Coterie Spotlight: Northern California Wedding Planner Tamara J Events

Each week we spotlight one of our fabulous Coterie members to give you a little insight into how they do business, the trends they’re currently seeing, and some fun things about them you probably wouldn’t find out otherwise.  This week, the spotlight is on Tamara Jones of Tamara J Events, based out of Northern California.  We adore the work that she does and can’t wait to share more of her creativity with you all in the future.  For now, sit back and enjoy the interview!

Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the wedding and events industry?

I launched my business in 2002 after I was inadvertently introduced to the wedding industry. While producing a jazz festival, one of the artists handed me a bunch of papers and asked if I could help him sort things out.  Well my focus was getting him on stage and what was happening on the three other stages at the event. After some back and forth discussion, I decided I could do it….I mean after all I was used to producing events for thousands, how hard could this one day event be? I planned and produced that first wedding and I was hooked.  I loved the details, I loved meeting the families, the bride, the friends and seeing how much love was being poured into this one special day. I pour a lot of love into each wedding that I do and I think of my couples as part of my family.

What did you do before Wedding Planning/Designing?  

Before I opened up my wedding business, I worked for radio stations in the San Francisco Bay Area planning promotional events and concerts and  for Bill Graham Presents (BGP).

?What are your dreams for your company?

In the long term plan of my company, I’d like to travel worldwide and plan weddings but I’d also like to have design studios in California, North Carolina, Atlanta and New York.
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What do you love most about your job?

I get to be part of a phenomenal day for two people and help them start a brand new chapter in their lives.

?In your area what are some of your favorite venues and why?

Northern California is so diverse; it’s one of the things that make this a great destination location.  I’d have to say a few of my favorite places in wine country are Charles Krug , Jacuzzi Vineyards,  Ramekins,  and in the Bay ….the Hotel Shattuck, The Julia Morgan Ballroom…..I could go on and on, I love so many special places…each of these has stunning architecture and affords larger guest counts

What trends are you seeing with 2013, 2014 brides?

Brides in 2013 are incorporating their own traditions and taking a much more modern approach to weddings.  We are seeing a lot more first looks and the return of glamour and color to the wedding scene.  It’s great because we are able to pull inspiration from a wider base of elements.
?What would you say to brides-to-be who are on the fence about hiring a wedding planner/designer?

If you’re on the fence about hiring a wedding planner/designer, fast forward to your wedding day…..are you running around trying to make everything happen or are you relaxed, getting beautiful and enjoying the day?

Your wedding day is different than any other day of your life.  It’s the day you make a conscious decision to commit yourself to another person and whatever life brings. It’s a day filled with emotion, joy, nerves, laughter and a MILLION details.  Do you want to take in all that the day brings and enjoy the day or would you rather be focused on the work that goes into the day? A wedding planner helps articulate your vision to a myriad of vendors who all work together to help make your day one that you will never forget.  You should remember your mom’s smile or your grandma’s tears seeing you in your dress for the first time.  Brides that have a wedding planner…..a good wedding planner get to be a guest at their own party.

?Why should brides choose you as a planner/designer?

I’m a lot of fun, but I really get down to business and find your true expression of your wedding. I ask questions that may seem random, but my purpose is to learn your aesthetic and personality so that I can help you articulate it well on your wedding day.

My reputation, work ethic, personality and attention to detail have afforded me the opportunity to create a company and atmosphere that my clients enjoy, trust and believe in.

??Now let’s have some fun!??

What’s in your handbag right now?
Business cards, my mini emergency kit, Laura Mercer lipgloss, extra peppermint gum, my old school daytimer and a pair of white socks (I live in wine country and often have to put boots on at a site tour)

Want to learn more about Tamara? Visit her website and follow her on social media. To find out more about The Coterie, click here.

Website:    www.tamarajevents.com
Facebook:    www.facebook.com/tamarajevents
Twitter:    @tamarajevents
Pinterest:    www.pinterest.com/tamarajevents
Tagline:    Fabulous events for fabulous people
Region:     Northern California {San Francisco Bay Area, Napa, Sonoma}