From Wyoming Roots to Global Wedding Dreams: The Inspiring Journey of Ryleigh McGraw, Owner of The Label Affair
“...at the end of the day, it’s all about love, and I’ll always be the people’s planner.”
When it comes to planning a wedding, the details can feel overwhelming, but for Ryleigh McGraw, owner of The Label Affair, transforming chaos into an elegant, seamless celebration is more than just a job, it’s her calling.
"What inspired you to become a wedding planner?" I asked, eager to understand the defining moments that led Ryleigh on her journey.
As Ryleigh answered, I could see memories unfolding in her mind, each one shaping her path. Her voice carried a deep admiration as she shared, "I come from a family of super creative women. My family in Wyoming started helping decorate, cater, and plan weddings for local couples, and I would help whenever I was home. This inspired me to reach out to venues and get my start in the wedding industry. After six years of managing venues, my heart was pulled toward switching gears from the venue side to the planning side after numerous conversations with couples,” she said, her concern highlighting the very place of influence she would begin to have in the coming years.
Her voice softened as she recounted one heartbreaking moment. "I’d hear couples say, 'I just can’t wait for the day to be over.' That was a soul crusher for me. It became my mission to never hear these words again." With determination, she started a coordination company, planning with other established planners. It wasn’t long before she was planning weddings full-time. "Now, I get to be in my couples’ corner every step of the way," she said, with a sense of gratefulness to have crossed that.
I couldn’t help but congratulate Ryleigh on her recent destination wedding. "You just planned your own wedding this year, congratulations! What was it like being on the other side, as both the bride and a planner, and what are the unique challenges of planning a destination wedding, compared to a local one?
"It was definitely surreal to be on the other side of planning. I never thought I needed to be married to be a planner, and still do not think you do, but I can definitely relate more to the emotions that come with planning your own wedding.”
Ryleigh didn’t shy away from sharing the challenges she faced with me, particularly with planning a destination wedding. “With planning a destination wedding, it can be a little more tricky of a site unseen, with the way that other countries plan events with their timelines. This of course always depends on what your wedding will be like, or your primary goals. Some go and see the venue first, and if they can, some pick one out while touring,” she explains. Ryleigh made the point that, “others hire local planners who bring in outside vendors, and the easiest route [which we did] was a more all inclusive package through the venue.”
She described using tools like Google Earth to measure floor plans and relying heavily on photos and blog posts to make decisions. "The venue was so helpful and does everything with you with their in-house vendors, however, if you want to plan earlier than 45 days out like most people, it can be a little difficult to get their attention, and the response time is delayed. So accounting for this with your response time is critical for planning.”
Ryleigh shared that in her experience, most international vendors prefer to work with those they select, rather than allowing clients to bring in their own. While she shipped and packed her own décor, she found it easier to work with local vendors, who were accommodating and willing to help. She also noted that bringing in outside vendors often comes with hefty fees. “We brought in photo and video, which was most important to us, and worth the extra fees,” she admitted.
As we delved deeper, my next question to Ryleigh was something that I knew could only truly be known through experience, which is something Ryleigh definitely has. In continuing, I asked, “what are the key logistical aspects you have to consider when organizing a wedding abroad (e.g., venues, vendors, travel)?”
Ryleigh, started to explain to me the important key factors, from choosing a venue close to an airport to ensuring guests had seamless transportation, every detail was meticulously thought out. “I also ensured that part of our package handled all transportation for our friends and family so that they had nothing to think or worry about.” She emphasized the importance of finding a travel coordinator who can handle logistics, and even score perks like free spa treatments or decor upgrades. "It’s all about making things as easy as possible for your guests," she said.
Continuing, Ryleigh added, “When looking at packages, some resorts or wedding agencies offer incentives like money back for a certain number of rooms booked, free spa treatments, and discounted packages, often including décor. However, I opted not to use any of theirs since I upgraded all of my own!”
She gave an example: “If you don’t want to spend $10 per chair, you can simply use their standard ones.”
Ryleigh emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially for a destination wedding. “Make sure to ask about the weather plan, especially in a tropical location,” she advised. Unexpected rain could derail an outdoor ceremony, so having a backup option was essential.
She also pointed out a commonly overlooked detail, vendor fees. “Ask about outside vendor fees,” she said. Some venues charge extra for bringing in outside photographers or florists, which could quickly inflate the budget.
Beyond logistics, she emphasized the guest experience. “Plan activities for everyone to enjoy together - because if the weather rains you out, at least you can hang out with everyone and have a fun time no matter what!” While travel can be a big ask, she added, “You spend about the same in the States, but make sure you make this as accommodating and fun for your guests as possible. Make it easy for them to book, travel, and show up!”
“Ryleigh, you’ve been open about dealing with unexpected weather, can you walk us through how you handled that?" I asked, curious to hear how a seasoned planner managed such a curveball. I continued, “How did you handle it personally on your wedding day, and what advice would you give other vendors/couples should this arise on one of their wedding days?”
Ryleigh said, "It’s easy to feel guilty about being selfish in making decisions, or feeling sad about the rain on your wedding day," she said. "But understanding it firsthand gives me a whole new perspective." She recounted how her dreams of a laid-back beach ceremony turned into a last-minute pivot to an indoor reception in a convention center. "Never in a million years did I imagine my wedding without a beach backdrop," she admitted. Yet, her ability to adapt shone through. "It’s all about mindset. How you feel will affect everything. I can be sad and happy at the same time. We made the best of it, dancing, laughing, jumping in the pool. It was a blast!”
Photo By: Emily Boone Photography
Her advice to couples was simple yet powerful: "Talk through plan B and C so you're prepared. Knowing your backup options and timeline adjustments will give you peace of mind. Trust your vendors, release control of what you can’t change, and enjoy the day.” Ryleigh’s positivity and calmness in the face of adversity showed her true strength. “In the end, you get to marry your favorite person—that’s what matters," she said, adding with a smile, "And having tequila shots on hand never hurts!"
As I turned the focus towards her entrepreneurial journey, I asked, “what’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs?"
"Shadow and learn from as many people as you can," she said without hesitation. "I started from the ground up on the banquet side of catering, assisting planners, managing venues, catering teams, and freelancing florists and designers. Knowledge is power, especially as a planner.” Her words couldn’t have been more true, that, the more you know, the better you can problem-solve and anticipate challenges. I listened closely as Ryleigh continued, saying, “we are expected to know ALL aspects of wedding planning and each vendor's roles.” She also highlighted the importance of asking for help. "It never hurts to ask. In fact, it hurts more not to."
Photo By: Emily Boone Photography
Finally, I asked what she’d like others in the wedding industry to know about her and her work. "Spending a few moments with me, you'll realize I am the most laid-back, ‘type B’ person you’ll meet. I am also very much myself with anyone I meet. I know this not only helps my couples remain calm throughout planning, but it keeps me connected and relatable to them,” she shared, then continued, “We hear it often that planners become friends with their clients, and I can truly say that by the time the wedding day arrives, we have absolutely become connected. After all, our role is one of the most intimate in the planning process, especially after how long we spend together."
Leaving our conversation, I felt inspired by Ryleigh’s journey and the heart she pours into her work. Among her many talents and vast knowledge of the industry, having worn many hats and being mostly self-taught, she’s not just a wedding planner. She’s an advocate for joy, a master of calm in chaos, and a true partner to every couple fortunate enough to have her by their side.
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The Label Affair Website - www.thelabelaffair.co
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