To Have & To Hold Wedding Planning

efused to be satisfied during the entire process, regardless of our tireless efforts to execute their wedding vision flawlessly. It should be noted that during our first call, they informed me that they had already eloped and been married at an upscale resort in the Caribbean, and spoke for 30 minutes about how they were extremely unhappy with the resort staff's wedding planner, who did not provide "full service" and "was the worst". In hindsight, I should have seen this as a "red flag", as vacation resorts are known for their exceptional service, experienced staff, and uncompromising hospitality world-wide. During the first phone consultation, the couple stated they wanted to plan their wedding, and take care of the research, design and vendor bookings, but would need help with placing the décor, overseeing the vendors arrivals, and managing the timeline of events on the wedding day. As a result, the couple chose the more affordably priced “Partial” service package, in lieu of our higher service level “All-Inclusive” package. However, once under contract, their service demands and expectations, as well as their need for hours of additional communication and assistance throughout their wedding planning process fell far outside the services of our “Partial” package. It should be noted that our contract states our services end at midnight on their wedding day. We provided services that far exceeded the services clearly itemized within our “Partial" planning contract, without additional compensation, all while maintaining a calm, positive, composed, and highly supportive demeanor during ALL communication with the couple. Reviewer states: “Judi and her husband was no match for 140 guests" Response: The event unfolded in the precise manner agreed upon by the couple prior to the event, with every single element occurring on time and seamlessly, and each one of our contracted services listed on our contract was successfully completed (written testimonial from the caterer at the event to be provided upon request) At the end of the event, the couple hugged me, thanked me repeatedly for a wonderful event, and insisted on having our photo taken together, smiling (photo upon request). Reviewer states: “We saw "the husband" help out the caterers. It would have been more helpful if he helped Judi helping the guest to their appropriate places” • Response: This is false. My husband/teammate did NOT “help out” the caterers. We happily greeted them and directed them to the buffet/food prep location. We make it a point to briefly check in with each vendor prior to the event to confirm that they have everything they need to be successful and deliver their signature services (i.e... a dedicated power source, water source, décor element, etc.). Once we’ve confirmed they are prepared, we move on to the next task at hand. To address the Reviewer's expectation that I "direct guests to their appropriate locations": The large seating chart mirror was strategically placed in a location where each guest would easily locate it and identify their "appropriate location"/table assignment. The couple did not request that I personally seat each of the 140 guests, nor is that service in my contact. Upon their demand and based on guest seating assignments/table numbers that the couple provided to me, I created, purchased, transported and set up the large, heavy seating assignment mirror, for the sole purpose of informing guests where they are to be seated. I happily and eagerly assisted two guests that appeared to need assistance with stairs and inclines or needed assistance finding their dining table. Reviewer states: "A walkie talkie/a communication device would’ve also been helpful. Especially when my wife was looking for Judi." Response: The couple did not request the use of my walkie talkies. And, unless the "Wife" would have been willing to carry (at all times) or attach a walkie-talkie/communication device to her wedding attire in order to "find Judi", a walkie talkie would not have been necessary or reasonable for the couple to have. Reviewer states: “3 days prior to the event, Judi miss calculated and informed our venue owner that our family members were going to help with clean-up/break-down after the ceremony was over” Response: This is false. I spoke to the venue owner a few days prior to the event to confirm the details of the layout schematic that I had created and shared with her, and the other vendors, and to review the event logistics and flow. In our conversation, I mentioned to her that the couple has contracted our services from 9am-9pm, and we would be leaving the venue at 9:00pm. She then asked, “Who will be responsible for clean up and breakdown?” I suggested that she “check with the couple to ensure they have secured a clean-up crew and inquire with them to see if they have designated family and/or friends to help.” The venue owner reached out to them inquiring about their designated clean up crew, and they said they would find someone. At that point, they forwarded screenshots of the venue owner’s text to me, upset that I even suggested they may have designated family or friends to help with clean-up, and requested that I find them a clean-up crew. Please keep in mind, researching, contacting, and securing third party vendors for clean-up services is NOT included in our "Partial" service package. The couple is responsible for complying with the clean-up policies clearly stated in their signed contract with the venue. That being said, and aligning with countless other unreasonable demands and expectations, I immediately contacted a very reputable and affordable local event services vendor, and