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Member Focus: Nikki Foster

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Today I am pleased to introduce Nikki Foster from I Do Designer Weddings Ltd one of our associate members based in Leeds.

nikki-fosterWhy did you become a wedding planner?

Hmmm – interesting question.  My background is actually in financial services; eight years of top level investment management.  However, throughout my career I have been heavily involved in arranging events and weddings for people around me.  I guess I became an ‘unofficial’ wedding planner a long time before I became an official one!

It wasn’t until my mother got ill and challenged my career that I realised that I was in the wrong job.  She gave me the courage to walk away from a successful career and set up my dream business – I haven’t looked back!

What’s your USP?

So many of them!  If I can only pick one little thing I guess it has to be my ability to listen.  It might sound irrelevant, but I have an exceptional ability to ‘hear’ what people are saying when they are describing their dream day. 

Understanding a vision is the key to being able to transform it into reality for a couple.  Setting to work to design, plan and manage the day is the easy bit.

Do you have a favourite venue?

There are so many amazing venues around Yorkshire and Cheshire.  Swinton Park, Allerton Castle, The Star Inn – they are all beautiful and all different.  However my absolute favourite venue has to be a marquee on private land.  There is nothing better than a blank canvas to inject the bride and grooms personalities into.  My current favourites are Papakata tents – just brilliant for a really different look and feel – when dressed for a wedding they have the Wow factor in spades. 

How would your clients describe you?

It has to be as a perfectionist.

Design is very important to our weddings; we aim to make each one very different and representative of the bride and groom - I am relentless until we have it absolutely right! 

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be?

Well, the obvious one is a Royal Wedding – I would revel in planning a wedding for Prince Harry. It would be fabulous to be able to really go to town with no restriction on budget.  I have picked Harry because his personality would surely allow for some real fun elements to be injected into the day!

When you’re ready Harry – you know where we are!

 Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why?

There are so many!  Zoe Lingard’s website inspired me when I was initially investigating changing careers and I like to keep abreast of what Mark Niemierko is up to. 

What’s your biggest achievement since launching?

Everything!  I set up my business during a very difficult period in my life – losing my mother.  So for me, ‘I Do Designer Weddings’ is a huge achievement in itself. 

I would also say that my biggest achievement is always changing as it’s my last wedding - seeing the months of planning and management culminate in a fabulous event provides the most amazing buzz.

Every happy client is a big achievement!

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Member Focus: Boutique Weddings

Thursday, August 12th, 2010

   Today we invite associate member, Marine Kerivel-Brown from Boutique Wedding to share a little more about her and her company with us. 

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 Why did you become a wedding planner?

It’s not something I actually carefully planned. It just happened. I first started working on weddings when I moved to the U.A.E over 15 years ago. I had the amazing opportunity to work on a few big royal weddings and that was it….. I was hooked! After strengthening my skills by organising big corporate events in the middle East, Africa and Europe (I have travelled a fair bit), it was only natural to revert back to my first passion: wedding planning.

What’s your USP?

I seem to mainly attract ‘unusual’ situations such as foreign nationalities getting married in the UK, overseas-based couples, etc, as well as Civil Partnerships, which actually suits me perfectly well. I always love a new challenge and can get bored easily!

What’s your signature dish?


I’m French so don’t get me started on food or I’ll still be talking about it in 2 hours! But nothing can beat a good tarte tatin.

 Do you have a favourite venue? 

No, simply because each wedding I plan is so unique in its context that I rarely have a chance to consider the same venue twice. However, my clients seem to want the big mansions and castles around London as opposed to marquee weddings.

How would your clients describe you? 

Very organised, professional, passionate and with a strong ‘can do’ approach. I have a very practical approach to life and handle each project in exactly the same way. I also have very strong professional ethics and I’m a bit of a perfectionist too.

