Today we’d like to introduce you to Janae O’Dell.
Hi Janae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My background is a mix of logistics, leadership, and a deep love for celebrating life’s big moments.
Before entering the wedding industry, I spent years as a teacher and coach, where planning and coordination were second nature to me. When I chose to stay home after my second child, that organizational drive naturally channeled into planning events for loved ones—everything from intimate dinners to elaborate baby showers.
To turn that passion into a career, I eventually took a weekend position as an associate planner at a local wedding venue. Over the course of three years, I mastered the behind-the-scenes logistics of vendor management and discovered a true love for wedding design.
Where am I today? I’ve officially taken the leap into entrepreneurship. I am now the proud owner of my own planning, design, and coordination business, and I honestly couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning, my biggest hurdles were operational. I had to figure out how to define my specific niche, truly understand what mattered most to the couples I was serving, and navigate the delicate dance of work-life balance.
But honestly, my most unexpected struggle is a completely bittersweet one: the “day after” withdrawal.
I’ve been blessed with the absolute best couples, and throughout the planning process, they truly become family. The hardest part of this job is the day after the wedding, when the daily texts and emails suddenly stop. Going from constant communication to a quiet inbox is always a tough adjustment, but it’s a beautiful reminder of how deeply connected we became.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run a boutique wedding planning, design, and coordination business where I bridge the gap between airtight logistics and beautiful, personalized design. My true joy lies in creating the intentional, gorgeous details that reflect a couple’s unique story.
What sets me apart is my relationship-first approach; I don’t just check boxes, I invest deeply in my couples and intentionally limit my calendar so everyone gets my full energy. By the wedding day, I’m not just another vendor—I’m their absolute biggest cheerleader.
Ultimately, I am most proud of taking the terrifying but rewarding leap to build this business from scratch, and creating a brand where clients genuinely become family long after the final centerpiece is packed away.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
The most important characteristic to my success is empathy. Wedding planning is so much more than spreadsheets and logistics; it’s about guiding people through an incredibly emotional and high-stakes milestone.
Being able to truly listen, understand a couple’s vision, and remain a calm, reassuring presence is what allows me to build deep trust. When my clients feel completely seen and supported, it changes the entire experience from a stressful process into a seamless, joyful celebration.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joeventco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeventco
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joeventco
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jo.event.co
