For “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” fanatics, the face of Tracy French is immediately recognizable. We viewers associate her with a southern sweetheart who brings charm and warmth to all of her weddings, whether they are in her home state of Texas or across the country. After talking with Tracy, I found out how down-to-earth this planner really is.
Brides Television: How did you get started in the wedding business?
Tracy French: Years ago, when one of my dear friends asked me to be her maid of honor. It was a time when there were a lot of changes in my life. I had just had a son, I worked in the computer industry, and there were a bunch of layoffs because it was around Y2K. It was the right time for a career change.
BTV: What process did you go through to get on national wedding TV?
T.F.: They contacted me! They called and said they wanted to consider featuring me, and asked if I had any weddings that I felt would be a good fit.
BTV: What is it like working on “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”, compared to “Married Away”?
T.F.: Generally when you are working with brides featured on “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”, the couple and I have been working together a long time – for months or even a year; we have an established relationship. In comparison, on “Married Away,” we don’t have as long a planning process – it’s long distance, everything’s expedited, it’s a completely different scenario. The difference is really in the planning process. On “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”, the focus is not on the destination.
BTV: What was it like planning a “free wedding” like you did earlier this season on “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”
T.F.: That bride was gifted a wedding within a month or so of the actual wedding date. [The couple’s] finances were tight, they had kids … but they were all close-knit friends and family. She didn’t know where to begin … she wanted it all to come together well. My services were just to pull things together – not for complete planning – which was definitely unique and different. They wanted help and guidance, no getting upset or hurt feelings; it was a different experience. I really felt needed. It was beautiful, how everyone came together for a special day. I was moved by it all. They wrote me the sweetest thank you letter – they are a darling couple.
BTV: What other “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” planner would you like to work with?
T.F.: Stella [Inserra], she’s a sweetheart.
BTV: Have you met each other (you and the other Style Network planners)?
T.F.: I get up to New York a couple times a year, and last year a bunch of us were able to meet up while in NY.
