We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brooke Simmons. Check out our conversation below.
Brooke, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt true joy was through The Forever Collective, a vendor society I recently founded. It’s a membership-based community designed for wedding and event professionals to come together—sharing resources, learning from one another, and building real connections in an industry that can often feel isolating.
I created The Forever Collective because I saw the need for a space that was more than just networking. It’s a community rooted in collaboration over competition, where vendors can find encouragement, education, and opportunities that help them grow both personally and professionally.
Watching it come to life has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Walking into a room full of creatives who genuinely support one another, seeing new friendships form, and hearing how members feel inspired after an event—it fills my cup in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. That’s true joy for me: creating something that empowers others while also reminding me why I love what I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Brooke Simmons, the owner of Forever & Always Event Planning. I started this business out of a love for creating moments that truly matter—weddings and celebrations that feel personal, seamless, and unforgettable for every client. What makes Forever & Always unique is the way we approach each event with both organization and heart; I want couples and families to not just have a beautiful event, but to actually enjoy it, stress-free.
Alongside my planning business, I recently launched The Forever Collective, a vendor society created for wedding and event professionals. It’s a space for connection, collaboration, and growth—something I felt our industry was really craving. Seeing talented vendors come together to share ideas, lift each other up, and build lasting partnerships has been such a rewarding extension of my work.
At the core of everything I do is the belief that relationships are what make both events and businesses truly successful. Whether I’m helping a couple bring their dream wedding to life or building community through The Forever Collective, I’m passionate about creating spaces—both literal and figurative—where people feel supported, celebrated, and inspired.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think bonds between people are often broken by misunderstanding, lack of communication, or forgetting to see the humanity in one another. Whether it’s in relationships, business, or even within our industry, it’s easy to get caught up in stress, competition, or assumptions—and that’s when disconnection happens.
What restores those bonds is presence and intentionality. Taking the time to really listen, to show empathy, and to create shared experiences is powerful. I see this in both my work with couples and in The Forever Collective—when people gather, share openly, and realize they’re not alone in what they’re going through, connection is rebuilt.
To me, bonds are restored when we lead with authenticity and kindness. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being willing to show up, communicate honestly, and choose community over division.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For me, the fear that’s held me back the most has been the fear of not being enough—of stepping into the unknown and wondering if I’ll fail, if people won’t take me seriously, or if I’ll fall short of my own expectations. As a business owner, you’re constantly putting yourself out there, whether it’s launching something new, raising your prices, or standing in front of a room full of your peers. It can feel vulnerable.
What I’ve learned, though, is that growth only happens when you move through that discomfort. Starting The Forever Collective was a big leap outside of my comfort zone—it was an idea I believed in, but I had all the “what ifs” swirling in my head. Pushing past that fear showed me that courage doesn’t mean the fear goes away; it means choosing to act anyway. And in that space, I’ve found some of my most rewarding moments, both personally and professionally.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the wedding industry is that everything has to look perfect and effortless—that behind the scenes it’s all champagne, pretty flowers, and Instagram-worthy moments. The truth? It’s hard work. It’s long hours, problem-solving on the fly, and being the calm in the middle of chaos. Pretending it’s flawless minimizes the amount of heart, grit, and skill it actually takes to pull off an event.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
What they’d miss most is the combination of fierce advocacy and wholehearted personality I bring to every wedding. People hire me for more than timelines and vendors — they hire someone who will stand in the trenches with them, push back when something won’t serve the day, and protect their experience so they can actually enjoy it. They’d miss my knack for turning problems into playful solutions, the out-of-the-box ideas that make a day feel special, and the confidence I give couples when everything feels overwhelming.
They’d also miss the relationships I’ve built — with vendors, venues, and the couples themselves. I curate teams who care, I speak up so my clients don’t have to, and I bring joy (and a little bit of funky energy) to the planning process. That blend of heart, hustle, and personality is what people really remember — and what would be hardest to replace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://foreverandalwaysplan.com/
- Instagram: foreverandalwayseventplanning
- Facebook: Forever & Always Event Planning
Image Credits
Captured Conture
Aly DenBesten Photography
Pave Wedding Productions
