Women Work: Joy Proctor of Joy Proctor Design

Women Work—No. 3

An Interview with Joy Proctor

It has been my privilege to know Joy Proctor for several years, to have worked with her on many projects—and—to call her my friend. She is a self-proclaimed optimist, one of my favorite qualities in a person. And like me, she is a forever student—always learning and seeking inspiration. In turn, she and her business are a great inspiration to me.

I was delighted to interview her for my third installment of the Women Work Series. And to top it off, I had the immense good fortune to meet up with her last month to take her portrait. It was truly a highlight to be shooting again, and with a favorite colleague.

Joy’s company, Joy Proctor Design, is a full service design house, serving discerning clients all over the world. The company is led by Joy, a true trendsetter and sought-after designer in the global wedding industry. She and her company have been named top event designers by Harper’s Bazaar and Brides.

I hope you enjoy her insights and wisdom from this incredible force of artistry and business. Without further ado…

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Joy Proctor @joyproctor
Creator of Joy Proctor Design

How many years have you been in business?

I started in November of 2007 in Santa Barbara, CA. I had freelanced for a super big planner at the time and was enamored with the beauty of it all. I left my job as a paralegal and took a part time job so that I had the time to take a few clients on. I put an ad on Craigslist, promising to plan one lucky couples wedding for free, to gain experience, and made the leap into wedding planner full time within a year. 13 years and more than 400 weddings later, Joy Proctor Design has transitioned from a wedding planning company to a full service design house, primarily catering to destination weddings.

Tell us about what you do and why it’s important.

To me, design is about more than just making things pretty, though creating beauty is one of the best parts of my job!  Design is the opportunity to create an atmosphere that allows for comfort, ease, genuine conversations and interactions. Great design transports those who experience it both emotionally and visually calling upon texture, color, sound, scent, flavor and temperature for cues.  A wedding that has been designed considering guest experience seamlessly integrates aesthetics with food and beverage, service and entertainment.

Tell me when you had the first ‘a-ha’ that you realized this was more than a passion but a viable business that could grow?

After working as a day-of planner for years, I had produced and designed a shoot that became the cover of the Style Me Pretty book. After that, I began to have more clients come to me for design advice which was a huge turning point for me and the time I realized that I had something special to offer!

What is one habit that has helped lead to you running your successful business?

To-do lists! As a creative person, and a self-professed “idea-a-holic” it is easy to get lost in the million details necessary to produce each event.  Having detailed schedules and to-do lists helps organize things based on priority. I put the fun things at the bottom of the to-do list so that I get through some of the more mundane tasks first and can focus on the fun, creative ones as a treat!

One trend in our industry that we should pay attention to?

Culture! For too long the “white wedding” (the wedding where a bride wore a white dress and not a traditional gown, often very colorful) has been the norm in Bridal magazines. There are such beautiful and special customs and traditions worldwide, and finding ways to infuse them into the wedding day has become such an important part of my job. From food, to ceremony to fashion, there are so many opportunities to bring culture into a wedding!

What’s the best investment you’ve made in your business in the last 12 months?

Honestly, I think this year, keeping myself inspired has been important! I’ve taken a number of classes outside the event world, particularly in gardening and herbalism which gave me some new skills, and some new ideas to bring into weddings. Much of my inspiration comes outside of events, so readings, learning and growing in other ways is always important!

You’re starting your business again at the beginning, you’d definitely do these three things first…

1. Create a business plan. Seems like a no-brainer but I went in head-first and figured it out as I went. A 1-year, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year plan would have helped guide me and my decisions.

2.) Invest in branding. For the first 7 (eek!) years of my business I did all my branding on my own, and though I love design, I am by no means a graphic designer. Having a logo and look that matched my event work would have been huge!

3.) When I started, I did a lot on my own and after 13 years I have realized that I am only as good as my team and that I can only do so many things on my own without being burnt out!  Having a team you can rely on allows you to focus on what you do best and gives you a sounding board to make important business decisions.

To me, design is about more than just making things pretty… Great design transports those who experience it both emotionally and visually…

— Joy Proctor

When was the last time you were frustrated with your business and what did you do to get un-stuck?

2020 has been a lesson for all of us in the event industry. As a destination designer, I certainly kicked myself a bit when all borders closed as a result of the pandemic, and I realized that I relied 100% on travel for event income. As a result, I’ve spent some time developing domestic relationships and reacquainting myself with the incredible venues we have here in the U.S. When this virus is contained, I will be ready for some incredible domestic events alongside the international ones!

A book or article that we should all read?

I so enjoyed Michelle Obamas Becoming. Having looked up to her for so long, this book and her prose was a real treat. In some ways, the ability to tell a story is akin to the ability to design.  I’m always so fascinated with the lives of others, and their ability to weave words to paint a picture for the reader.  I am hopeful to produce design that transports as well as Michelle’s prose.

What’s your mantra lately?

“Happiness is a choice.” I’ve been so incredibly lucky in my life and career but like anyone else, I have dreams and goals I have yet to achieve. No matter the ups or downs, gratitude is vital and taking control of my outlook puts me in the drivers seat of my life.  Happiness is indeed a choice.

How does your business ‘do good’?

I take a number of mentees each year, providing them scholarships to help develop their businesses. I also use my event skills to assist non-profits and social justice initiatives with their campaigns. There is so much that we in the event world can offer non-profits to help. 2020 has been a wonderful year to transition my free time towards these organizations.

How is your team navigating the Covid-19 crisis?

Luckily, we don’t do many weddings a year which allows us the time to focus on each client.  This meant moving all 2020 weddings to 2021.  The health and safety of our clients and our vendors is our utmost concern, so listening to local regulations has been key.

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Drink of choice?

Oooooohhhhhhh.  A blanco tequila with Topo Chico and muddle lime. Or, half prosecco, half Hibiscus Le Croix, for the perfect spritzer.

One thing that’s on your bucket list?

Completing the garden at the Proctor Forest. I am continuing to learn about landscape design and all sorts of other fun things like soil health, propagation and native species. My goal is to have planted out our front three acres in the next three years. Bucket list for me is being able to sit back, watch it grow around me and be able to share it with others.

A word to describe the season you’re in.

Gratitude. For all I have, the health of those I love, and for the beauty and resilience of our world.

See my favorite collaboration with Joy Proctor here: