Vendor Spotlight Series: One Fine Day

What inspired you to start One Fine Day, and what keeps you passionate about weddings?

Denise: It was a mix of passion and a little divine timing. I’d been thinking about starting my own planning company, and I asked God to show me signs if it was the right path. At the time, my son was heading to college, my daughter was planning her wedding, and financially, it seemed like a crazy leap—but I felt it in my gut. What keeps me passionate is the relationships we build with our clients. This isn’t just a job for us—it’s about celebrating life’s most significant milestones with people who become like family. I love seeing the joy on a couple’s face when everything comes together perfectly on their big day.

What’s a fun or unique fact about One Fine Day that people might not know?

Denise: One Fine Day was named after a song! Growing up, my dad and I danced to “One Fine Day” by The Chiffons. He’s no longer with us, but naming my business after that song feels like a little piece of him is with me on this daily journey. I wanted the name to have meaning, represent all kinds of events—not just weddings—and remind us that every celebration should be one fine day!

What sets One Fine Day apart from other wedding planners in the Upstate?

Denise: There are so many talented planners in the Upstate, but what makes us different is that One Fine Day is a relationship, not just a service. We make ourselves available to our clients 24/7—this is more than a transaction; we genuinely become part of their family. We customize every step of the planning process to fit each couple’s wants and needs. We don’t put our clients in a box—we’re there to serve and ensure their day is exactly what they’ve dreamed of.

Can you tell us about your team and how you ensure a great experience for couples?

Denise: We’re a team of seven extraordinary ladies—three lead planners and four assistants. We provide a lead planner and an assistant for every event, no matter the size, to ensure top-notch customer service. Each team member brings their strengths, but we’re all trained and educated to provide the couple, venue, vendors, and guests have a wonderful experience. We’re there to make everything run smoothly and keep the day stress-free for everyone involved.

How do you work with couples to bring their wedding vision to life?

Denise: We start with a consultation to ensure we’re a good fit for the couple. Once they join the One Fine Day family, we have planning meetings to educate them on the process while learning about their vision, wants, and needs. We recommend vendors that fit their budget and style, create a custom timeline, and build a floor plan to maximize the venue space. We’re there for vendor meetings, tastings, and anything they need. We aim to provide an excellent experience, so the couple feels at ease—this is a massive milestone in their lives, and we want them to enjoy every moment.

What are some of the biggest design trends for 2025 weddings?

Denise: We see vibrant colors, photo booths, textured and printed linens, live painters, and bows everywhere! Wedding cakes are getting more straightforward, and dessert bars are becoming a big trend. I’m a true Southern girl, so I love the bows—they add such a fun, celebratory vibe. And the bright colors? They make the day feel so joyful and unique!

What about wedding planning trends for 2025? Are couples approaching planning differently?

Denise: Definitely! We’re seeing a lot of working brides and couples who don’t have as much time to focus on planning as in years past. Because of that, we’re doing more partial and complete planning—offering proposals for ideas, setups, and more. Couples trust our expertise more, which I love because it lets us take the reins and make the process easier.

What’s the #1 tip you’d give to couples just starting their wedding planning journey?

Denise: Have a budget! It’s the foundation of everything. We help couples stay on track by conducting monthly check-ins, recommending vendors within their price range, and finding alternatives to their wants if needed. We focus on their top three priorities—everything else is negotiable.

What’s one detail couples often overlook that can significantly impact their wedding day?

Denise: A good DJ! Couples don’t always realize how much a great DJ sets the tone for the entire party. They’re the emcee for the night, keeping guests on the dance floor and ensuring everyone’s having a blast. It’s a vital piece of the puzzle.

One Fine Day has a passion for creating joyful, memorable weddings. They pour their heart into every event! On a personal note, Denise shared that the One Fine Day team loves Mexican food, dancing on the sidelines at receptions, and—of course—cake. They’re also a preferred vendor at over a dozen venues in the Upstate, a proud member of the Upstate Bridal Association, and they’re licensed and insured, regularly attending continuing education courses to keep growing their expertise.

When Denise isn’t planning weddings, you might find her riding a Harley with her husband, enjoying some “wind therapy” to unwind and let her mind rest. And speaking of unwinding, we couldn’t resist including this sweet photo of Denise and Jaqueline sharing a heartfelt moment on our Southern wrap-around porch—a perfect example of the joy and connection that One Fine Day helps create at every event.

Ready to work with One Fine Day to plan your wedding at The Venue at Cherokee Valley? We’d love to help you get started! Visit our Packages page to learn more about our venue and all-inclusive packages, which include month-of coordination with One Fine Day. You can also check out One Fine Day on their website, Instagram, or Facebook to see more of their fantastic work. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s create a day that’s truly one fine day for you and your loved ones.

Stay tuned for the next feature in our Vendor Spotlight Series, where we’ll introduce another incredible professional who can make your wedding at The Venue at Cherokee Valley unforgettable.

Warmly,

The Team at The Venue at Cherokee Valley