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

 Having worked with clients across two continents, I have faced at times some demanding situations, especially in the Middle East. Those who’ve met me might have heard some of my stories about brides wanting to recreate orchids’ gardens in the middle of the desert (which we did by the way)! However, I always handle those difficult situations the same way: stay focused on the end result, keep calm, manage clients’ expectations and always remember that all I can do is my very best. I do believe in honesty and I believe my clients always trust me as a result.

How do you unwind?

Running and reading, although not at the same time!  And spending time with my family.

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be? 

Johny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. They’re such an unusual couple it would be quite an interesting project!

Is the job as glamorous as you thought? 
I never expected it to be glamorous so that’s fine. Anyone who wants to be a wedding planner because they fancy being the next J-Lo need to reconsider their choice!

 Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why?

I really like Zoe Lingard’s work and obviously Kelly Chandler of The Bespoke Wedding Company. I don’t seem to be able to pick up a single magazine without Kelly being featured in it! In both cases, it’s the attention to detail and all the small finishing touches that I really like. It all seems to be so easy yet we all know that it probably took 12 months of planning to achieve such results!

What themes are you working on for 2010/2011? 

At the moment, my clients seem to opt for understated elegance rather than quirky themes and I’m currently trying to create a theme involving an English castle with injecting a bit of French and Russian themes.

What’s your biggest achievement since launching? Having a child! Honestly, I have become a master at multi-tasking!

 

What is your vice? 

Oh, where do I start?  Champagne, dark chocolate, cheese, red wine, nougatine and Green & Black ice cream. I believe that a little bit of everything in moderation is the answer.

What trends are you seeing for 2010/2011? I’m seeing a return to classic themes. I think the recession might have made people want to go back to more traditional themes rather than wanting extravagance. A lot of my clients also seem to be very environmentally-aware and are trying to inject a more ethical approach to their big day.

 

Thank you Marine.

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Member Focus: Just Bespoke

Monday, July 19th, 2010

lisasabin 

Today we welcome one of our new UKAWP associate members, Lisa Sabin of Just Bespoke. Over to you Lisa….   

 Why did you become a wedding planner?

I’ve always loved weddings - when I was younger I remember picking out my dream wedding dress from the pages of Vogue Novias and I still have the cutting in my cupboard to this day. 

I’ve spent the last seven years working in PR and events and after numerous celebrity parties, brand product launches, press trips and corporate dinners, I realised that it was time to take the leap and use my experience to launch Just Bespoke.  Through close contacts in the sports industry I have been lucky enough to help with some high profile weddings which although challenging, proved to me why I love my job so much.

 What’s your USP?

I take inspiration from all over and think it is really important to treat every couple in a bespoke manner, listening to their tastes and then looking for ideas to create their day from fashion, culture, travel, music, interiors, making sure these are reflected in their wedding.  I’m a big believer in the small personal touches making a big difference.

What’s your signature dish? 

I really enjoy cooking but it doesn’t come particularly naturally to me…but, after a lot of practice, I can now make a very tasty lasagne and a delicious blackberry cheesecake!

Do you have a favourite venue?

I really love blank canvases - venues which can be transformed into something extraordinary and totally bespoke to the couple’s wishes over night.   Having said that, I also love the Walled Garden at The Grove in Hertfordshire and Penshurst Place in Kent - both truly magical venues offering interesting and quirky spaces to transform.

 How would your clients describe you?

I bring a lot of personal touches to the planning, going the extra mile and coming up with fresh ideas.  I’m personable and meticulous and like to build up a trust and rapport with my clients.  

 Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

Every wedding is a challenge and of course there are days when clients can panic and get stressed out.  Couples who hire me are putting their wedding day in my hands…they want the most unforgettable and magical day and it is my job to deliver this and make sure that they are happy in the process.   

 How do you unwind?

I worked in travel PR for many years and helped to promote some of the most luxurious resorts in the world.  This really gave me a taste for nice holidays and now I like nothing better than packing a suitcase and heading off somewhere hot to relax by the pool, read a good book and soak up the sun!

 If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be?

