Hire Ashley now! With only a few months to plan my (destination) wedding, I knew I needed a planner. My fiance and I live in the SF Bay Area and wanted to have our wedding in San Diego.
I signed up for the full service design package, as I ne...eded most help w the design and look of the wedding for a DIY venue (Darlington House), and Ashley nailed it! I wanted an experienced planner who knew the venue inside and out, has good taste, AND was calm and patient. Ashley has all of that to offer, and more! She delivered on time and on budget at every stage. She was calm and patient when I would spiral. I mean, what else can you ask for?
As soon as we had our first phone consultation, I knew I wanted to hire Ashley. Other planners I spoke to in San Diego were either arrogant, rushed, or hard to track down. Ashley was kind, patient, flexible and fun! I knew it would be a good match.
We did a vision board exercise, sent her my Pinterest board, had a thorough consultation, and got to work! My only regret is the couple times that I didn't listen to Ashley's recommendation, I ended right back to what she initially advised - I wish I didn't waste so much time and just listened to her in the first place. Her recs for all the vendors - bartenders, service, linens, table settings, flowers - were spot on. She was also flexible when I had my own IG searches and talked through the pros and cons w me for each vendor.
Coordination: On the day of, Ashley and her assistant were a God send. Everything was PERFECT! The timing, the flow, was all perfect and everyone had a great time without worrying about the details. Our parents, family and friends were true guests at our wedding bc Ashley took care of everything.
Honestly, this wedding would not have happened so seamlessly without her. If you are trying to figure out what to cut in your budget - do not cut the planner/coordinator. Trust me - it's not worth the stress. AND she will use her planner discount with vendors saving you money. She even worked magic with the candles when I was desperately trying to stay in my budget.
She was calm every time I freaked out and called/texted/emailed her. You need a planner to be there for you, because your fiance/mom/friend will get tired of you at some point during this process lol.
And for all your brides out there who have a cultural component to your ceremony - Ashley was super flexible, knowledgeable, respectful and accommodating every step of the way.
THANK YOU, Ashley! You made our day truly special :)