Meet Camela Jones | Dream Weaver, Event/Wedding Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Camela Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Camela, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am originally from Dayton, Ohio.  I did live in Jacksonville, Florida for most of my tween/teen years but would come back to Ohio to spend the summers with my grandparents.  My grandmother, Agnes, was the queen of entertainment and all things feminine and elegant.  She taught me how to set a formal dining room table, she would pull out the fine china for special dinners and we always had friends and family over.  My grandmother also worked at the University of Dayton in the food halls, she fed students, the UD football and basketball teams and even the President of the university and other faculty.  I absolutely followed in her footsteps.  She held those jobs before I was born and it’s crazy to see how that same role of hospitality and celebration has played a pivotal role in my career.  Growing up in the midwest and in the south cultivated my “never meet a stranger” nature and having the gift of “the spirit of hospitality!”  

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started in the hospitality industry in Atlanta, Georgia in 2004 working for ESPN ZONE as a event coordinator. From there I worked mostly in special events, sporting events and social events within the hospitality world (restaurants & sporting events). I’ve always loved the service industry when it comes to special events. Crafting a plan for my clients to see their vision come to life is definitely a passion of mine. A successful event with memorable moments is what I crave!

I didn’t start planning weddings until 2013 when I was a wedding sales manager at Embassy Suites. Getting to learn a couple’s love story and then meeting their families was the best! From there I went on to the be the Director of Events and Galas for Westin Columbus. It gave me a different perspective of high end events and weddings. What didn’t change is helping couples celebrate their union and their families. I knew this was what I wanted to do for living and for myself under my own brand.

Lessons I’ve learned is to sometimes take breaks for yourself. I’ve been going hard for 8 years and burnout is real. Take time for yourself and unplug, get some rest and get inspired again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The best time to come to Columbus Ohio is the early fall!!! You can’t beat a crisp evening in the Midwest!

So, Our first meal would be at Kitchen Social at Bridge Park in Dublin with a short walk over the Scioto river for my favorite ice cream at Jeni’s!!

Saturdays in the fall are for tailgating and The Buckeyes at The Shoe!!!

Bud Dairy Food Hall for some fried chicken & greens at Modern Southern Table on a a Sunday afternoon and we dance all those calories off at my favorite HIP HOP set called THE REDO! It’s a collaboration of DJ’s that only spin on vinyl records and the music is all old school hip hop @ R&B.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be able to execute these weddings & events without my lead coordinator, Lamar Cromwell and my day of team mates: Amy, Rae, Jessica, Anne Marie Tori and Adrienne (Designer).

I can create a 15 page timeline every week but it takes a team to walk that plan and create the magic. I appreciate each and everyone of these people.

The weddings & events community of Columbus Ohio is always super supportive. I do have mentors too. I reach out for support & encouraging words.

Website: www.Camelalynnweddingsandevents.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/Camelalynnweddingsandevents

Linkedin: Camela Jones

Image Credits
Jehan Photography Comfort Photography Hailey Lauren Photography