← Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
The Fenimore Lane Summit Effect: Creating Events That People Feel with Sarah True
00:44:55
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- [00:00]
A
Before we dive in, I wanted to take a moment to thank this season's presenting sponsor, Shopmy. Shopmy is a platform that connects designers, tastemakers and creators with shoppers who trust their style and recommendations. With Shopmy, you can discover and shop the pieces experts actually use and love in their own homes, all in one beautifully curated place. And now shopping is even easier with the launch of the new Shop My App. Create circles with your favorite curators like myself or today's guest. Discover new products tailored to your taste and save everything you love with wishlists and snapshot right in the app. Download the new Shop My app at the link in the show notes. And now on to this week's episode.
- [00:42]
B
You know, when we think about the guest experience, you know, transportation, good communication, maybe having a welcome beverage, or I also think, you know, when you're creating a space and even, you know, if it's a 500 person event or 20 person event, tapping into the five senses, it really creates like memorable moments that, you know, they just start to tell the story throughout the day in the little details. It's weird because they're in the background. You know, it's a scent, it's a smell, it's something visual, it's a sound. All of those things are in the background, but they make you feel good. And so when we try to create guest experience, we tap into all of those little details in a very intentional way.
- [01:25]
A
Welcome to Talkshop Ariel. I'm Arielle Oken, a New York based interior designer, writer and editor looking to bring a little bit of magic into our homes every day. After years as a writer and editor in the interiors world, I founded my own editorial site, Fenimore Lane, in 2020 and the TalkShop interview series was born. Each week I delve into the personal experiences of the top interior designers and tastemakers around the globe. This week on Talkshop, I'm sitting down with Sarah True, an incredible leader in the wedding and event planning space. With over two decades of experience and design background that began at Parsons. There are certain people you work with who instantly make you feel calm, confident and excited all at once. And Sarah True is absolutely one of those people for me. Sarah and her team are the magic planners behind the fenimoreline Design Summit, as well as my wedding. And as we're recording this, we're deep in planning mode for the 2026 summit happening this June. Sarah has produced hundreds of weddings and events across the country. And what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with people, put them at ease and Bring their vision to life in the most thoughtful of ways. We talk about career pivots, how color, texture, and fragrance can transform a guest's experience of an event, and why kindness is the most important leadership quality. So please join me as we welcome Sarah True to the podcast. Sarah, welcome to the podcast. I'm so happy that you're on today.
- [02:49]
B
Oh, Ariel, it's. This is, like, truly a highlight. Thank you so much for having me.
- [02:54]
A
Oh, my God, of course. I'm so happy that you're here. Well, to kick off the conversation, we always ask everyone who comes on, can you describe your style in three words or less?
- [03:04]
B
Yes, I think I can. So I would say warm, intentional, and elevated.
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A
I love that. I mean, that fits for so many of the events of yours that I have seen and been a part of over the years. And for those listening, Sarah and I have worked together many times, not only on the Fatima Orlean Design Summit, but also Sarah planned my wedding, and I've seen firsthand how she thinks about events, which is really special. But can you explain to our listeners, tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are at this point in your life right now?
- [03:38]
B
Great. Well, I. I still look back on your wedding weekend and think what an incredible, incredible weekend that was in. In Newport. It's. It's wild to think. It was nine years ago, right?
- [03:51]
A
Yeah, it'll be nine years. It's so crazy in May.
- [03:54]
B
So crazy. And that's kind of how it. It is in this industry of. Of events and seem to just be streaming by. But yeah, you know, I think if, if you were to ask me who is, who is Sarah now? I'm an entrepreneur. I'm a mom of two amazing children, a creative, a curator of experiences. I love, love, love building community. And as I've gotten older, you know, really have a passion for that world of creating authentic conversations and wellness. I feel like I'm a little bit in a season right now of really refining my voice in my work.
- [04:31]
A
Yeah.
- [04:32]
B
So much less about doing more, you know, less about doing more and more about doing what really matters.
- [04:38]
A
Yeah. And we've seen so much of that through planning the Fenimoreline Design Summit together in terms of creating community, which you just mentioned, which you've done so well at the summit last year, it was amazing. And everyone just kept talking about how warm and great the vibes were. And I was saying the other day when we were talking that I'm going to get you a sheaf of good vibes, pitten to wear all Weekend. But how do you usually describe what you do to someone who hasn't attended a true event gathering?
- [05:09]
B
You know, we really love to design experiences, not just events. I take a vision and like to translate it into a physical space where people really feel connected. You know, not only connected, but inspired and fully present. So we like to do that with all of our events. You know, our weddings, our social events, as you mentioned, like with Fenimore and, you know, those types of corporate partners partners and our wellness retreats. I think it's something, you know, that really sort of stands out and separates us.
