The Fete Blog

In Summer Weddings, we introduced you to nine “planning gurus”– fabulous coordinators, designers, and planners that make up the Charlottesville wedding scene (obviously this is not all-inclusive, but we reached out to the best of the best and featured whomever was able to respond). We asked each planner a series of questions– about what she thinks makes Charlottesville weddings unique, about what inspires her personally, about her own planning strengths and challenges faced in recent weddings. We then asked these ladies to create a Pinterest board for us– one that rounded up elements they’d be inspired by when planning a Charlottesville wedding. I was so delighted with the results– each planner really showcased her individuality through these boards!

The full piece is available on newsstands and online here– but here’s a glimpse at each planner we showcased and a little tidbit about their personalities. A planner is THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of a wedding day, and finding the right one for you is key. Every planner here is capable of creating a perfect wedding, but each has a unique perspective and talent– one that will be just right for your Big Day!

Kyle Montgomery
A. Dominick Events

Why weddings? Planning weddings has always been my dream job. I love helping a bride and groom bring their vision to life and don’t know of a greater honor than helping a couple celebrate their love and commitment to one another.

See Kyle’s Pinterest board, “Inspired by Charlottesville,” here!

Barbara Lundgren
Barb Wired LLC Event Management

My tip for brides: First– breathe… Do not try to direct your own wedding weekend or leave it to family and friends. They should relax and enjoy the wedding with you. Instead, hire an experienced event planner, and enjoy the entire process!

Dickie Morris
just a little ditty…

Trend I’m loving: I’m so inspired by the brides and grooms who are writing their own vows. It seems like it’s happening more and more… and I’m absolutely loving it. You learn so much about two people when you hear them recite the vows they’ve written for their other half. The vows make you laugh, they make you cry, and they make you so proud to be a part of something that big. It’s really amazing to witness such testaments to love.

Amanda Gray
Ashley Baber Weddings

My wedding planning strength: I believe our work ethic and willingness to do what it takes to make the event run smoothly is our greatest strength. No task is too great, whether it is delivering nearly 100 balloons for a ceremony or taking the doggy ring bearer home during dinner– we want to make sure the bride and groom and their friends and family have a care-free event!

Scope out Amanda’s Pinterest board, “Burlap + Lace: A Charlottesville Barn Wedding,” here!

Crystal Whitaker
The Event Company

What’s been one of your biggest event challenges? My largest challenge last year was, hands down, when a venue double booked my clients’ wedding date. We were not made aware of the mistake until invitations were already sent and RSVPs were flooding in. We jumped into action, secured a new venue, and notified all the guests. The strength of our company lies in our dedicated team: a cast of individuals with years of experience who can effectively come together to formulate a plan and execute with efficiency and determination. A stressful situation turned into a spectacular event; one that surpassed their original expectations and was later published on a top national wedding blog.

Check out Crystal’s Pinterest board, “Weddings = Love,” here!

Cody Burke Grannis
Amore Events by Cody

My wedding planning strength: I think my personality is my biggest strength. When I am working with a new couple, I stress that what you see is what you get. I am organized and committed to delivering what my brides want, but I am also laid back and have a good sense of humor. Laughing is the best medicine for a difficult situation. I love what I do and I cannot hide my enthusiasm.

See Cody’s Pinterest board, “An Amore Wedding,” here!

Courtney Spencer
Merriment Events

My wedding planning strength: I can write a mean agenda and am constantly praised for how detail-oriented I am, but what really gets me out of bed and running every morning is design. I adore creating concept boards, sourcing product and working with creative vendor partners to make a couple’s vision come to life. There’s nothing better than seeing the reaction on a client’s face when she sees the room for the first time. Magic!

Find Courtney’s Pinterest board, “Charlottesville Wedding Inspiration,” here!

Lynn Easton Andrews
Easton Events

Trend I’m loving: A return to classics– inspired by Kate Middleton’s tailored glam.

See Lynn’s Pinterest board, “An Easton Wedding,” here!

Meghan Streit
Shindig Weddings and Events

Standout detail of a Cville wedding: Though no two weddings are ever alike, I love that Charlottesville weddings tend to be rich in details, with thought given to everything from the favors to the papers to even custom service apparel for banquet staff. I applaud the brides who demonstrate that “lovely” is built by many, many layers of designed details.

Drool over Meghan’s Pinterest board, “Inspiration for a Shindig-Style Wedding!” here!

 

Aren’t they all fabulous? So much talent and creativity in one little town! We are over-the-top lucky. See the full piece online here. All portraits by Jen Fariello, except Mrs. Courtney’s Spencer’s– that one’s by Katie Stoops.