A Wedding Day Dream Come True

It’s been a little over a year since I have been a full-time event planner. One of the biggest things I have noticed about this industry is community. Every single person I have come to meet or work with is supportive and passionate about what they do. It’s quite inspiring being surrounded by so many professionals, both seasoned and new.

I have also had the pleasure of working with some fun couples that are truly in love. Working with them on their weddings has been a dream come true for me. I just love the moment where a couple says “I Do” and kisses for the first time as one.

I was lucky enough to have both worlds unite for one day. Amazing vendors and a deserving couple? Yes, please!

I first met Krista and Elliott through a fellow wedding professional via social media. This cute couple wanted a simple little backyard wedding. They wanted to celebrate their love, family and friendship. Their budget was on the smaller side and made everything that they needed seem impossible.

Jessica Hickerson is a wedding photographer that first met Krista through a mutual friend. Jessica’s heart went out to this couple when she heard that they may need to cancel their wedding. Through the power of Facebook Groups, I saw Jessica’s post asking if any vendors would want to be part of this sweet couple’s wedding day. Sort of like a stylized shoot. The wedding would be small and intimate with about 30 guests. I saw so many responses with people wanting to help with florals and even food! I wanted to be part of this and jumped in to offer my coordinating services.

These vendors raised their hands and said “We want to help!” with nothing expected in return. Below are the vendors who generously gifted their goods and services!

Jessica Hickerson Photography: Jessica had no idea how many responses she’d get when asking if any vendors would be willing to gift their goods or services in exchange for professional photos of the wedding. The bride had no idea that Jessica was even doing this! When Jessica showed Krista all the responses, Krista broke down in happy tears. They couldn’t believe so many people wanted to be part of this! The wedding photography package gifted has a value of $3,000.

Ink & Rose Events: Coordinating and styling services in the amount of $1,500 were gifted to the couple. We had SO much fun with this wedding! I still look back and love how cute this wedding turned out! Most of the décor came from my business inventory. This included lanterns, candles, signage, cake stand and a few other items.

Sparkles and Vintage Florals: Blaire, the owner not only wanted to be involved but she gifted the MOST gorgeous florals for this wedding day! She took time to chat with the bride and got to know her. She wanted to perfectly catch the vision and colors for this wedding. These wedding florals included 6 guest table centerpieces, 1 bridal bouquet, 2 men’s boutonniere’s and a beautiful floral crown for the bride. The total value for these florals was approximately $1,165.

Fantasy Frostings: The owner of this bake shop was so kind by gifting a wedding cake, which included a fun tasting! A 3-tier wedding cake can run a couple anywhere between $800 and $1,500.

Tipsy Traveler and Company: This was seriously the coolest element of the wedding! Adrienne owns a cool bike that has a beer tap attached to it! The bike can even move! This was setup in the driveway/entry area so guests can grab a cold one on their way into the reception. This was a huge hit with all the guests and was the perfect backdrop for pictures! A very generous gift with a value of $400.

Aisle to Altar: The bride had her beautiful wedding gown gifted to her by Barbara Naylor. Krista did pay for alterations, which were $250.00.

Giuliano’s Gardena: The couple wanted to have simple pizza for dinner. Pizza and beer, right?? Their menu consisted of 3 different pizza’s, Italian chopped salad and lasagna. The total that the couple paid for food and delivery was $315.00.

Premiere Party Rentals: Chairs, tables and linens were rented and delivered. The total that the couple paid was $336.41.

As for ceremony location…this was absolutely free as it was a public park in the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. We called it a “Pop Up” ceremony as there were no chairs and happened quickly right off the cliff of Roessler Point.

The approximate total that Krista and Elliott put into their wedding was a little under $1,000. This was only possible because of the generosity of all the vendors that selflessly gave their time and energy.

This is not the first time I have been part of such a unique wedding experience. I absolutely love doing everything I can to be able to give my couples the best day of their lives. Not everyone can be able to have their dream wedding but I will do everything in my power to try and make it happen.