For me, there is a whole list of people - from Prince William to Simon Cowell, Scott Schuman to Lady Gaga.  Any of those would be a hugely demanding but if they’re reading this, I would love the challenge!

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I never imagined that wedding planning would be glamorous - I’ve been arranging events for a long time and know that it is hard work, extremely pressured and everything needs to be beyond perfect…but I love the variety of clients and the chance to deliver a number of extraordinary events - and when I see the finished result it is always worth it!

Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why

Since joining the UKAWP I’ve come across a lot of inspirational planners.  In particular, Kelly from The Bespoke Wedding Company has been hugely helpful, giving me advice, opportunities and experiences to help me get my business off the ground.  Outside of the Alliance, like most planners, I love Preston Bailey - his imagination and creativity are second to none.

What themes are you working on for 2010?

I’m currently working on a magical starry theme for a winter wedding, think soft whites and blues with a touch of gold, romantic touches, storm lanterns, candles and warm cashmere shrugs.  

What’s your biggest achievement since launching?

Earlier this year I planned a traditional Turkish wedding for a couple and their 550 guests.  It was a lot of hard work as I had to ensure that the event was sympathetic to the traditional customs that were to be incorporated into the day, while also bringing in modern elements.  It was a huge learning experience but thankfully the long hours of research and planning were worth it as it all went extremely well!

What is your vice?  

  There is absolutely nothing nicer than an Apple martini!

 What trends are you seeing for 2010?

For 2010, I’m seeing a lot of neutral colour palettes (beiges, pastels, greys) with one statement colour to accent the design.  I think this is really striking and creates a very bold design which I am a big fan of.

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Member Focus: Hannah Lester

Monday, July 5th, 2010

I am delighted to introduce Hannah from Designer Wedding Days who is based in Essex, Hannah is one of our associate members.

hannah-lester1

Why did you become a wedding planner?
Having been in the corporate events industry for over 8 years, I was very experienced in organising large and small scale complex corporate events. It has always been my dream to be involved in the wedding industry so I decided to use the skills and knowledge gained in the events industry to start my own wedding planning business.

What’s your USP?

I am exceptionally organised and very calm under pressure. I also pride myself on attention to detail. I think these skills are key to planning a wedding.

My professionalism and friendly, re-assuring manner means I get to know each of my clients personally so that I can truly understand what is important to them and going to make their day extra special.

Do you have a favourite venue?

From a personal perspective, Vaulty Manor will always be special to me as it is where I chose to have my wedding reception. However, I think each wedding is unique and there are many wonderful venues to suit every requirement.

Covering weddings in London, Essex and Hertfordshire, this can range from a sophisticated London affair at somewhere like the Landmark Hotel, a classic English country wedding at Braxted Park, a unique themed experience at The Natural History Museum to a grand occasion at the historic Gosfield Hall

How would your clients describe you?

I imagine they would describe me as organised, efficient and total in control both in the run up to the wedding and on the day itself. Being a wedding planner is also about building a relationship with your client so I would hope they would comment on my personal touch.

One of the nicest comments was hearing from the bride that by having me there on the day meant she knew everything was under control and she could totally relax and enjoy the day and that they couldn’t have done it without me. Giving a bride the confidence to enjoy their day without the worry is what being a wedding planner is all about.

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be?

It would have to be someone like Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Kennedy O’Nassis. Both remembered for their style and elegance, their weddings would have been amazing social events. I imagine they would have been hard work and very complex to organise but would have been elaborate, stylish and beautifully classic.

 Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why?

It may sound like a cliché but I would have to say Bernadette, Kelly and Sandy from the UKAWP. Rather than look at other wedding planners as competition they provide support and training for new and established wedding planners to boost the standard and reputation of planners within the industry. - ahh thanks hannah!

The training and support I have received has been invaluable and for that I am very grateful.

What’s your biggest achievement since launching?

I think actually launching my own business has been my biggest achievement to date. Feeling passionate about something and putting all of your time and energy into it and finally seeing the rewards

What is your vice?