- [05:37]
A
Yeah. And I. And I think people feel it, too, because when you come to an event that you are producing, you just feel so taken care of and there's, like, thoughtful little additions in every corner. And that really makes the difference from, you know, going to an event versus becoming part of, you know, a community within an event, which is so special. Well, let's talk about your career a little bit, because you didn't start out in event planning. So what were you doing in your early career before a true event? And was event production always part of the plan, or. I think you kind of found your way there over time? Yeah.
- [06:12]
B
Yeah, that's exactly right. So I graduated college and had dreams of living in the city and moved into Manhattan and was actually working for New York Life Insurance and their PR and corporate communications department, which was incredible experience. I wouldn't trade, you know, that level of exposure to, you know, business executives and leaders for anything. But what I realized very quickly was that writing about life insurance was definitely not my life's passion.
- [06:43]
A
Totally.
- [06:43]
B
So, you know, really started to explore the city and just all that the city had to offer and fell in love with all of the things that, you know, come together for producing events and started to explore the path of, how do I get there? How do I do this? And I started going to Parsons, actually for floral design. After work, I'd go there for classes and had incredible experience and opportunity with so many of the designers I met in that program, as well as I started working for one of the most amazing wedding planners in the city, Lynn Schlarrith. And she really took me under her wing and had exposure to working at the Rainbow Room and Ciprian and Tavern on the Green and so many of those iconic places throughout the city, which really, once I started, you know, seeing that level of events, there was no turning back.
- [07:36]
A
I mean, when you fall in love with something that you kind of stumble upon and then you get a taste of it, you Kind of know that that's where you're going. I mean, that's sort of what happened with me with design, where I was doing it on the side for fun, for friends. And then the more I did it, the more I was like, oh, this is. This is what my career is going to be.
- [07:55]
B
It's so true. And I remember, like, very early on in my first office when. When I actually did go off on my own, I had this poster that said, do what you love. Love what you do. Yeah. And that just resonated with me so much, because if you have an opportunity to do something that you love, it's not work.
- [08:14]
A
Yeah, it doesn't feel like work. I mean, I'm thinking about when we were at the Summit last year, and it was one of the days was so hot. It was like in the 90s. And Sarah just, like, had the biggest smile on her face. She was like, the best, like, in the best mood, like, getting everybody pumped up. Like, she just loves what she does. And in events, when you love what you do and you have a calm and kind and nice, happy energy around you, like, everybody wants to be around you and. And it makes a big difference.
- [08:43]
B
Well, thank you for, for noticing because there's definitely in those extreme, you know, circumstances, I feel that that gift of being able to have that calm, you know, smile or that sort of presence in. In the midst of the storm is always something that I think just helps to change the vibe around. So seeing how it resonated throughout the vendors and the guests that were attending it, truly, I think it might be my superpower.
- [09:13]
A
Honestly, I really do. What was the moment when you knew it was time to start true event? And also, how did your personal taste and aesthetics influence the brand early on? Because I feel like you've had a very unique aesthetic point of view. Even when you first started and you were doing weddings, solely weddings, like, I think you have such an eye for detail and design and florals and color. And how did that sort of influence when you started your own event planning company?
- [09:44]
B
Yeah, so when I left New York, I. I started working for a number of different areas of the event planning world. So I started at Akater. I got incredible experience, and then I worked actually as a director of a vineyard, a local vineyard in Connecticut, and also was producing very different types of events there as well. So my experience and sort of relationships that I was building really took me to the point where I knew it was the right time to launch on my own.
- [10:15]
A
Yeah.
- [10:15]
B
You know, when you're a Creative, and you're an entrepreneurial spirit. I think having your own brand or your own business is something that is hard to. To stop the fire. So it's definitely the right. The right timing to be able to do, you know, really what I wanted to be able to do with nobody, you know, sort of holding us back on the direction we were going. So the timing really was right. And, you know, my. My style, my aesthetic, I always like to think of it as. It's not my personal style that I want to weave into a client's wedding or event. It's really taking that story of the couple, and how do we tell that through the details of the day? How do we make it unique to them so that those moments and those design elements are a reflection of them and their story, their love story, so that, you know, when guests are attending, it's not just any other event that they've been to, but it truly is a reflection of them. And that's where we really try to focus on pulling out those little moments, those little details, and then weaving in, you know, the. The pretty stuff kind of in between. But it has a heart to it. You know, it's not just totally any other picture you're going to see on Instagram, but it's truly unique.
- [11:27]
A
It's so true and so beautiful. And it has such a connection to the way that we talk about interiors on the show, which is, you know, we don't ever want a house to look specifically like we designed it. We want it to feel exactly like the clients, and we want it to feel bespoke to the client. And we want every house, every project looks different because every person is different.
