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Story & Lesson Highlights with Karen Cerboni of Hyde Park

We recently had the chance to connect with Karen Cerboni and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m an early riser—4:00 to 5:00 AM is my natural rhythm. There’s something special about the quiet stillness of the early morning that I absolutely love. The very first thing I do is make coffee. While I enjoy a good glass of wine, I’d give it up in a heartbeat for my morning coffee.

Once that first cup is in hand, I flip on my desk light and dive into emails. I like to get a sense of what the day holds and knock out anything pressing early. I’m most productive in the morning, and starting the day with focus and clarity sets the tone for everything that follows.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, I’m Karen Cerboni, Owner and Director of Design & Production at EventFull Weddings. We specialize in planning, designing, and executing luxury weddings for modern couples who value guest experience, bespoke design, and unparalleled service.

I launched EventFull Weddings in 2017 with my daughter’s wedding at Oxford Exchange in Tampa being the first. Since then, I’ve been dedicated to providing each couple with the same level of care, creativity, and attention to detail I gave her.

At EventFull Weddings, we prioritize quality over quantity. We intentionally take on a limited number of weddings each year so we can truly focus on each couple. This allows us to work around your schedule, be available when you need us, and give you our full, undivided attention throughout the planning process. Every detail is thoughtfully curated with your vision in mind—because you deserve a planning experience that feels as personal and seamless as your wedding day itself.

While we love designing every style of wedding—from ethereal all-white palettes to vibrant colors and soft pastels—my personal favorite leans toward a moodier aesthetic. There’s something captivating about rich tones and layered textures that create depth and drama. I’m especially drawn to architectural details of historical venues and love the juxtaposition of classic surroundings paired with modern, unexpected details.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I spent 35 years in a very demanding and stressful job in Corporate America before launching my business. That time instilled in me a level of professionalism in how I present my brand and the expectations I have for my team to provide exceptional service. As for letting go, you’ve probably heard of imposter syndrome—it’s real, and most entrepreneurs have felt it at some point. I know I have. But I’ve reached a place where I’m truly embracing my success and owning my expertise. I’ve poured everything into building this business, and I’m proud of what I’ve created. So here’s to letting go of self-doubt and fully stepping into the confidence I’ve earned.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were moments early on when the bookings were slow, and I seriously questioned if I should keep going. And then there were the times I was overwhelmed with work, trying to do it all myself, and still felt like I was barely keeping up. But I am extremely self competitive which always keeps me going.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The version of me you see publicly is the real me—what you see is truly what you get. One of the greatest gifts of life experience is confidence. I know who I am, and I don’t feel the need to be anything else. I’ve learned that authenticity isn’t just freeing—it’s powerful.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m finally doing what I was meant to do. For 35 years, I did what I was supposed to do—what I needed to do. I built a successful career in the corporate world, one that provided financial stability and helped me raise a family. But the truth is, it never lit me up. It wasn’t my passion. Now, I wake up every day excited to do work that truly fulfills me—and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

Contact Info:

  • Website: httpp://www.eventfullweddings.com
  • Instagram: @eventfullweddings.com

Image Credits
@stephanilanniphotography
@sarahandbenphotography
@gracetorresphoto

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