Spotlight: Samantha Dockery of Bliss by Sam

I had the recent opportunity to spend some time with Samantha Dockery owner and lead consultant/planner of Bliss by Sam – a full service event planning & styling company based in Durham, NC. Within seconds it is obvious that she is full of energy and has a natural upbeat, can do attitude. As we spoke, it became clear that she not only excels at event planning, she loves it!

Here is the Samantha Dockery “snapshot”:

* Birthplace: New York City

* Current Residence: Durham, NC

* Qualifications:

1999 – Bachelor of Science In Nursing (aka really good at taking care of people and cleaning up their messes!)
2001 – Masters in Business Administration (aka really good about reminding clients that they can’t go broke over their events!)
2005 – Certified through the Association of Certified Wedding Consultants
2008 – Obtained Professional Planner designation through the Association of Bridal Consultants

Samantha and her team offer flexibility in their wedding services by making several tiers of planning:

• Full Service Planning & Event Styling
• Partial Planning
• Final Month Coordination

She is fortunate to have a rock solid and fun staff with whom she works and shares experiences:

• Rachel Hamm - Professional Wedding Planner
  Services Provided: Full Service Wedding & Event Styling, Partial Planning Services & Final Month Coordination
• Ali Bamberger -
  Services Provided: Final Month Coordination
• LaShayla Simpson -
  Services Provided: Final Month Coordination
• Lee E. Lewis -
  Services Provided: Event Planner & Event Styling

While sitting down with her, I had the opportunity to ask Samantha a few questions about work, life and other things.

What do you find the most rewarding about your job?

She loves the happy moments in life. Delivering an excellent product.

She loves making the biggest day of her couple's lives bigger, better and happier.

At the end of the day, it is the “Thank you's”

What do you do when you are not working?

Three words – TRAVEL and DALLAS COWBOYS!!

She has traveled all over the world, from Barcelona (where she almost decided to stay and have her things shipped to her), to London, the Riviera Maya, Cancun and Chicago just to name a few.

What’s the one thing you wish everyone knew about you or your business?

You will get the highest level of service regardless of which team member with which you are working. Her entire team is top of the line!

For clients investing in Full Service Event Planning & Styling, the BBS girls take “team approach” to the max by getting the couples' vendors together at least once to assist with designing the overall event.

What do you think sets your company apart from other companies?

• They have systems and back-up systems as well as an operations manual. They are one of the few planning companies that are run like a corporation.
• They tackle the work (and a lot of work and preparation it is) with a highly spirited attitude making it all seem effortless and FUN
• Samantha and her team are highly organized, educated and up to date.
• She and her team are not trendy, but “trend-setters”.
• They are full disclosure planners, making sure every vendor receives all planning information so everyone is on the same page with everything

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever seen?

Someone brought a HAMSTER to a wedding and asked her team where they should put it!

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever seen?

There was one event at the Fearrington , a very small and personal event with only about 35 people and everyone got to know one another. It was a great evening!

There was another event at the Umstead, where the dance floor was surrounded by custom created palm trees, it was a tropical and larger than life vision.

What’s the biggest mistake people make in their planning?

• When planning their budget, many people forget about the tax and gratuity which can change the overall figures substantially.
• Many people forget to allow for an efficient time line after the ceremony, wedding party pictures and cocktail hour leading up to the reception.

Who are your favorite music artists/bands?

• Beyonce
• Prince
• Lil  Wayne
• Adele
• Maroon 5
• Steven Tyler
• Daughtry
• Pitbull

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to couples or people during their planning?

• Remember what you are celebrating. Everything else is trivial compared to that.
• If you need a comprehensive outline, refer to “The Knot” for their planning tool, it is outstanding!
  
  
  Great information from one of Raleigh's top wedding planning & styling professionals - Samantha Dockery of Bliss by Sam!
  
  
  Keep on dancing!
  
  
  Jim Unger
  Professional Raleigh DJ & Owner
  Ninety Nine Entertainment
  "Raleigh's Source for Professional DJ Entertainment"