With wedding season among us, many brides for 2010 have done most of their planning, but may be trying to decide whether hiring a month of coordinator would be worth it. Being wedding planners, we, of course would say, “YES! Don’t hesitate! Hire a professional wedding coordinator to ensure your wedding plans are taken care of the day of so you, your friends and family can relax and enjoy!” Make sure to find the right personality match to work with you on your wedding day! Here’s an article that we posted a few months ago about the different types of coordinators that’ll be a part of your wedding day to help you decide if hiring a Month of [Day of] coordinator is right for you! Enjoy and if you have any questions- please don’t hesitate to ask!

With the title “coordinator” used so often in the wedding and event industry, it’s no surprise that the duties of these different people can get a bit confusing. We were talking about this recently with other vendors, and it is clear that people have a lot of questions about the different types of coordinators that might work with them on their wedding day. We’ll unravel these different terms for you!

Catering Coordinator: This person works for your catering company or as a manager at a venue that offers catering.
Your catering coordinator will make sure:
      o your menu selections have been made
      o plans for your bar and beverages has been arranged
      o receive and maintain your payments for the catering
Many catering companies offer rental items such as dinnerware, linens, and glassware. Your catering coordinator may assist you in selecting those items. On the day of your wedding, the catering coordinator manages the timeline for food preparation and food service. The catering coordinator will also oversee the serving staff.

Venue Coordinator: This person is employed by the venue, and knows the inner-workings of the space. Your venue coordinator will most often do a walk-through with you and point out typical layouts for your floor plan.
Your venue coordinator will know answers to questions, such as:
      o “what time can our vendors start setting up?”
      o “Where are the power outlets in the building?”
      o “How many chairs and tables do you have, and do you provide linens?”
      o “Am I allowed to use candles?”
      o “Where can vendors park for loading and unloading?”
      o “When is our final payment due?”
Some venue coordinators are on-site during your wedding day for part of all of the day. Make sure you ask them what their role with be on the day of.

Church Coordinator: If you are marrying in a church, you might have a church coordinator.
Your church coordinator will:
      o schedule your rehearsal time
      o advise you on etiquette of that specific church as well as its rules
      o run your rehearsal (for example, tell you how you should line up/walk into the church)
      o refer cantors or musicians through the parish
      o your church coordinator will be there on your wedding day to guide you down the aisle

Wedding Coordinator: A wedding coordinator/consultant/planner is one and the same.  A wedding coordinator differs from the afore mentioned coordinators because he/she is hired directly by the bride/groom/family which means their first and foremost job description is to provide to you the services that you need to make your wedding planning experience enjoyable. He/she can not only answer questions about your venue, rentals, catering, and church customs, but can also aid you with subjects such as design, budgeting, vendor selection, timelines, and etiquette. A perk is that most wedding coordinators receive discounts with vendors that get passed on to the client as a savings, rather than marking them up and costing the client more money. This comes from the experience that a professional wedding coordinator has, as well as the extensive research and networking that he/she maintains on a regular basis to continue to learn about the vendors that are available to their clients.
Most wedding coordinators offer day-of coordination in their list of services. When hiring a Day-of Coordinator they manage the details of your wedding day for you.
This includes, but not limited to:
      o preparing a timeline and ceremony processional/recessional sheet
      o organizing day of information details
      o communicating details between all vendors making sure they are on the same page
      o running the rehearsal or assist officiant and church coordinator
      o set up and clean up
      o trouble-shooting any and all situations throughout the day
Many day-of coordinators offer packages that include meetings to prepare for the wedding day and more.

If you have a coordinator at your venue, church or catering company that uses the title wedding planner/ wedding coordinator/ wedding consultant please inquire about all of the different things that they plan to do for you on your wedding day, as well as throughout your planning timeframe, so you are not left disappointed on your wedding day. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Every company is different, so some coordinators may vary from the above description.

Happy planning!

Cheers,
Mandi, Rachelle and the Champagne team

Local event:
Eco-friendly wedding event! Portland:
Monday, June 28
6:00- 8:00 pm
New Beginning Salon Spa
503-645-2950
http://www.nbsalonspa.com

You’ve heard us say their names, but they have yet to be introduced! Danielle and Amanda are two of our wonderful lead wedding and event planners! All four of us sleep, dream, live wedding and event planning thoughts! I can’t remember the last time I went somewhere and I didn’t think about whether or not it had event space potential! haha! With wedding season in full swing, we wanted to help you get to know Danielle and Amanda a little better! Enjoy…

Meet Danielle:

Dayna Schroeder Photography

How did you decide you wanted to get into wedding & event planning?
Danielle: I decided to get into wedding and event planning at a very young age, if my friends Barbie and Ken doll wanted to get married, I was the one they would bring them to. I would beg my mom to buy me wedding magazines even before I could read! Wedding planning has always been my dream job and I am so blessed to be doing it!