- [11:48]
B
So true. And. And I think that's what I love so much about the overlap and. And the process of what you guys do with interiors and how we approach events. And I. I've just always found it so captivating, you know, because it's. It's so relevant to how you build your world. Right. How you build your home.
- [12:07]
A
Yeah.
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B
Build your event. And when you really tap into those life experiences, not only in designing your house, but in how you want that to, you know, tell your story at your event, it. It starts to become something that's truly memorable and. And that, you know, overlap between think is so cool.
- [12:26]
A
It's amazing. What did starting true event look like in the early days? Was it one client at a time? Was there one specific event that kind of started it? What did it? And I know you. You had little kids in the beginning, too.
- [12:40]
B
Yeah. Gosh. It's, it's wild. So I, I waited a little bit. It's, it's funny because now when I think about a lot of our couples and just sort of the pace of life, it is a little bit different. So my husband and I were actually the first to get married but the last to have kids out of our. And I think it had to do with our careers. They really were our babies. Yeah. Was pursuing, you know, his passion and his career path in business and mine. You know, obviously in creating this brand it was all consuming. So. And in a good way, you know, so it didn't start with that one client. And I love how it kind of grew from, you know, and it's pretty amazing to look back on because you think about those, those moments of when you meet that one client that kind of changes the path or the trajectory of the, the business. And there is one that I can think back to, you know, family that I started working with and gosh, this year I'm going to have the opportunity to work with our third daughter's wedding, which is truly the greatest gift. That's so special and really kind of that legacy of what we've built with the brand and our business. You know, we are a boutique firm so when we start with a client, you know, we built or building a relationship with them. So that relationship with that one client started to spread, you know, virally to their friends and their family and, and just seeing how it kind of like grew and grew and grew. It's kind of fun to, to look back because there was a wedding two years ago where it was the end of the season and I looked around the room and I could count 10 clients that were in the room all attending crazy. So it's just, you know, it's, it just makes me smile and so happy to have those relationships because again, you know, it's when you love the people that you get to work with and that you get to make this magic happen for it really. It makes it so, so much more meaningful.
- [14:37]
A
Totally. It's so gratifying. I mean there's so much layover with what we do in that sense also because what we do is so personal too. Interiors and events are so personal. And like when you have someone come back years later for a second home or they're moving or whatever, you know, you're building this long term relationship where you know, there we have some clients that like, we've been doing their homes for seven, eight, nine years at this point and it's, that's a It's a long time.
- [15:05]
B
It is.
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A
And really special, truly.
- [15:08]
B
Somebody asked me the other day if I've had the opportunity to do a client's child's wedding yet. And I have to laugh out loud because I thought, oh God, have I really been doing it that long? No, you're not there yet.
- [15:21]
A
That's so funny though. Well, one day we can do my girls weddings together down the road. Yes. What do you think was the hardest thing that you found about starting your own company? And was it harder than you expected?
- [15:37]
B
Yeah. And I'm sure you can relate to this as well. You know, it's having it be a passion. It's hard to shut it off, you know, for sure. It definitely, you know, became a 247 experience. And I think early on it was especially, you know, pre kids, it was hard to find that balance, that work life balance.
- [15:58]
A
Yeah. Especially in events because you're working weekends, like every weekend.
- [16:02]
B
That's right. Yeah. So, you know, it's, it's one of those things when it's your own, you know, you pour everything into it. So that was probably the hardest thing about, about launching and building a team.
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A
Yeah.
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B
Getting people that you trust to have that same level of responsiveness, passion, personality. You know, when your name is in the brand, it definitely reflects. So not only, you know, finding that work life balance, but finding a team that, you know, really could help to carry out my, my vision.
- [16:34]
A
I mean, and on that point, were there any leadership lessons that have surprised you along the way? Because you manage so many different people for events, you know, whether they're small scale or large scale events, between the people that are on your team, and then also the venues teams and the catering teams and the floral teams. Like there's so much management involved in what you do on a day to day basis.
- [16:56]
B
Yeah. And I think, you know, leading by example with kindness has always really been the heart of how I approach leading.
- [17:05]
A
Yeah, which you do so well. We were all like, I mean, that was like the number one takeaway from last year.
- [17:11]
B
Well, thank you. And you know, I think empowering my team to follow their dreams, you know, the same way that I did when I started True event has really allowed me to have the most amazing team. You know, when you feel like you have control over your dream and you're not just working for, you know, somebody else, it allows you to sort of lead the same way. So I think that level of empowerment has truly been incredible and allowed me to have, you know, such amazing people like Lexi, who, gosh, I Couldn't do my job without.
