For this week’s Creatives Who Inspire installment we interviewed Jennifer Hronek, the founder and principal planner of Joie de Vivre Events and Weddings, a luxury special event planning company based in Los Angeles. Jennifer’s own “Joie de Vivre,” meaning joy of living, is evident in every event she plans. From conception to planning, and ultimately through execution of the event, Jennifer delivers a memorable affair. Over the last two decades, we’ve been inspired by her professionalism, calmness under pressure and ability to deliver thoughtfully curated weddings, meetings, social and corporate events of all styles and sizes. She also has a new offering for couples planning to get married amidst Covid-19. Enter the Joie de Vivre Petite package. Intimate, seamless, and every bit as special, this is a nice option that meets half-way between a large wedding and courthouse nuptials.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Honestly? I hit the snooze button! And then I take a few moments to think about the day ahead.
What’s your all-time favorite movie?
This is a tough question! Probably Gone With The Wind.
What’s one thing you love about the event industry?
We are so lucky because our industry is built upon reinventing itself. The very nature of events requires innovation. COVID stumped all of us when it first hit, but I think we have a keen responsibility to figure out how we can continue to help people engage and connect. Whether it is for meetings, celebrations, or corporate events, people still need to get together. So not only is it a responsibility for us to help people find ways to celebrate and come together (safely, of course), but it is also a unique opportunity for us to rethink many of the ways we do things. I can’t let this question go without also mentioning how much I love the people in our industry. Not only are we surrounded by brilliantly creative people, these are the people we want to hang out with. They are the people who have seen us at our highs and our most stressed-out lows and we all have each others’ backs.
Tell us about your pet(s).
Moose is our 2-year-old, 16 lbs. Bison Frise/Shih Tzu. He loves having all of us home during COVID and spends his days going from lap to lap.
What’s your favorite quote to live by?
“You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however.” – Richard Bach
This has been my favorite quote since I was a teenager. The interesting thing is that I often see the quote without the second sentence – which is the most important part of the quote.
Describe your favorite meal.
Wine and chocolate have to be involved, of course! Rack of lamb or beef short ribs with an artichoke and cooked in a pressure cooker with onions, red wine vinegar, Tabasco and lemon, paired with a bold glass of Cabernet and followed by a chocolate souffle.
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere. Beauty is all around us – sometimes in the tiniest of places. As I go through the day, I try to notice things that make me happy – the rustling of leaves, a pretty flower, light streaming through clouds, a fun color combination. As creatives, we need to be aware and try to observe as much as we can. Sometimes inspiration will appear to come out of the blue when in reality it is your brain processing something you have seen in a different way that will work in an event scenario. I am also inspired by collaborating with other creatives because I enjoy the process of building on a concept with others.
Name three things you can’t live without.
Have I mentioned wine and chocolate? Honestly, you can’t buy these, but friendship, laughter and having something to look forward to are what I really can’t live without.
Where can we find you?
Read our interview with Deborah James of Bella Vita Events.
Read our interview with Jessica Whitney of ZOē Productions.
Read our interview with Liese Gardner of Liese Gardner Communications.
Read our interview with Nicole Gillis of Nicole Alexandra Designs.
