Purple was the color scheme of the wedding. Large round tables, covered with light purple linen, surrounded the 30-foot high fountain in the Rincon Center in San Francisco. The dark purple favor bags, decorated with silver Chinese characters and placed among the shimmering silverware and sparkling glasses, seemed more like part of the decoration than gifts for the guests. Alternating floral centerpieces of glass cylinders filled with large dendrobium orchids and glass cubes covered with beds of purple carnations, topped by tall irises, enhanced the elegant settings. I saw Gigi briefly while she was checking the setup before helping the bride and groom settle into the hotel across the street.

There was no reason for me to take Gigi's time away from her activities that day since I had already seen the timetable for the wedding, down to the smallest detail, during my interview with her. I learned that she is a professional event planner, not only coordinating weddings but also organizing large events and conferences for high-tech companies in the area. Before she founded Social Circles, she completed the professional development program given by the Association of Bridal Consultants. She still attends continuing education classes at S.F. State University, studying budgeting and the art of negotiation.

Gigi is proud of her organizational talent. "My files are continuously updated and a mouse-click away for my customers to review." Pleasant, positive, upbeat, and accommodating, she loves working with her wedding clients. She eliminates the stress of wedding planning and enjoys incorporating ethnic wedding customs in the celebration. Gigi understands the importance of working with excellent wedding professionals and passes on to her clients any discounts she might receive from them.

When I asked Gigi what she likes best about her job, she replied: "When everything comes together on the wedding day and bride and groom are so happy." One of her brides, who had just returned from her honeymoon, describes her as a "lifesaver." After her own wedding planning faltered, she turned to the professional for help. "Gigi knew immediately what to do and helped me get organized. She made wonderful suggestions without being pushy and, in the end, the wedding turned out so much better than I ever could have done." She went on to tell me that while she was interviewing wedding consultants, she found Gigi by far to be the most prepared. "She listened carefully, wrote everything down, and created a convincing PowerPoint presentation. She researched our customs to be included in the ceremony and suggested such wonderful event professionals. After working with her during the planning stage, I knew, I did not have to worry about one thing on our wedding day."