- [17:45]
A
Oh my God. Lexi is such a gem. Such a gem. We love Lexi. What are some of the most important elements that you found for creating a sense of community at a large gathering? You know, like the summit, which, you know, There were like 500 plus people there last year, but it didn't feel that massive. It felt intimate and there were like little areas and activations throughout the property. So what do you find are tactics that you use at large gatherings to create that sense of, of intimacy or community?
- [18:18]
B
Yeah, I think when you think about the guest experience, like as a, as a top priority, it helps all of those other pieces to sort of come together. You know, when we think about the guest experience, you know, transportation, good communication, maybe having a welcome beverage or I also think, you know, when you're creating a space and even, you know, if it's a 500 person event or 20 person event, tapping into the five senses, it really creates like memorable moments that, you know, they just start to tell the story throughout the day in the little details. And that's, you know, those. It's, it's weird because they're in the background. You know, it's a scent, it's. It's a smell, it's, it's something visual, it's a sound. All of those things are in the background, but they make you feel good. And so when we try to create guest experience, we tap into all of those little details in a very intentional way.
- [19:14]
A
So true and so interesting because you may not notice it right off the bat when you get there, but it's so pleasant and enjoyable that it's almost like a background thing that's heightening the experience without you even realizing it.
- [19:26]
B
Exactly. It is. And, and it's, it's funny because, you know, if you ask new clients, you know, at times like, oh, oftentimes they'll say, I didn't remember the food or I didn't, you know, I noticed the flowers. They weren't important, you know. But what people don't realize is that all of those things are if they're done with an intention behind it, they, they layer the experience. Right. So it's not just like that one thing maybe, but it's all of those things that you, you know, come together that make a good, a good event and a good experience for guests. Totally.
- [19:59]
A
Are there any projects or events that you're particularly proud of or fond of?
- [20:04]
B
Yes, well, of course. Fenimore. I'm so excited to be, to be back this year. Me too. I mean, Gosh, it's just, it's just so amazing to get to collaborate with you on that. But I'm also really passionate about an event that I started producing six years ago called Heaven on Earth.
- [20:21]
A
Yeah, it was just so cool.
- [20:23]
B
Yeah, it's a three day live music event that we've been doing out west and it really is that intersection of all the things that I'm passionate about. And as I've sort of gotten older, seeing them be able to, you know, come together in a way where we're building community, we're out in nature, we're activating wellness and amazing food and it's in some of the most beautiful locations across the country. Has really been an event, you know, that I would say out of all the events that I've done, had the greatest impact on my life personally, but also my family's life.
- [20:57]
A
It's amazing. And also in the show notes, if you're listening, we're going to link information about not only the summit, but also Heaven on Earth so that you can learn more about all the things that Sarah does and also to true events. So if you're listening, you can find it in the show notes. Let's talk a little bit about the Design Summit. Because the Design Summit has become my baby and all of our babies and we work on it, you know, basically all year leading up to it. We get like a two or three month break and then we're like right back on the saddle again. When you first got involved, what did you think your vision was for how the event should feel? Because you took it in such a gorgeously organic, lush, happy direction. And, and what did it take basically to bring, you know, it's a multi day design forward summit. What did it take to help bring that to life behind the scenes?
- [21:50]
B
Well, I think, you know, as we touched on earlier, like having a relationship with you and, and really, you know, having that ability to collaborate and plan and design with you, your, your own wedding, it was so fun too.
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A
That was so.
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B
To have this opportunity to create a huge event that you know, you're so passionate about and that your brand and your style and you know, even with Auberg, you know, two powerhouse brands to come together and create this incredible summit. I wanted it to feel like, you know, we were stepping into, to your imagination, elevated, artistic, welcoming, all, you know, all of those things and how do we do that? Right. It's, it's all of the things that we've talked about, but I think, you know, having that relationship with you and seeing you Know your brand grow over the years for me has just been so exciting and, you know, biggest fan over here watching you, you know, these dreams. But, you know, it was just so fun to be able to have that relationship with you and to be a part of this.
- [22:50]
A
I know. I mean, it made it so seamless, too, because even with my wedding, when we were planning my wedding, it was so seamless. Like, I feel like we've always spoken the same language, and, you know, the things that I gravitate toward so easily, the summit was just such a natural extension of that, which made it amazing.
- [23:08]
B
It's so true. I mean, I feel like we need to share a link with the listeners to your wedding because you could see so many of the same, like, design nuances.
- [23:16]
A
There are. There is, like, a big kind of crossover between, which is crazy, because Venom Orlean didn't even exist yet when I got married.
- [23:24]
B
I know it's wild, but there is.
