and document conversations so that there are no issues down the road. I also think it's important for brides who have yet to secure their wedding date and are in the process of planning their wedding for the end of 2020 and 2021 to understand that this pandemic is going to have a ripple effect. Future availability for venues and vendors will be greatly affected as weddings and events are needing to be rescheduled during this time.
Photography: Christine Tustin
What is one of your favorite things about this season?
One of my favorite things about this weird season is that it is forcing us to slow down and reevaluate what is important. We all live pretty busy lives and now most of us are having to spend more time at home with our families and this is a unique opportunity that we all have to connect with each other. I've enjoyed not being in such a rush and having time to do small things and enjoy nights at home together. While I am going to be miss putting on events for the near future, I am also going to enjoy having some time to be at home on the weekends with my wife and puppy.
Photographer: Kami Olavarria
Florist: Ahr Floral
What is something that has been really difficult for you?
Before all of this started to surface, our business was in a great flow and we were on track to have a phenomenal year. At that time it was easy to dream big and have lots of goals for growth. As things have changed I have had moments of discouragement and feeling defeated. It's definitely been difficult to remain positive and to push forward.
Any last words of encouragement?
I'm going to share a story that may sound silly and minuscule (which it is looking back at it), but at the time it felt like something much bigger. When I first graduated high school, most of my friends went off to live the college experience and I chose to stay home and work full time while going to college online. At the time I was working in the field for my dad's landscaping company and I was really struggling with the adjustment of constantly being around friends and having fun in high school to suddenly being thrust into the workforce. One Sunday afternoon, my girlfriend at the time unexpectedly broke things off with me. We weren't in a crazy serious relationship, but it was my first time experiencing something that felt like heartbreak. I remember the next Monday morning it was a little before 5 am and I was in the living room at my parent's house putting my boots on to go to work and my dad was up and knew that I was feeling upset. He walked by and put his hand on my shoulder and said "This too will pass" and he walked away. Almost ten years later I still remember that moment and I always think about that when I'm in a hard situation that seems unclear. Be encouraged and know that we will all get through this and it's just a matter of when!
Bonus question:
At the end of every year, I always look back to reflect and ask myself three questions:
What went well?
What didn't go so well?
What did I learn?
I've been thinking about this situation and I know there is a lot that we can all learn from this. When we get through this, I encourage you to take some time to reflect and ask yourself those three questions. Maybe there will be some things that you find in your life that you can adjust after things go back to normal.
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Check out Wonder Event Rentals and show them some love!
