midwest wedding, Middle of the Map Weddings

Although I’ve never met Joan, I feel like we’ve met because she’s one of the only Featured Vendors whose interview I did over the phone (which was her fabulous idea).  She’s warm, and super sweet, and a part of an amazing community of indie wedding vendors in Chicago.  From looking at her website (newly re-designed by the way), and through her portfolio of pictures it’s easy to see that she puts 100% of herself into each wedding, making sure every detail is right, so that her couples can have a perfect day.  Here’s more about Joan and her business Five Grain Events.

(photo via Simply Jessie Photography)

Where to find her ~ Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter

Where do you live and work, and what do you like to do for fun?

I live in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago.  I moved to the neighborhood in late 2009.  I’m also a singer, and I perform with the Wicker Park Choral Singers, and Chicago Symphony Chorus.

photo via Avery House

When did you first become interested in event planning, and what sparked your interest?

When I was young I’d make travel plans and vacations with my family.  We always went to “boring” locations, and they said if I wanted to go somewhere else I should research a spot and plan it out.  I dabbled in events in college, and after that started working for the Lyric Opera in Chicago in the fundraising department.

When did you decided to start your business Five Grain Events, and why did you decide to start it?

Started the business officially in 2010 after assisting another wedding planner for a few years.  I’ve always loved weddings, but wanted to get my feet wet before I got into the business and get experience.  I really enjoyed the experience, and started doing weddings for friends and referrals.  Within the first 5 months I’d booked enough events to leave my full time job.

What’s your favorite part about working with a couple on their wedding?

The end of the evening when all the items on the to do list are checked off.  Everyone’s having a good time, and then the couples take a moment to come up and say thank you.  Sometimes they might give me more credit than I deserve, but I love knowing they’ve been able to fully enjoy their wedding day.

My other favorite moment is when I send the couple their time line.  It gives them a full picture of how their day will progress, and it makes things seem more real.

What would be your words of advice to a couple planning their wedding, and considering hiring a coordinator?

If you were trying to decide whether or not to hire a coordinator, make sure it’s someone who can really take on that role, and is a professional that knows how to manage all the details that are important to making your day special.   When you have someone who can take all the hard work out of your hands and help it flow naturally, it really makes the day more enjoyable for you and your guests.

Meet with your planner, and make sure you hire someone who you’re totally confident in.  Someone that fits your style, and will give you the type of coordination that you’re looking for.

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