Before Jon-Paolo and I were wed, I helped plan at least 20 weddings prior to my own, decorated and stylized (alongside my mother) over 15, worked in a floral shop part-time when I was 22, and been in 8 wedding parties (my 9th coming up on June 1st, 2013!).
Thanks to my parents' large social circle, growing up I had attended dozens upon dozens of weddings of their friends (and their friends children). I grew up a social butterfly and have always loved life. I have come to know and love so many people... My life is so rich because of those around me! These friendships I have developed on my own has granted me the opportunity to help organize, stylize, and attend numerous weddings into my 20's and now my 30's. I just called my mom and asked her "Mom, how many weddings do you think I've been to in my life?" She started to laugh and said, "well, on average I'd say 5 a year, since you were 5!". It would be a fair estimation to guess that I have had the pleasure to attend well over 70 weddings!
Growing up my mother was always throwing large gatherings or fancy dinner parties. I grew up around fine food, menus, understanding design, and a mother who was always re-decorating her stunning home. She taught me the endless possibilities of creativity... She did all her own sewing for her curtains, catered a few weddings, sewed her own table cloths and made her own centrepieces around the house. I think she's the Canadian equivalency of Martha Stewart!
My mother had always put responsibility from her events onto my sister Ashley and I. We excitedly accepted the responsibility of folding napkins, making napkin rings out of beads and wire, writing menus, prepping flowers, anything that could contribute creativity. She was insistent on her daughters knowing how to host a great evening, always inviting different people for her parties (diversifying socially) in hopes of her daughters learning to warmly welcome others, socially in their later years.
My mother taught me the most invaluable lessons and combined with the confidence of my husband, brought me the courage to work with Jon-Paolo and open 45 Design. We knew that when we were at the most emotional time as a couple that we could agree, bounce ideas creatively and rarely had a disagreement over our own planning, that we would be successful business partners. When emotions were high, we teamed up and pushed through, when glitches came our way we could find it in ourselves to laugh and find a solution.
So I tell all couples who I meet (with great expertise), there is something you learn about yourself by planning and showing your own creativity. You develop a side of your personality which often times you do not have the opportunity to use. A wedding planner is great if you are in a large city and unable to focus anytime on planning, or if you have no interest on the planning aspect... However most couples ADORE the concept once they get the ball rolling on their planning. It can be overwhelming to decide on your likes, dislikes, themes and taste. In all honesty, it is the same as shopping for your wedding gown: You are overwhelmed by all of the choices, but once you've found the one, you feel like home! Planning your wedding is a collection of "trying on dresses", only with selecting a cake, music, reception site, invitation, etc. It can take time to get the ball rolling, but be confident...
If you are an generally organized person, you can do this! Trust me!
YOU WILL NEED:
1. A binder to collect notes
2. A system: you can use pre-printed sheets, an app or Excel
3. Printable guide with tips and a timeline
4. A notebook (or "Notes" in your iPhone) to jot down ANY idea as it comes
(you can later input this in your system of choice)
5. OPTIONAL: Day of Co-Ordination (OFFERED BY 45 DESIGN to pull together your final vision. Even after the decor is complete, keep your night flowing with positivity and professionalism!)
This is where the perks of working with 45 Design come into play... We take away the largest stress of the day: Setting up your venue based upon our worked out vision! You can pick out pictures, have an idea of tablescapes, have a vision for the day of, but have you ever set up an event? Will the venue let you in prior to your event? NOTHING IS GUARANTEED! Your set up and design should not be rushed, sloppy or have you stressed and compromising some of your pampering the day before or morning of.
You will have many last minute preparations before your day! This is why we offer ONLY full-service: to cater to a specific quality client.
Clients of 45 Design ALWAYS have the luxury of contacting anytime via phone, email or text to ask a question or recieve a vendor reference for any service. We do this for free, as part of our working friendship. We are here for our couples from beginning to beyond their wedding day, with a friendship that comforts your event and eases you into full enjoyment of your special day!
With Love Always,
Heidi
part of your 45 Design team
613.331-2852
