Hello New Headshots!

Hello friends!

Last week, I had the privilege of some one-on-one time with Amber Gress Photography's amazing Associate Photographer, Shannon. Seriously, this woman knows how to get down to business and bring her clients to life in under 20 minutes! Open to my suggestions - which is how we ended up with a gorgeous light curtain as a backdrop to one photo - and armed with a generous spirit and efficiency, Shannon was terrific to work with! Her end product resulted in a small portfolio of new headshots for me and the business. 

Tickled pink, I wanted to share with you all! For more of Shannon's masterful eye at work on weddings, click here.

xoxo,

 

Featured Venues: 501 Union, The Green Building

Why Hire a Wedding Coordinator Reason #2!

Hello Friends!

I hope you’re having a wonderful week! I’ve been absent from my blog - which I’ve been super sad about - because I succumbed to a nasty upper respiratory infection that laid waste to my body and soul for the better part of this past week. It’s no fun to wake up to a 102.3 fever, accompanied by aches, pains, and night sweats. No. Fun. At. All.

My husband likes to tell me that his father always told him, as a child, that it was okay to miss school or work if you were sick for one of two reasons: either you were vomiting, or you had a severe fever. Fortunately for me, it was only the latter, and the remedy was good old-fashioned REST.

I’m back this week with a quick, but important REASON #2 to hire a wedding coordinator, and it’s a simple one:

AFFORDABILITY!

A lot of people choose not to hire a wedding coordinator because they worry it will be an additional cost on their part. What many don’t know is that I can actually SAVE you money. With a wide array of contacts across New York City and the Hudson Valley (and I’m expanding my vendor connections into the Philadelphia area as well, coordinating weddings in June and September), I can suggest to you the most reliable and reasonably priced people in the business. From caterers to photographers to makeup artists, I’ve got you covered!

CASE IN POINT: Current clients Alexis and Joe contracted me as their month-of coordinator. They also opted for an add-on to my coordination package - Vendor Services. I’m in the process of working with them to identify their vendor needs and preferences, then making careful recommendations to them for each category. I’ve already edited out vendors who aren’t available for their wedding date, so they know that my recommendations will be free on the date in question.

In building my vendor contacts, I’ve negotiated certain discounts with select vendors who are happy to extend a discount to my clients. I was pleased to recommend BAM Wedding Photography to Alexis and Joe for their needs, and thrilled to learn they selected them to capture all of the moments of their big day. It’s a win-win for everyone: I get to work with vendors I have a relationship with (making for a smooth wedding day timeline), and my clients get to receive a discount they would not normally have been given, all because of my relationship with the photographer!

Check out the photos below for just some of the vendor connections I can provide to you, and I'll be back next week with another reason why a booking good coordinator can be the best wedding decision you ever make!

xoxo,

 

Why Hire a Wedding Coordinator? I'll Give You TEN Good Reasons!

Hello Friends!

This is the question I get asked most often - “Do we really need a coordinator? But the venue already comes with someone, can’t we just use them?”

I am here to tell you that no one needs a coordinator, but if you choose to hire one, believe me, that decision will pay for itself many times over! With all of that in mind, I thought it fitting to give you, my potential clients, my TOP TEN reasons for hiring someone like me to work your wedding!

REASON #1: A Venue Coordinator is NOT a Wedding Coordinator. 

Back in the day, fancy hotels used to have catering captains and banquet managers to assist couples throughout their whole wedding day, but this is an easy cost-cutting measure for venues. They get to cut their staff and have them go home, but I will be the one to stay until the end of your wedding and make sure everything gets wrapped up – rentals collected, gifts and personal items delivered to your room, vendors loaded out of the space. Coordinators offered up by the venues often represent the venue, not the couple. They will help you, certainly, and in most cases will be just lovely at their jobs (my venue coordinator certainly was!). But they will not advocate for you as I would, and there are always small, imperceptible lines that they and their staff will not cross.

