The moment when a new gallery email pops in my inbox, I do a little happy dance. It is a shake of the head and a little shimmy of the chest (it is my go to dance move–I have to say). I am able to relive all the moments of the wedding day, and feel the emotions allll over again. I feel the emotions of the day along side the couple, family, and friends because I am invested from the day the contract is signed, and the couple begins their planning journey with me. This could be three months or one year in advance, but either way I am there along side the couple emailing, texting, calling throughout the process. I love to hear about how the couple becomes closer or the fun but stressful times planning brings to a relationship, and how I can make it easier for them.
Michaela came to me about a little over nine months til their wedding day, and I instantly knew she is someone I would be friends with outside of a professional friendship. When I started my business, I made it a main priority to best serve those I meet, in any aspect of the community. I tell all my couples that I spend more time with them planning through the months than most, so I try my best to create the best friendships I can with each couple. Michaela and Cory are the best example of this because not only did they trust me, a coordinator who was new to the industry, but they truly wanted to be my friend, and hear about my personal life.
Their wedding day was definitely one that I will cherish for my career to come. I learned a lot about myself as well as how to be the best coordinator I can be, and serve my couples. The beauty of coordinating weddings is that I learn something about myself every. single. wedding. This is not an exaggeration or a ploy to get anyone to book me. I genuinely learn from the good, bad, and everything in between.
The biggest lesson I learned from this day is to guide my couples to value the connection that they have with their vendors. My goal is to be a resource for my couples to guide them on how to choose each vendor based on their gut instinct. There is nothing more important than feeling taken care of on your wedding day, as ultimately a paying customer in this industry, and confident in the purchase you are making. Couples typically spend thousands of dollars in order to make their day special, so this connection is crucial. During every consultation, I make it a priority to say that I am here for my couples from day one to day of. This meaning that anything along the way I am there to help, and guide the process.
Now a days, Instagram is a HUGE place to find wedding vendors, and for the most part this social media avenue works for most. Every vendor has their own opinion on how social media, specifically instagram, changes the way people run their business. I personally see social media as a necessary tool, but when choosing vendors I believe their can be a loss of the personal connection if done poorly. Deciding your vendors is overwhelming, trust me even as a wedding vendor I still get overwhelmed about all the options there are in this industry. The most important aspect of choosing your vendors off social media is whether you are able to create that connection in the initial consultation. Choosing vendors specifically because of their social media presence or follower count does not always warrant the necessary connection, a “vibe” if that is your jam. Now, I am not saying that those who have high follower counts do not have the connection with their couples, but this should not be the sole deciding factor to have someone be a huge part of your special day.
Everyone starts somewhere in business, and for that I am thankful to Michaela and Cory for trusting me as a new vendor in the Portland wedding industry. The wedding day was amazing because the whole family welcomed me with open arms. I truly felt like I was not there as a vendor, but rather another friend celebrating the love they share. The whole day everyone showed love and support helping me any way they could, even when they definitely did not have to. I want to say a huge thank you to Michaela, Cory, their family, and friends for treating me so well and for being amazing friends of mine now.
Vendors
Planning + Coordination: Me // Instagram: @madisonaugusteventanddesign
Photography: Annie Ruby // Instagram: @annierubyy
Venue: The Butler Barn // Instagram: @thebutlerbarn
Hair + Makeup: Mallory Savory // Instagram: @styledbymal_
Florals: Honor Flowers // Instagram: @honorflowers
Videography: Vitaly // Instagram: @vitaly.pdx
DJ: Jenn from NW Mobile DJ // Instagram: @nwmdjs
Catering: West Side Taco Co. // Instagram: @westsidetacoco
Calligraphy: Carly // Instagram: @carlydesignco
