Why do you see yourself as being Modern, Vintage, Classic, or Eclectic?

For this particular piece I’m going to select Classic. It’s not that we don’t do the other visuals it’s just that when I think of classic I think of communication. One big plus that our clients get Is instant connection to us. Literally today I had a bride that was going through a moment of stress and all she needed was to reach out and talk it through. Because she has my personal cell number, she was able to text me the worry, which I immediately responded to that preceded an hour conversation just to help her take a breath. It’s not the question that is stressful… It’s the amount of time that it take responding to it that creates stress.

What is your favorite wedding detail you've ever seen or created?

So normally I am not a fan of favors… Typically when a client and I create favors, 30% of them will be left on the table – which is not surprising since by the end of the evening most of the guests will be tired, slightly buzzed…(or more than slightly) or forget where their table was. But this favor stuck in my mind because it connected the couple to the party. Their first date was to the movie “UP” In the movie the first date of the couple was based on a shared bottle of grape soda. So as a favor, I had 300 grape soda Pins made with a description of why this soda cap was important. It was the first time that I didn’t have to “clean up: the favors at the end of the night. It’s the details that make the difference.

What is your favorite store or brand?

Wow – My favorite brand is my own. Quick, easy to reach, quick callback and flexible. But if I had to pick a brand…. I’m going to go with Ritz Carlton. Not only is this the company that I used to be a Director of Catering For (Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour for anyone that wants to look it up) But also their standard on customer service. I’m a HUGE fan of Surprise & Delight. This is where we would learn about the client…..Ie.. .huge fan of a particular football team…and we would create a basked of said football team apparel that we would set up in their room as s surprise….and delight. I carry this tradition in my own business. Recently I had a thank you card created by a clients favorite artist that I sent to her after a major event. Think about not only getting a hand written thank you card but also on a piece of art done by one of your favorite artist… Surprise and Delight!

What advice do you have for a newly engaged couple?

Do YOU!! OMG How many times do I meet with clients and it takes three or four meetings to realize that the planning is based on the parents ideas of THEIR perfect wedding. I get it – they a paying for the wedding but there is always a way to ensure that what makes you unique comes through the wedding. I brought up the soda cap before….The mother thought it was a horrendous idea but once I walked her through the emotional piece…she went with it. Weeks later hearing her joy at the response of the guest was literally everything!

What is your favorite thing about weddings?

The moment the couple says I Do. The hardest part of my job is getting people down the aisle. There is hair and makeup; people and parents; planners and vendors; all basically in your face during the day… assuming I’m not your planner since I would not allow that to happen. There is something magical that happens when I couple says I Do. The stress comes off like front moving through a heat wave. Everyone is just lighter and brighter. It’s the part where couples are finally ready to share their love with their guests.

What qualities do you possess that enable you to work well with brides and grooms?

I’m a psychologist, a Psychologist, and Life Coach all in one…. I find that it’s not the bride that tends to be an issue but the random Mother In Law, or wife of a divorced parent, or event the bridesmaid that recently went through a divorce. Being able to see someone get to that boiling point and then ensuring they never blow is an art. Usually it can be handled with good customer service.. Ensuring everyone in the room has something to drink… or even being that ear that is not related to anyone in the family.

What steps do you take to ensure that your clients will have amazing wedding days when working with you?

I’m present. I know… super simple but I am there running between setup, talking to the hotel, reaching at to Quiznoes to make sure food is going to arrive, talking to your mother in law, fixing broken zippers, talking to the banquet captain, cleaning up your ready room, making sure the place cards are perfect,….. down to your aunt… who showed up late and now doesn’t have room and now calling you to complain… I take care of all of that. Most of my job happens that last 48 hours but based on our current world I found that I am on the phone ensuring my brides that their day is still going to be amazing!! I have an advantage – a Previous Director of Catering – I have communication options that most do not.. My clients enjoy the “back door” which is not normally needed but as an event planner by job is not about the know… but the unknown……and I absolutely LOVE what I do!