within one hour, an amazing clean-up crew was writing a contract. Reviewer states: “Main highlights was to show our elopement video in the Caribbean via TV and a slideshow. The photo slideshow did not happen due to miscommunication from Judi, the emcee and the DJ. They point fingers who’s fault or whatnot” Response: The creation, required equipment and successful execution of ALL entertainment related elements, including but not limited to video presentations, slideshows, games, announcements, are the sole responsibility of the couple’s contracted DJ/Emcee/Entertainment vendor. The couple hired a DJ and a separate Emcee, so they effectively had two event entertainment vendors to ensure the video presentation AND the slideshow was successfully executed. I went above and beyond by reaching out to the DJ & Emcee PRIOR to the event to ensure they were aware of BOTH elements, and that they needed to procure the items/photos they needed from the couple. I communicated to them that the couple had not informed me about the details of the two audio/visual presentations • After the event, I provided a copy of this email to the couple to reassure them that I did, in fact, communicate the importance of the video and slideshow presentations to both the DJ & Emcee. This email is what the couple is referring to when they mention “finger pointing,” I worked diligently, and successfully, to keep the Emcee following the event timeline, and all announcements on time. There was no “finger-pointing” at any time prior to or during the event. I consider that to be deplorable behavior for any wedding professional, as it contradicts our commitment and dedication to creating magical, unforgettable wedding experiences for our couples and their guests. Reviewer states: “Judi, my wife, and I all agreed that if anybody who shows up uninvited to the ceremony will be escorted out, we also agreed that if for any reason the other guest arrives early, there will be stuff blocking/ the gates will be blocked off for anybody who comes in early prior to the reception. The gates or the pathways were supposed to be blocked off or sectioned off so that way the rest of our guest who were not invited to the small ceremony will not be offended." Response: This is false. About one week prior to the event, the couple texted me and told me they are extremely concerned that a few unwelcome individuals “found out about the wedding” and may arrive at the venue, with the intention of “disrupting the celebration”. The couple provided the names of the individual, her husband and her mother. I responded by saying “If those individuals approach me, and happen to state their names, I’ll politely remind them that they are not on the list of invited guests and ask them to leave.” Response: It must be noted that I do NOT provide private security services, nor are security services in my contract. It is unreasonable, unethical and unlawful for me to place my hands on any individual to “escort” them out of the venue, invited or not, regardless of the private security needs of the couple. I found it irresponsible that the couple did not hire private security if they were aware of a threat of any disruption, or potential violence. Additionally, per the California State Dept of Industrial Relations Safety Order, no one is permitted to “rope off”, or “block off” any gateways, walkways or emergency evacuation paths in the venue (Safety Order to be provided upon request). In the event of an emergency, the venue’s walkways and pathways must always remain clear of obstruction to ensure the safe and swift evacuation of their guests, vendors, and venue staff. Reviewer states: “Her (Judi’s) cell phone was turned off. My wife had myself run to Judi so that 2 of our invited guest can be seated.” Response: This is false. My cell phone was not “turned off”. My phone is always fully charged and powered on during an event, in case of an emergency. This ensures I can be instantly on the phone with emergency services, if needed. My cell phone ringer was silenced as a courtesy to the couple and their guests. They have 100% of my, and my staff’s, undivided attention during my 12 hours of service. • The “guests” names were on the seating chart, under the correct table number. I was aware of these guests prior to the groom “running over to them” because I assisted them in finding their table number. They found their table successfully, with no issues, and there were chairs at the table for them. Reviewer states: "There was no space for them to sit down." Response: This is false. There were 9 chairs around the table, and 9 guests assigned to that table (Table 13), which included those two guests. So there was, in fact, "room for them to sit down". It is likely that the Reviewer is referring to the third-party vendor who set the tables (Not us). She mistakenly did not place a charger, plate, flatware, or water glass at these particular two seats, so the two guests were unsure if they should sit down. I approached the couple with a smile, assured them that I will have the vendor supply them with place settings. The vendor and my teammate delivered and placed the table settings within 3 minutes, with the couple’s appreciation. Reviewer states: “The seating chart that we agreed on was not the same one on the day of the wedding.” Response: This is false. With busy work schedules, the couple decided they did not have the time they needed to be bothered with creating a seating chart. They texted me and said “How do we order a seating chart”. I advised them that this is an element that they will want to align with their vision, directing them to Pinterest and Etsy for inspiration. I also provided a few pics of