What do you love about weddings?
Danielle: What I love about weddings is the magic that fills the venue and the groom’s eyes when the bride walks down the aisle, seeing a couple’s vision turn into the wedding of their dreams. I love every planning moment from a blank piece of paper with a bride spilling her ideas to the moment when the last guest has left…and of course cake : )

How would you describe your dream wedding?
Danielle: My dream wedding would be a winter wedding in Banff on Lake Louise with sleigh rides and a hot cocoa bar.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Danielle: In my free time I like to read, kayak, do yoga, and try new restaurants with my boyfriend.

Fun tidbit:
Danielle: I only eat Kraft mac and cheese if the noodles are shaped like characters.

Meet Amanda:

Dayna Schroeder Photography

How did you decide you wanted to get into wedding & event planning?
Amanda: After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, I got a job working for couture bridal designer, Monique Lhuillier in Los Angeles. Hearing the brides talk about their engagement and planning the details, I became infatuated with weddings! To me, it’s not a job, I look at it as hobby. I have so much passion about each wedding or event I am involved in.

What do you love about weddings?
Amanda: What’s not to love about weddings!! I would say the number one thing I love the most is the first step the bride takes down the aisle. It’s the big moment we both have worked so hard towards for the last several months.

How would you describe your dream wedding?
Amanda: My prince charming hasn’t road in on his white horse yet : ) but when he does my dream wedding would be candlelit at this beautiful church in Bel Air, CA. It’s on top of a hill that over looks all of Los Angeles and is absolutely breathtaking. For the reception, I would love to have it in a indoor/outdoor venue in Santa Monica or Malibu. Photos on the beach are always amazing and so peaceful.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Amanda: I love staying active by hiking or going to a pilates class as well as spending time with my family.

Share a unique/fun fact or two about yourself:
Amanda: I have my own jewelry line that I hand make, Simply Jo Designs and I have an obsession with Christian Louboutin shoes.

You’ll love working with Danielle, Amanda and the rest of our staff! We are so excited for wedding season to be in full swing and to be a part of your special day!!

Cheers,

Mandi, Rachelle and the Champagne team

The best things in life are free? I think it’s most definitely true! That is why we offer a no obligation, complimentary initial consultation where you are able to get to know us and tell us more about your wedding plans, as well as learn if hiring a wedding planner is right for you! We offer packages from day of to full service planning! Planning your wedding day should be as fun and enjoyable as you always imagined it! [We also have special packages for the bride who is planning from a far or the destination bride] We look forward to hearing from you!

Woo hoo… we made it 30 days! It was such a blast sharing these vendors with you!!

Thank you to everyone who followed along, the vendors that made it possible and all of the vendors we know and love!! We can’t wait to share with you the things we have in the works over the next few months! Check back tomorrow to enter in our “Week of Love” contest!

If you missed any of the “30 days of vendors” posts, make sure to check them out!

Day 30 of 30: Urban Studio
Day 29 of 30: Brandon Perron Photography
Day 28 of 30: Passionflower Floral Design
Day 27 of 30: Bakery Bar
Day 26 of 30: Solstice Video
Day 25 of 30: AJ’s Hair design & Makeup
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!

I’ve been smiling all day…I’ve been smiling for a few reasons:
[1] I love that my job allows me to work from home in my pajamas from time to time.
[2] Thinking about the 30 days of vendors and how many truly wonderful people I get to work with and meet every week.
[3] Life is good and the house is almost clean.
[4] All in all, we have the best job and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be living my dream.
Moral of the story, do something you love and you’ll never work another day of your life!  Oh yes and the [5th] reason I’m smiling today is because of Chris Becerra‘s answer to the last question we asked him. I met Chris while we were working a wedding together last summer in Depot Bay, Oregon. I had been sick for a few days and by the end of the night I barely had a voice. I would squeak out a response and my assistant and Chris would help relay the messages. He and his staff were absolutely wonderful to work with, not only because of their kindness, but their attention to detail and over all great product that they presented to my clients. Chris Beccera is constantly teaching people how to take better pictures and I think that is pretty incredible.  Get to know, Becerra Photography...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?
Chris: My Dad is a photographer.  I was that kid who group up with a darkroom in the bathroom. Pictures were always an important part of our family experience and something that we spent a lot of time doing. When my own daughter was born it inspired me to do something that I loved as a child.  My daughter and my business are now 4 years old. 

Champagne: How would you describe your style?
Chris: That’s a tough one. I try to avoid boxing myself in to a certain style and love to explore knew techniques.  I’m passionate about capturing moments in a photojournalistic way. But if the lighting is going to look great by moving 3 feet to the left I’m totally ok with letting a bride know that.  If forced to put a label on it I’d say photojournalistic, with a little artistic help.

