Today, I’m taking a break between the two part Puerto Rico posts to slide in Vendor Profile! Nearing the launch of our new website we debated about putting in a “Recommended Vendors” section and listing all the vendors that we love to work with. The problem we saw with that idea though, was that we couldn’t tell you much about them in the provided space. We don’t just want to give you a list of names and numbers, we want you to know who these people are! That way, you can make one or two phone calls to the right person, instead of trudging though many that don’t fit your style. So today, we’re kicking off our Vendor Profile section with Lindsay Val Longacre, an amazing coordinator. When it comes to connections, Lindsay is your lady!
Lindsay Val Longacre of LVL Weddings & Events is based out of Orange County and serves all of Southern California. When I first met her, I knew right away that we would be working together soon! Lindsay is a grounded midwest girl, full of life, focused, organized, and most importantly, all about the details! So much so, “it’s all about the details” is even written on the back of her business cards! We met up in La Jolla for a coffee and a chat a couple weeks ago. I brought some of the most important questions I could think to ask a coordinator and Lindsay opened the book on herself and on LVL Weddings & Events. Here’s my sit down with her:
How did you enter the wedding planning industry?
I got into wedding planning after working on corporate events and also planning fundraisers while volunteering for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. I was living in Chicago and decided I wanted to tap into social event planning. I called every wedding planner in Chicago and got really lucky because it’s pretty hard to come by. I worked under a consultant for a couple of years out there. Then I remembered first wedding I was the lead coordinator on and it was one of the best feelings. I knew right then this is what I want to do!
Did you start LVL Weddings & Events in Chicago?
Technically it started up when I moved out here. I had been doing it on the side, but it didn’t have a name yet. So it officially started two years ago after moving to Southern California.
Who is your ideal client? Or who are those perfect clients that you meet and are just completely stoked on?
I think for me, it’s all about chemistry. I don’t really have an ideal client. I would rather have chemistry with them where they don’t even have to speak and I already know what they’re going to say. I just look for that connection.
Alright, what are your three favorite things about a wedding day?
#1. The details! Every time I blog about my clients wedding, I write what I loved the most and it’s always details. Like a guitar the bride brought in to surprise the groom because he loves music; which turns out to be the guest book. I actually just blogged about a wedding today that is a perfect example. Both of the bride’s parents had passed away and her dad made this wagon when she was a little girl. The groom refurbished it and they pulled it down the aisle. It had her name on it and was really special. Those kind of things are hands down my favorite!
#2. I love standing next to the bride right before she walks down the aisle. I feel like it’s definitely a moment I’m always honored to be apart of. I’m the one standing next to the bride right before she takes such a big step in her life.
#3. The moment when the bride and groom see each for the first time. When he first looks into her eyes is such a great moment.
Do you like when your clients do a first look?
I do for logistics purposes and because the photographer is able to get a more up close personal look. Many times due to church rules you can not get an up close first glance. The only disadvantage is it takes away the tradition. What I tell couples is when you do the first look it is such an intimate moment and you get to share it just between the two of you and not in front of all your guests.
Alright, you’re going to love this question! What are the major benefits of hiring a coordinator?
My top three are very simple reasons; alleviate stress, save time and money time and guide the bride through the planning process. Those are the three biggest things. I really stress the money saving aspect. Wedding planners are looked at as a luxury item and I don’t think that’s the case. Based on my relationships with wedding vendors and also my experience, I can get my client the best value at the best price. There’s so many vendors out there, it makes it hard to find who is good and reliable professionals without a knowledgeable coordinator. When you’re investing all this hard earned money in a wedding, you want to enjoy yourself and have fun. The small investment of what a planner would cost is well worth it!
This is tough question for any company. What is your company’s style?
That’s tough because what I strive for is to be a chameleon for my clients. Every client is different, they all have different personalities, they all have a different relationship with each other and different styles and that’s what makes the wedding special. I just try to bring it out of them. So I would say my style is a very grounded and a down to earth planner. I want my client to feel comfortable being themselves then I can pull their personalities out and give them great advice. My expertise is in client relationships and coordination.
Awesome! Is there anything else you would like people to know about LVL Events?
If it was me, I want whoever I hire to go above and beyond and that’s what I do for every client.
I love these totes that Lindsay had made for LVL! They’re the perfect carry all for a bride as she’s planning her day and especially on her day! If you’re looking for an incredible coordinator to work with, I would recommend Lindsay to anyone! She is so down to earth, fun to be around, and is amazing at figuring out a couple’s personality to create their perfect wedding day! A huge thank you for taking the time to sit down with me goes out to Lindsay! I hope you all know her a little more now!
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