One thing I’ve been DYING to do is to give back to all of the INCREDIBLE vendors I work with who I see going above and beyond for my brides and grooms. I work with A LOT but there are a select few that have always stood out in one way or another and most importantly has always had their eye on the prize, which is giving brides and grooms an AMAZING experience. This is why I created VENDOR SPOTLIGHT. To showcase the extraordinary so when you are planning your wedding, big or small, you can have access to some of the insights of other professionals in the industry without having to get lost in the internets! FOREVER & ALWAYS WEDDINGS

When my wife and I were planning our wedding we interviewed SO many vendors in hopes to find the right one’s but instead of finding someone who’s character we loved as well as the quality of service, we ended up with just the latter. Now to most that might be enough but what I have learned in the years of being around so many couples is that the CHEMISTRY matters just as much, especially with how much you’re investing in them. If you read through my reviews the one constant is that they all get along with me, I help them feel at ease and that I’m laid back. Well, why wouldn’t you want that of all your vendors? If you’re going to be around someone for 8+ hours you ( whether you know it or not ) need to have chemistry with them.

So, with all that said let me introduce you to Heather Brunsell of FOREVER & ALWAYS WEDDINGS and EVENTS

 

 

To start tell my viewers a little about yourself!  What made you start your wedding planning company?

I am wife to an amazing and supportive husband of 4 years, been together for 6.  We have two very sweet little toddler boys, Noah and Aidan.  I majored in Biology… never having any intention of getting in to the event planning industry nor did I even know it was something I would enjoy. When I planned my own wedding in 2013, all of that changed. I loved the organization and the details and of course, wedding day. I wanted more of that and to give those beautiful moments to as many brides as I could. After working for an established event planning company as an Assistant Coordinator, I launched my own business in late 2016. Since then I have been the Lead Coordinator for almost 20 weddings and events and assisted on the big day to a many more. I am continually learning something new about design, event management and even about myself on every event. In 2018 alone my company has over 30 events booked and I cannot wait to get to know each of my clients and to be a part of their event whether it is planning the entire party on their behalf or managing on event day so they can enjoy it without worry or stress.

 Tell us your funniest moment  or most emotional moment you’ve seen at a wedding.

I’ll do both 🙂

Funniest – the bride and groom had two little boys together (who were of course the ring bearers).  Well a little after dinner I was walking around the venue making everything and everyone was doing what they needed to be doing and I caught the older boy,  about 3 years old…sticking his finger in to the wedding cake and licking it.  Repeatedly.  The bride and groom saw and just starting laughing.  It was adorable! (hey at least it was after the photographer got his shots of the gorgeous cake!)

Emotional: the bride was giving a speach and was telling a little about their story and how they met and she was going over some of the hurdles they’ve gone through as a couple.  Everything from long distance to the groom battling cancer and beating it, together.  Wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  I love hearing spouses/fiances talk about each other!

Do you think every bride and groom need a wedding planner?

To an extent – YES.  At a minimum to help answer questions leading up to the wedding and you plan yourself, and to review your timeline and then manage set up and get through the grand entrance.  At that point, if you have an amazing catering team and family/friends to help clean up, then you could probably get away without one for the end of the night.  But you really don’t want your family and friends managing set up and your vendors in the morning – that’s when you’ll want their attention on you or getting ready themselves.  Even for clean up though, think of the people that will be at your wedding…all your closest family and friends.  Probably people you haven’t seen in a while either. Do you really want your mom and dad worrying about all that decor that you have to take down off the walls and from the tables to take home?

Any advice you have for a bride and groom about the wedding industry in general?

Don’t get taken advantage of.  Most people are getting married for the first time and have NO IDEA what things are supposed to cost, or average costs of each vendor.  Do research.  Find out how to make a budget and how much of your budget should be for each vendor.  This will help you tremendously as you research, interview and book vendors.

What do you think is most crucial when working with other vendors? Other than you wanting them to be kick ass

Communication.  I can’t stand it when I have to wait days for a response from a vendor – you shouldn’t have to wait for a response on something when you’re trying to plan your wedding.  That should be a key factor even when choosing a vendor – how quickly do they respond to you?  Do they answer your question or give you a PDF to explain their packages?  Do they take time to get to know you?  All of these are sneak peaks in to how the rest of your relationship will be!

When an inquiry comes in, what clues do you look for to know they will be an INCREDIBLE fit for your company?

COMMUNICATION!  🙂   What can I say – it’s crucial in this industry.  I want to build a relationship with each of my clients and if you don’t take the time to get back to me quickly….we probably won’t work well together.

Lastly is a few speed-round questions HA! Top 3 favorite venues / Top 3 favorite films and Top 3 things you still have on your bucket list!

Venues:
The Lodge at Malibou Lake

Millwick

Huntington Bay Club

Favorite Films:

(I’m a sucker for romance…)

The Notebook

Like Crazy

Crazy Stupid Love

Bucket List:

Soak in the hot springs of Iceland

Have a walk in closet

Attend the Kentucky Derby

 

To get a hold of Heather check out her site www.heatherbrunsell.com and drop her an email at faweddingsevents@gmail.com

 

While you’re here feel free to check out some of the other incredible weddings I’ve been a part of as well as advice you’ll need when debating that First Look!

May + Mike | FCC Los Angeles Wedding

First Looks. Traditional VS Modern and why you should always choose the latter.

Leslie + Vlad | El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

Ryan + Trent | El Matador Malibu Engagement

Emily + Joseph | Hacienda Heights Country Club Wedding

Gail + Brian | Figueroa Mountain Wedding

I want to tell YOUR story and be you’re VENTURA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER! Chat with me today to see if your date is still available!