Our 2020 intern search began the same way it always does: seeking out the best talent to not only lend imperative behind-the-scenes support in preparation for event days, but also onsite during the actual events. We read through over 140 applications and interviewed 20 candidates in March. At the time of the interviews, things were changing rapidly due to COVID-19, and we let each candidate know that the internship may take a different shape this year, that it was possible our event schedule would be reduced, and that a lot of what was going to happen was unknown, so flexibility would be required.
And still, their enthusiasm flowed. At one time, I was concerned that the TLT internship experience would be less-than during 2020. Now, I’m thrilled to be able to teach not just what occurs in the final stages of event preparation — which is typically about the only surface we can scratch during our busiest weeks — but also how the process begins, how we build a foundation with our couples and work the TLT process day in and day out to deliver a seamless, loving, and care free experience for our clients. I’m pumped to have Caroline and Dane (pronounced Dah-Nay) with us as we navigate postponements and new ways of doing things, to embrace their ideas and opinions and to work together with them to make TLT the best it can be.
A little bit of freshness is exactly what the doctor ordered after a tricky start to 2020, and I, for one, am super excited that these two are the ones providing it. So let’s get to know them, shall we!?
Meet Caroline!
Tell us about you.
I am a junior at Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where I am an Economics major and Education Studies and Italian double minor. I am from Newton, Massachusetts and I have a little sister named Grace.
What excites you about working for TLT?
I am really looking forward to making dreams come true for couples and families at The Little Things. In these turbulent times, it is especially important to find pockets of hope and beauty, so I am excited to find creative solutions for couples to make their weddings incredible—whether their date is later than they had hoped or their ceremony looks different from how they had imagined it.
What are you looking forward to most during your internship at TLT?
I am really looking forward to learning about the inner workings of a small business. I want to participate in the detailed work of running a small business—financially and creatively—and gain a better understanding of what it takes to own your own business.
What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
I was a competitive swimmer for nine years and I have been skiing since I was three years old, so swimming and skiing are two of my favorite pastimes. I also love to knit. Working with young children is another passion of mine—their energy and excitement for life is just contagious!
What lights your fire? What inspires you?
I love connecting with people in the purest way possible. My favorite way to do this is through language—I have always had a passion for learning languages and I love being able to surprise people when I speak their language—their faces light up and I instantly feel like we have created a deeper connection. I speak Mandarin Chinese, I am learning Italian now, and I hope to learn Spanish next.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I have 40 cousins on my dad’s side of the family and every summer we gather together in Ellicottville, New York for a family reunion. That reunion is one of my favorite events of the whole year!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always lead with kindness—you never know what someone could be going through and even the smallest act of kindness could make all the difference.
Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla for ice cream, chocolate for everything else.
Steak or lobster? Steak.
Cabin in the woods or shack on the beach? Shack on the beach.
Morning or night? Night.
Dream vacation destination? The Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Favorite form of self care? Masks! Hair masks, face masks—you name it, I love it.
Meet Dane!
Tell us about you.
My name is Danè, I was born and raised in South Africa, but I’ve been living in Boston since the beginning of 2019. I’m 21 years old and the youngest of two. I graduated from High School in 2016 and went on to study BSc Physiology, Psychology and Genetics before deciding to come to the US. I am a creative and imaginative person and have always had a passion for design. Working at TLT will allow me to learn and explore this passion.
What excites you about working for TLT?
In 2019 I had the privilege to work with TLT at a few weddings and I was always left amazed and inspired. I am genuinely excited to be able to work with Alexis and the TLT team throughout the entire process and learn how she turns a couples dream into reality.
What are you looking forward to most during your internship at TLT?
I’m looking forward to learning all the details that go into planning a wedding and seeing how everything comes together on the wedding day. I look forward to using my passion for creativity to assist the process of taking a couples vision of their wedding day and making it come to life.
What do you like to do in your free time? What are your hobbies?
I try to spend most of my free time with my family or friends! I spend the rest of my time reading, doing bible study, hiking, running or planning my next adventure. I really love learning new things and educating myself on all the ways of the world.
What lights your fire? What inspires you?
While I often find inspiration in books, on Pinterest or through visual blogs, I think I’m most inspired by the everyday people around me. I find inspiration in the courage of other human beings when they’re taking risks, standing up for their beliefs, overcoming circumstances or obstacles and defying any odds that have been set against them. I truly believe that inspiration is everywhere, you just need to open your eyes and look around.
What’s something not many people know about you?
Not many people know that I started doing photography as a hobby in High School and absolutely fell in love with it. My photography isn’t something I often share with people but, it became a creative outlet for me to capture moments and remember travels.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Be kind, always. You never know what someone is going through, so when you feel like criticizing someone remember we all have our own story and that most people may not have had the advantages you have.
Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla, unless it is ice-cream then definitely chocolate!
Steak or lobster? Steak
Cabin in the woods or shack on the beach? Shack on the beach
Morning or night? Night
Dream vacation destination? This constantly changes but, I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Favorite form of self-care? Mindful running, Bible study, walking/hiking alone