- [23:26]
A
Like, a big, big crossover between the visual identities of both, which is so cool. Let's talk a little bit about designing events in general. Is there a favorite element about the event management process for you?
- [23:40]
B
You know, it's. I keep coming back to design because I think it really is the part of the planning and the management that I'm most passionate about.
- [23:46]
A
So it's so fun. I feel like you get so lit up about it, too, because you love design and you have such great taste.
- [23:53]
B
Yeah, I do. And I think that energy is infectious because as soon as we start to present design decks and start to, you know, bring in florals and patterns and linens and textures and rentals, like. Like, all of the clients light up. It's. It's the day where they really, like, can start to, like, visualize what this is going to be like. And it's the best. The best moment, I think, in the process. Even if, you know, they. They didn't think they were going to love the design or have no idea what direction we're going, it truly is, like, such an incredible part of the process.
- [24:25]
A
I mean, I will never forget going to Stone Blossom and, like, seeing the table set up for the first time, which was my florist. They just. It was, like, such a wow moment. And I think everybody feels that way from planning an event. But I love that because you are the producer of the event. That is also your favorite part, too.
- [24:43]
B
Yeah, Sometimes I, like, I. I forget that it. You know, it's not all the pretty things. Yeah. But, you know, in the. In the process, I think that's Definitely a highlight.
- [24:53]
A
It's so much fun. How do you think about pacing and flow and energy, managing that across not just a full day, but also a full weekend? Because so many of the events that you do are weekend long situations.
- [25:07]
B
Yeah, I, you know, I think, like, that is a really important thing, especially, you know, for guests that are coming in for a long weekend, is to, you know, to make sure that it feels effortless, you know, that they're not waiting or expecting or wondering what's happening next. But it really is just a flow throughout the day that almost feels easy, you know, so that guests have the opportunity to truly enjoy every moment, but also kind of thinking about those moments where we can wow them. So unexpected surprises, you know, whether it's a handwritten note from the bride and groom at their table when they sit down, or if it's, you know, a second line leading the group from cocktail hour to the reception. I think there's so many opportunities to have those like, wow. Moments that are unexpected throughout the the night.
- [25:54]
A
I love, I love. I mean, we are out of our weddings phase already, but when one of our weddings that we went to probably 10 years ago, they had a handwritten note at every single place setting. And I never forgot it. I thought it was like the most amazing, just happy, beautiful thing you could do.
- [26:11]
B
It's so true. I mean, I think even more so now. Right, because people, it's like the lost art of handwritten notes, you know, so to really take the time to do something that that's. That's that heartfelt, individually, like, addressed is. I think we're coming back to that too. You know, I think people are coming back to doing things that have intention and meaning behind it because it got so long, you know, along the way. And I'm sure you're seeing that, you know, with home design and interiors, because people don't want just that blank white space anymore.
- [26:41]
A
They want it to feel personal. There has to be a personal connection. And I think, I mean, that that goes. My next question was actually about connection, which is how do you think about designing events that encourage real connection and not just beautiful moments, which I think you do so well.
- [26:58]
B
Yeah, I think it's all those things because again, when you think about the little things that have heart, that's where you start to feel that cohesive community and connection with your guests. And when you think about the number of events that guests are going to and where people are traveling and all of the life experiences, it's. You want yours to feel different, right? You Know, you don't want it to just be any other event that they've gone to. So I think it's in the little things and those intentional moments that really start to make it feel different.
- [27:36]
A
Yeah, and I love that because it's not about an event or an experience standing out because of how pretty it was or how over the top it was or how lavish it was, which it may be all of those things and more, but the connection piece of it and the heart behind it and the intention behind it and the individuality behind it is what makes it stand out for someone in the history of, you know.
- [27:55]
B
Absolutely.
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A
When you think about how many events you go to over the course of your lifetime, and that's kind of what makes it special, which I love, because it's not so much about the lavishness or the craziness or whatever, but you know, how it made you feel. What is some of the best advice for event management that you've ever received?
- [28:11]
B
You know, I think again, like for event management, like really treating people with kindness. I cannot say it enough that we lack a level of empathy in the world. And so when you have patience and you speak to people, everybody is a person. No matter what our role is on the day of an event or you're a guest, all of that matters, you know, so really being able to lead in a way and manage a team that way, I think I can't tell you how many times that over the years that we've worked with vendors where they are just mind blown by how nice we are, like, you know, almost, which I love.
- [28:51]
A
I mean, but everyone, last year, everyone was like, oh my God, she's just the nicest person. And I was like, I know she's the best.
- [28:59]
B
Which is funny because I, you know, I think I took it for granted, you know, because I just didn't. I just expect. I have such a high level of expectation for humanity and for people. So I didn't think it was that unique, you know. No, but it is, sadly.
