In 2016, I photographed 43 weddings. For how short of a wedding season that Seattle has, that essentially means I did nothing in Summer but photograph weddings, edit couples’ photographs, and make deliveries. One thing that really alleviates a lot of pressure is having a talented wedding planner to work alongside of, and that is why I was so thankful to have worked a gorgeous Roche Harbor wedding with Audra Goetz of Lovely Events. She was calm, cool, and collected throughout the day, and everything flowed smoothly. On top of that, Audra is so down-to-earth and just enjoyable to be around.
We took the opportunity to chat with Audra quickly during the off-season, and we wanted to share our discussion here!
“Haley and I both really enjoy working with you. The last wedding we worked on together at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island was amazing, their food… ohhhh the memories.
We would love to ask you some questions and share with the world.
Q: How did you get involved with weddings & events? How long have you been planning weddings?
A: My love affair with weddings began when I was in design school. I was one of a four-woman team running a Kansas City bridal suite found in a historic mansion. It was basically a one stop wedding shop. Each room in the house was prepared to allow couples to create their ultimate wedding. The property had a dress suite, tux chamber, cake kitchen, and a floral boutique.
I devoured every opportunity to learn anything involving the wedding industry. Before the age of nineteen, I was adept at how to properly steam a dress, hand stitch a flower girl basket, and assemble a 5-tier champagne fountain cake (remember thoseJ). By the age of 24, I had become the Special Events and Catering Director at Inglewood Golf Club, in Kenmore, Washington. Acting as the venue planner and catering director, in this role – I experienced first hand the logistical need and demand for wedding planners (especially “day-of” planners). After six years at Inglewood I began to develop plans for Lovely Events, which launched right before my thirtieth birthday.
Q: Are you looking to get into more destination weddings? Where would be your ideal destination?
A: We love destination weddings, and Lovely Events has planned and styled a few weddings on the Hawaiian Islands and in San Antonio, Texas. Our dream weddings would be on Santorini, Mahé, Paris, and I’ve had an obsession with destination weddings in Iceland for quite awhile now. Get in touch with me if you are wanting to plan a destination wedding in Santorini or any other gorgeous location around the world!
Q: What are your favorite current wedding trends for 2017?
A: Oh I have a few! First, all things green, Pantone just released the color of the year as “greenery”, Incorporating organic elements such as ferns, Eucalyptus and Amaranths, has been a favorite design element for the past few seasons. I love the clean, classic and natural look that simple greenery can create. Couple it with pops of white, grey, taupe or navy and you’ll have created a look that you’ll still love twenty-five years down the road. I am keeping my fingers crossed that 2017 will bring desires for Green. Second on my list is edible flowers, placing a flower in a signature cocktail spruces it up and creates a flirty and festive sipper that will excite your guests and create a memory they can recreate in honor of you.
Thirdly, popcorn bars. Who doesn’t love a late night snack that you can season yourself?
Q: Speaking of trends, could you let us know a bit more about your styling business and what you enjoy styling the most?
A: Design has been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. Styling an event that sets the stage for a couple in love enlivens and inspires me. Witnessing a couple’s quirks and translating them into a scene which allows their guests to experience them on a deeply personal level is a treat for me. It’s why I opened Lovely Events. Helping couples have a fun and relaxing time while planning and styling their event gives me great joy.
Q: Have you noticed a shift in the types of weddings being planned in the PNW? Are they going more outdoors?
A: I haven’t noticed a “shift” in types of weddings being planned, per se. I have noticed more Northwest venues offer indoor and outdoor ceremony options. Safeguarding that you will have a lovely wedding rain or shine, which is essential in a region with unpredictable weather.
Q: Who is your ideal type of client? We love adventurous couples, ourselves!
A: I am a BIG fan of love. My Ideal clients are more excited for their marriage and lifetime together than their actual wedding. Couples who view a wedding as a celebration of love and a stellar excuse to party with family and friends, but are more excited for their future and what it will bring.
Q: Do you have any associates working for you/your brand when you are already booked?
A: Yes, we have three incredible associate planners and are currently in the process of hiring one more.
Q: What are your social media links? We would love to share those with everybody visiting our blog and share the love for Lovely Events Wedding Design & Coordination.
A: https://www.instagram.com/lovelyevents/
https://www.facebook.com/LovelyWeddingEvent
https://www.pinterest.com/lovelyevents/
Thank you again, Audra. Always a pleasure working with Lovely Events!
Check out this slideshow we did for Tracey + Kris for their Roche Harbor wedding in the San Juan Islands. 🙂
Roche Harbor wedding by Luma Weddings and Lovely Events wedding planning in the San Juan Islands
Roche Harbor wedding by Luma Weddings and Lovely Events wedding planning in the San Juan Islands
Roche Harbor wedding by Luma Weddings and Lovely Events wedding planning in the San Juan Islands
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