Happy Wedding Wednesday!
A little under a week ago we launched our 2nd digital magazine and the results have been truly amazing. Less than a week has passed, and already over 20, 000 readers have witnessed the true magic of love. Aside from the colorful and inspiring weddings, super creative styled shoots, and great articles, one thing I am truly proud of is our revamped vendor directory called The Coterie. You see, The Coterie is not just like any vendor listing…we consider the carefully selected vendors part of a family, and it’s our goal to expose them and celebrate them as much as possible.
As part of our commitment to showcasing endless inspiration for brides-to-be, it’s our duty to place our Coterie members on a pedestal, where our readers can get to know more about them, and learn more about the services they have to offer. Our first vendor spotlight is on a trendy and classy wedding planner based out of California – Chanda Eddens of A Monique Affair. In my interview with her, you’ll find out more about what makes her Wedding Planning firm exceptional and some fun facts about her as well. Dive in!
Tell us a little about your background and how you got started in the wedding and events industry?
I have always loved planning events, the first event I planned was my own 16 birthday party. My mom just said last week, that I have always been detail oriented (that was super sweet to hear) since I was a young girl. I can remember cutting out the wedding section from her grandmother’s JCPENNY catalog and organizing a wedding party. Then fInally after planning a surprise party for a friend, I decided to look into it as a career. I got certified by taking an in-home course from ABC, I put my first ad in the paper, and signed my first client for $500.00!
When did you start your company?
I started my company in February of 1999, when there were less than 5 planners in my area.
What did you do before Wedding Planning?
I worked at a gourmet supermarket in the I.T. Department.
What are your dreams for your company?
My dreams for A Monique Affair is to be the go-to planner for A-list clients, to do a wedding in Dubai and to bring my style to Atlanta.
What do you love most about your job?
The connection that I have with my clients! Some of my most rewarding experiences come from that connection. As planners we are connected to brides during their single most important day, it’s such as honor to be on this journey with them and their families.
In your area what are some of your favorite venues and why?
My favorite venues in my area are: The Claremont Resort, I love this because when you walk into the Claremont, it looks like a castle…And it’s a symbol of elegance in the bay area. I also love the Hotel Shattuck. Since the remodel it has a classy Hollywood feel and it has this amazing signature red chandelier. I also love the Bernardus Lodge, it is simply gorgeous.
What trends are you seeing with 2012 and 2013 brides?
The trends I am seeing are vintage elements, vintage themes, just plain vintage. What I want to see is a return of the elegant classic wedding design with a twist. I love timeless elegance, now that is hot!
Have you ever had a last minute wedding disaster and how did you resolve it?
A week before the wedding a pastry chef disappeared! No answer to calls, emails, and her website was down. My bride was not in town so I had to move quickly and contacted another pastry chef who could do this amazing Martha Stuart inspired cake for 150 people. Needless to say, the pastry chef I found is a good friend now, and we still work together, as a matter of fact, she did the cake for my wedding.
What would you say to brides-to-be who are on the fence about hiring a wedding planner?
I would say…the one most single regret brides have after their wedding day is “I should have hired a planner”. If your other vendors offer wedding coordination ask questions regarding what services they cover so you are 100% clear. Most likely it is not the same as a full service wedding planner. Be informed in your search.
Why should brides choose you as a planner?
Brides should choose me as their planner because I focus on giving them the ultimate, luxurious planning experience. I am not just focused on the wedding day, I am more focused on the time we spend together planning because that is where most of the time will go! Making the day flow and designing the ultimate wedding decor is a given, but the over all experience of your vendors, guests, wedding party and you are the core of our existence.
Now let’s have some fun!
What’s in your handbag right now? Lots of receipts! My makeup bag; my house keys; my coin purse (lol I’m not a grandmother).
iphone, blackberry or android? iPhone all the way ;)
Mac or pc? PC but I have an iPad too, I’m stuck in the middle!
If you could travel to any location right now, where would it be? Greece!
Favorite song? Wanna Be Startin Somethin – I love Michael!
Guilty pleasure? Eating sweets from the gluten free bakery, more often than I should!
Thanks so much Chanda! Be sure to head over to her listing here or visit her blog for some great inspiration. She’s got a great eye! Interested in becoming a Coterie member? Click here to request an invite.
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