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,

 

Vendor Spotlight: Lucas Pullin Classical Guitar

Hello friends!

One of the best things a wedding coordinator or planner can do for their clients is to offer suggestions of trusted, valuable, reliable vendors for couples needing to put together the last pieces of their planning puzzle. Through both my work in weddings as well as my lovely non-profit 9-5, I’ve gotten to know some really wonderful people who are invested in making your big day all it should be!

When you book me as your coordinator, you’ll gain instant access to my trusted list of preferred vendors - NONE of which you need to use, but ALL of whom I can 100% vouch for. And before you even ask - because it’s definitely a thing in our industry - I get absolutely zero kickbacks on these referrals. There’s nothing in it for me except my sincere desire to pair you with a vendor who will work for you, and whose work ethic I can stand behind. Often, hiring one of my trusted vendors adds a useful shorthand to the planning process. If I’ve already worked a wedding or two with the photographer you’ve booked, chances are we get along, speak the same professional language, and will cut right to the chase to get shit done for you, our beloved clients!

With all of that in mind, I’m pleased to introduce what I hope will be a monthly feature on the blog - VENDOR SPOTLIGHTS!

I’m thrilled to begin this series highlighting a wonderful artist and musician. With my connection to one of the world’s top conservatories for dance, drama, and music, you can absolutely count on me for superior artist recommendations! From jazz and opera singers, string or jazz quartets, solo pianists, harpists, or guitarists, I’ve got you covered! Without further ado, read on for more info on the talented and generous classical guitarist, LUCAS PULLIN.

Q: Thanks for being the first of my vendor spotlight series! Can you tell my readers what led you to the weddings, specifically, and how long have you been in the industry?
A: I have been playing weddings within the NYC area since 2011 through The Juilliard School Office of Career Services. As a Juilliard alumnus, they offer students and alumni performance opportunities. From my first wedding performance, I’ve fallen in love with working on providing that magical musical moment for my couples at their ceremonies!

Q: What do you love most about being a wedding musician?
A: For me, The best part of a wedding ceremony is its beginning - that moment of silence before the prelude or processional piece, where guests feel their heart beat a little bit faster. Music is just another spark and it sets the actual beginning of the ceremony.

Q: Tell me about your most memorable and fun wedding.
A: My most remarkable experience was to perform for a couple where the bride not only holds a very important event planner job, but also worked on planning her own wedding! [Full Disclosure: This bride is ME! Lucas was our ceremony musician, and he totally rocked it! His custom arrangements for not one but THREE songs for our ceremony, coupled with his existing rep of classical guitar music as our guests arrived, set the scene and mood perfectly.] I was given perfect timings for my arrangements and I felt the most comfortable to perform and finish the arrangement precisely with her last steps to the altar. Stephanie and Patrick picked me as their ceremony musician and it was such a pleasure.

Q: What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
A: I arrive at the venue ahead of time to prepare my music and find my sitting spot (as a classical guitarist, I need to sit to play properly). A talk with the event planner is crucial for knowing the correct cues to begin each song. My priority on the day of the wedding is to make these contacts efficiently so I have my fingers and music ready for the ceremony!

photo courtesy of Jen Sean Photography

Q: What is the best part of your job, as a wedding musician?
A: My instrument is the classical guitar. If I'm performing solo, I usually bring a small amp with me and I only need an outlet and an armless chair to perform. The guitar can play and sound like a "miniature orchestra" so the possibilities are endless! I love making custom arrangements of any music on the guitar, from Bach to Bon Jovi. Please don't hesitate to ask me about any arrangements for the guitar!

Q: From your experience, what should couples ask a potential musician in the interview process?
A: During the first conversation with the musician, couples should not feel shy! If you know the music you want, it can definitely be done! If you don't yet know your choices, we will work together! If there is a song, a feeling, a mood...I'll help you make it yours!

Q: What makes you unique from other wedding musicians?
A: Along with my classical training and the ability to arrange music, I can play a little bit of jazz tunes and bossa nova, from my birth country Brazil. After most ceremonies I've performed at, I also provide the cocktail hour music, mixing classical music with other genres.

Q: Do you have any special discounts or offers for your services at this time that my readers should know about?
A: I offer a great package deal if you book me for both the ceremony AND the cocktail hour!

But don't just take my word for it - listen to some of the beautiful music he's arranged for wedding ceremonies, or hear some of his Brazilian repertoire, too!

Want to hire Lucas for your upcoming wedding? Reach out to him HERE and be sure to mention my name in your inquiry.

See you next month with another excellent vendor!

xoxo,

 

Welcome Announcement - Susan & Toby!

Hello friends!

Hot on the heels of my recent vendor listing and spotlight on my fave site, Offbeat Bride, I'm thrilled to welcome my first "OBB" clients of the new year: Susan and Toby!

These two wonderful folks are recently engaged, and planning a lovely, intimate service and dinner for their nearest and dearest to celebrate their union. And these two are uber-local to me (also residing in Astoria, Queens - my little corner of the world!). When I met with Susan initially to discuss their needs, I was so impressed with her organization, and ability to communicate her vision for the day. Organized couples are a wedding coordinator's dream client!

I'm honored to join the team as their coordinator for their intimate May 2017 wedding at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, with dinner to follow at Carmine's on the UWS in our hometown of NYC.

Let's do this!

xoxo,

 

Wedding Pro-Tip of the Week: Dress Buying!

Hello Friends!

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: The best time to buy a wedding gown is in late December through January.

 

photo courtesy of Milestone Images

 

Here's what I mean by this: You're in luck! You've still got two days to go! Many boutiques and retail stores launch their spring designs during these cold winter months (fashion is always a season or two ahead of real life, which is why you see bikinis on display in February in NYC). As a result, you can score deep discounts on existing inventory during this period. 

So if you haven't found "the one" (dress, that is, I'm hoping you've found "the one" partner if you're reading this!), then now's the time to find a deal on your favorite design! (or you could hire one of my costume designer goddess friends to custom-design your own bespoke wedding gown, like this gorgeous one above!)

xoxo,

 

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: Photo Shot List Helpers

Hello Friends!

photo courtesy of Milestone Images

Wedding Planner Pro-Tip of the Week: On the big day, delegate someone to help your photographer identify and gather your VIPs during the formal photos session.

Here’s what I mean by this: If you’ve hired a professional wedding photographer, you can trust them to be "on it" for this key photography moment in the day. You can count on them (as well as their second shooter, if you’ve booked one as well), to capture all of the wonderful formal portraits and various friend/family/bridal party permutations that gathering people from all walks of your lives will tend to need. However, if you can swing it, I highly, HIGHLY recommend deputizing someone in your bridal party (think someone organized, good with lists, good with herding cats), to keep hold of your “photo shot list” (paper copy or on a smartphone). This person should be charged with checking the list in between their own cameos in photos to ensure that none of your “must-have” shots have been forgotten. Trust me: your photographers will appreciate the second pair of eyes on the list, so they can focus on the reason you hired them in the first place - to take gorgeous photography that will last a lifetime!

xoxo,