Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeannene Jones-Rupert.
Hi Jeannene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into weddings and gatherings has always been rooted in people. Before I started my business, my background was in developmental psychology and community-based storytelling. I’ve always been fascinated by how we connect, what makes us feel seen, and the ways we craft meaning through shared experiences. That foundation naturally led me into the world of weddings and gatherings, where I realized how powerful it can be when a celebration truly reflects who people are and what they value.
I launched my business, originally Jeannene Lillie Events, in 2020 with the hope of creating weddings that felt thoughtful and personal. Over the years, the business grew alongside me, and I began to see more clearly the type of work that lit me up: intentional, relationship-centered gatherings where every detail has purpose. As I leaned deeper into that philosophy, it became clear that my business name needed to reflect that heart. That’s how Intentionally Tabled came to life.
Rebranding wasn’t about changing direction; it was about alignment. Today, Intentionally Tabled represents everything I believe about gathering, creating space for connection, honoring the stories of my couples, and curating experiences that feel grounded, meaningful, and deeply intentional. It’s been such a rewarding journey to grow into a business that feels like a true extension of my values and the communities I care about.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. I launched my business just two months before the COVID-19 pandemic began, so my introduction to the industry was shaped entirely by uncertainty. Couples were grieving the celebrations they had envisioned, and as a brand-new planner, I immediately found myself navigating postponements, safety protocols, and constantly shifting expectations. As challenging as that season was, it taught me so much about resilience, compassion, and the true heart of gathering. It showed me that weddings aren’t about perfection or large productions, they’re about connection, presence, and honoring the people you love. That understanding has deeply shaped the intentional approach that defines my work today.
Another ongoing challenge has been navigating today’s political climate, especially as conversations around marriage equality continue to shift. As someone who advocates for a more inclusive wedding industry, it can feel heavy to watch rights that impact my clients and community be questioned. But that tension has only strengthened my commitment to creating spaces where all couples feel supported, seen, and celebrated.
What I’ve learned is that these difficult seasons have a way of bringing purpose into sharper focus. They strip away the noise and reveal what truly matters. And for me, that clarity has been a gift. It’s why Intentionally Tabled exists, to center meaning, authenticity, and connection no matter what the world is doing around us. The road hasn’t been easy, but it has absolutely been transformative.
As you know, we’re big fans of Intentionally Tabled . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Intentionally Tabled is rooted in a simple idea: gatherings have the power to bring people closer, and weddings should feel like an honest reflection of the couple at the center of them. My work focuses on creating celebrations that feel grounded, personal, and thoughtful. I’m less interested in trends and more interested in how people connect, what stories they carry, and what moments will stay with them long after the day ends.
What I’m most proud of is how this rebrand puts intention at the forefront. The name reflects the heart of my work: honoring meaning, slowing down, and creating space for people to feel seen and celebrated. For anyone learning about Intentionally Tabled, I hope they understand that my approach is never just about aesthetics, it’s about crafting experiences that feel true, purposeful, and deeply human.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t defined by the size of a celebration, the aesthetics, or even the visibility of my work. I define success by connection, by whether the couples I work with feel supported, seen, and at ease throughout the process. If a wedding weekend feels like an authentic reflection of who they are, if their guests feel genuinely cared for, and if the couple can look back and say, ‘That felt like us,’ then that is success to me.
On a personal level, success also looks like alignment. It’s building a business that honors my values, protects my energy, and leaves room for creativity, community, and growth. Success is creating work that feels meaningful and human, not just beautiful. If I can continue to do that, with intention, then I feel I’m on the right path.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.intentionallytabled.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/intentionallytabled
