A Perfect Planner - Meet Katrina From Love Blooms

Keep Calm! Katrina can guide you to this happy moment! Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography — Keep Calm! Katrina can guide you to this happy moment! *Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography*

I’ve been focusing recently on how to help you get through the experience of planning your wedding without going totally bonkers. Wedding planning can be super fun, but it can also really, really wear you down. In a past blog post I talked about how choosing vendors from your venue’s preferred list can help you reduce stress, and how hiring a wedding planner/coordinator can be the best decision you’ll ever make.

This week I’m continuing the series of introducing you to various fantastic vendors who can help you enjoy the entire experience of getting married! I’m sharing my interview with Katrina, owner and superwoman of Love Blooms. Katrina offers the convenience of many vendors within one company; she can virtually do it all! You can choose to hire her for everything or just one thing; whatever works best for you!

While she does offer custom floral work, chalkboard art and décor rentals, set up and tear down, today I’m focusing on her event design, coordination and planning. If you’re looking for a fantastic coordinator, check out Katrina at Love Blooms! (Want to check out her floral work? Meet her here!)

Lesley: What happens when a couple decides to meet you?
Katrina: We schedule a time that works and I pick a coffee shop in the middle or they have the option to come to my studio in Snoqualmie. We chat about how they met one another, all the wedding details they have planned already, and their vision. Then I tell them what my different planning packages include, and we figure out the best package for them.

How do you work with them to get their wedding vision to reality?
I get together with them and truly get to know them as a couple both individually and together. I find out what is important to them on their wedding day. I make sure I understand their wants and desires. Then, I make sure their vision is executed day of. Them not having to worry about anything on their wedding day is so important to me.

“You don’t have to worry about setting anything up, paying attention to the schedule, answering questions from vendors or family, or solving problems when they come up. Let a pro be in charge of all the many moving pieces of the day so that you can enjoy the experience of getting married!”

— Katrina

Lesley: What do you offer? Do you do it all or do you have helpers?
Katrina: I offer day of coordinating, partial planning, and full planning. I am also a florist and offer a design package. I have a great team that stands behind me to help execute every wedding we book.

A beautiful bridal bouquet by Katrina! Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography — A beautiful bridal bouquet by Katrina! *Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography*

Lesley: How did you start doing planning/coordinating?
Katrina: While in nursing school I decided I wanted to start my own business instead of being a nurse. I had just planned my own wedding and really enjoyed it, plus it didn’t have any huge start up cost. So, I changed my major to business and started Love Blooms. 9 years later here we are!

What do you enjoy about your work?
I enjoy helping make one of the biggest days of my couples’ life perfect.

Katrina will help you figure out the timing of the day, from first look to grand exit. Photo by Justin Patton — Katrina will help you figure out the timing of the day, from first look to grand exit. *Photo by Justin Patton*

Lesley: What do you love about working at Events on 6th?
Katrina: I love working at Event on 6th for two reasons. One, it’s a great space where you don’t have to worry about the unpredictable Washington weather and everything is all in one place. Two, Lesley is hands down one of the best venue facilitators out there. Really! I’m not just saying that!

Aww…blush! I try to help!!

Katrina and her crew will make sure everyone is in their proper spot! Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th — Katrina and her crew will make sure everyone is in their proper spot! *Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th*

Lesley: What’s your superpower?
Katrina: My superpower is problem solving. I don’t take no for an answer and I always come up with a plan B if needed that’s just as great as plan A.

What other things make you unique among planners/coordinators?
What makes me unique from other planners/coordinators is the fact that I don’t have a set amount of hours that I work day of. We are there from beginning to end.

The end of a perfect day! Is Katrina still here? Yes, she is! Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography — The end of a perfect day! Is Katrina still here? Yes, she is! *Photo by Kelli Hodges Photography*

Lesley: How do you deal with family politics?
Katrina: I always encourage couples to tell me if there are issues they are concerned about, so I can be aware and make sure nothing happens on the day-of that the couple doesn’t want happening. I also tell my clients that if they are disagreeing with a family member about something they want, they can tell them that I agree. For the family member it’s hard to argue with a professional, and if they aren’t happy about it they can just be mad at me instead of my client.

What’s your perfect vacation?
My perfect vacation is a Hawaii get away with the family.

Hire a planner and enjoy your day with family and friends instead of stressing! Photo by Justin Patton — Hire a planner and enjoy your day with family and friends instead of stressing! *Photo by Justin Patton*

Lesley: Who are you and what are you interested in?
Katrina: I am a 31 year old mom, married 10 years with two beautiful children that keep me entertained, and a business owner. I like to do multiple things at once and keep this mind busy. I thrive in chaos, although I don’t go looking for it! I love problem solving, so I do a lot of sudoku puzzles. Netflix binges are a must! Hikes with the dogs are great once the weather is nice.