beautiful seating chart ideas that they could create and then order. • The bride texted and said she liked a pic of a large mirror with a printed mirror cling/decal of the tables with the assigned guest’s names and told me to “do it and order it”. • Researching, and ordering, physically making, storing at my personal home and transporting additional decor elements on behalf of the couple is NOT included or priced into my "Partial" package. But, recognizing that this task was not something she would be able or willing to manage, and the texts would continue, I agreed to order the decal after they provided the table assignment to me, which I did. The couple did not provide or pay for the mirror that is required for their seating assignment mirror decal. So, I purchased (and paid for) a large antique mirror, and then spent 4 hours carefully applying the printed mirror cling to the mirror. The venue did not have an extra table available, so I was required to bring an additional table from my personal inventory, and linens, to support the 50 lbs. mirror for display. Reviewer states: "We only borrowed her (Judi’s) bathroom signs, favors signs and dessert stands. Fake flowers that were not instructed to add since we ordered fresh flowers." Response: This is false. During our monthly call in July, I specifically asked the couple what décor they wanted placed on all of their the accessory tables and shelf wall (welcome table, gift table, guest book table, seating chart table, etc.) She replied, “surprise me”, but provided no additional personal décor for those areas, or funds to purchase decor for those areas. So, I placed 7” cylinder vases with lighted candles, and ONE garland of expensive Ling’s Moments silk florals on the 4 foot table that I had to provide, which supported the 50 lbs. mirror that displayed the guest table assignments. This was ONE strand of camelias with greenery that was placed at the bottom of the large antique wood seating chart to add color and elegance to the photos. • Prior to placing the one strand of “fake flowers” my 4’ table, I asked the florist if the couple had purchased flowers for the table that will be supporting the heavy mirror. She said “No, they did not purchase an arrangement for that table.” I had brought a bin of extra, high-end faux florals from my personal inventory, and placed the one strand at the base of the mirror for scale, color and so it appeared “finished”. Reviewer states: “Judi looked very stressed during the ceremony and reception. Her mood was obviously different from our previous phone conversations”. • Response: This is false. I arrived at the venue that morning happier and more relaxed than I ever thought possible and greeted the happy couple with smiles, warmth and composure. We were thrilled that in 12 short hours, my contractual obligation, and my commitment to “finish strong” for the benefit of this insensitive couple would be over, or so I thought. We arrived on time, organized to perfection, with an additional printed copy of the event timeline for the Emcee, who had forgotten to bring one, and with our hearts and minds set on delivering a gorgeous and seamless wedding experience for them, which we did. It would have been impossible for me to express anything but joy, because I knew it would soon be over. • I did not attend the ceremony, so the groom would not have been equipped to assess my stress level, mood, thoughts, or feelings “during the ceremony”. Reviewer states: “we asked Judi if she can talk to us. She sounded avoidant. We also felt like she sounded very sweet and want us to hear what we want to hear."• Response: The Reviewer's statement implies that I did not respond to ANY of their communication efforts AFTER their event. This is false, I can provide an email and multiple texts messages that I responded to AFTER the event, as a COURTESY. Again, as of midnight on their wedding day, my legal and professional obligations to this couple had ended, and, per my contract, I am not required to be in contact with the couple AFTER the event. I owed it to myself to leave their insensitivity behind me, take some time for the wounds to heal, and focus all my talent and energy on serving my many kind, amazing couples by executing their vision to perfection, and with genuine gratitude in my heart. Reviewer states: “The number of assistance Judi only had was her husband. Judi and her husband was no match for 140 guests.” Response: I have three additional team members that I am free to call upon to bring their amazing talents to help deliver the couple’s exact wedding vision and, and to ensure seamless execution and support. My professional decision was that my husband/teammate was the perfect fit for this event. We work seamlessly together, and the majority of our booked events far exceed 140 guests, with each one providing a raving 5 star review. • My husband and I have the experience, composure, creativity and resources to create and deliver extraordinary, unique, signature wedding experiences for all of our couples hosting large weddings (more than 175 guests). • Having said the above, after being advised by the couple that there was the potential for disruptive, angry, uninvited individuals to appear at the event, I felt it would be irresponsible of me to invite additional staff, placing them in a potentially dangerous situation.

utiful wedding details, and working together to make your day perfect! We are truly grateful to have been a part of your special day, and can't THANK YOU enough for choosing us as your wedding coordination team. We're wishing you and Matt all the happiness in the world, always, and a lifetime of beautiful, joyful memories. Love, Judi