While I began my career in journalism, living in New York City exposed me to the thriving art and fashion scene, which drew me towards the visual arts. As a result, I ventured into the bridal fashion industry where I discovered my fascination for all things wedding. Simultaneously, I developed a keen interest in culinary arts and had the opportunity to work in some of New York's most prestigious restaurants. Collaborating with renowned sommeliers and world-class chefs allowed me to gain expertise in fine dining, wine, and exemplary service.
The aftermath of 9/11 prompted me to return to the south and my journalism roots as a reading and writing teacher. Despite my love for teaching, I still yearned for a career in visual arts, which prompted me to pursue my second degree in Interior Design. After planning my own wedding, I discovered that event planning and design was my life's purpose. In 2010 Volare Planning & Design was incepted, and in 2013 we moved the party to San Antonio, Texas.
Fast forward to almost 15 years in business and over 200 weddings, I am thrilled every time I meet a new couple and am gifted the opportunity to plan a wedding day like no other. It is a deep privilege to help couples like you discover their signature wedding style, as we create a once in a lifetime experience together.
I especially enjoy traveling to Italy, and have recently expanded to plan Italian destination wedding holidays.
After determining which planning experience is ideal for you, we will embark on the exciting journey of planning your wedding or event. This process will be organized into phases, and each phase is vital for the success of your event.
Let's get to know each other! We will begin this joyful process with on-boarding session to get acquainted. We will learn a little more about you, your core values, and any pertinent details that will aid in designing a celebration unique to you. We will introduce our state of the art planning platform, Aisle Planner, and its fabulous planning features: the Checklist, Calendar, Timeline, Budget, Guest & RSVP Manager, Layout & Seating, Contacts, and our favorite, the Design Studio!
During the planning phase, we will kick off the process by assembling your creative dream team. We will secure your most important vendors first - your venue (if one hasn't been selected) and your catering and bar team, as these two vendors will make up the bulk of your budget. Additionally, you must have a venue to have a set event date. Then, we will select your photographer and band/DJ. Now, we have a party!
Once these key players are confirmed, we will move on to hiring any additional team members that may be necessary, such as cinematographers, ceremony or cocktail hour musicians, hair and makeup professionals, an officiant, photo booth rental, transportation services, and any other needed vendors. We will also secure hotel courtesy blocks for out of town guests, and ensure the perfect location for you to get ready for the big day.
Additionally, we will begin the first draft of your event timeline, which will serve as the framework and foundation for all logistics planning.
The design phase marks the beginning of the creative process, and most often the most exciting part of the planning process. Together, we will explore your vision and style preferences; I will ask you to share visual inspiration that you may have collected on platforms such as Pinterest or Instagram. Once we have a clear understanding of your desired aesthetic, I will create a detailed design plan in Aisle Planner's Design Studio. This will include many images of floral and decor inspiration, a proposed color palette, floor plan renderings, and all other design elements that will bring your vision to fruition.
After your approval of the design plan, we will meet with florists and event rentals professionals that have what it takes to make your dream design a reality. Additionally, we are able to source luxury linens from our own suppliers directly to you.
We will design your save-the-date cards, assist with the design of your invitation suites, and begin implementation of your reception stationery design plan. We will discuss lighting and put a plan in place for a wow factor design.
As we move into the execution phase, all the meticulously planned details will come together. RSVPs will be calculated and guests will start to share in the excitement of your day. As your dedicated wedding and event planner, I will serve as the point of contact between you and all of your hired vendors. I will be in constant communication with you as well to ensure that everything is running smoothly and according to our plans laid out in your timeline.
On the big day, my team and I will be present to oversee the entire event cycle. We will manage your creative team members, welcome your guests with style and grace, and ensure a seamless, flawless execution, so that you may celebrate your most magnificent day.
Aisle Planner is where communication and organization meet design, and no stone is left unturned.
