We recently had the chance to connect with Jessie Craig and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Jessie, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
Many engaged couples view a wedding planner as a luxury rather than a necessity. While not every couple needs full-service planning from start to finish, every couple needs someone involved closer to the wedding day. No matter how organized or Type A a couple may be, there are always loose ends, timelines, and vendor coordination that need to be handled before the wedding happens. Having a professional to manage those details and act as the quarterback on the wedding day allows couples to be present, relaxed, and actually enjoy the celebration—without putting that responsibility on family or friends.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the owner and lead planner of According to Plan, a wedding planning business serving couples across the DFW area. I started the company after seeing too many couples feel overwhelmed by decisions, opinions, and timelines—during a season that should feel exciting, not stressful. I’m naturally laid-back but very Type A when it comes to logistics, which allows me to stay calm under pressure while quietly handling the details and anticipating issues before they arise.
I don’t believe in “perfect” weddings; I believe in well-planned, meaningful celebrations that reflect the couple and flow smoothly. My role is to provide thoughtful guidance, seamless vendor coordination, and behind-the-scenes support so couples can feel confident, present, and truly enjoy both their engagement and their wedding day.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about work. They owned a restaurant, and I started working there at 12. From the beginning, my sister and I were expected to work harder than anyone else—there was no special treatment, and no cutting corners. Watching my parents run a business taught me accountability, productivity, and the importance of showing up and pulling your weight.
Those lessons stayed with me through every career path I’ve taken, and they’re especially important now as an entrepreneur. When you work for yourself, discipline and self-management matter just as much as skill. Learning to work hard while also being intentional about separating work from family time is something I still value and practice every day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—like most entrepreneurs, I think there are cycles of self-doubt, especially when business slows or the industry shifts. The wedding industry is volatile by nature. Engagement seasons fluctuate, booking patterns change, and economic factors like inflation or recessions directly impact couples’ budgets. When budgets tighten, wedding planners are often one of the first vendors couples cut, even though having support—at least toward the end of the planning process—is essential to a smooth wedding day.
Those moments force you to constantly adjust, stay relevant, and rethink how you show up for couples. What keeps me going is hearing directly from my clients—through reviews, thank-you notes, and conversations—how much the support mattered to them. Knowing that I’m genuinely helping couples enjoy their wedding day is what pushes me to keep going and continue doing work I truly love.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. The public version of me is the real me. I’m Type A when it comes to organization and logistics, but laid-back in my approach. I don’t offer a lot of fluff—I’m genuine, thoughtful, and honest. I’m gentle in how I guide couples, but I’m always transparent, just as I am in my personal relationships. I don’t push an agenda or try to be overly bubbly. What you see is what you get—and that consistency is something my couples really value.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m definitely doing what I was born to do now. I followed the traditional path early on—earned a four-year degree and went straight into a corporate job, where I stayed for 11 years. It was stable, but it wasn’t fulfilling. It was a paycheck. I dreaded Mondays and counted down to Friday afternoons like so many people do.
When I discovered wedding planning, it started as a side hustle and slowly grew into my full-time career. The difference was immediate. I’m genuinely happy doing this work and excited—especially on wedding days. I know a lot of people don’t love what they do, and I understand that because I lived it for over a decade. But now, I truly love what I do, and that’s something I don’t take for granted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://accordingtoplandfw.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accordingtoplandfw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessieaccordingtoplan
Image Credits
Onyx and Ivory
Kiser Images
KMG Creative Photography
Jessica Rambo Photography
Jamie Huffman Photography
Peyronet Photography
Daylilies Photography
