The most common question I have been getting over the past few months has been: ‘Who is planning your wedding?’. I think the answer is pretty evident. I am OBVIOUSLY planning my own wedding.
Planning an event as personal as a wedding for myself has most definitely made me a better wedding planner. I have now gone through all of the motions and emotions that my brides go through and am able to better relate to them. I understand the stresses of staying within budget, the importance of details, and the trials and tribulations of family involvement so much better than I ever did. I also now really understand and value my role as a wedding planner for other people much more than I ever did.
Having a go-to person who has the experience and knowledge of an industry as complex as the wedding industry is invaluable. It saves lots of time, money and many many headaches.
I am not going to say that a person cannot plan a wedding on his or her own. Of course you can! But having a wedding planner by your side makes the process much more manageable and enjoyable.
Over the past 26 days through this blog, I have highlighted individuals, companies and groups that form my wedding community. All of these people will come together starting today to create an incredible event for me and Jason. But between all of the details and everyone’s tasks, you absolutely need a captain to run the ship….or in my case several captains.
As of Saturday morning, I intend on completely disconnecting from my role as a wedding planner and totally immersing myself in the role of a bride & soon-to-be wife. I initially thought it could be fun to have a head set on and call all the shots and be the MC all at once but my vision was quickly crushed by my fiancé. And he is right…no one getting married should have to worry about all of the little things that happen behind the scenes on the day of their wedding.
So naturally, I had to find the right people to drive the event and make it all happen. Here is my all-star team of coordinators:
LEORA SHAMMAS – Leora has been my angel for the past 8 years since I began this business. Brides who have worked with us in the past are so grateful to have had Leora around because she is a magic-maker. Leora is the type of person that you immediately love. She is always positive, extremely resourceful, a true hussler and will get whatever is needed done at all costs. Together we are an amazing duo because we completely complement each other and I am extremely fortunate to have this outstanding human being by my side day in and day out. Now, let’s be clear…Leora is first and foremost my friend and a GUEST on Saturday (except for the 5 or 10 things I really need her to be a part of). Who better to call the shots then someone who knows the ins-and-out of my brain? I seriously ADORE this girl.
VANESSA TOBIN – I met this lovely lady years ago at an event while she was working with one of my favorite caterers – Java U. Vanessa is one of the hardest working girls I know and also one of the strongest (despite her being 5.2 ft). She knows events in and out and is especially in tune with anything related to food, wine and staffing. This girl also smiles from morning to night and has the most cool, calm and collected attitude. I am so fortunate that she agreed to coordinate my special day.
ADAM BULTZ & SAMANTHA WHIPPS – Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to become friends with many other entrepreneurs and planners in the event industry. Adam and Samantha, the dynamic duo that run C3 Events (www.c3events.ca) are not only great friends but are true professionals. Though weddings are not their forte, their expertise lies in the areas of entertainment, technical production, and coordination of major international events. Adam is meticulous in his approach and super talented in creating a smooth seamless and ‘dramatic’ production. He is also one of my greatest friends who has selflessly dedicated lots of his precious time to me recently. Samantha is the furthest from being a ‘scary planner’ but gets the job done by demanding the best of everyone!
Feeling confident in your wedding coordinator(s) on the day of the wedding is priceless. Can’t wait to party at a wedding….for once!
T – 3 DAYS! OMG!!!!!!!!
TANIA