I would have to say chocolate and the series 24 - I am totally addicted. I am also a perfectionist which I suppose is not such a bad vice in this industry.

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Member Focus: Flutterfly Events

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Erika of Flutterfly EventsThis week I am pleased to introduce one of our Full Members, Erika Unbehaun of Flutterfly Events…….

It all started in my University’s career centre. I went to take a personality test so I could find a job suitable to my personality and skill set.  Wedding planning came out at the top followed by floristry! The industry was calling my name. I started planning weddings in the United States before moving to London and starting FlutterFly Events. 

Do you have a favourite venue?

There are so many beautiful venues in the UK it’s hard to have a favourite.  I love the art galleries at the Wallace Collection, Claridges, and Eltham Palace to name a few.

How would clients describe you? 

I’ve been referred to as a fairy godmother, an angel and tinkerbell but I think all my clients would describe me as creative, organised, enthusiastic, and great sense of humour.

Wedding planner you admire?

Linda Howard from Linda Howard’s Sensational Celebrations based in Southern California.  She’s super creative and always comes up with the most glamorous wedding design.  I love a wedding that has a bit of glitz and glam, with flowers everywhere, beautiful draping and creative details throughout. Every wedding she designs is a fairy-tale come true.

How do you unwind?

I still watch Sex and the City episodes nearly every night before I go to bed!  Though fictional, Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha are really the best friends any woman could ask for.

What themes are you working on for 2010? 

I have a British Colonial theme with focus on Hong Kong in the 1920s.  This theme is so unique and has it has been a blast coming up with creative ideas!  Inspiration comes from the most unexpected places.  I’m also working on an all white wedding (lovely!) and a couple blue and white palettes. 

What trends are you seeing? 

 I’m seeing a lot of fish tale dresses this year, photo booths, fruit being used in lieu of flowers, and different shapes and sizes of tables for the wedding reception.

 Is the job as glamorous as you thought? 

Absolutely not, but I love it!  I always tell aspiring planners that the hours are long and stressful but if you’re passionate you will succeed. 

What is your vice?

Sugar Free Nestle Quick Chocolate Milk.  My mom sends me packages every few months because you can’t find this in the UK!  Thanks mom. xoxo

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Member Focus: Aimee Dunne

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Continuing our member focus series I am delighted to introduce Aimee from Aimee Dunne Events who is one of our associate members. Aimee is based in Kent and covers the Kent/London/Surrey regions.

aimee-dunne2

Why did you become a wedding planner?

Having spent many years working in the banking industry, I always knew my heart wasn’t really there. I was spending all of my spare time finding events to manage and helping manage friends and family events wherever possible. It sounds corny but I really do live for events; I love having something to look forward to and I love the buzz of creating something where guests can really enjoy themselves and look back with great memories. I’m also ridiculously organised and a perfectionist - which helps when you’re a wedding planner!

What’s your USP? 

Through my years in the banking industry I attended many elaborate corporate events. I also have close links with the professional football industry and have attended many high profile weddings and events. Throughout these I’ve attended some wonderful but also not so wonderful events and have learnt that it is not just a case of throwing money at them. It is understanding and getting to know clients and ensuring their day is truly personal and special no matter what their budget; I’ve certainly learnt that more money does not mean more class!

Do you have a favourite venue? 

Chewton Glen in New Milton, Hampshire. This is one of the most wonderful places I have ever visited (and I’ve stayed at hundreds of hotels!). The service, food and wine is absolutely faultless. The location just on the edge of the New Forest, 5 minutes from the beach, yet only a couple of hours outside of London is hard to beat. You can’t help but relax; a truly special place.

How would your clients describe you? 

A perfectionist. I can’t help but agonise over every detail and plan every wedding as though it were my own.

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it? 

