When I arrived to the event space, I was the only vendor on time. But when I got into the space, nothing was setup, the room was bare. The food truck was parking as I arrived but I believe this was also the event planner who was responsible for tables and chairs, decor, setup, e.t.c. I waited to give them time to bring things in so when they had a min I could figure out what was going on.
At this point, the mother of the bride comes out, she's looking at the time because wedding is starting soon and it looks chaotic in the reception space. The wedding was to be indoors in the same space as the reception. Guests were arriving, the mother's in a frenzy because she didn't want their guests to see the room in progress and they had no where to sit. In dealing with clients for their events, I tried calming mom down and reassured her that everything will be taken care of and it will come together on time.
Before I sent mom off, I asked her to ask the building management if her guests could sit outside. I think it had also rained a bit that morning or literally rained lightly for a few mins. Nonetheless, building management sent staff off to wipe the chairs down because guests had started to arrive and were literally waiting in a line to be seated. You'll see from the pictures the venue had a lovely garden. They may have even discussed having the ceremony outside. At this point, mom felt a little relieved. I told her to finish getting dressed and her makeup done and not to worry.
By now, tables and chairs were being put down. I asked the coordinator where the cake table was to be and asked for table linen so I could set up. I begin setting up, then twice in haste because they weren't thinking clearly, I was told the table needed to be moved. For me to set up, I had to pin point an area because once set up, we can't keep moving things back n forth, just bananas. Anyhow I setup first so I could help the other vendors.
There was another vendor, family member I think, she had a table adjacent to mine where she was setting up favors and candy. From what I recall, she was either pregnant or just had a baby and the newborn was with her so her husband had to kick in to help her out. He was so overwhelmed. So I jump in to help them setup. I'm like 'What do you have, how do you want to setup??' The wife is yelling she needs a hot glue gun because she needs to piece things together. I'm like guess what, I have a glue gun! I let her do what she's doing, the husband doesn't know what to do so I'm getting their table set up. That guy was so grateful for my help.
Now "mind you, I could've decided that none of what I did to help out was my responsibility, setup the cake table and left. But I didn't. And I didn't get paid extra either. The mother of the bride wanted to send me extra money as a tip, I declined. And you think the other vendors gave me a piece of their earnings?!? Of course not!
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”Galatians 6:9-10 ESV
I have been in business over 10 years now. Although I may not be where I want to be, I'm still working to get there. It's only through God that I'm still going. It may not be how I've visioned it but the fact that Darling Confections is still here is me reaping seeds I've sown.