Tell us a bit about you?

In my full-time job, I work with large, Fortune 500 companies to plan their user conferences, sales kick-off meetings, and virtual events. I have a B.A. from Gustavus Adolphus College in Biology and Political Science (such a funny combo for what I'm doing now, but that's a liberal arts school for you!) and was an International Baccalaureate student in high school. When I’m not at a wedding, my ideal weekend is spent at local coffee shops and breweries, going to the zoo with my husband and daughter, and listening to good music. I'm an open book, so feel free to reach out about anything!

What makes you smile?

Any type of dog will put a smile on my face, but especially large dogs! I just think their faces look so goofy and lovable. We have a 6 year old rescue and I just love the energetic tail wags when I get home.

What other hobbies do you enjoy?

I love to travel, weight-lift, and visit local breweries, wineries, and coffee shops in my free time. I've never been one to succeed at an artistic hobby, but I'm always open to try new things!

What’s your favorite flower?

My favorite flower is a toss up between blue hydrangeas and cream peonies!

What romantic film do you like best?

My favorite romantic film, and favorite film in general, is You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Don’t you love New York in the fall?

What’s a fun fact about you?

I didn’t have front teeth for 6 months during my senior year of college. I had to have jaw and dental surgery which left me without front teeth for my college graduation! Rest assured, surgery went very well and I have two pristine front teeth now :)

What is something people would be surprised know about you?

I speak French fluently! I lived in France, just north of Bordeaux, after college and got to see where my ancestors from 300 years ago are buried in Switzerland.

What is your favorite love song?

Hooked On A Feeling - Blue Swede

What is your favorite dessert?

I can never have enough New York cheesecake with a chocolate drizzle. I’ve been known to shed tears of happiness over a good cheesecake.

Favorite quote?

This is a hard one! It's a toss up between: "Well-behaved women seldom make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and "When I'm sometimes asked when there will be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, 'When there are nine,' people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Why did you get into wedding planning?

I started working events at a winery in college to make some spending money. That grew into a few different promotions, and I ended up becoming their Day-Of Wedding and Events Coordinator! Planning logistics and helping someone execute on the most important day in their life is something I just absolutely love.

What is your favorite part of the wedding day?

My favorite part of the day is right after the ceremony, when the receiving line is finished, and the couple get their first moment alone as a married couple. You see the pure love, excitement, and happiness in their eyes. It's also the moment where they turn to each other and (usually) say "Let's get this party started!".

Why do you love backyard weddings?

I think there's something to be said for the backyard wedding. It is so adaptable and can give off a glam vibe, elegant vibe, a minimalistic vibe, a "true love" vibe, and so much more. We can really adapt a backyard wedding to fit almost every couples hopes and dreams!

Any great stories or moments from past weddings?

There are just too many to choose from! Though one that does stick out is that a couple rented a horse-drawn carriage for their sunset photos and had forgotten to tell us about it. The horse showed up and we had to think on the fly of ways to clean up after it, where to keep it happy until sunset, etc. It ended up working out beautifully, but was one of those moments we definitely weren't expecting during the day!

What tips or advice do you have for couples working on planning their wedding?

Really take the time to consider what is going to mean the most to you in 20 years when you're looking back on your special day! For some couples, photography is key because they want to display and look at those photos for the rest of their lives. For some, remembering that perfect meal they had right after saying "I do!" is the most important item. There is no right or wrong answer - to each their own!

Best advice for the couple on their big day?

Don't sweat the small stuff. We have all of the details taken care of for you - it's our job to worry about those things for you. Be present in your day, avoid last minute planning or changes if possible, and wear comfortable shoes (or bring a pair to change into)!