The Blogger:

With a love of entertaining, Courtney Dial is quickly becoming a well-known stylist in the field of party design and décor. Growing up in the South, she attended Vanderbilt University earning both a bachelors in Communications and masters in Organizational Leadership. Since March 2010, she has grown Pizzazzerie.com into a go-to source for all things entertaining. Regularly appearing on Nashville news broadcasts, Courtney has also been published in several print publications including Nashville Lifestyles Magazine.

In addition to designing everything from children’s birthday celebrations to chic dinner parties, she is also a writer for several online food and lifestyle publications including Hostess with the Mostess, Oh My! Handmade Goodness, She Knows, and Fabulous Living {to name a few}.

{Unveiled} Questions:

How did you get started in the wedding world?
It wasn't necessarily something I started out to do but I love tablescapes and "crafty" things. My focus started out on parties but I have added in a bit of wedding design as well. Weddings are a time for designing elegant and gorgeous tablescapes that pull together the personalities of the happy couple. I love to find out a couple's favorite colors, memories, foods, etc. and combine all these for a gorgeous design!

What is your makeup staple?
Oooh, easy! Mascara! Hands down, Christian Dior Show Mascara. Amazing. Don't leave the house without it on.  {note from Jacin: a girl after my own heart!!  I LOVE diorshow and this is my staple as well!}

What is one thing that others don't know about you?
I was a career counselor prior to starting Pizzazzerie.com. I worked at my alma mater, Vanderbilt University, helping bring companies on campus and coaching the students on resumes, interviews, etc.

What is one piece of advice you would give to others trying to get started with their own business?
Take a long look at whether or not you can eat, breathe, live, love your job. I knew that Pizzazzerie could go full time (or that I had the drive for it to) when I realized I'd rather sacrifice sleep and pretty much everything else for it :) When you love something THAT much, it's a good sign.

What is your favorite part about weddings?
The tablescapes + favors + design details. It's how the couple brings out their personality whether that's through the location or the flowers, it doesn't matter. That's what I love about weddings, the truly unique parts to couple!

What is your hobby outside of blogging {is there life outside blogging} :)?
I don't think I have a life outside of blogging :) Kidding! I spend a lot of time with my boyfriend, watching movies, going shopping, dragging myself to the gym, regular things :) I'm a pretty average person I'd say. I'm very into my job, however, so I'm usually found with either laptop or blackberry in hand.

For more information, visit Pizzazzerie - and make sure to stop by next Friday for our next blogger :)

Thanks, Courtney!
~jacin