CASE IN POINT: At my own wedding, the venue team was happy to set up our tables, chairs, and even the basics of our centerpieces, but they would not place card our seating assignments for us. Instead, I asked my trusted day-of coordinator to handle this key organizational detail on our behalf.

As your coordinator, I will be your advocate, and always place your priorities and goals above all else.

I'll be back each week with another reason why a booking good coordinator can be the best bridal decision you ever make!

xoxo,

Those beautiful bunches of baby's breath with lemon vases AND the place cards? The venue wouldn't touch them. But, thankfully, the wedding coordinator was happy to step up and take care of these very important details! (photo courtesy of Jennifer Seay Photography)

See those favors? Hung and displayed with love by yours truly, NOT the venue coordinator! (photo courtesy of Milestone Images)

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Get Those Gifts Organized!

Hello Friends!

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Keep a detailed log of all the gifts you receive throughout your entire wedding journey so that you can write thank-you notes with ease.

Here’s what I mean by this: It’s all too easy to let those pre-wedding gifts pile up in a corner for months, only to forget which lovely person gave you what fantastic item when you get down to writing your thank-you notes. So, beginning with your first gift received, create a simple spreadsheet list (you know me, I love my lists!) to keep track of everything that is handed, gifted, or sent to you and your other half leading up to, on, and after your big day.

Record the giver's name, the store where the gift was purchased (if you know), the date it was received, a brief description of the gift, and finally, the date the thank-you note was sent. You can refer to this listing as you write (since proper etiquette dictates that you describe the gift in your note) and use it to keep track of which gifts you've acknowledged.

BTW, though etiquette dictates that your loved ones have up to one year after the wedding date to send you their wedding gift, the same window of time is not held for sending thank-you notes. As a rule, shower gift thank-you cards should be mailed within two or three weeks, and early wedding gifts should be acknowledged before the big day. All remaining thank-you notes should be sent within three months. Lastly, if the same person gets you a gift for multiple events (a shower gift and a wedding gift) you should write a separate note for each gift.

A little organization now will save you a LOT of headache and questions of “who got us this?” down the line.

xoxo,

 

 

 

Welcome Announcement - Kaitlyn & Ken!

Hello friends!

If you’re in NYC today, I hope you’re getting out into the world and enjoying this absolutely gorgeous weather (while also making a note to yourself that global warming is very real, and we need to combat that!).

Once you’ve come indoors - or while you’re perusing your phone as you soak up some sun - I’m thrilled to welcome another couple into the Stephanie Gatton Events family, making it three for three on referrals from one of my absolutely favorite sites, Offbeat Bride.

Say hello to KAITLYN & KEN!

The happy couple enjoying BBQ, beers, and bluegrass at Astoria's Strand Smokehouse.

Due to their very busy lives in the always-on-call EMT world - as well as raising their lovely one-year-old daughter, Mackenzie - we FaceTimed our original “get to know you” chat. These two lifelong New Yorkers got engaged in 2015 overlooking the fireworks of a birthday cruise for Ken, and they’re equally committed to creating a unique and lovely fall garden wedding for their guests.

I'm honored to join the team as their coordinator for their October 2017 wedding at The Vander Ende-Onderdonk House in our home borough of Queens, NYC. Let's do this!

xoxo,

 

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Ceremony First!

Hello Friends!

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Throughout the planning process, always remind yourselves that the ceremony is for you, the rest of the party is for everyone else.

 

Here’s what I mean by this: Weddings - no matter how well-intentioned - often have a way of ballooning into something bigger than the engaged couple originally anticipated. Struggling to be all things to all people, couples can succumb to the temptation to plan a wedding that will make everyone else happy. Well-meaning parents and friends can only add pressure to the feeling that you’re throwing a big party for everybody else.