- [29:13]
A
And I think that's why I'm so happy that you came on and like to talk about this, because I think in any creative field or particularly in the events world, because I. It's. It can be so frenetic and you're moving minute to minute and there's so much going on, like people can like lose their cool and. And you just never do. And you're just always fixing it with a smile, no matter what the issue is.
- [29:37]
B
You know, my mom to this day tells the story that when I was born. There was a new birthing technique where I was born into, like, a pool of water. And I just came out with the biggest smile and laugh on my face. And, you know, I. I think that that spirit is. I see that. Yeah. It just. I've carried it with me, and it's. I'm. I feel blessed, you know, to. To be able to have that spirit, because if. If I can spread it, you know, in. In the little things that I do or change somebody's day or, gosh, if I can instill that in my children, it's the greatest thing I leave behind. I will have a job.
- [30:14]
A
Amen. Seriously. That's so true. So let's talk a little bit about you. We always like to ask a little bit about homes and what we think our homes say about you. What do you think your home says about you or when you throw a party for yourself, too?
- [30:29]
B
So I had a laugh as you were asking that question, because, you know, it's funny because my husband and his family, they have the most incredible antique, what I like to call treasures that we've inherited, you know, since we got married. And. And, you know, I never truly appreciated how valuable they were until the last couple years. And as we built our home kind of around those, you know, timeless pieces that really have heart, you know, a blending of those old family treasures with, you know, sort of a modern, bright, vibrant, colorful, layered, you know, lived in home is really kind of the blending of the design. When you walk in and, you know, we live in a house where, you know, when you pull up, it's very unassuming. You know, people used to call it the little big house, you know, so you walk in and it's small and quaint and homey. And the greatest compliment I ever got when. When friends came in was that they felt like they didn't want to leave. You know, they. They felt comfortable.
- [31:34]
A
Yeah.
- [31:35]
B
And that, to me, it's. It's truly like the greatest compliment, because when we entertain and we have people over, that's, you know, exactly the vibe that we're trying to create.
- [31:47]
A
Yeah, well, you do that so well with your events. You create, like, this cozy, comfy, happy vibe where people want to stay and mingle and enjoy. And I think, you know, it reflects so much about you personally and how you live your life. Where do you find inspiration for, you know, all of the events that you do? Because there's so many different facets of. Of different types of events that you do.
- [32:12]
B
Yeah, I like to think of inspiration as being Everywhere. You know, I think in nature so much, you know, with travel, in fashion, if I, every time I'm talking with a client, especially as we get into the design process, if I could get them to think outside of, you know, the social channels, it's the greatest thing, right? Because inspiration's everywhere. It's. If we can find it in our day to day, in the little, little details. That's where, you know, I think you, you find true inspiration. And you're not just in that copycat mentality. So being able to step back and, you know, sit with, you know, a hike or at the beach, you know, in a book, all of those things, I think help to, you know, create that creative nature.
- [32:58]
A
Totally. And also when you're a creative person, I think your brain needs to breathe. And when we're inundated by so many images online, it can kind of like visually fry you to the point where you're not even, like, you're just so inundated that you're not even being creative anymore.
- [33:15]
B
So true. And then, you know, you start to go down a rabbit hole. And I, and I'm seeing it more and more with, you know, this next generation is, is that it's almost like information overload or fatigue, you know, and then you, you have that paralysis of being able to make a decision. And so it's, it is, it's, it's overwhelming for, for not only, you know, for clients, but for designers and creatives, you know, to be able to find things that are going to inspire you to create something memorable and not just, you know, something that you've seen before. There's just so much out there now that you can fall into those holes very quickly.
- [33:52]
A
Totally. Well, Shop My is the sponsor of this season and we love Shop My, which is a great place to find inspiration also because it's all curated and individual to your taste. So it's not, you know, you're not kind of scrolling through a bunch of things. It's so personal. What you see is personal to what you like, which I love about it. Is there anything currently on your wish list or in your seasonal rotation that you're excited about?
- [34:17]
B
I am like. So I think it's probably with just like the season that I'm in, but just anything. Wellness, fitness, beauty, all of the things, especially as I get older, I, I find that I'm really drawn towards like, all of the, all of the things.
- [34:34]
A
I know you and I both are, are goopy wellness.
- [34:39]
B
We both have to tell you that the, the products that they Sponsored for the the Summit. Oh my gosh. That pe.
- [34:47]
A
Their skin care line is truly like I use.
- [34:51]
B
It's amazing.
- [34:52]
A
Yeah. The peptide cream is my non negotiable. I use it every day. And I also use the micro derm exfoliating mask because it's so good.
- [35:02]
B
100%. Oh my God. I'm like obsessed with both those products.
