Behind The Michelle Norwood Events Brand: 10 Fun Facts!

When you hire a wedding planner and designer, you’re really hiring the person behind the brand. And while my portfolio of past weddings, reviews, testimonials, and Instagram feed photos should give you a good idea as to what I do, I’m all about creating a personal connection… 

That’s because I believe that if we’re going to pull off an event that is a true reflection of you, we have to get to know one another really well. So, yes, I’m a wedding planner and designer based in New Orleans. And yes, I specialize in personal, intimate, and romantic New Orleans destination weddings. But if you really want to get to know me, read on for 10 fun, (yet important and personal!) facts about me and my brand.

 

1. My signature style? Intimate, romantic, effortless and natural.

I love creating weddings that feel elegant but not fussy, unique but not contrived, timeless and always personal. And with that in mind, my couples tend to have smaller guest lists (usually somewhere between 20 and 100). Those smaller, more intimate weddings are perfect for New Orleans courtyard venues and they lend themselves really well to incredibly detailed tables and reception design. I love family-style dinners and I do a lot of lush floral tablescapes and long tables with custom place settings. Oh and curated lounge vignettes everywhere please! 

 

2. I’m like the Intercultural, interracial, inter-everything planner.

I don’t believe in lanes or labels. It feels outdated and stale. Instead, I love to mix and match and I love the intersection of culture, race, customs, colors, and details. Most of my clients feel the same way. That’s why we get along so well–working together to find ways to honor and celebrate all the pieces and parts of us. Whether it’s a bright red cake and tea ceremony to honor her Chinese background or incorporating a flower into the bouquet as a nod to grandma, I believe that it’s the sum of our backgrounds that make us beautiful and unique.

 

3. I’m a New Orleans lifer.

I was born and raised in New Orleans. And I think that because I’m a NOLA native, I have a unique perspective on diversity (as I like to say, the polycultural magic of the city really does inspire me and my point of view!). I truly believe what makes us different and unique is also what makes us beautiful. The curiosities of the city inspire me to travel the world and uncover the magic of other places and cities… But I’ll always come back home to New Orleans.

 

4. Discovering and uncovering new and hidden gem New Orleans venues is my thing.

New Orleans is full of amazing venues with rich history, stories and beauty. From courtyards with secret gardens to modern industrial lofts, Victorian homes, and jazz clubs, there’s so much to explore–and I make it my business to do exactly that! You can read all about my favorite New Orleans courtyard wedding venues right here. But it’s not just traditional venues either. This goes for restaurants too! I’m all over it. There are so many hidden gems in the city and withstanding a pandemic, you’re likely to find me in one more than a few times a week. That leads me to number 3…

5. I’m a self-proclaimed foodie.

I love food and I can’t imagine not taking advantage of all the New Orleans has to offer when it comes to menu and cocktail options. When you come to visit me, I have a full itinerary and it involves at least a half dozen restaurants. I’ll try anything once and that also goes for at-home cooking. I am the go-to cook in my family. I swear my family would go hungry if I didn’t cook on the regular! When I’m home, I cook a lot. I love meat but I am currently working toward eating more plant-based vegan meals. And when it comes to dessert… anything with caramel! 

If you’re curious about more of my food obsessions, I like to go live on my personal Instagram from my kitchen on the regular with a fun show I’ve coined “what’s in your pantry?” Feel free to watch!

 

 

6. I’m a globetrotter–I love to travel the world and learn about new cultures.

I love to travel the world and learn about new cultures, meet new people, try new foods and explore. Whether it’s Iceland with my besties driving around for hours with a map, finding waterfalls, volcanos, mountains and collecting great memories or off-roading with my family on the trails that lead to the Jade Cenotes in the heart of Cozumel’s jungle, travel ignites me and feeds my soul. 

 

7. Natural beauty regimes are my thing. 

I love creating at-home beauty products using natural ingredients–from papaya facial scrubs to coffee exfoliants, honey masks and more. In fact, it’s become such an obsession of mine over the years that my clients often ask me for custom recipes and regimes. 

 

 

8. I’m a recovering accountant! 

Can you believe that I used to have a desk job and stare at spreadsheets and numbers all day? It’s true! And although I have happily left that life behind, I have not forgotten how powerful a spreadsheet can be! I’m super organized and detail-oriented and I am a total perfectionist when it comes to keeping my clients on track with their checklist, payments and tasks. 

 

9. Named One of the Best Planners in the World by Harper’s Bazaar Magazine

I shy away from anything that sounds like bragging but this was such an honor–a career highlight for me–that I had to include it here. More important though than making it onto this list is just knowing how amazing my clients are. They’re the ones who are so cool and open to new ideas. They’re the reason my weddings get featured in publications and such and I just feel very humbled yet proud to be where I am. 

 

10. And last but not least… I have two instagram accounts! 

I tend to hold back a little bit on my business account @michellenorwoodevents. I keep that content to weddings, events, and a sprinkling of personal and travel photos. That’s not the case on my personal Instagram account though! If you’re really curious as to what I’m all about (from my What’s In Your Pantry Instagram live show to behind-the-scenes style shoots, travel and more), you can follow along @themichellenorwood.

 

I hope this gives you a better idea as to who I really am, what I value and how I approach destination weddings and events here in New Orleans and beyond. Now it’s your turn… I want to get to know you! If you’re thinking about getting married in New Orleans or scouting courtyard venues or just engaged and not sure where to start, let’s chat! I’m here for you.

For now, I’ll leave you with a fun video we did in honor of our re-brand party this summer. Enjoy!