Oh yes! I often have clients who contact me very regularly and ask me many questions, some being very similar and asked repeatedly! In this situation it is usually because brides to be are slightly worried about things which is completely natural, and I do my best to reassure them and put their mind at rest about whatever it is that’s concerning them which usually works. A large part of this job is dealing with the personal side of weddings and client concerns and worries and I think this is something that planners need to understand and something that personally I enjoy.

How do you unwind? 

I love horse riding. I live in Kent which is a beautiful part of the country to go riding in and we have some lovely stables by us. I also love good food and wine!

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be? 

Simon Cowell - what a complete challenge that would be!

Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why

Preston Bailey. I absolutely love how he completely transforms spaces, mostly with flowers but he’s also done so with lighting and even paper. I have his books all over the office and they continually inspire me as to what absolutely amazing and breath taking events can be created. I love the wow factor!

What themes are you working on for 2010? 

Sweetie tables and candy colours seem to be hugely popular and definitely the one which is most often requested by clients so I’ve been working on these lots - and eating many of my supplies!

What’s your biggest achievement since launching? 

Attracting some press - although this is still work in progress! No one can over estimate the effort needed in PR. It has been a real eye opener since launching and although I expected this to be hard work, I didn’t realise how much! 

What is your vice?  

Pink champagne and Pimm’s. Not necessarily at the same time but I’m not fussy!

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Member Focus: Nicola Jones

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Continuing our member focus series I am delighted to introduce Nicola from Brighton Wedding Planner who is one of our associate members. Nicola is based in Brighton and covers the Brighton and Sussex areas.

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 Why did you become a wedding planner?

I’ve worked in events for quite a few years and always wanted to set up my own business as I felt there was a gap in the market for a Brighton wedding planner - there were lots of event agencies but no one specialising in weddings, and I believe that your wedding day is too important to entrust to anyone whose business is not solely focused on weddings. At the same time, friends who were getting married kept asking me about which venues were good or what was a good price for a caterer. I realised that there was very little information out there about weddings in my local area so I set up Brighton Wedding Planner.

 What’s your USP? 

I specialise in Brighton and Sussex so I know these areas inside out in terms of suppliers and venues and I’ve got really good local contacts. I also provide services for civil partnerships which are very popular in Brighton, both for residents and for people coming to the city for a destination wedding.

What’s your signature dish? 

I love making all types of puddings and cakes - especially chocolate bread and butter pudding… mmm!

Do you have a favourite venue? 

I’m obviously biased but I would have to say Newick Park near Lewes as it’s where I got married! It’s an absolutely beautiful exclusive-use venue that manages to be both formal enough to create the perfect setting for the ceremony and informal enough to make you feel like you’re having the biggest house party ever for the reception!

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it? 

Luckily not so far - all my clients have been lovely! Everyone in Brighton is very laid back and friendly, it’s a great place to live and work.

How do you unwind? 

I love catching up with friends over a glass or two of wine at the end of a busy week, or having a long relaxing bath. And I’m currently slightly obsessed with Glee…

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be? 

I’m not sure - I’m torn between going for something completely over the top, like Jordan or the Beckhams, or something very elegant - imagine organising Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly’s wedding!

Is the job as glamorous as you thought? 

I didn’t think it would be glamorous - I’ve worked in events for many years - so actually it is slightly more glamorous than I thought! With weddings you often get to work in a more creative way and on more interesting, personal touches than you would with most events, so it was a pleasant surprise!

Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why

I love Zoe Lingard - her style and approach is spot on - simple, elegant and design-led.

What themes are you working on for 2010? 

I’ve got some really interesting themes coming up this year - a 1920s wedding with a full “stage” set, a VIP casino wedding and, for an Arsenal fan, a red and white wedding complete with red London bus!

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Member Focus: Kate Fletcher

Monday, May 10th, 2010

Continuing our member focus series I am delighted to introduce Kate from Kate Fletcher events who is one of our associate members. Kate is based in Essex and covers the East Anglia region.

kate-fletcher

Why did you become a wedding planner?
I initially worked in the corporate sector organising exhibitions and events worldwide.  I went freelance after having my boys and contacted a local stately home who were converting a derelict coach house and stable block into a wedding venue.  I helped them set up the venue and planned their weddings for over two years.   The experience was invaluable.

