I met Christina over lunch a couple years ago and I could tell immediately that this was someone that I wanted to work with.  She has energy, style, focus, and the ability to multi-task like nobody’s business!  Not to mention that she’s always smiling and having a good time!  Recently, I was lucky enough to round up Christina and her amazing ladies at BB Weddings and Events for a little photo shoot for their website and interview to let all my clients know this awesome team a little better!

How long have you been coordinating weddings and how did you get started?

“This job really just fell into my lap.  I have a background working nation-wide corporate events, was asked to do a few local weddings, and it all started there.  From one referral to five, to thirty!  Holy cow!  I had a full-time business, but at the time I was a school teacher, and really had to pick one or the other.  I NEVER “planned” on be a wedding coordinator.  One of the funniest questions every client asks me is about my wedding, and I always get a good laugh when I say that I eloped.  I know…right?!  Well, BB Weddings Incorporated in 2006 and has grown from there.” -Christina

What attracted you to coordinating weddings and what keeps you inspired?

“Really, coordinating weddings “attracted” me, since I had more and more requests from brides to help them through their wedding journey.  It is SUCH a joy to be able to build a personal relationship with our clients.  That ability to really impact & effect a bride & groom’s most special day is what keeps me inspired.  I keep in touch with many of my past clients.  How can I not?…I feel so invested into the start of their lives together, and our relationship often continues so naturally.”  -Christina

Tell me a little bit about your team of ladies:

“Am I allowed to brag?  They are amazing!  It is hard to find such well rounded, professional, personable, easy to work with, intelligent staff.  I am blessed!  Melissa, having worked at a very classy Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, has had great experience working diverse wedding events & knows how to handle anything you send her way.  Suzanne, worked corporate events for many years and knows San Diego vendors & venues like the back of her hand. Insight and experience are a big asset for her. Planning her own wedding right now, has great perspective into the realities of what a bride needs and wants.  Being able to understand a bride’s language and vision right away are important for a comfortable and quick connection.”  -Christina

What makes BB Weddings stand out from the pack?

“We actually recommend to brides and grooms to meet with other coordinators as well.  We want them to genuinely feel that we are the best fit for them, if they hire us.   Also, our services are all custom!  No set packages or prices.  No wedding is the same and we treat each client in the same personal respect.” -Christina

“The fact that none of us do the job because we have to, instead because we are passionate and love being wedding coordinators.  We make sure that each and every wedding is about the bride and groom, there is no personal agenda or financial arrangements that we have made with vendors that overcast our recommendations.” -Melissa

Describe your perfect client:

“I don’t have a “perfect” client, but there is something to be said about a bride or groom who trusts in their decisions and enjoys the process.” -Suzanne

“Kind, creative, realistic about their wedding day.” -Melissa

What do YOU really like to do for fun?

“Be active! Whether it be sports, beach fun, new restaurants, or a cool venue – San Diego has so many incredible areas to explore and enjoy!” -Suzanne

“Hmm….I am constantly going in 20 different direction so I enjoy being active as much as I enjoy relaxing.  Dinner with friends, taking my dog to Fiesta Island, wine tasting, going to the beach, shopping, hiking, watching a good movie, trying new foods, and traveling.” -Melissa

If you could have any animal as a pocket sized pet, what would it be?

“I DO have a pocket sized pet! A long haired Chihuahua named Luci who doesn’t bark or shake and is sweet as can be.” -Suzanne

“For sure a dog, I love dogs and if I could, I would take my dog wherever I go!  (David…and what’s YOUR answer? ;)” -Melissa

Umm, I think I would take a Sugar Glider!  My friend had one when I was growing up and they’re pretty darn cute!  Thanks ladies, you rock!

We shot a bunch of photos with lots of open space for text and graphics on their website.  I really want to Photoshop random things into these vertical pics! ;)

Seriously, this shoot was SO MUCH FUN!  I’m pretty sure we just laughed for an hour and came out with some awesome shots of these three!  To any of my clients looking for a coordinator, BB Weddings and Events is a must call!

LVL Weddings & Events | www.lvlevents.com | blog.lvlevents.com | 714.718.3122

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!