I am proud to introduce our new series of blog postings that will recap each of our team members’ weddings! We share their thoughts in the hopes that some of their experiences/advice will resonate and inspire in those indecisive moments. First up–get to know the boss lady, Erin, as we take a closer look at her big day from back in 2018. Erin incorporated elegance with rustic elements to create an elevated barn-styled wedding. Answering 10 questions about her special day, she talks things to keep/things to change, and staying true to yourself throughout the process.

What would you say is your personal aesthetic?
Currently, I’m 29 and feel like I’ve established my personal aesthetic a bit more than when I was married at 23. But even then, I have always been drawn to elegance, timelessness, classic and clean aesthetics.

What was the overall theme of your wedding?
It was five and a half years ago, so I would probably have a bit of a different theme today, but it was outdoors with a really beautiful mountain view. The reception was an elevated barn-style, so I would say that aspect of the event was more of a rustic aesthetic.

Where did you get your inspiration from?
It was the 2010s, so barns were still kind of a newer trend! Back then (seems so long ago in social media years even though it wasn’t), Pinterest was the only inspiration spot now Tik Tok has become the new go-to. Best tip for staying sane during the planning process? I honestly just didn’t really ask for a lot of opinions – we did exactly what we wanted to do within our budget. Asking for a lot of opinions includes looking on social media, by the way – I’m glad we didn’t have Tik Tok then because now it’s almost tougher to keep up with the trends/make them original to you.

Throughout the planning process, what proved to be the most important element/step to you, personally?
Staying true to us as a couple. We were torn between two venues – one being more of a prix-fixe style and the one we chose being much more flexible with who we could choose for vendors, etc. While we loved the estate-like feel of the first option, we knew we wanted our wedding to be a fun time to be together more than anything, so that meant going with the venue that allowed us to choose the vendors we wanted.

Favorite moment from your wedding day?
We had a mariachi band to celebrate my spanish heritage, and when everyone sat down for dinner the band burst through the doors and started playing. It was such a fun and memorable moment!

One thing you would keep and one thing you would change, in terms of design?
Keep – I loved our florals – my bouquet was so special and beautiful. Our stationery was handmade by a friend, so that felt really personal to us too.

Change – I would have put a lot more emphasis on place settings. I am a sucker for a good tablescape! It feels like one of those things that doesn’t matter much in the grand scheme, but when you see it all together in your reception space it’s enough to make you cry (and people usually do!).

One thing you would keep and one thing you would change, as far as day-of structure?
Keep – we didn’t do a first look, but we did read letters before the ceremony from each other. I loved feeling like we got to hear from each other, but keeping it traditional for the aisle moment.

Change – I wish it could have been longer so we could have danced more. The dance floor was the best!

If you could offer just one recommendation to a bride on her wedding day to make it
THAT much more memorable…what would it be?
Well, everyone knows I have lots of recommendations 😉 but if I could say one thing, it would be to only do the formalities that mean something to you. Make time for what you personally want to make time for, and if there’s something you don’t want to do even though it’s traditional, well, just don’t!

How did the experience of your own wedding impact how you view/approach your work in the wedding world?
I remember thinking “I know I’m in the wedding biz,” (I was assisting another planner at the time) “but I wish I had someone to make decisions for me right now.” That’s how I approach every couple I fully plan for – how can I be there as a sounding board for them while making sure they’re holding true to themselves in this process? And of course, planning my own wedding just made me realize how much I love the industry, so needless to say, I started a business shortly after!

We are so excited to bring you this new series, directly from our team members, because we want to not only connect professionally, but personally, as well. We hope you love it as much as we do 🙂

Xx,
Lizzie