Today we’d like to introduce you to Tayler Bryant
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been a music lover, ever since I was a kid and heard artist such as Big & Rich, Linkin Park, Michael Jackson. I found the stories that songs tell fascinating, especially when they spoke directly to my life or how I felt in that moment. I’m a firm believer that there is a perfect song for every moment in your life, so if you’re down, excited, stressed or whatever it may be, somewhere out there is a perfect song to help calm the waves in your mind. For me, I’m so connected, that its not uncommon for me after a day’s work, to throw on headphones, and just zone out to as many songs as I can, that’s my peaceful zone.
Growing up, I knew I wanted a career in music, and the closer to the start of where music and excellence was created, the better. Living in Nebraska, however, did not leave much access to the music world on the backend, so my options were limited to the resources in my area. After college, I eventually got a job at a factory with the help of a college friend, who I am still close friends with to this day 11 years later. A few years in, at a job wildly far away from music, I started looking for a venture to leave the job, so which I eventually stumbled across a wedding company whose office happened to be 4 minutes from my apartment.
That wedding company happened to be Complete Weddings + Events Lincoln-Norfolk. My journey was hooked immediately, after I started going thru training how to be a DJ in the wedding industry, I went to training shows, and then my very first solo show I ever did. Now, I’m not the best at remembering the small details, but I made it a point right after that first show, to always remember where I came from and what started my journey. It’s been almost 10 years in the industry, and I still remember Mr. & Mrs. Steinacher and their entire crowd dancing on the dancefloor at a wedding venue called Wilderness Ridge. My favorite moment from that night, I can remember as if it were 5 minutes ago, where I’m playing “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake & Lil Jon. I had individual control of all of my dance floor lighting, especially the strobe light, to which, when the base dropped after we said the name of the song, I turned off all the lights, and had this very powerful strobe light go on its own for a little while. The groom caught on, and toward the end of the song, he’s right in front of me knowing it was coming, in that 2 second dead air of the song, he looks directly at me and screams “STROBE LIGHT!!!”. The smile and emotion I felt from that moment is still so clear and surreal, I attribute that moment to one of the factors that kept me in this business for so long.
Shortly into my time as a DJ, I know I wanted to be more involved in this business in any way possible, move up the ladder in the best way possible. I happened to be looking on indeed for a full-time job, as DJing is usually a part-time job. I happened to run across a job opening for an Operations position in the Omaha branch of Complete Weddings + Events, the same named company I’m already working for as a DJ. After a few interviews with the GM and then CEO of the company, who is still the CEO today, I did not get the job I was striving for, but was informed by the CEO himself at lunch, that while I didn’t get the job, I can take pride in knowing that out of 50 people who made it to the interview process, I got 2nd, losing out only to someone who had the job years prior, so there would be no training necessary.
In retrospect, it was the best thing that could have happened, as that only motivated me to try harder into the industry. Then in May 2018, the GM of Omaha, then introduced me to my future boss who was the owner of Complete Weddings + Events Fargo. Now, growing up in Nebraska my entire life, I had never lived in a different state, to which Fargo is in North Dakota. The owner of Fargo and I had an impromptu interview right then and there in the middle of the owners meeting. By the end of our conversation, the wheels were in motion to become his operations manager in Fargo. in December 2018, I officially moved away from my home state of 24 years, to start an amazing adventure I never expected to work the way it did.
Fast forward a year into Fargo, I become the GM of the growing branch and having the time of my life. I am a very strong believer in promises, that they shouldn’t be thrown lightly, and if you make a promise, you keep it. I promised the Fargo Owner 3 years of service to help grow the business, and what happens after that could be a mystery… I broke my promise by 2 months, because at the start of 2021, my journey and aspirations to being a business owner started. After grinding my way thru making sure all the I’s were dotted and Ts crossed., several interviews with the home office of Complete Weddings + Events, in November 2021, I officially became a small business/franchise owner, starting the business from the ground up here, named Complete Weddings + Events Knoxville.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road, and easy sailing, but there are plenty of struggles becoming a business owner, whether it’s financially, you’re in the right head space or you have the ability to do this without self-destructing. Financially, I was not very well off, living paycheck to paycheck. But becoming a DJ opened up a new skill and newfound confidence in me. Prior to being a DJ, I was pretty reclusive in the talking aspect, and I was in my own shell. It didn’t take long as a DJ to break that shell into powder, now you can’t get me to stop talking.
But being in at the Complete Weddings in Lincoln for a few years, I eventually become close friends with the Owner and the salesperson. The Owner and I share very similar interests such as movies, nerd stuff, Star Wars, political beliefs, similar humor, etc. This friendship had only grown stronger and stronger as time has passed, but when the venture to become a business owner came to mind, he was the first person I reached out to and let him know about what my goals were and how I thought I could do well in this wedding world.
One thing that was engrained into my mind when I was younger was to never ask for anything, get it yourself. But starting a business is a very expensive venture, to which I was nowhere near prepared for. So, swallowing my pride, I asked him for financial assistance in the creating on my business, to which he obliged. The level of professionalism he gave, while also being my friend, is something I will always cherish in our almost decade long relationship.
The biggest thing I learned from this, makes me think of a quote from a little TV show called “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. In the episode, at some point Uncle Phil tells Will: “I work hard to open doors for you and walking through doesn’t make you any less of a man” Now, while my friend did not work as hard and be as successful as he is, to open doors for me, but this particular door would never have been opened without him, and I will always be grateful of that and our relationship.