What’s your USP?
What I enjoy most is helping the couple relax and enjoy organising their wedding.  My attention to detail in styling is slightly OCD, but always appreciated!  I am known for moving every name card a few millimetres!

What’s your signature dish?  (can be literally or in terms of wedding)
Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto with Rocket & Parmesan. 

Do you have a favourite venue? 
Hengrave Hall near Bury St. Edmunds is currently top of my list.  A stunning location, beautifully restored with nothing overlooked.  They even have their own church!  Hannah the Venue Manager is also delightful.

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it? 
There are often situations when clients have fixed ideas about what they want, but don’t think about the logistics.  You have to tactfully offer alternative solutions to  impossible requests.

How do you unwind? 
Having friends over for dinner.  I spend just as much time ‘faffing’ about the house as making the meal.  I served Rhubarb Crumble in vintage tea cups last week - I’m slightly worried myself!

If you could plan a celebrity wedding (alive or dead) whose would it be?
One of my favourite weddings to organise was for a gay couple.  They were the nicest girls and were totally appreciative of everything I did for them.  Perhaps Christopher Biggins - his wedding would be a lot of fun! 

 Which wedding planner’s work do you respect/admire and why.
Franck from ‘Father of the Bride’.  Watching him go into overdrive explaining everything in a hilariously unintelligible Eastern European accent - ‘cake’ as ‘kak’.  Every brides nightmare wedding planner, but I admire how he pulls everything together in the end!

 What themes are you working on for 2010?

Vintage styling complemented with English flowers and herbs.  Simple, but completely stylish.

What’s your biggest achievement since launching? 

Organising Jimmy & Michaela Doherty’s wedding from BBC’s Jimmy’s Farm.  I had an article on Jimmy pinned up on my wall at work for years, so to end up organising his wedding was completely amazing!

What is your vice?   
Merlot & Rioja (its not the name of a shop!)

What trends are you seeing for 2010? 
A sweet table instead of wedding favors seems to be a new trend.  Choosing flavours that are reminiscent of childhood - midget gems, sherbert pips & cola cubes for me! As I mentioned before, I do think the vintage scene is very popular - there are even dedicated Vintage Wedding Planners.  It does open up a wide spectrum of colours to choose from but I equally like weddings in white with one dramatic colour.  I am addicted to styling and design sites around the world and my favourite is everything in white with simple vases of yellow mimosa.

To find out more about Kate visit her website

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Member Focus: Andri Benson

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

andri-benson

Today we introduce Andri Benson from Always Andri one of our associate members. We hope you enjoy learning a little more about Andri.

Why did you become a wedding planner?

I was a freelance theatre designer when I planned my own personal big fat Greek Wedding. Not only did I absolutely love it but it was very similar to theatre production; designing the look, organising the set, props & costumes, working to strict budgets and timelines. Not long after I got married I started working full time at the BBC as a costumier so being a wedding planner was for ‘one day’. Then when the BBC closed the costume store I realised that ‘one day’ had arrived so I researched the industry, did my training with UKAWP and went for it setting up my own company in March 2009.

What’s your USP?

Being Greek and growing up in London with many friends from various cultural backgrounds, and experience planning my own intercultural English and Greek wedding, I want to help couples incorporate their cultural heritages into their wedding days.  Also with my theatre background I am a very practical hands on person and used to working with people who are facing the spotlight.

How would your clients describe you?

Friendly and bubbly, always there to help, organised and calm. I was described by one  couple as having a very lovely aura. 

How do you unwind?

Nothing beats a long hot bath and while reading a good book, but if I really want to let my hair down then I love to go out dancing. 

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

I was often asked this question when I worked in the Theatre and at the BBC but what I loved about those jobs and about wedding planning is the working behind the scenes to ensure everything is picture perfect for the stars of the show.

