Tell us about your business. (Where are you located, and what services do you offer)
My name is Brenda, I am the owner and founder of Heaven’s Blessings Weddings & Events, and Milovat’ Travel. We are located in Northern New Hampshire. Our Services include Officiating, Wedding & Celebration Planning, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, & Group Travel. I also have an online store that showcases Swarovski Crystal Jewelry and Wedding Accessories.
How long have you been in the Event Planning industry?
I started planning birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, wedding events, and weddings for family and friends since I was about 20 years old. A colleague of mine asked if I had ever thought of becoming a certified wedding and event planner and that really got me thinking. I checked into the options available to become a certified planner and enrolled in Pen Fosters Wedding Planning program this program was part of the Association of Bridal Consultants Programs. I was certified through exams and became a member of the Association of bridal consultants as a novice planner In 2009. I have been planning Weddings and Celebrations formally for 11 years.
Why did you become an Event Planner?
Sometimes we do things we love without understanding exactly why it is we do it, only knowing that we love it. I have always said it was because “I love weddings”. I realized after a recent reflection in my Mentorship with Joey & Lee that there was so much more to it. I realized I loved planning weddings & celebrations, destination weddings, honeymoons, and travel for clients because I wanted them to be able to plan and have their dream celebration, that their special day was their moment. It was about them and their vision. I realized that I did not have that, rather it was the complete opposite, but from that, I learned what I wanted to do, what I could do, and what I could assist in creating. That is why it is so important for me to “make today’s moments tomorrow’s memories” with my couples and families.
What is it like owning a business in an area known for destination weddings? 
Living in the mountains of Northern New Hampshire in the Presidential Mountain Range has always been a beautiful place to be. We are home to Mt. Washington with its stunning views and amazing presence. Defining destination weddings for me, in my mind a destination has always been somewhere other than where I live. Recently I reassessed that as something that I could bring to people. Yes, there were people coming to the area, I realized I needed to search outside
As an EPA member and mentee under David Tutera how has the mentorship program affected your business and personal life?
The mentorship has opened new doors. It has allowed me the courage to recognize my goals, say them out loud, move forward, and make them happen. The David Tutera Mentorship has transformed my mindset.
In my personal life, I am more confident, I have the courage to ask, previously I would suppress the question and hope someone else might ask it.
Being a part of the mentorship and learning from David, Joey & Lee has really impacted my life in many ways. I have found myself stepping up and not hiding in the shadows hoping someone else will ask the question I am thinking. I have allowed myself to embrace my dreams and say them out loud. I have transformed my thought process from one that held me back to one that moves me forward. I am so grateful for all of these transformations.
Being a member of EPA has connected me to professionals that I would not have been introduced to had it not been for Davids, Joey and Lee. Each challenge, the mentorships have connected me with people that have in some way helped me to elevate.
What advice would you give someone just starting out in the field?
Acknowledge your dreams & make them happen. You are the one in control of your destiny.
What do you look forward to learning about in the mentorship?
Each session in the mentorship teaches us various aspects of the Wedding Industry, like how to plan exceptional events. I am looking forward to digging deeper into my mindset, building my skills, and continue building connections with one another. I look forward to each session to what David and Joey share. Each session builds on the previous and unlocks a different level of thinking and application.
Are there any fun tips you have for event planners?
Be yourself, lead with confidence. Become part of programs like the David Tutera Mentorship, Mentorship with Joey & Lee, it is there that you will learn so much from people who have been through it, align yourself with amazing people and amazing things will happen.
Always bring an extra pair of shoes and a stick of white chalk 
I see you have been doing self-care/ reflection help for Event Planners can you tell me more about that?
The group “Self-Care for Wedding Professionals” was born out of the confidence I received in the mentorships. I have always wanted to teach self-care from a spiritual perspective. We cover topics such as “Self-Care” meaning how do we take care of ourselves in order to accomplish what we need to do in our daily lives. We define what self-care is, an overview of the various areas of self-care, we participate in meditations, guided meditations, grounding, dance, music, reflection. Self-Care for the Wedding Professional Mini Mods II will dig deeper into Journaling, the various types of journaling, their use, and how to use them effectively. Then we will move into Forgiveness journaling and the process of letting go. These mini-mods are in no way meant to diagnose or treat any medical issues but rather give us tools to help us handle stress in today’s world and remind us that in order to give completely to others we must learn ways to take care of ourselves.
This group also showcases the gifts of members allowing them to share their beautiful brilliance. A few weeks ago mentee VV presented on dance and shared her salsa congress. We have a beautiful lineup of presenters and I am excited for each presentation and most excited for the joy they will bring the participants.
What was one of your favorite events you have planned? Do you have pictures?
There are so many that are near and dear to my heart. I went to school with the bride, she called me to see if I could officiate her ceremony. She then mentioned that she was overwhelmed with everything and asked if I would help her with the planning side of things. I agreed to assist her, and the planning experience was magical. She was the sweetest bride I could have ever asked for. When I arrived to assist with set up, she was already there. I usually get there two hours before everyone would be scheduled to arrive. We had so much fun setting up and putting the final touches on everything. Knowing that she would probably show up extra early on the wedding day, I arrived extra early and who greeted me. Yes, the bride. I am going to share the pics with you regarding her wedding day.
Tell us a few fun facts about you that no one would guess!
A fun fact about me that no one would guess, I am studying Metaphysical Science with a focus on Crystals & Angels.
I love to travel, I have been to 19 countries, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, and Europe. One of the most emotional trips that I participated in was when I led a group of students along the Holocaust Trail. I learned a lot about myself but really learned about the plight of so many before us. I was able to assist students in processing the event, that summer was life-changing for me on so many levels. I love planning to travel.
One of my goals is to create a Wedding Retreat Center & Venue.
Photography credit, Gabriel Rosaro, Riviera Maya
Photography credit, Photography Punta Cana, Brenda Bergeron Photography
Design, HRRM Weddings
Design, Caribbean Celebrations
