Work/Life Balance + Wedding Planning

August means one thing for us at Back Patio...family vacation time! Whether you are knee deep in planning your own wedding or planning others, never forget the importance of work/life balance! We both love to work and push ourselves to be better in this industry, better partners for each other and even better for our amazing clients, however we also love our time with family and friends. With that said, we wanted to share a few personal details about ourselves. A few things that truly help us stay grounded during the amazing month of August!

A moment with Laura...

Why does the month of August excite you so much?

Since I was a baby, my family has had an annual tradition of heading out of town and driving to the beach for vacation. After moving to San Diego 10 years ago, the tradition started to fade, however last year my parents decided to plan a reboot!

Where is your annual family vacation and what do you do with your family?

Jersey Shore! From Stone Harbor, Avalon, Sea Isle City to Ocean City, I have always had an incredible time with family laying on the beach, swimming far out into the ocean to cool off and walking the boardwalk at night for a week straight. We keep it simple at the shore: No fancy outings. Just great food, long walks, a bathing suit, umbrella and the beach, filled with family time. And oh yeah...no computers and no work!

What is different about this summer vacation vs any others?

Last year I traveled solo to spend the week with family, however this year I get to introduce my San Diego born-and-raised husband to a little piece of the east coast I still call home. The boardwalk to him is what we have here in Pacific and Mission Beach. I can’t wait to introduce him to a slice of Jersey pizza and the REAL boardwalk accompanied by games and rides.

Why do you suggest taking a break like a vacation, road trip or staycation from planning to your couples and fellow planners?

This time of year may be full swing wedding planning for couples and planners, however it’s so important to keep your vacation traditions alive. Don’t have one? Make one! Jet set out of town and spend some needed R + R with family and friends. It keeps me sane and also recharges me back into my work. Work/life balance is key!

A moment with Kayla...

Why does the month of August excite you so much?

For more than 20 years now, my husband’s family holds an annual family reunion at a park in Michigan every August. What’s amazing is that this is a true family reunion that more than 25 families attend each year! Talk about a great tradition!

Where is your annual family vacation and what do you do with your family?

Detroit, Michigan might not be your typical vacation destination, but through my husband and his family, it has become a wonderful family vacation that I look forward to each year! The family reunion means a great deal to everyone so they go all out every year. I mean, there’s even two pinatas! One for the kids and one for the adults. If you ever have a pinata at your party for the kiddos, I highly recommend having one for the adults as well. Hilarious.

What is different about this summer vacation vs any others?

This year’s trip will be extra special as we now have a little one who will be coming with us and will be introduced to ‘The Mitten’. I absolutely cannot wait for her to meet her family in Michigan and watch her interact with all of her cousins!

Why do you suggest taking a break like a vacation, road trip or staycation from planning to your couples and fellow planners?

This time of year is absolutely full of plans for the rest of the year. We happen to be the busiest with weddings this fall and winter, but we also have all of the holidays to look forward to! Personally, I get quite ahead of myself in planning all of the fall and winter happenings, which is why the annual August trip has been such a great break for me. Having a ‘planner’ personality, I need these vacations, or breaks to help reinvigorate me coming back to work, but also to remind myself to enjoy the now!