He popped the question! Now what? First, find Marcie Hancock, owner of A Thorough Fare, and she’ll help you through all the details of planning the wedding of your dreams. She is calm, knowledgeable and has an infectious smile. She is the perfect person to take over and let the bride enjoy her special day.
What do you do for a living?
I own a company called A Thorough Fare. We are an event planning business that specializes in weddings and social events. I opened ATF in 1997 after working as a planner for corporate America for many years. Although I plan events for corporate clients, our focus is on the social market and giving my couples the wedding they always dreamed of.
When did you discover that you had a talent for this?
I worked in the early 1980s in Frankfort for a department within the governor’s office and assisted with their special events. It grew from there and has continued to this day.
You work when everyone else plays. What do you do on your day off?
My business is one of seasons. While we are in the heart of the wedding season, there really are no any days off. I make up for it during the slower seasons. My favorite thing to do is chat with and visit my daughters. One is a teacher in Asia, and the other is a nurse in Boston.
What would be your ultimate wedding?
I have had some amazing weddings over the years, and each is unique and special for that couple. We work for months to a year or more with our clients to get all the details just the way they want them. I just received a note from a recent bride which read “Our wedding was perfect; you took our vision and created a day we will remember for a lifetime. I wouldn’t have changed one thing.” To me, this is the ultimate wedding!
How do you balance your job and your personal life?
I don’t. For years I really did not have balance at all, but I have been married to an amazing man for 32 years, who has taken on the responsibility of the “social director” of our home. Bob works to plan a special date night once a week. I never know what we are going to do, and sometimes it’s just strange, but always fun!
What is the biggest life lesson you have ever learned?
Grab each moment as if it were the last. We almost lost Bob a few years ago, and that taught me that you never know what the next day has in store. I cherish each day and try to keep a positive outlook and forget stressing over the small stuff.
Who is your mentor?
Hands down, Brenda Bush! I watched her at The Olmsted for years handle the magnitude of responsibility with grace under pressure. Brenda always appeared to be in complete control regardless of the situation. Our business is one of many last minute changes and you have to always have a plan or two ready in your back pocket. I think she does this better than anyone I know.
What is best advice you have received in business?
A very good friend of mine, Virginia Rankin, has a plaque in her office that says, “We strive for perfection and accept nothing less than excellence”. I have adopted this motto and work toward executing it in everything I do.
If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?
I can’t imagine doing anything else. I love my job!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I love exotic birds and used to be a part owner in a pet shop in the late 1970s.
What is your favorite place to go for dinner?
Louisville is full of fun restaurants. I do not have any favorite places, but we do often choose a place that offers good food and good entertainment on our date night. It really doesn’t get any better than that.
Where do you like to shop?
I actually hate to shop.
What is a treat or a luxury you do for yourself?
After the long wedding season, we take some much needed time off for an extended period. It gives me time to unwind, regroup and begin planning for the coming year. It is a real gift we started a couple of years ago, and it has made all the difference in my life both personally and professionally.
What is your weakness?
I can’t cook. Just ask my family.
What is your favorite thing to do in Louisville?
Our yard backs up to green space and Harrods Creek. One thing I especially enjoy is walking along the creek with Bob and our dog, Barney.
Three things you cannot live without:
Coffee x 3
What are you reading right now?
I generally read trade magazines, but when I am on vacation I like to pick up mindless beach reads. You know the ones I’m talking about.
What are three of your favorite things right now?
- Skyping with my daughter Carolyn in Taiwan
- Catching up with old friends over lunch dates
- Meeting with new brides and listening to all the exciting plans they have
I’ve heard a lot about Marcie Hancock for the past couple of years. But, it took Adele Reding, our FACES Photographer, to finally make a meeting. I wish I had had a Marcie for my wedding day. Everyone around town sings her praises and I see why. To learn more about Marcie, visit her website here.
Thank you to Adele Reding photography for being the “best of the best” time and time again with our FACES. Thank you for introducing us to Marcie Hancock, as well. For more information about Adele, visit her website at adeleredingphotography.com.
