David Tutera = a name that has practically become a household norm, especially in the past few years. After personally interviewing this magical man who creates miracle ceremonies and has a style palette to die for I fell even more in love with the style of the one and only David Tutera. Born in Port Chester, NY, David will be at our very own Capitol Theater on December 14, 2014! As I anxiously anticipate his next arrival I encourage all to get tix now! In the meantime check out the exclusive Laura McKittrick and David Tutera interview below.
The name David Tutera has become synonymous with weddings and events done with what appears to be (but is anything but) effortless style. With celebrity clients such as Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and former VP Al Gore in his dossier, Tutera has become a star in his own right, extending from his beginnings as a humble flower arranger alongside his grandfather (who noted his talents.) This master of the ultimate ceremony has come a long way from a boy who loved flowers, to a man who can take ‘flowers’ and more to create a breathtaking masterpiece ceremony. It is very much apparent that, in the eyes of fans and the industry alike, David Tutera can simply do no wrong.
1) What inspired the reasoning behind your show “my fair wedding”?
My Fair Wedding was a modern day take on the musical My Fair Lady, about a girl who’s taught how to sound and act like a lady. Similarly, I transformed my brides and their visions into an over-the-top wedding fit for a princess! Miraculously, at the end of each event, each bride realized that the lessons and style I had shared with her could be brought into everyday life! The show today has evolved and is now called “David Tutera’s CELEBrations”.
2) How did designing floral arrangements with your grandfather lead to you opening an events business?
My grandfather taught me about arranging florals and how to create a truly beautiful and unique design. I learned so much working for him. During my time there, he allowed me to play around and get creative with the window displays. This is what lead to my first foray into the event industry, and I was hooked from then on! He really inspired me to always do bigger and better things!
3) Could you have ever seen yourself, where you are now, at the beginning of your career?
Even from the very beginning of my career, I had high ambitions. I’m not one to do things half way so it was always my goal to become this successful. I didn’t necessarily see myself on TV from the beginning, but in hindsight I couldn’t imagine it any other way!
4) Is doing events for charity close to you? How & why?
Yes, I love doing events for charities, especially when it’s one close to my heart! I always love seeing a client’s face when I first reveal my design, but doing an event for charity is infinitely more rewarding. One event I do every year is a charity ball for the Cancer Research & Prevention Foundation. It’s always a lot of work with not a lot of time or money, but it feels so good to be part of something so important!
5) If you could give any sage advice to anyone starting out in the industry & it’s not going well, what would it be & how can you relate?
I would say don’t give up, and just keep dreaming bigger! Being successful in this industry takes a lot of conviction and dedication. Building a set of clients who keep coming back for more and a strong contact list of vendors who you can count on is what will make you a success! But just remember that it won’t happen over night, you have to keep at it every day!
6) Where do you see yourself and your brand in the next five years?
I hope to continue growing my brand over the coming years! I’m in the midst of launching an entire David Tutera Home collection made up of several great brands who will help to fill your home with David Tutera style. I think my next venture is going to be in the world of children. Cielo has really inspired me to design and create products for her, and I’m really excited to get into that!