I’ve worked with Julie on a wedding before, and there’s one thing I can definitely say about her, she knows how to coordinate an event. As a floral vendor I felt really prepared and ready because of the delivery schedule, and contact info that she provided to all the vendors, which is a luxury that we don’t always get to enjoy when setting up. Plus getting to know Julie as an industry friend has been great. She’s so open to collaboration and creative projects, and always has ideas to share. Here’s a little more about her business, Coordinately Yours:
Where to find her: Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
Where do you live, work, and play?
After updating our Prairie Village home, I have decided it’s time for a new project. We recently purchased a 1960′s home in Old Leawood that I look forward to renovating and making our home.
When did you first become interested in event planning, and what sparked your interest?
I was inspired by Ann Lemcke of the Art of Entertaining in St. Louis while working for her in college. Her concept was to create food that looked as good as it tasted. I founded Coordinately Yours in 2002 and vowed to transcend that concept into all facets of event planning. Since each client has a unique personality, I wanted to design distinctly different weddings and events for them. It takes considerably more time and effort to provide individualized service, but doesn’t compromise why I chose event planning.
What types of services do you offer your clients?
Wedding planning and design is constantly evolving. Today, more brides are interested in diy options. To accommodate, in 2010 we began offering ala carte services {venue and vendor recommendations, budget development, diy consultations} to guide them and provide only the services they truly want/need. We still offer our most coveted packages-full service coordination, day of coordination and design services as well.
Where does your event planning inspiration come from?
Most of my inspiration is derived from non-wedding and event related blogs and websites such as EmersonMade, Anthropologie, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. I feel seeking outside inspiration keeps ideas fresh rather than falling into what everyone else is producing. Of course, a lot of my concepts are “aha” moments that come in the middle of the night and I do a mock up to present to my clients.
What would you say to someone trying to decide whether or not to hire a coordinator for their wedding?
Hiring a coordinator is an investment. Not only can a coordinator’s vast knowledge save you money, but a coordinator can save you a lot of stress. Couples invest in a great photographer to capture the moments and the details, hire a florist to make everything look beautiful, spend thousands on food, beverage, favors, entertainment, but who pulls all that together to ensure they work seamlessly? An experienced coordinator is worth their weight in gold and for a day of coordination, at the mere cost of a wedding cake.
Any words of advice you’d like to offer couples planning their big day?
Take it one step at a time. Don’t allow magazine timelines to rush you into decisions or create a panic. I find that those who rush to plan their wedding in the first month of engagement, usually make decisions that can be costly, they later regret, or are bored throughout the next 11 months, wishing they had something left to do. Planning your wedding should be a fun, positive experience.