- [35:05]
A
Yeah. Is there anything on there that you are like super excited about our categories?
- [35:14]
B
I mean, I, I think like it's, it's funny because anything having to do with like design or interiors, but again, you know, just kind of following some of my favorite people and just seeing like what's, you know, trending, I. I fall victim very quickly to athleisure would say like, you know, and it's funny at any given time, if you can kind of see where my brain's going. I'm in wellness, I'm in beauty, you know, in workout gear. And then I'm in like professional attire and then vacation shopping. So I do kind of like it is a little bit of a deep dive for me because I love seeing what people curate. I mean, I think that that's one of the coolest things is that all of the things that people are finding and just sort of like capturing into one space, it's a game changer for so many different areas of interest.
- [36:05]
A
I know. It really is a game changer. I use it honestly every day. Well, now let's get into our take 10 because we're going to get into our rapid fire questions. So what is your favorite food?
- [36:17]
B
Sushi.
- [36:19]
A
Delicious. And favorite drink? Perfect. Favorite film?
- [36:26]
B
Okay, so this. Okay. Rapid fire. How to lose a guy in 10 days.
- [36:31]
A
I mean, that is just a forever classic that will always make you feel good when you're watching it. It's one of my favorites too. Favorite hotel?
- [36:39]
B
Castle Hill Inn. It's where we got engaged. And it will always be one of my favorite, favorite spots.
- [36:45]
A
It is such a magical place. It's like, I mean, we got married obviously in Rhode island and, and we spent some time there during like the planning process and it's so beautiful. Favorite city?
- [36:57]
B
Rome.
- [36:58]
A
Rome is amazing.
- [36:59]
B
Oh, it's a hard thing to answer because there's so many incredible cities. Like as I was thinking, you know, city, I could easily say Nashville, you know, or New York. But when I went to Rome, it was truly one of the most incredible spaces between all of the ancient art and artifacts and the church and just everything about the city is just thriving with good food and so special. Oh, cafes and it's. Yeah, it was. It's one that really stood out for sure.
- [37:31]
A
Favorite bedding.
- [37:32]
B
You know, I'm obsessed right now with just organic bedding. You know, bone bran and, you know, anything that's like, sort of white, crisp, organic, lived in, just feels good around you. Like, that's pretty much what my bed looks like right now.
- [37:48]
A
I got on the organic train, too. I've got the Bowen branch. Stuff is so soft. I love it.
- [37:54]
B
It's so soft.
- [37:55]
A
It's great. Tea or coffee? And how do you take it in the morning?
- [37:59]
B
Definitely coffee. And I'm usually coffee with a splash of oat milk and cinnamon.
- [38:05]
A
Oh, that's delicious. I love that. Favorite playlist or music to listen to.
- [38:10]
B
This one is pretty eclectic, I would say at any given time, I'm, like, scrolling between Johnny Swim, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, maybe a Christian artist thrown in there. It's a pretty eclectic mix of music.
- [38:27]
A
Favorite weekend activity?
- [38:29]
B
I love going to hot yoga. So if I can fit that in in the weekend, in the middle of all of the sports. Sports that we typically have, usually my weekend is hot yoga, sports and weddings.
- [38:42]
A
Literally, like, it's. That sounds perfect, though. I wish we had a high. We don't have a hot yoga place by us. And I. That's the one thing I really miss because I used to go all the time in the city. It's like the one thing that I wish we had out here by us.
- [38:55]
B
I would say, like, I used to chase cardio my whole, like, life, 20s, 30s, and. And really, like, finding a balance. And I think that's probably what's been the greatest, like, change of my, like, fitness and wellness path has been, you know, that hot, meditative, you know, slowing down.
- [39:14]
A
Yeah.
- [39:15]
B
And, you know, strength training. Yeah.
- [39:17]
A
I mean, it, like, slows your mind and gives you. I mean, speaking of being creative, like, I think meditation and yoga in general slows your mind and helps you be creative, but I know I gotta get back on my yoga. My hyga grind.
- [39:34]
B
Yeah. I'm telling you. And being in that hot room this time of year, just something about, like, sweating.
- [39:40]
A
I know, I know. And it's freezing. As I, like, walked my daughter to the bus stop this morning, and it was 10 degrees, my face hurt. Favorite. This is a hard one. And you might not have one, and that's okay, but. Favorite design book?
- [39:54]
B
Yeah, this is a hard one. And I have to tell you, I am so excited for your book to come out.
- [39:58]
A
Oh, my God, thank you.
- [40:00]
B
Truly. Truly. Can't wait for that. To. To hit my. My shelf, because I know that's going to become a fast favorite. Oh, thank you.