Katrina can make sure all the vendors know exactly where to be! Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th — Katrina can make sure all the vendors know exactly where to be! *Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th*

Lesley: Where did you grow up?
Katrina: I grew up in Washington. I left for California for college, but knew I’d always end up back here and moved back right after getting my degree. Like literally the day after my last class. I was ready!

What’s your creative process? Do you ever get stuck? What do you do?
I like to be inspired by other people’s work as well as architecture, landscaping, and fashion. If I get stuck I take a break, go for a walk, and return with a clear head. Being creative is my all-time favorite thing.

Katrina helps bring it all together. Beautiful! Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th — Katrina helps bring it all together. Beautiful! *Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th*

Lesley: What is your proudest planning moment?
Katrina: My proudest moment was during the recent snowmageddon when the DJ canceled last minute so I had to find a replacement. Since I have been in the industry for so long and have so many fantastic vendors on my contact list, the DJ I found was awesome and the couple was very satisfied.

Favorite planning related tip(s) for wedding couples?
Check out our Instagram (@loveblooms) every Tuesday where we post our favorites tips weekly :)

Thanks so much, Katrina! It was so fun to get to know you, learn about your creative process, and hear about all the planning you can help wedding couples with!

Love what you see? Check out the Love Blooms Instagram for more beautiful inspiration, the website for more info, or just give Katrina a call! She loves making your wedding day at Events on 6th special and amazing, and is happy to offer you a 10% discount for your wedding here!

Katrina Allen - Award winning wedding planner and florist

Love Blooms Wedding and Event Design

website: www.lovebloomseventdesign.com

Instagram: @lovebloomsweddings

(425)681-2249

Interested in a wedding at Events on 6th? Come on in for a tour!

Just want to learn a bit more about the venue? Head on over to the main page to find out more information and to watch the video!

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Your Worst Nightmare

A gorgeous, problem-free wedding. Photo by Christina Klas Photography

You’ve just walked down the aisle...the music is amazing, your love is standing there looking at you with adoration, tears are welling in your eyes...
but you suddenly realize you’re not wearing your veil!
Your bridesmaids don’t have their bouquets!
And one of the groomsmen is definitely drunk.
What a nightmare!

I know you’re thinking ‘this can’t possibly all happen’, but do you really want any of them to happen?

I have seen each of these and other frustrating things on wedding days.
I’ve seen a family have to suddenly figure out how to put together flowers because the florist had the wrong date.
I’ve seen a caterer go AWOL because they stepped out for a snack, but then the timeline suddenly changed.
I’ve seen brides getting pestered with questions about decor and timeline.
I’ve seen tired fathers cleaning up at the end.

Weddings can be stressful and hectic! Photo by Jessica Uhler

All of these scary, stressful problems can be avoided by hiring a professional wedding coordinator!
A coordinator has your back, girl! She’ll make sure all the details are happening, all the vendors know what’s going on, and keep you happy!

Now, I’ve seen weddings with professional coordinators, with family or friends running things, and with seemingly nobody in charge. Most weddings do go well, and sometimes it does come down to the personalities of the couple and family...some people just don’t stress details and don’t care about timing and any problems just aren’t problems.

They said ‘I do” and that was all that mattered! However, the weddings with coordinators and planners always feel so much calmer, so much more relaxed...there’s excitement and anticipation, but it’s not stress.

Wedding goals!! Relaxed and calm. Photo by Something Minted Photography

Whether they are called a planner or coordinator...they are there to help you! Planning and organizing a wedding can be a full time job, and yes, maybe you are super organized, and yes, some of it is fun! Maybe you even have an aunt, sister, or friend who would love to help you.

But just think about how you want to remember the day. Your wedding day. Do you want to be running around solving problems? Do you want to be worrying if your family member is really in control or just wants to dance the night away? You might be great at throwing a party, but this is probably the biggest of your life and you will be grateful at the end for some help.

A pro is a professional...they know what they are doing! It’s their job. They have checklists, superpower brains, Plan Bs, Plan Cs, major experience, and above all, massive amounts of patience. There’s a huge learning curve to running a wedding and I’m assuming you only want to do this once! Do yourself a favor and hire a coordinator!

An awesome planner can help you get this shot! Photo by Lenaig Delisle Photography. Coordination by Ruby Red Shoes. — An awesome planner can help you get this shot!
Photo by Lenaig Delisle Photography. Coordination by Ruby Red Shoes.

