Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Smith.
Hi Jada, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself and the business.
My affinity for the grandest moments of life began long before I stepped into a professional planning role. Growing up on the pageant stage and at the table of charity galas, I developed a lifelong reverence for the theater of formality and the grace of a perfectly executed evening. I learned early on that an unforgettable event is more than a display of opulence; it is a carefully choreographed atmosphere where every guest feels seen and every detail feels significant.
After college, I followed a calling for curation and began my professional journey at a wedding planning firm. During those formative years, I spent my time outside of work exploring the Hill Country’s premier wineries, refining my palate for pairings, and discovering the nuances of sophisticated hospitality. Witnessing the synergy between a fine wine and a stunning landscape sparked a defining realization: luxury is found in the sensory immersion, where the setting and the experience are perfectly in sync.
When I moved to Austin, I knew I wanted to create a Planning House that reflected the soul of this city; sophisticated, yet deeply authentic. I spent years behind the scenes, learning the heartbeat of the Austin wedding industry. By immersing myself in the kitchens with the caterers, on the floor with venue managers, and in the war rooms of the city’s most prestigious planners, I gained a 360-degree understanding of event production. For those experiences, I am incredibly grateful for the mentors in the Austin events community who poured their knowledge into me.
Today, my boutique Planning House is built on that holistic expertise. We bring a laser-sharp eye for detail and a rigorous understanding of logistics to every wedding we touch. Yet, despite the complexity of the production, my number one priority remains deeply personal: ensuring that my clients feel truly understood and sincerely supported.
We don’t just plan weddings; we protect the joy of your journey to the altar. It is a privilege to turn your story into a masterpiece in the city I love so much.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has been one of profound evolution. More than traditional obstacles, I found that my greatest growth came from dismantling several pervasive industry misconceptions. In the early stages of my career, I held certain beliefs about the ‘proper’ way to scale a business that I eventually realized were incompatible with the high-touch, bespoke service I wanted to provide.
First, I had to unlearn the idea that rigid business practices outweigh the power of community. While a solid foundation is essential, I discovered that in a city as vibrant as Austin, authentic relationships are the true currency of opportunity. The more I leaned into the Austin events community and nurtured those connections, the more I was able to open doors for my clients that traditional networking alone could never unlock.
Secondly, I moved away from the ‘one-size-fits-all’ system. There is a common narrative that efficiency requires every client to follow the same cookie-cutter path. However, in the luxury sector, every couple’s story is distinct. I realized that to provide a truly well-supported experience, our Atelier must remain agile. We don’t force our couples into a template; we build a personalized framework around their specific needs, ensuring the process is as unique as the celebration itself.
Finally, I had to redefine what it means to be ‘available.’ There is a myth in this industry that excellence requires a total lack of boundaries—the ‘no days off’ mentality. I eventually learned that to protect the joy of my clients’ journey, I must first protect my own capacity to serve them. By implementing sustainable practices and intentional boundaries, I’ve eliminated ‘phone anxiety’ and replaced it with calm, focused presence. My clients don’t want a planner who is burnt out; they want a partner who is rested, inspired, and fully invested in their vision.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Absolutely. My team is the heartbeat of this boutique practice. A unique and defining characteristic of our collective is that every member is a formally trained educator. This background brings a level of intentionality, intuition, and observation to our events that is truly rare in this industry.
In the high-stakes environment of a luxury wedding, their keen sense of situational awareness allows us to make decisive, ‘game-time’ decisions that prioritize the well-being of our clients and their families. Because of their training, they possess an innate ability to anticipate needs before they are even voiced.
Every person on our team understands that our primary mission is to serve as the ultimate support system. Not only for the couple but for the entire vendor collective. We view our role as the curators of the day; we keep every element moving with seamless efficiency, ensuring that the atmosphere remains one of joy rather than logistics. We are there to manage the complexities so that our families can simply remain present in the moment.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Very simple, take a chance.
Pricing:
- https://www.preptechplanning.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.preptechplanning.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preptechplanning/?hl=en
Image Credits
Esther Makau Photography
Candid Bliss Photography
Dream Productions
