What is your most memorable wedding?
My first one of course! Their is something incredibly special about the first couple who put their abolsute trust in you to bring together the most important day of their lives. Everything has to be perfect and run smoothly but still reflect them. I will forever be thankful to the first couple who put their trust in me and started me off in a career that I love and adore.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Outdoor, Stylish, Fun, Boho, Creative
What about your business are you most proud of?
Well this year being asked to write the expert planning feature for Festival Brides was a real high. But I am so proud of my business and how it has formed from big ideas and a lot fo hard work. In particular, my wedding show (The Rustic Wedding Show) because it has such an incredible reputation and continues to inspire both couples and suppliers and is something I still love doing.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Hire a planner of course - but after that, it is budget budget budget. Write it out. Split it up and work within it.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
When the bride remembered the wine they had had at their first date and organised it to be the wine at their wedding as a surprise. It was a subtle but romantic gesture to celebrate the journey they had been on.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I meet with a couple and get a full brief of what it is that they hope to achieve. From then I go away and put together a budget breakdown and a brief. Once the client has approved that brief I go about sourcing all of the elements. We start with a venue and then from their build up all of the suppliers. I create a concept and style document which also gets distributed to potential suppliers so that when they pitch they can do so in a more focused way. I run the RSVP list for my clients and produce all of the guest lists and dietary requirement forms. As the wedding draws closer I put together a schedule which sets out in detail everyone’s movements and instructions for each supplier for the day.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
A day of the dead corporate event
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
By making sure the couple know I have everything in hand and trust me completely.
What do you love most about your job?
Hire a planner of course - but after that, it is budget budget budget. Write it out. Split it up and work within it.
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
Such a hard question - but I love the speeches. By the speeches everyone has relaxed a bit and had a drink and I think you get a glimpse into the emotions of both the couple and the guests.