 

photo courtesy of Jennifer Seay Photography

 

You may hear a different opinion from other people, but my firm belief is this: You absolutely ARE throwing a party for everybody else - never again in your entire life will you have this exact collection of people gathered together to celebrate and honor your union. It’s a pretty special day, and it’s only natural for a couple to want to thank their guest for joining them by throwing an amazing party, with delicious food and memorable experiences.

photo courtesy of Milestone Images

But I ask all of my couples to do something for themselves as well: When it comes to planning the ceremony, put yourselves first. The ceremony is the entire reason for everyone coming together on that date, at that time, in that location. There would be no party without the ceremony! I urge you to make no compromises - except between each other - when planning this portion of the day. If you don’t want to walk down an aisle, then don’t walk down an aisle. If you would prefer to have some traditions honored, but not others, then that is how it should be done. If you want your vows to one another to be intimate, acoustic, and unamplified for all to hear, then ultimately, that is what you should do. Everybody else can deal.  

It’s all too easy to get caught up in centerpieces, menu tastings, or DJ “do not play” lists, but remember not to gloss over what will happen or be said during your ceremony. Dedicate a similar amount of time to finding what works for you both, and I promise you, you’ll create a unique moment with your other half that will last a lifetime!

xoxo,

 

Vendor Spotlight: AOK Style + Planning

Hello friends!

Earlier this month, I introduced the first installment of an ongoing series on the blog - my trusted vendor spotlights. We started by featuring one of my favorite musicians, ready to work your wedding ceremony or cocktail hour.

This week, I’m highlighting a kick-ass friend and colleague, ALLIE KOEHLER of AOK Style + Planning. Allie really connects with her clients, tells it like it is, and cuts through any wedding industry b.s. to fully realize her clients’ vision. The final product of partnering with her to realize your style is, quite simply, stunning.

Full disclosure: Allie and I have been neighbors (and mutual dog walkers for each other’s pups) since 2010. Back in 2014 when I was deep in the weeds with my own wedding planning, Allie was my #1 choice to hire as a day-of coordinator - someone I could hand off all of my meticulous plans to, knowing they would be executed with ease. Since then, Allie has evolved her own business to incorporate both styling and coordination, and while I’m focusing on her top-notch skills as a stylist (seriously, hit her up if you haven't taken your engagement photos yet!), she’s also a terrific coordinator. In fact, she’s become my go-to referral for inquiries that I’m unable to accept because I’m already booked - she’s the best! And without further ado, I give you the lady herself, Allison Koehler.

 

photo courtesy of Julia Elizabeth Photography

 

Q: What led you to weddings, specifically, and how long have you been in the industry?
A: I’ve been in the industry on and off for 10 years now (more if you count my high school days as a cater waiter!). I began working as an event planner for a restaurant group in NYC in 2010, where some of my events, but not all, were wedding related. Eventually, I became the Wedding Coordinator at Magnolia Bakery, where all of my work was wedding related. Around that same time, I began styling couples for their engagement shoots, and within six months, I was assisting photographers during weddings. I guess you could say it was meant to be!

Q: Tell me a bit about the person behind the job and how you became a personal stylist?
A: I think I’ve always gravitated towards customer-facing careers because I love people. I consider my clients friends and I think getting to know them is just as important as the work we do together. Working with couples who are engaged is so thrilling. The drama of it all is so magical, and it’s kind of addicting.

Q: Tell me about your most memorable and fun wedding.
A: They’re all great for different reasons. I do love hopping onto the dance floor for a second with the couple, however. That’s always a fun moment.

Q: What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
A: Just a blur as I’m running by. :)

Q: What is your favorite part of a wedding day?
A: For weddings with a bride, I love being in the bridal suite, steaming dresses, and helping the bridal party get ready.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you can give your potential clients?
A: My biggest piece of advice is to love your vendors! Every vendor you hire should be someone you genuinely like and someone you genuinely trust.

Q: Where do you draw your wedding inspiration from?
A: I try to execute the vision of my clients, and typically we create a Pinterest board together where we swap ideas and inspiration.

Q: Tell me one thing we might not otherwise know about you.
A: I sang A Capella in college! Pitch Perfect isn’t that far off from my experience.