As you know, we’re big fans of Complete Weddings + Events Knoxville. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
With so many services under one roof, your wedding planning just got easier! Mix and match our services and packages to meet your wedding or event needs and budget. The more comprehensive the package, the more money you’ll save. Let’s connect so we can build you your custom package.
If you’re looking to tie the knot or throw an epic event, you have come to the right place. Complete Weddings + Events will help you find the best event or wedding photographers, videographers, and DJs in Knoxville, TN and surrounding areas to throw a phenomenal party. Plus, we have fun lighting and photo booth rental options to elevate your event and give you the type of unforgettable experience you’re looking for. When you party with Complete Weddings and Events, it’s completely about you! We proudly offer the best wedding services and packages in the area.
I am the owner of Complete Weddings + Events Knoxville, my company has been open for almost 3 1/2 years, where at the beginning I was the only DJ, and I had a photographer and Videographer working for me. Now I have over 10 people working on my team.
The thing in most proud of is my company, is to help be a one stop shop for people if they wanted to book all their main services with one company and a team that works together constantly. While having multiple members of each service on my team, we also can perform more weddings each day. I’m sure you’ve all heard horror stories where something happened to a DJ or photographer leading up to a brides wedding or even worse, the day of and they’re not able to make it to the wedding. The stress a bride then has to go thru is where panic attacks come in. Thankfully, with my team, we always have someone in the wings waiting for that specific moment should it happen, so all of my clients never have to deal with that stress from whatever service they book from me.
Here are some amazing details about each of our services, which include DJ, Photography, Videography, Photobooth, Coordination and Event lighting.
DJ/MC – Our DJs don’t stop with creating a great playlist. We can and will take care of everything you need us to at your event, bringing high-quality sound equipment and a professional attitude that leaves you and your guests well taken care of on your journey through the event. We are experts at keeping the party going! With lots of set-up options, a variety of music to suit your playlists, and plans to meet the specific needs of your event, you can be sure we have you covered. We guarantee we have the best wedding DJs in Knoxville, TN for your big day!
Photography – Organizing significant events can be both enjoyable and at times, demanding. Having a reliable individual to assist you throughout the process is truly invaluable. At Complete Weddings + Events, we strive to offer our unwavering support. We excel in event and wedding photography, always ensuring the delivery of top-notch experiences. Our services extend beyond photography, with a wide range of package options tailored to meet all your photography requirements. Online photo gallery with complete print rights for easy sharing and printing of your images
Color and exposure-corrected photos
Optional second photographer to capture every moment
Various photo print and album options
Videography – At Complete Weddings + Events, we have extensive experience filming events and weddings in the Knoxville area and beyond. We recognize that wedding videography is often underestimated, yet it is a service that many couples regret not having. Our professional event and wedding videographers in Knoxville, TN ensure that no special moment is overlooked. We capture all the special moments, providing you with a high-quality wedding video memento that you will treasure for years to come. You can rely on us to safeguard your memories and produce an unforgettable video that encapsulates the essence of your special day. With our team of wedding videographers, you can be confident that your memories are in capable hands.
Photobooth – At Complete Weddings + Events, we offer more than just a photo booth rental in Knoxville, TN—we provide a seamless, customized experience that adds an extra layer of fun and excitement to your celebration. Our friendly, professional attendants ensure everything runs smoothly while your guests enjoy making memories. We prioritize high-quality prints and digital copies, so your guests can take home keepsakes and easily share their photos. Our booths are fully customizable, with options for backdrops, props, and photo strips tailored to fit your event’s style and theme. With modern technology like social media integration and GIF options, your guests will stay entertained and engaged throughout the event. Whether you’re planning a small gathering or a large celebration, we offer flexible packages to fit any budget, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Coordination – When it comes down to the day of your event, wouldn’t it be nice to actually enjoy it all? Let Complete Weddings + Events wedding coordinators handle the décor, vendor deliveries, and any details of the day to take the pressure off you. We’re ready to take your day’s vision and execute it to perfection. Experience your dream day, stress-free, with Complete Knoxville, TN wedding planner day-of services. Services like Day-of Coordination Package, Unlimited, Email/Phone Communication, Vendor Coordination, Decor Setup/Teardown, Timeline Creation/Execution, Rehearsal, Processional, and Recessional Management, Bouquet, Boutonniere, and Corsage Management, Gift Management
Event Lighting – Lighting is the most affordable way to completely change the atmosphere of any room. Simply choose the color of the lighting to fit your desired theme and ambiance, and we take care of the rest. Let our lighting experts at Complete Weddings + Events Knoxville help you transform your event space into an experience your guests will never forget.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
One quote that always comes to mind is “Never stop learning, because the moment you think you have everything figured out, is the exact moment everyone else starts surpassing you and you stop learning”.
So never become that old dog that won’t learn new tricks. I have been in this for almost a decade, and it’s still a fire hose of information that I try to learn and make my team/my company the best it can be.
One thing I wish I would’ve known when I first started out, was don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions that come to mind. You may be surprised of the answers, and how much easier things can be if you ask the right question, and your mind didn’t stop you from asking it.
Pricing:
- DJ Range – $1195-$1695
- Photography Range – $1795 – $3295
- Videography Range – $1795 – $3795
- Coordination Range – $1295 – $2000
- Photobooth Range – $695-$895
Contact Info:
- Website: https://completewedo.com/knoxville/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/completeknoxville/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/completeknoxville
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CompleteKnoxville
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@completeknoxville
