Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina McDaniel.
Christina, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved creating, decorating and making things look pretty and unique. There has always been that creative side in me, however, since my teenage years I also had a strong passion for Law Enforcement. I finally achieved the Law Enforcement dream and performed that for 11 years. Even though I found my Law Enforcement career fulfilling, I was not able to use all of my creative side and I just felt that there was something missing.
In 2016, I began the planning and execution of my daughter’s quinceañera. This involved the searching for vendors, the cinderella looking dress, the venue, etc and before I knew it, people were complimenting how beautiful her quinceañera was and how it was one of the best ones they had ever attended. That made me extremely proud! I couldn’t believe I had created the perfect grand event for my daughter’s special day!
I decided this was not only something I was good at, it was what I wanted to do! I knew in order to do things the right way, I was about to embark on a journey of many sacrifices. I then went to night school to obtain my Professional Photography Training. After I completed that certification, I began an expensive and time-consuming program to obtain my Wedding and Event Planning Certification. All the while I was still working in my full-time Law Enforcement job. In 2017 I decided I was ready to look for a place to purchase to start my own Wedding and Event Venue. After a lengthy search of approximately a year, I found the perfect place! A 122-year-old building located in the Historical District of Downtown Terrell, TX. The restoration and remodel was not an easy project nor was it cheap, but with the help of my husband, we managed to make it a reality. Six months later my dream began. I quit my job in Law Enforcement to devote myself full time to my new adventure. The French Soirée was born!
We just recently opened for business and we have been blessed to have had the opportunity to host several beautiful weddings and other special events.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A 122-year-old building has it’s own special issues when it comes to restoration and renovation and getting the building in compliance with the modern codes. And of course, there is always the unexpected additional expenses for a project such as this. Once we were done, our building was transformed from old from old to a timeless nostalgic beauty!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The French Soirée – what should we know?
The French Soirée is a Wedding and Event Venue. We specialize in intimate Weddings, however, we also offer our venue for corporate events, workshops, family reunions, art exhibits, birthday parties, etc.
While renovating the building we took into consideration from my own experience as a professional photographer to use paint and windows that would complement the natural lighting to create gorgeous photographs. In addition to the wedding and event rentals, the French Soirée also rents the venue as a photography studio to professional photographers.
What we believe sets us apart from others is that we can provide photography services in house, coordination and decor services, as well as styling services without the client having to outsource these services. With these extras, we can be a one-stop-shop for your event.
Customer service to us is the most important thing to provide, and we are proud to say that it is one of the things our clients always talk about after their event at The French Soirée.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
There are many, integrity, discipline, building relationships, appreciation for others in the industry, excellent customer service, professionalism are all important to us.
Pricing:
- 12 Hour Packages starting from $2,000
- Hourly Event Rates starting from $175
- Photography Studio Hourly Rates starting from $100
Contact Info:
- Address: 119 E. Moore Ave.
Terrell, TX. 75160 - Website: www.thefrenchsoiree.com
- Phone: (469) 952-1832
- Email: thefrenchsoiree1897@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_french_soiree
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrenchsoiree
Image Credit:
Personal Image : Victoria Searcey
Other: Christina McDaniel, Emmarie Jackson, Allie Thomas, Lyncca Harvey
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