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?
Chris: Really shooting any bride and groom’s wedding who is passionate about photography and deeply in love with each other would be my dream event. 

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?
Chris: I have to choose just one?!  I love meeting new people. I love being challenged to create something original and refreshing. I love the idea that my work will be seen in 3 days, 3 months and 30 years from now.  When I shoot a wedding the thought of being the only permanent record of the event motivates me to give the couple something spectacular.  I also love eating wedding cake.

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?
Chris: I think knowing what you want is really important.  If you have planned everything well ahead of time you can really enjoy the wedding day.  That’s where weddings that have coordinators really make a difference.

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?
Chris: I’m always a photographer.  Sometimes I shoot weddings, sometimes I take pictures of my kids. 

Champagne: What sets you apart from other photographers?
Chris: What really makes Becerra Photography different from other photographers, is that we are not just a photography company anymore.  We are now a videography and photography company that produces a seamless integration between the two.  Brides get the best of both worlds and a complete documentation of their wedding day.

Champagne: Anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Chris: Hire Champagne NW. They’re great to work with from start to finish!

Champagne: Haha! Thank you, Chris, for your sweet comment, you made our day [Referrals from vendors that understand the necessity of a wedding coordinator are invaluable!] and for telling us more about what Becerra Photography has to offer! Make sure to check out Becerra Photography’s website, blog and find them on twitter!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranchy
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Make sure you don’t miss our current promotion! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

Today I’m writing from in front of a beautiful fireplace in the Fireside room at Sunriver Resort [Gorgeous wedding venue] while the brides are enjoying the fashion show at the Bravo! Central Oregon Showcase. We are having so much fun meeting new vendors and wonderful couples!

Day 3 brings us to Paul Rich Studio... We have worked with Paul many many times and every time we are impressed by his ability to combine a modern and traditional style to create timeless images! Paul is engaging and makes you feel at ease, helping you feel natural… He takes pride in connecting with his clients and truly getting to know them. Introducing… Paul Rich Studio...

Champagne: How did you decide to get into photography?

Paul: When I was 13, my next door neighbor was a wedding photographer.  He hired me to assist him in the studio.  This was back in the day when we were sorting negatives and shooting film.  I had the opportunity to assist him on some weddings and by the time I was 18, I was photographing weddings on my own.  Photography has always been a part of my life and in 1998 I graduated from Bard College in NY with a degree in photography.

Champagne: How would you describe your style?

Paul:  I like to put my couples at ease.  There is so much preparation and excitement on the day of the wedding.  I want my couples to be able to take it all in and enjoy the day that they have worked so hard to make possible.  I look for those candid moments and unique details that best tell the story of the day.  My approach is loose, candid and fun and my goal is to produce work that will be enjoyed for many generations.  It is photojournalism mixed with creative artistry.

Champagne: What would be your dream person/event to photograph?

Paul: I am a certified scuba diver and I would love the opportunity to photograph a wedding that takes place under water.

Champagne: What’s your favorite part about your job?

Paul: I absolutely cherish the relationships that I have created with each of my clients.  Wedding photographers receive a very unique opportunity to share in one of the most amazing days in a newlywed couple’s life.  The bond that is created from that experience is what makes me absolutely love the work that I do.

[Champagne’s Rachelle Bell]

Champagne: To you, what is key to creating a successful event?

Paul: Effective communication amongst the vendors is absolutely important.  For the florist to know when and where the flowers need to be delivered so that they can be included in the formal pictures.  For the proper timing of toasts, cake cutting, and the first dance so that guests are entertained and aware of each event as it unfolds.  Communication that occurs prior to the wedding and most certainly on the day of the wedding—this is absolutely critical to creating a successful event.  I document over 30 weddings every year and the ones that flow the best are without a doubt those that are handled in conjunction with an experienced wedding planner.  Having the details handled and the questions answered by someone else, frees up the bride and groom to spend more time together.  They invariably look more relaxed in their photos too!

Champagne: What do you do when you’re not doing what you do?

Paul: Photography is a passion of mine that extends beyond weddings.  Whether it is working on a creative project, visiting galleries and museums or collaborating with other artists, I am constantly thinking about photography.  One of the benefits of being a wedding photographer is that the work is very seasonal.  While I am extremely busy in the summer months, the winter months afford me the ability to travel and ski—two of my other passions in life.

Champagne: Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Paul: We are taking on an increasing number of destination weddings each year.  This year, we had the opportunity to document weddings in upstate New York and on Martha’s Vineyard.  We even had the opportunity to travel as far as St Lucia.  Whatever your destination, know that we have cameras and love to travel!

Champagne: Thank you, Paul, for telling us more about you and your work! We look forward to working with you again soon! Make sure you to check out Paul Rich Studio‘s website and blog for Paul’s latest happenings!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
30 days of vendors

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Make sure you don’t miss our current promotion! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.