“Being a wife, mother, grandmother and friend to my family and ‘family of the heart’ is what fills my heart. Giving back to my community and others at large through community service, nonprofit board service and fundraising is simply essential to my soul.” Susan H. Moran is the proud owner and principal wedding designer of That’s It! Wedding Concepts, LLC, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary this year. She recently launched a new division called P’s & Q’s, which focuses on “The Matter of Manners–Social and Corporate Etiquette.” Prior to moving from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, to her current home in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Moran was a speech pathologist who worked with disabled individuals and then moved on to found a consulting company primarily focusing on needs assessment and strategic planning for corporate and nonprofit entities.
What do you find most fulfilling in your job? Meeting the most incredible people in the world, helping them make priceless wedding memories, then enjoying their ongoing friendship as the ultimate bonus!
Where did you go to college? Southern Methodist University, Texas
Do you speak any other languages? “Si” and “oui” (Spanish and French)
Go-to favorite beauty item? Tried ‘em all over the years…now less is more. Maybelline Colossal Volume Express mascara is my current fave…one coat and done!
What perfume do you wear? Caleche by Hermes
Is there a particular item of clothing or shoe that you like to wear that you buy over and over in multiple colors? J. Crew Martie Pant…fab fit and fun hues!
Favorite piece of fashion you own? My grandmother’s black chiffon evening gown from the 1920s! Risqué flapper she was!
Favorite movie? Forrest Gump, Sound of Music, and Gone with the Wind. I cannot pick only one—all were super impactful.
What shows are you planning to see this year? Escape to Margaritaville and My Fair Lady revival on Broadway. Elton John Farewell Tour this fall—my epic 65th birthday celebration!
What are you reading? I’ll Be Your Blue Sky by Marisa de los Santos
What’s your Netflix addiction? Old school alert! Still watching these on major networks at regularly-scheduled times: Madam Secretary, Bluebloods, and Chicago Med.
Best dish you ever ate? Fettucine alfredo at Alfredo’s in Rome…pre-gluten free in 1975!
Favorite place to eat in Central PA? Since I must eat gluten-free, that is extremely key to my restaurant choices. These restaurants are incredibly conscious of this: Pizza Grille, El Sol, Luca, and First Post top my list.
What do you do to unwind? Read, play my piano, cook, hang out with friends and family
Beer or wine? Champagne or New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
Salty or sweet? Spicy…can be sweet and salty
Most meaningful possession? I have my son’s and my daughter’s first sneakers on a shelf in my office.
Family/Pets: Husband: Patrick; son and family: Brent, Candice, grandsons Mrinal and Kaladon; daughter and family: Tracy, Miles, granddaughter Sadie, and granddog Mildred Frances
What’s one thing people would not guess about you? Never had my ears pierced…I am terrified of needles!
Who is your style icon? I take bits and pieces from so many people…equally couture designers and on-the-street sightings. But as I embrace turning 65 this year, Diane Von Furstenburg said it best: “When people get older their insides start to show…I like that. I don’t need to hide, to rush to the doctor in order to erase my soul behind an unlined mask. Instead of wasting energy pursuing the past, one should embrace two things in life: destiny and character. You can’t change the first one, but you have 100 percent control over the other. They can take away your health, looks, wealth, but as long as you have your character, you will have the strength and the confidence to go on. And confidence hugs you in life. Assume the responsibility and no one can hurt you. You will fear nothing. And a woman who looks fearless looks wonderful!”
A Few Favorite Things:
- Both hailing from Dallas, Diet Dr. Pepper is a fave for sure
- Whataburger Sign from Texas.Love them…double meat, double cheese, jalapeño!
- Neiman Marcus 90th anniversary commemorative Hermés scarf (Neiman’s is a Dallas tradition for Susan and her family)
- Childhood wedding book
- Childhood china bride and groom
- Elton John glasses from my 60th birthday family event
