This year, I found myself reflecting on the role planning plays in my life, how naturally it comes to me when I’m organizing for others, and how different it feels when the focus shifts to me. In my work, planning is second nature. Campaign timelines, event details, and media strategies are the spaces where I feel energized and confident in my expertise. Even outside of work, I’m the designated trip planner, the friend who creates itineraries, books restaurants, and makes sure all the details are ready ahead of time.
When the Spotlight Shifts Focus
Then, a plot twist. All of a sudden, the focus shifted to me. In February, I got engaged, and suddenly the biggest planning project on my calendar became my own wedding. It’s funny how familiar tasks can feel entirely new when the spotlight turns inward. I’ve spent years helping others prepare for their milestones, yet planning something so personal has required a different kind of attention, one rooted not just in spreadsheets and checklists (though I can now officially say I have the largest spreadsheet in my Google Drive to date), but in emotion and intention on a personal level.
It’s been about blending my fiancé’s love for golf with my love for the New Jersey beaches to choose our venue, incorporating both of our passions as self-proclaimed foodies into the menu, and making sure our beloved dog, Georgie, is part of the day in meaningful ways (since she can’t physically be there—trust me, we both weighed this option carefully). On top of that, we’ve woven countless other details in between that will truly represent us. On a professional level, the process has also given me a fresh perspective on how we plan and execute for clients, reminding me of the care, thought, and collaboration that goes into every effort.
The Power in Showing Up Together
What I didn’t expect was how special it would feel to see how much richer the process becomes when people show up alongside you. I’ve always valued collaboration, both at work and in life, but this year has made me even more aware of how much joy comes from sharing the details with those who care. Working with teammates, whether brainstorming the best ways to turn a project into a story or find the right interview angle, helping plan and execute a conference from start to finish, running a blog draft by fresh eyes to make it even stronger, or coming together with clients to bring their ideas to life, reminds me that collaboration makes the result stronger and more meaningful. Even in a career built around timelines and goals, the human element, the connection, the collaboration, and the joy of celebrating milestones are just as important.
Looking Ahead with Support by My Side
As I look ahead to 2026, the year our wedding plans come to life, I’m excited to see all the visions and ideas come together. I know there will be timelines, budgets, and spreadsheets (because I’m still me), but I’m looking forward to approaching planning from this new perspective and continuing to bring the lessons I learn along the way into the work we do at PPR.
