New Series – Wedding Planner Getting Married: Victoria and Michael’s Journey to “I Do!”

Hello and Happy Wedding Wednesday! My name is Victoria and I’m the owner and lead event planner of Victorious Events NYC  as well as a Munaluchi Coterie member. And I’m fortunate to work side by side in the wedding industry with the love of my life Michael of MikeMusic Entertainment,  who is a deejay and also a Coterie member. And…

We’re getting married!!!

That’s a phrase that I’ve often heard from other couples, but it felt so strange hearing myself say it the first few times. Since planning and designing weddings is my job and providing the soundtrack is his, we are both used to being behind the scenes creating magical experiences for our clients. So now that it’s our turn to be the bride and groom, being the center of attention has taken some getting used to…but I love it so far!

When Michael got down on one knee to pop the question during our weekend getaway to Puerto Rico earlier this year, I felt like the luckiest woman in the world. It was the perfect beach proposal filled with tears, laughter, some paparazzi snapshots and a live stream to all of our friends and family back home.

But after I finished marveling at my ring, a million questions ran through my mind: What venue should we choose? How many people should we invite? Who will be the deejay? Who will help me plan it???

With wedding season upon us, I know there are lots of newly engaged couples asking these same questions. So I thought it would be interesting (and fun!) to chronicle the planning of my own wedding over the next few months from a wedding planner’s point of view. Two Munaluchi Coterie Members getting married…using LOTS of Coterie vendors?! This is going to be EPIC!

So to start you off on the right foot, here are my top three “Victorious Tips” for what to do right after your engagement:

Get a picture perfect manicure.

I was fortunate enough to have my nails manicured the day before my proposal (whew!), but if your man surprises you in between appointments, be a queen for the day and treat yourself to an extra special spa manicure. Go for “the works” and indulge in a hand massage and exfoliation to give your hands a youthful glow. And choose a shade to complement your ring, skin tone, and personality. Because honestly, who wants to be self-conscious about their hands when your family and friends inevitably ask to see your gorgeous new ring?

Show Him Some Love.

Now we all know that the proposal (and the whole wedding in general) is primarily focused on the bride-to-be. But wouldn’t it be nice to do a something special for your future husband? Why not cook him his favorite meal or take him out for a romantic night on the town? This alone time together will not only give you an opportunity to savor this special time in your lives before wedding planning begins, but it will also show your man just how much you appreciate him.

And as a bonus treat, at the end of your evening you can give him a set of “Stationery for Lovers” gift certificates courtesy of Coterie member Kisha Kingston of Royal Amethyst Invitations and Designs.

And last but not least…

Hire a Planner!

Even being a wedding planner myself, I had to enlist the services of my friend, colleague and fellow Coterie member Lauren Beamon of Elle’s Couture Events. (Yes, even a wedding planner needs a wedding planner so that should tell you something ladies!) She has been my saving grace as I juggle my own wedding plans with planning for my current summer brides. Not only can your planner help you organize all the details from beginning to end, but they can connect you with some truly amazing vendors that suit your style and budget. And for me, it’s great just to have someone else to bounce ideas off of and who knows the wedding industry as well as I do.

I’m really looking forward to having you all follow my journey towards “I do.” Stay tuned for my next blog post where I’ll share how Michael and I met (it’s not what you think!) plus tips on finding your perfect venue.

Happy Planning!

Xoxo – Victoria

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Victoria Nee-Lartey is a contributing author for Munaluchi Bride Online and owner of Victorious Events NYC . To keep up with her, follow her on Instagram  and Facebook.