I see many coordinators at Events on 6th, and they sure do help keep everything on schedule and running smoothly and calmly! In future posts I’m going to introduce you to a few fabulous wedding planners/coordinators that I know and who will do an amazing job for you!

Meanwhile I asked a few for some advice on reasons to hire a coordinator. They mentioned many things, but one theme came through loud and clear...do you want to enjoy the best day of your life or spend it stressing the details?

Katrina from Love Blooms says that just being able to relax and enjoy your day is the biggest reason.

“You don’t have to worry about setting anything up, paying attention to the schedule, answering questions from vendors or family, or solving problems when they come up. Let a pro be in charge of all the many moving pieces of the day so that you can enjoy the experience of getting married!” — Katrina

Rosalynn from My Perfect Wedding Assistant stresses the importance of focusing on yourselves and your relationship, both throughout the planning process and the wedding day, which is truly easier when a coordinator is helping with the planning process.

“Do not get so swept away in planning your perfect wedding that you get swept away from quality time with your sweetheart! Make time together a priority. Be creative! Be yourself! Have fun! And then hand that off to a coordinator that can put your personality and charm into action. Your coordinator will have your back! Trust your coordinator, your loved ones, and those taking care of you on your big day and have some fun! Enjoy this day. Dance, eat cake, laugh with family, catch up with friends and hold your spouse close. Every part of this day is for you two.”— Rosalynn

Debbie at Ruby Red Shoes Weddings & Events emphasizes how having someone there for you every step of the way means you and your guests will enjoy a lovely and special wedding day.

“Having a professional who is organized, reliable, calm, and passionate about your wedding details and designs means a day that could be hectic and frenzied is actually relaxing, enjoyable, and worry-free. You can be an honored guest at your own wedding! You will not have to worry about a thing!”— Debbie

Your wedding planner knows the best time to do this! Photo by Alex J Everett

Here are a few other reasons to hire a coordinator:

1. Your time is valuable!

You’re working, you’re in school, you’re living life with family and friends...adding in the full-time job of wedding planning is just one more thing--ok, a million more things! Decide the things you want to spend time on planning your wedding, or just free up your time to enjoy it all and pay someone to do the nitty gritty.

2. Budget!

Yep, planners cost money. And wedding spending can get seriously out of control. A planner can help stop the spigot. Obviously you have to pay her, but over and over I hear...’It was worth it!’ They know vendors, they know how to save money...and they are saving you time. Do what you are good at to make money and pay her to do what she is good at.

A perfect end to a perfect day! Photo by RC Media

3. Problem Solving

Are family members trying to make the wedding their own? Planners can be a great buffer between you and them and they will fight for your vision all day long. They are there to solve any problems, making the day stress-free as possible! (You’re still going to feel butterflies, excitement, and nervousness, but not planning stress!)

4. Save your Brain!

There are so many details leading up to and on a wedding day! What do you want your brain full of? Probably not your schedule, your vendors, things you’ve maybe forgotten, or if you’re following the rules of the contracts you’ve signed. HARD PASS!

Laugh with your friends! Talk with your out-of-town guests, hug your family, get pampered! Drink a cocktail and enjoy the entire day. It’s amazing and goes by in an instant, so enjoy it!

Happy, calm, and ENJOYING HER AMAZING WEDDING DAY! Photo by Ink & Grain

So, follow along the next weeks as I introduce you to some amazing planners. Consider meeting up with a few of them before you decide who to hire--it’s great to have someone you click with!

Having someone by your side, helping you plan and bringing your wedding vision to reality is one of the best wedding decisions you’ll make. Skip the stress, get some help, and enjoy the experience of getting married!

Interested in visiting Events on 6th? Book a tour!

Learn more about Events on 6th—watch the video, see some more photos, and learn about pricing.

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A Fantastic Florist - Meet Katrina from Love Blooms

Katrina from Love Blooms creates amazing floral for your wedding! Photo by Rebecca Anne Photography (This pic is not at Events on 6th) — Katrina from Love Blooms creates amazing floral for your wedding! *Photo by Rebecca Anne Photography (This pic is not at Events on 6th)*

Welcome to this continuing series where you get to meet many wonderful vendors who will help you enjoy the entire experience of getting married! Planning a wedding can be pretty overwhelming, so finding ways to stay sane is pretty important, right?

One great way is to choose vendors from your venue’s preferred or suggested vendor list. Here at Events on 6th, I get to see so many vendors in action; why not choose someone I know will do a great job for you? Reduce your choices, reduce the overwhelm, and have a wonderful wedding!

