When I first interviewed day-of wedding coordinators I wanted someone who was warm and upbeat. I felt many of them, when I first made contact, were snippy and short. I knew that if I was put off by that, my vendors were going to be as well. And... I figured, on my wedding day, I want a ray of sunshine and someone who comes from a calm place of "yes", and I knew my vendors would agree.
From the moment I hired Elena I knew it was the best decision I had made for our wedding. Not having to worry about creating a timeline - she created a meticulous step by step timeline that was flawless and thought of every single thing. Then, she took the lead to effortlessly execute that timeline throughout my wedding day for myself, my husband, and my bridal party and family. If I said it once, I must have said it a hundred times: "Thank God I hired her".
My vendors went a step further to validate my decision when they told me: "She's very nice and wonderful to work with. We OFTEN deal with coordinators and 99% of them are difficult and abrupt." I had several vendors relay that sentiment. I'm so glad they saw what I saw in Elena but truthfully, how could you not? She is easygoing but very meticulous, everywhere but nowhere at the same time. I look at the photos I've been sent from family and friends and she was RIGHT THERE every single moment but magically isn't in a single photograph! It's truly a gift to be that involved but not in the way and she did it with class, grace, elegance and ease. When my hair started to come a little undone, she would swoop in with bobby pins and fix it. When we had tips to hand out, I didn't even see or deal with a single awkward monetary exchange. She took care of every single one. Throughout the day I would have vendors who were done (delivering flowers, hair and make up, etc.) and they'd come to say goodbye. I'd ask, oh did you get...? Before I even finished asking they were like, oh yeah, we are all set! Elena was on it.
My sister, my matron of honor, has a three year old who was my flower girl. I knew she wouldn't be able to do all of the typical matron of honor duties because it is physically impossible with a three year old at your side. Elena stepped up and took care of all that in addition to everything else she did. She was sensitive to the fact that I wanted my wedding to feel normal and not a Covid freak-show. She worked with me to make sure aesthetically people felt a sense of normalcy. That came through and guests felt comfortable and ENJOYED themselves. That, after my first wedding date was pushed due to Covid, meant more to me than anything.
The following day I realized I had all these photos on my phone that she took! They were some of my favorite photos and videos - she got our best man speech and our entrance on video. I loved having that and had no idea she even did that. Then, she sent me a bunch of other photos and moments captured on HER phone. What a gift to have all that the following day. She made sure we ate, she made sure we had fun, she made sure everything ran smoothly and I would have never been able to pee without her!
This is, without a doubt, the most crucial amount of money you will spend on your wedding day and this, unequivocally, is the most bang for your buck you will get. The amount of work she puts into this and what she accomplishes is worth ten times what she charges. I'm so thankful I found her and we had a wonderful, smooth, fun, and special wedding day as a result.