Vendor Spotlight: Debbie with Sunshine Events by Debbie
Meet Debbie Miller, Owner of Sunshine Events by Debbie! From full service planning to DJ services, Debbie can help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Get to know more about her today!
What makes you or your business stand out and why should a couple hire you?
We are a family business that provides Full Planning, Partial Planning, Month/Day Of Coordination, and DJ Service. We only book one event per week, which keeps the focus on YOU! We are prepared to go above and beyond on all of our services for all of our couples. We ensure that you are completely comfortable and stress-free during your planning and your big day. We offer a 10% DISCOUNT when any of our Planning or Coordination packages are bundled with our DJ Service.
What’s a weird/unusual tip you tell your couples?
Make your wedding YOURS. Don’t rely on tradition for everything. Switch the sides that the parents sit on during the ceremony, enjoy champagne before the ceremony, blow bubbles as you exit the ceremony, don’t like cake – serve pie or donuts at your reception, wear your sneakers under your dress. It is your day. Be unique and make a memorable impression on your guests.
What’s your favorite thing about what you do?
I love LOVE! I love being a part of my couples’ special day and celebrating the beginning of their new life together. I love helping my brides find the perfect dress, the best menu, and gorgeous flowers. I love creating layouts, and all those extras such as welcome bags, programs, and escort cards. I love turning a dream, a vision, into reality.
If you care to share, how did you get to where you are now?
I have always been drawn to the wedding industry. In my early twenties, I worked for a hotel and bartended large weddings and events. I moved on to a local florist where I assisted brides in selecting the perfect flowers for their big day. All the while I was planning weddings for friends and family. This was my calling and when I found the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institutes course for wedding planning at the University of Richmond, it was a no brainer! Once certified, I worked for a local wedding planner for a year and then decided it was time to venture out on my own. I am so happy I took the leap!
What’s something every couple should know before getting married?
My favorite quote is from Dave Willis, “Marriage is not 50/50. Divorce is 50/50. Marriage has to be 100-100. It isn’t dividing everything in half, but giving everything you’ve got!”
What’s your go-to spot to eat in RVA?
I love to experience new food and I have so many favorite spots! I am loving the new restaurant Parterre, Lunch Supper, Billy Jacks, Kitchen 64, Secret Sandwich Society and so many more. It would be easier to list what I don’t like!
What did you want to be when you were little? Astronaut? Firefighter? Wedding Planner?
When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher. I still think about substituting from time to time. However, I find that teaching brides how to turn their dreams and visions into reality is so much better and a lot more fun.
What was your first job?
When I was in middle school I had a three street paper route! I delivered the Richmond News Leader every evening for 2 years. When I was old enough, I moved on to a temp agency and experienced so many different businesses in Richmond. I worked for large banks, insurance companies, and large retail companies.
What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
Breakfast is usually a LARGE cup of coffee before I head to the gym. After an hour or so of working out, I come home to a bowl of plain oatmeal with fat-free milk, walnuts, raisins, and a sliced banana. It’s really good and good for you! I try to eat healthy as much as possible. However, I am not afraid of carbs or sugar!
What do you like to do when you are away from work? Or where is your happy place?
I love to travel. We have been all over the United States and several other countries. We have a travel camper and love taking mini trips to the beach and mountains. Although traveling is my favorite pastime, I cannot always be away from home. So my weekly happy place is spending time with my pup, Lucy or the SPCA where I volunteer regularly.
What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?
For the past year, I have been working on learning American Sign Language. I have about a hundred words learned which is not really that much. However, I do enjoy learning new things and this has been so rewarding.
What’s your go-to dance move?
I am not a dancer and never have been. When on the dance floor, I feel like Elaine! However, I do fake it sometimes and can do a little side to side shoulder bounce. Learning at least one line dance and a good go-to move is on my list of things to do! If you have any easy moves for me, let me know!
Learn more about Debbie and how she can help you plan the wedding of your dreams on her website!