How stunning is this!? Photo by Rebecca Jane Photography (This pic is not at Events on 6th) — How stunning is this!? *Photo by Rebecca Jane Photography (This pic is not at Events on 6th)*

Today, I’m sharing my interview with Katrina, owner and superwoman of Love Blooms. Katrina offers the convenience of many vendors within one company; she can virtually do it all! You can choose to hire her for everything or just one thing; whatever works best for you!

While she does offer event design, coordination and planning, chalkboard art and décor rentals, and set up and tear down, today I’m focusing on her custom floral work. If you want amazing flowers, check out Katrina at Love Blooms!

Lesley: How do you view a couple’s wedding day?
Katrina: My couple’s wedding day is so important, so I take every action to make them know it’s important to me as well. I want them to look back and think nothing but good thoughts about their wedding and have nothing but great memories.

What do you enjoy about your work?
I get to design and make flower art every day. What’s not to enjoy about that?!

What a gorgeous wedding! Don’t you love how all the flowers and colors work with the couple’s southwest theme?
Photos by Kelli Hodges Photography. Floral by Love Blooms.

Lesley: How does the process work...what happens when a couple decides to meet you?
Katrina: We sit down (typically at a coffee shop) and chat about their vision. I then create a quote for them to review. The cool thing is if they decide to book with Love Blooms they can change anything on that quote up to 3 weeks before their wedding so they have time to make sure it is exactly what they want.

How do you work with them to get their floral vision to reality?
I sit with my clients and listen to their wants. Most have pictures of flower arrangements they like so I help design that desired look taking into consideration their budget and availability of flowers. I also have a ton of fun rentals so I can complete the look right down to the table number!

What’s your creative process?
Pinterest has become my go to. It allows me to get into the mind of my clients. I love figuring out what they want and how I can make it happen for them while being in budget. It’s part of my problem-solving mindset!

A beautiful summer wedding! Photos by Kelli Hodges Photography. Floral by Love Blooms.

Lesley: How did you start doing floral?
Katrina: I had a client I was coordinating for who asked me to help do her floral. She didn’t have any money in her budget for a florist and asked me to do her a favor. I had no idea what I was doing and stumbled every single second of putting her flowers together but I had a blast doing it. Everything turned out beautifully and she was so happy.

What is your proudest floral moment?
My first large wedding setup with a seating area, full floral ceremony setup and a gorgeous reception site transformation. I couldn’t help but stand back and say “I did this, this is my work” as I looked at the venue in awe.

What’s your favorite style?
I love organic arrangements. Lots of greenery and texture!

An elegant wedding with green and white! Photos by Randy DeMoss. Floral by Love Blooms.

Lesley: What do you love about doing floral at Events on 6th?
Katrina: I love that no matter the weather it won’t affect the aesthetics of the wedding. It is already so beautiful, so the flowers and décor just enhance the beauty.

What is your favorite floral you’ve designed at Events on 6th?
I love that Events on 6th has the ability to do hanging installations as not all venues do. We did hanging greenery wreaths in the reception hall for a New Year’s Eve wedding, and they looked incredible.

Amazing hanging floral wreaths! Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th (sorry, wish I had a better one!!) Floral by Love Blooms. — Amazing hanging floral wreaths! *Photo by Lesley at Events on 6th (sorry, wish I had a better one!!) Floral by Love Blooms.*

Lesley: What other things make you unique among florists?
Katrina: I am different from other florists because of my all inclusive options. We can coordinate your wedding, provide floral, or just décor rentals. We offer the ability for clients to pick up the flowers at our studio anytime, or we can setup and deliver everything on the order. Also, we do not have a minimum so we can accommodate any order for our clients. Big or small!

What other fun stuff is going on with you? What keeps you excited about life?
I have two children that keep me busy! A 7 year old son and 1 year old daughter. I have also been married for 10 years, and he keeps me on my toes! I like to do multiple things at once and keep this mind busy, which as a mom, wife, and business owner is essential! I thrive in chaos, although I don’t go looking for it! :)
I do love problem solving, so I do a lot of sudoku puzzles!

Expansive and wild to simple and classic—there’s no minimum, so you get what you want! Photos by Justin Patton. Floral by Love Blooms.

Finally, a few more quick questions!

Favorite color? Coral

Favorite flower(s)? Anemone, ranunculus, and peonies!

Most unfavorite flower? Dusty miller!!! It looks so pretty but it wilts sooo fast!

Favorite floral-related tip for wedding couples?
To not get stuck on a certain shade of one particular color. Flowers are a natural product so they differ from week to week.