What themes are you working on for 2010?

For the summer a modern black and white theme with touches of orange and for the autumn a traditional red and gold wedding. 

What is your biggest achievement since launching?

Being considered an inspiration to others after featuring in You magazine felt good, I just think of myself as getting on with it, helping others and doing something I love.

What trends are you seeing for 2010?

I think using peacock feathers is going to be big and although the vintage pastel colours are still going strong for those who want something bolder I’m loving turquoise, teals and jades.

Ideas big in the US are working their way into the UK and with the rise of UK blogs such as Rock’n'Roll Bride I think we’ll be seeing a lot more couples realise that they can break from tradition and really personalise their day their way. 

To learn more about Andri visit her website.

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Member Focus: Jenny Barnes

Monday, January 11th, 2010

I’m delighted to introduce Jenny Barnes from Make Our Day Events  as our first member focus of 2010. Jenny’s business is based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. Over to you Jenny!

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 Why did you become a wedding planner?

In 2003 the company that I worked for had just merged with a similar business.  At about the same time a close friend got married and I saw just how stressful she found all the preparations.  With several years experience as a project manager in large corporations I realised that I had exactly the right skills to take the stress out of making wedding arrangements and decided to set up Make Our Day Events rather than apply for my own job following the merger. 

What’s your USP?

I’m the USP!  I work closely with my clients to build up a relationship of trust and then use my knowledge and contacts in the weddings market to help them to the wedding that they want, within their budget.

Do you have a favourite venue?

There are some lovely venues within the Bucks/Berks/Oxon area but I don’t really have one particular favourite. I co-ordinated a wedding at Keble College in Oxford just before Christmas. That was beautiful, but you can only marry there if you have a connection with the college.

How would your clients describe you?

Calm and organised.  The recurring theme in the thank you letters and emails that I receive is “it was such a relief to know you were there”.  One of my brides says I kept her sane!

Have you ever had a challenging client and how did you deal with it?

I’ve never really had a challenging client, but I learned very early on to be on good terms with the bride’s mother so that she doesn’t feel left out of the arrangements!

How do you unwind?

A long hot bath and a glass of red wine.  As well as that, I enjoy knitting and origami. If you want a knitted wedding cake or a bouquet of paper flowers then I’m the person to ask!

 If you could plan a celebrity wedding, whose would it be?

I think it would have been fun to organise Elton John’s wedding.  A quiet, thoughtful ceremony followed by a party full of glitz and glamour.

Is the job as glamorous as you thought?

It isn’t a glamorous job and I didn’t expect it to be so.  I get a real buzz when the day arrives and everything falls nicely into place but I spend most of my time in the office making phone calls.  I think that handling the phone calls is one of the most important services that we provide!

 Which wedding planners work do you admire / respect and why?

I’m always envious of planners who can look at a venue and come up with orginal ideas for theming and decoration at the drop of a hat.  I always need to go away and think about it.  But once the idea is there, whether it’s mine or someone else’s, I’m very good at making it all come together.

What themes are you working on for 2010?

Gold and black and elegant with balloons and giant martini glasses.

Dark brown and deep red with sparkle and lots of greenery.

What is your biggest achievement since launching?

I organised a marquee wedding with 220 guests in August 2007.  The bride wanted an English country fair feel so we had very simple decorations and a lot of sideshows like Whack the Rat and Hoopla, and even some go-karts. 

The venue was near Witney in Oxfordshire and was in the middle of an area badly affected by that summer’s floods.  The bride was Welsh and the groom Italian so guests were booked into accommodation all round the area.  As well as making all the usual arrangements for a marquee wedding, I checked to see which of our hotels and guesthouses were flooded.   I then found alternative accommodation at the last minute for all the guests who were affected.  We ended up with more than 100 people staying at The Four Spires Hotel in Witney. The upside was that I was able to arrange a coach shuttle to and from the wedding, which helped enormously with parking arrangements!

What is your vice?

Chocolate!

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