- [40:08]
A
We're sending out the advanced copies this week, actually, so keep an eye on your mailbox.
- [40:13]
B
Oh, my God, I'm so excited. That's incredible. But, you know, there is. I. I have a ton of books from Martha Stewart that I just will always be, you know, classic books, my. In my collective. But I. There's a really cool book that. Actually, somebody who. I admire his style and his design so much in the events that he produces is David Stark, and he has a book called the Art of the Party.
- [40:36]
A
Oh, I have that book. It's a great one.
- [40:39]
B
It's great. I mean, he continues to, you know, shift the design world. He's always, you know, super creative. I think the way that he sees events is, you know, aspiring, you know, to find. To find these creative ways to create events that are going to be truly memorable. I mean, he. The way he uses food and bread, you know, to create chandeliers and installations.
- [41:03]
A
It's.
- [41:03]
B
It's fun to kind of think about design in a different way.
- [41:07]
A
Yeah, absolutely. That's such a good book recommendation. I forgot about that one. I love that one. Okay. This was so much fun. Can we.
- [41:15]
B
Oh, my gosh. I feel like we could keep going.
- [41:17]
A
I know, I know. A final few words. So tell us, what are you working on right now? Are there any new projects you can talk about? I know you're, like, slammed with weddings and stuff. Stuff.
- [41:25]
B
Yeah, yeah. So I think we. I think we talked about all the projects that are happening right now. One that I didn't talk on is the wellness Summit that, you know, Auberge is going to be hosting this fall.
- [41:35]
A
Yes.
- [41:36]
B
I am super excited about that. Again, it will be, you know, an amazing collaboration, but to. To be able to do something that's, you know, my other passion around wellness is we're really looking forward to that. And then we have incredible. Yeah, I know. It's. It's going to be good.
- [41:53]
A
It's.
- [41:53]
B
It's going to be a good one. You know, we have amazing couples this year, which we're so excited about that are going to take this kind of all over the east coast and. And of course, being out in Paradise Valley in Montana in June for Heaven on Earth. So I feel like we have a really great season of events and all different types of events coming up that are exciting.
- [42:12]
A
Yeah. Oh, my God. You're going to have a really busy June. I didn't realize they're both in June. Oh, my God. June is always. You're gonna take July off, girlfriend. Well, this is a final question that we ask everyone who comes on. We usually ask people to define their own interior style, but for you, I feel like we should say, you know, define. What advice would you give for someone looking to define their own event style?
- [42:36]
B
I would say to don't be overwhelmed by the noise. Right? Like, look inside your heart and really think about what defines you as a person. You know, what drives your passions, you know, what, what most you know, col you drawn to, what hotels are you drawn to? What restaurants do you love and why? You know, what's the feeling that you get? Because if you can tap into all of those senses that we talked about earlier, it's going to tell the story of those details in your design for your event. So if you can, you know, truly step outside of, of Instagram and Pinterest and all of the social media channels, you're going to be able to have a lot more clarity and, and what is important to you guys.
- [43:17]
A
I love that advice. Well, Sarah, this is so much fun. I love having you on.
- [43:22]
B
Thank you so much. It was.
- [43:25]
A
Where can listeners find more about you and true event?
- [43:29]
B
Sure. So our Instagram handle is true event and 2e. So it's true. T r u e ev ev and then our website is true event dot com.
- [43:40]
A
Yay. And you can see my. I think my weddings on your website. Right, right.
- [43:43]
B
I think it is still. Yeah, yeah.
- [43:44]
A
So people can find that too.
- [43:47]
B
We're definitely gonna do a post on that now that once the. This chat comes out to make sure that if anybody wants to see.
- [43:54]
A
Oh my God. Oh my God. It's so crazy. I can't believe we have to do like a 10 year. It's gonna be 10 years. Not this May, but next May. It's crazy.
- [44:03]
B
I'm ready for the party.
- [44:04]
A
I know we gotta do a party.
- [44:05]
B
You're right.
- [44:06]
A
Sarah.
- [44:08]
B
Tell Ben I'm ready.
- [44:10]
A
So. I know I. I am. That would actually be so much fun. Thank you so much for coming on. This was such a delight and you're like my favorite person and I love chatting with you. So it was just so much fun to get to talk about your event genius and all the amazing things that you do.
- [44:26]
B
Oh, Ariel, thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.
- [44:29]
A
Thanks again to my guests today for joining me and to shop my for sponsoring this season of Talkshop. Head to the Show Notes to create your free shopper account and explore the curated storefronts from this season's designers. We'll be back next week with more thoughtful discussions and amazing guests. Follow us on Apple podcasts, Spotify and YouTube so you never miss an episode. And of course, follow me at Arielle Oken. See you next week.