Her Story
About Megan
Megan Coffey is a fifth year event and wedding planner for Pomona at Blue Barn in Hilton, NY.
She's continually inspired by new trends, getting creative with color matching and decor samples, networking with local trusted vendors, and all the while building lasting bonds with her clients.
Growing up, she loved watching TLC's "Four Weddings," always noting what she would do differently for each featured wedding. Working in the wedding industry always seemed like such a reach, and while she knew it would take time, ultimately she knew this is what she wanted to do - it just took some time to get there.
After graduating college in just three years with a Bachelors of Science in Community Health from SUNY Cortland, she began working at the American Diabetes Association. Here, she worked within the youth and family programming department, focusing on the Camp Aspire youth summer programs. After that summer, she transitioned into planning their annual Walk & 5K Run. It's here, where she got the real-life experience for event planning and execution.
From there, Megan worked for the Center for Disability Rights for 4+ years with a focus on Managing CDPAS attendant services throughout NYS to help those with disabilities live independently within the community with proper in-home supports.
Switching to the Regional Center for Independent Living within the disabilities organization, gave Megan even more management and programming experience. From benefits advisement, independent living skills training, employment services, to nursing home transition programs, she loved advocating for those who are often underserved and misunderstood. This theme of advocacy and helping people continues to carry through her professional experience, even today.
After working in non-profits for several years, Megan took 6-months to travel the globe, quite literally! This time was crucial for self-reflection, adventure and and some much needed time to reset and plan some new future professional goals.
While on a solo hiking trip, Megan recieved notification of an entry level position at a local wedding venue. While on that hike she quickly filled out an application, knowing that this was THE next adventure for her. So she took that leap of faith.
Since then, Megan as worked her way from Event Assistant, to Venue Coordinator, to Lead Venue Coordinator at Pomona at Blue Barn over the last five years. Each year, learning more and more, leaning into creative projects and being her couples biggest cheerleader on their most special day.
Recognized locally within the wedding industry with her co-worker (also named Megan) and coined as the M&M Duo, she prides herself on uplifting her clients, being their number one advocate and built in bestie, while executing luxury events & weddings in the Rochester, NY area.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Megan
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to the hard work ethic that was instilled from my parents. I've seen them work incredibly hard my whole life for us as a family. My parents now own their own business, and it's so inspiring to see them working hard but still smiling everyday from working together.
Just like I love to be my couples biggest cheerleaders, my parents are truly mine and have supported me every step of the way both personally and professionally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Love what you do!
We all go through it, but more times than not I've worked for companies where I'm dreading the next day. The long lasting excitement just wasn't there sometimes.
I genuinely LOVE what I get to do everyday working in the field I do now, and I don't take that for granted.
Every day, every event, is a new group of people, new decor, new color schemes, new vendors. It keeps the long days fresh and fun!
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be afraid to make mistakes. When I first started as an event assistant, I was terrified that I wouldn't execute their vision, that I'd say the wrong thing to a vendor, that I would mix up the day-of timeline. It's so important to ask questions, train hands-on by shadowing other coordinators, and build your confidence as a leader.
Also, invest in a really good pair of arch support shoes! We're on our feet running around all day, often for 14 to 16 hours for event days.
I never knew just how important foot care is until this job. It seems silly, but it's so important for lasting stamina on busy weekends.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
We see a lot of our couples going through financial challenges as everything from vendors, florals, catering, etc. is getting more and more expensive. Being able to be flexible, creative and collaborative with that couple to help their vision come to life is so important.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Trust is a huge one, both personally and professionally. Our clients and couples put a lot of trust in us throughout the planning process leading up to their event day.
Ultimately, you have to be a "people person" and thrive being around people, even if you're not feeling like your 100% best that day.
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