Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator!

Below is a reprint of an article from Exquisite Weddings--a magazine I love!


Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Coordinator

Do-it-yourself brides may think of their wedding as just one more challenge to conquer--until they discover all the little things they never even considered. Luckily, that's where wedding coordinators come in. Here, 10 local experts list the reasons to put your DIY drive aside and enlist their services to plan your big day:
Experience: "Knowledge and experience is power. With years of knowledge, an experienced coordinator is able to solve last-minute problems on site without panicking. Also, with experience, we are able to match the right vendor to the client due to our relationships with different vendors. With every wedding, we learn something new; over time, we help pass off this knowledge for a perfect celebration."
Vision: "The ideal experience for a bride and groom and their guests is a day during which nobody has to think or make decisions. Your professional wedding consultant will execute your vision and navigate all the events of the day so that you are free to enjoy your wedding--just as you've imagined it."
Cost-Effectiveness: "It is a wise investment to hire an experienced wedding coordinator so that all of the money and months spent planning a perfect day will actually be executed to a couple's highest expectations."
The Gift of Time: "Save time by getting valuable and qualified vendor referrals from your coordinator. No need to spend hours researching and wondering if certain vendors are right for you."
Cohesion: "With such a significant investment of time and money spent on a wedding, a professional planner will make sure not only that you have the correct pieces to your puzzle but that they are all put together smoothly. We guide through the labyrinth of options while maintaining the client's goals. Having all of the best vendors in the world is meaningless if the glue is not there to pull it together."
Security: "Having a wedding coordinator ensures less risk of anything going wrong and more security that all the details will be just right!"
Stress Relief: "Having a planner on board allows you to slow down, take a deep breath and truly enjoy the process of planning your wedding."
The Matter of Manners: "Etiquette can play an important role in a wedding, especially for those brides who want a traditional celebration. Wedding coordinators have experience and knowledge necessary to advise bride and families on how to invite guests, on how to deal with difficult family issues, on how to create a processional order at the ceremony, on how to assign seats at the reception, on how to send thank-you notes, and so on."
Creative Inspiration: "It seems there are countless décor ideas out there, but your coordinator can help you narrow them down to fit your own wedding style. They can also help you create customized options to make your wedding truly unique and memorable."
Peace of Mind: "There is nothing like knowing that you have someone to oversee all of the details that you have put in place as well as invested money in."

Rebecca loves Barry

One of my favorite venues this year is absolutely the Robert Paine Scripps Seaside Forum, located at the beautiful La Jolla Shores! I have had the opportunity to work there 3 times this year, and am looking forward to being back with the fabulous Donna Stout a few times next year! Above are published photos from Rebecca and Barry's wedding--the first ever wedding at the Forum. This wedding was so uniquely amazing that it was featured not once, but twice! First, in a local publication called the La Jolla Light. Second, a spread in the Fall issue of San Diego Style Weddings!

Check out the San Diego Style Weddings article online and be sure to pick the issue up! Click here to read the article in its entirety in the La Jolla Light. Many many thanks to everyone involved in this wedding and these great articles! In particular, the newlyweds, Mother of the Bride with the mostest Sandra, and to the photogs at The Theorie!

Yasmin loves Brian

Yasmin and Brian married in August at the beautiful Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, and boy, was it a great party! The ceremony took place on the lawn, with cocktails at the pool and dinner on the beautifully lit Azalea lawn. After the first dance, toasts and a belly dancer performance, a singer appeared and began singing "Let's Get It Started!" Yasmin and Brian hopped up and went into the adjoining ballroom, where the room was set up lounge-style and guests rocked out to The Heroes all night. The ballroom was sanctioned off with curtains, so it was a great surprise for the guests.

I loved the subtle equestrian touches we added, honoring the newlyweds' love of horses. From the horse shoes on the cake, to the tables named after horses, it was a great touch! All of the florals you see here are from the gals at Modern Bouquet. Lighting and Decor by Concepts Event Design and Event Party Rentals. Thanks to everyone at Aquario for the beautiful pics, and Marianna at the Inn for all of her help!

Yasmin and Brian, thank you so much for a wonderful experience! I wish you both all the best in the world!

Laura loves Ralph

Laura and Ralph married last month on a warm August day at the gorgeous Darlington House. I had the honor of being their florist, and I loved collaborating with them on details for their intimate day. I loved the soft, buttery colors, and incorporating succulents and kumquats for extra oomph:) It's always such a treat to work solely as a florist--it gives me an entirely different perspective on the day! Laura and Ralph, congrats and I am excited that we will all share the same anniversary next year! All of the photos you see here are courtesy and copyright of Studio Verite--thanks Kristy!

I Do...Weddings! awarded A-List Award!

KGTV-Channel 10, the local ABC affiliate, ran a local contest for a number of different types of businesses throughout San Diego. There was a HUGE amount of competition in the wedding categories, and we are so pleased to be in the top 5 of wedding planners here in San Diego. We are in great company, and many thanks to the brides, grooms, families and friends that voted. To check it out, visit the link below.

http://kgtv.cityvoter.com/winners/best-of-10news-com-s-a-list/4742/weddings/wedding-planner?place=5

Thank you, thank you!
Melissa and Kasey

Sara loves Brian

Sara and Brian married a few weeks back at the beautiful La Jolla Woman's Club and the Immaculata. It was the first really warm summer day, but it was sprinkling in the morning! And speaking of sprinkles, check out the slideshow to see shots of the cupcakes made by Kathy, mother of the bride.

Melissa McClure captured the day really beautifully, and the photobooth was a blast. I hopped in a few times (okay, well....three times) and got to play dress up with all of the fun props. Florals were by yours truly!

Congrats Sara and Bri--I hope you had a fab honeymoon and I wish you both all the best! Thank you, thank you. I loved working with you and getting to know your families. All of the great shots you see here are courtesy of Melissa McClure!
Want to see even more photos? Check out the slideshow:

www.melissamcclure.com/slideshows/guentherwedding

Sunrise, Sunset....

Sunrise and sunset--some of the best times to take wedding photos! Did you know that one of the best times to take photos is 15 minutes prior to sunset? This can be even slightly earlier, if you are marrying on the coast, and the marine layer comes in early (this is especially true for La Jolla). Check out this image from my wedding last weekend at the Scripps Seaside Forum--beautiful! Want to know when to sneak out of your reception for a handful of pics? Check out this link.