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,