Q: Do you have any special discounts or offers for AOK Style + Planning at this time that my readers should know about?
A: Yes! If you got engaged between Thanksgiving 2016 and Valentine’s Day 2017, I’m offering a discount on my engagement shoot styling! Email me for details.

Q: Any last piece of advice for newly-engaged couples?
A: Enjoy, and don’t wish it away! Being engaged is almost as exciting as being married!

Now, enjoy these gorgeous photos of Allie's beautiful eye for style!

xoxo,

 
 
 

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Conquering Indecision

Hello Friends!

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: In the early stages of the planning process, set aside dedicated time specifically to research your options. But then also give yourself a deadline for when each decision should be made.

photo credit: iStock

photo credit: iStock

Here’s what I mean by this: I know, I know, you’re engaged, you’re planning an amazing wedding, which of course you want to be unique to you and your betrothed. Everybody - and I mean everybody - handles this process differently. Some people are born planners; others become paralyzed with indecision.

My absolute expert advice here is simple: Do your research. Maybe you’ll end up going with the first dress, photographer, caterer, or officiant that you speak with or website stalk. Still, you want to give yourself at least a few other options for comparison’s sake. But then, do yourself a favor and give yourself a time limit on how many minutes per day or hours per week you spend researching options. Don’t go down the rabbit hole of indecision! It’s incredibly easy - in the vast wedding industrial complex - to get so in the weeds with each and every choice facing you in the planning process. At some point, you just need to make a decision and move on - otherwise you’ll feel as if you’re drowning in too many options. Give yourself permission to shop around, and then make a choice.

photo courtesy of Steven Mastroianni

Or, you can also hire a professional - like me! - to guide you through the decision-making process. A good planner will never tell you who to hire - the choice is yours, and it will always be yours - but we can present you with an edited list of options, so you’re choosing between a handful of carefully curated vendors, as opposed to the entirety of the internet!

So, take deep breaths. Dive in. Make your choices, and trust your gut. You’ve got this!

Xoxo,

 



 

Welcome Announcement - Alexis & Joe!

Hello friends!

Happy February! Just a quick post to welcome my newest clients to the fold - ALEXIS & JOE!

Aren’t they adorable?

After checking out my vendor listing and spotlight on Offbeat Bride, Alexis wrote to me a few weeks ago, and after a lively 90-minute FaceTime chat, I just knew we were on the same page. Their story began at Billymark’s here in NYC (who doesn’t love a love story that begins at a dive bar?), and saw stints in LA and DC, before they made their home in Philadelphia. Both are from the New York area (Long Island and Jersey), and though Joe popped the question last October on the Brooklyn promenade (check out this view - who could ever say no to a proposal with this backdrop?), they’ll say “I Do” in the heart of Philly.

I'm honored to join the team as their coordinator for their September 2017 wedding at Bartram’s Garden, minutes from Center City. Let's do this!

xoxo,

 

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Interviewing Vendors

Hello friends!

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: It's important to meet face-to-face with vendors, and if that isn't possible, then set up a Skype chat. Reading a potential vendor's facial and body cues will give you a better sense of their demeanor.

photo courtesy of Michael Jung/iStock

photo courtesy of Michael Jung/iStock

Here's what I mean by this: I'll gladly hop on a phone call with potential clients, whenever and wherever they are in this great big world. But trust me, I MUCH prefer to see your pretty faces as we're getting to know one another! For coordinators, so much of the client booking process is about making a genuine connection between people (at least, for me it is).

Now, do you necessarily need to meet face-to-face with your photobooth operator or your transportation/bus shuttle rep? Not necessarily. But hell, I wouldn't say no to it, either. If they're in town and you're in town, then pick your favorite coffee house or lunch spot for a quick one-on-one.

Having a destination wedding or hiring out-of-town vendors (Hey, it's February 6 and this NYC planner has already booked FOUR non-NYC weddings!)? Then technology is your best friend. Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout - use your preferred platform and get to know those vendors!

xoxo,