The Perfect Solution for Planning Destination Weddings in Sedona, Arizona

I have been singing in weddings since my high school years. As the Wedding Singer (Hmmm, someone should make a movie about that) I attended every rehearsal, ceremony and reception so was able to witness a lot of things – good & bad. Rehearsals were often quite unorganized and I found myself helping couples figure out how to process, where (and how) to stand at the ‘altar’, how to recess, how to seat parents, ….. based on my knowledge. As the wedding day unfolded I often saw ceremonies starting late, guests having to wait for way-too-long with nothing to do while a photographer monopolized the time of the wedding party, reception food get cold because nobody was seated at the time the caterer was told to be ready, a DJ who was completely inept at keeping a party going……. You get the picture. I always felt horrible for the Bride (Sorry grooms to be, you are important too) and vowed that would never happen in weddings in which I was the Wedding Singer. AND I knew a lot of money was spent on providers who were not necessarily good at their jobs. Thus, during music planning meetings I also became the Wedding Planner (Hmmm, another movie idea?). It also helps that I am an organized, Type-A personality who must have perfection. EVERY couple deserves their dream wedding without any regrets!!

1. My understanding of how to plan the perfect ceremony and reception.. Many wedding planners are gifted in the reception/party planning stage of the day yet have little experience understanding the nuances of the ceremony itself. I have had years of experience first singing in weddings ceremonies of all denominations and then coordinating such weddings. I truly believe that all are gathered to celebrate the marriage of a very special couple and that happens at the ceremony.
2.  I have a very organized, Type-A personality yet know how to establish positive working relationships with my families and all of my service providers. Yes, it is possible to be the ‘boss’ and lead in a kind & assertive manner. We all know too well that bossy person that everyone ends up hating by the end of the event. I am NOT that person.
3. Years of experience as a professional wedding coordinator in the Midwest prior to moving to Arizona have led to many perfect weddings:) I have had the pleasure of coordinating several amazing weddings since my move to Arizona in 2013..
4.  Understanding the importance of being involved in professional organizations such as the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) in order to network with other wedding professionals and perfect y our skills. I believe that many planners overlook this very important step.

First and foremost, meet with the wedding planner/coordinator face-to-face to find out if your personalities click. You will be spending a lot of time together and you need to like each other. You also need to get a feel for whether or not you can trust that person as he/she will be responsible for making sure every single detail is handled well. Finally, make sure that the wedding planner is doing what YOU want to do and not what he/she thinks you should do.

WOW, now that is a loaded question because I love so much. OK, in a nutshell….

• I love getting to know the couple AND the families of every couple during the planning process.
• I love seeing the day unfold in all of it’s perfection.  There is simply nothing that compares to that feeling after months of hard work!
• I love taking off my shoes because my feet hurt at the end of a long, yet satisfying day.
• I love when the couple tells me that I am like family by the end of the process.
• I love when a father hugs me at the end of the wedding day and tells me I am the best thing he could have done for his wife and his daughter or son so that everyone could relax and enjoy the day:)

Since I coordinate many events, I have purchased several items that are commonly needed such as the following:

• Sound system for outdoor ceremonies and receptions
• Tables: Ten 60” Round (each will sit up to 8 comfortably), Four Rectangular banquet and Five Square pub style
• Eighty black event chairs
• Tableware for up to 60 guests: Dinner plates, flatware,  wine & champagne glasses, water goblets
• Wedding Cake Display plate & cutting/serving utensils
• Cake plates & coffee cups
• Table Wine Bottle Centerpieces & Mason jar table numbers (flowers for centerpieces to be purchased separately)

OF COURSE!  Since I become such an integral part of your family during the planning process, it makes total sense to have them as guests at our B&B property.  Plus, we are all here to celebrate YOUR big day. Lodging options include the following:

• Cabernet Suite overlooking the vineyard (sleeps 2) with Ensuite Bathroom boasting a 2-person Jacuzzi tub and separate spacious shower
• Chardonnay Suite overlooking front courtyard (sleeps up to 4) with private bath
• Tiki Tree House (separate from main B&B house) overlooking tiki bar/pool area (sleeps 2 comfortably but does have a fold out full size futon bed as well)

A good yet complicated question.  Here goes.  A GOOD wedding coordinator will do all of the following:

• Save you money, time, energy and tears
• Reduce your stress
• Work with YOUR ideas and vision for your wedding day
• Act as a sounding board and gives guidance regarding every wedding detail
• Relieve you from the work of finding and researching GOOD service providers
• Have access and information related to a multitude of service providers such as photographers, caterers, officiants, florists, ceremony and reception musicians/DJs, hair & make-up artists…
• Know who to hire and who NOT to hire to make your dream wedding day a reality
• Help you narrow down service provider options that would fit your vision and budget
• Do all the legwork prior to setting up personal meetings between you and quality service providers
• Mediate and negotiate contracts with service providers as needed
• Help you adhere to your budget
• Provide creative ideas that can save you money in the long run
• Work around your schedule during the planning process
• Keeps you on schedule by providing routine checklists
• Do all scheduling for rehearsal and wedding day (separate master schedules for wedding party and service providers)
• Choreograph entire event including rehearsal, ceremony, and reception
• Be on-site at all times to make sure everything runs smoothly and according to your plans
• Supervise all hired service providers for entire event
• Make sure nothing is overlooked and handles any last minute emergencies
• Always have a back-up plan for every possible scenario
• Offer Peace of Mind
• Allow you and your family to relax and enjoy every second of your dream wedding day!