Let’s start with an introduction! Can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you’re from and what makes you you?
I am from Grand Rapids, MI. I am married to my high school sweetheart! Yes we dated in high school, but then when we were 20 we broke up and went our separate ways. I moved to Chicago for 5 years & he started a family. In 2020 we rekindled and he somehow managed to get me to leave the gorgeous big city life and move back to Michigan. I enjoy being active & traveling the world! Montenegro and Italy are my favorite countries! I have a background in hospitality for 15 years & working in the ER for 8.
Share some insights about your business. How did you begin this journey, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
I started my business from my own experience as a bride. My wonderful mother wanted to be involved and as most moms during this season of life, she wanted a job for our special day. She was the one who would be putting my center pieces together and decor for my accessory tables (cocktail tables, welcome table, etc). On the morning of my wedding my mom went into the ER at 7AM and was quickly admitted to the hospital (she's healthy and thriving today!)...My bridesmaids were my entire rock that day. They stepped up and in between hair and makeup were using my Pinterest boards to set up my decor. I sat there getting my makeup done and in a pile of guilt. No bride should have allowed her mom to even offer to set up her decor. Bridesmaids weren't supposed to be the backup option to light candles. I knew there had to be a way for brides, their families, and loved ones to feel as if they were in a bubble all day and were able to soak in the entire day. I started my business with that feeling and compassion for every bride. We were on our honeymoon and I was bummed that my own wedding planning was coming to an end and our 3 week trip to Europe was ending. I asked my husband “ugh what do i do with my free time now?”. With the business brain of my husband his reply was simply “Start a business sam!” So on our 9 hour flight home I googled “how to start a business…” and haven't been happier.
For anyone unfamiliar with your role, can you explain what an event coordinator does and what a typical day in your work looks like?
A wedding coordinator is someone who is hired by the couples. They do not work for the vendor, they work for the newlyweds. They are the point of contact on the day of the wedding! Essentially a project manager! A great person for vendors and venue staff to communicate with on the wedding day. Lots of hard work goes into place prior to the wedding day to ensure the vision comes to life!!
A typical day in my busy season (April-Nov) is all over the place!
7-8AM get kids out to school & husband out the door
8-930AM gym! & walk the dog!
10-3PM: meetings, reply to emails, call vendors, video meetings with bride.
Tuesday-Thursday I work at a restaurant at night
Friday and Saturdays you can usually find me calming the chaos for one of my brides!
How many years have you been working as an event planner?
I have one amazing year under my belt of 27 weddings!
What regions or areas do you typically cover in your work?
Anywhere in Michigan and slowly starting to venture out.
What is it about event planning that fuels your passion and keeps you excited every day?
I love using my logistic brain to ensure all the puzzle pieces align. I have always been a huge multi-tasker! I want brides to be fully present on their wedding day. I want moms to be able to cry while they are helping their daughters put on a wedding dress.
Some people find their dream job unexpectedly. Was this career path something you always envisioned for yourself, or did it surprise you?
Never in my life did I expect to be a business owner nor in the wedding industry. I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up and finding that out at 34 has made me feel so at ease and happy..
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about for the future of your career? Where do you hope Seamless Planning will go?
I am excited to be able to execute more brides' wedding day visions. My goal is build a team with like minded woman to execute more weddings!
For couples still debating whether they need a coordinator, what advice would you give? Is a coordinator a must-have for every couple?
I feel as a bride you think you can do it all and be everywhere on your wedding day. That is not the case sadly. You need someone you trust to be the point of contact for your day while you are busy mingling with your guests or enjoying a mimosa while getting your makeup done. I truly feel it is a high priority vendor you need on your day. Couples need someone that can be their voice if they are busy else where.
When couples are deciding whether to add a Coordinator to their vendor team, what key factors should they consider?
I truly feel you should do a video call with anyone you are considering to be your coordinator. Make your booking based on vibes! Sure they might have a pretty Powerpoint, but what is your vibe chatting with them? A day of coordinator is someone you will be talking to constantly throughout the process. You want to make sure you feel comfortable asking them questions and seeing advise from them. You ideally want someone who is calm on your wedding day because they will be the project manager of all the things going on. Book on vibes!
Wedding days are known to be fast-paced and detail-heavy. How do you help create a smoother experience for the couple and their loved ones?
I always make their timeline rough draft 6 months prior to their wedding. I want to try to find any holes in their day early on. I always double check with their photographer that all of the couples’ primary photos they want are accounted for on the timeline and we have all the priority events (dances, speeches, cake cutting) on the timeline prior to their depart. I always try to see the big picture with all of their vendors and try to create that “teamwork” atmosphere on the day of.
In what ways does your expertise help make a couple’s wedding day truly unforgettable?
After creating a timeline, i try to remind the couples that their timeline is just a timeline. It is not a ballet performance and things could go off track- and thats ok! (there is a lot of buffer time in our timelines though). I will always be the one to check on the couple and let them know what is next. “I see you're almost done eating, do you want to do first dances next or would you like to go talk to a few tables and do your First Dance in 20 min?” Whatever they decide I can let the DJ and photographer know. I always try to let the parents know as well so they don't miss anything important. I always try to check in with the parents a few times throughout the day as well
Is there anything else about your work or approach that you’d like people to know?
I am a very Type A and logistic brain. Even if you feel you aren't the most organized person thats ok! I have the check lists that will help subside the stress and truly make you feel like you've got it together!
Where can people find and connect with you? Do you have a website or social media channels?
Instagram: @Seamlessplanning
Email: theseamlessplanning@gmail.com
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?
I just want every bride, mom, bridesmaid to feel as if they are in a bubble on wedding day. You spend so much money on weddings and sleep-less nights. Allow someone to calm the chaos on your special day!
Samantha, thank you SO MUCH for being my first amazing vendor in this new blog series! You are seriously a gem of a human being, and so much fun to brainstorm and plan incredible events and ideas with!
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