You’re reading the interview series. What exactly am I doing here? I’ve come up with a way to share the work and experience of local vendors in an easy peasy format.
I know wedding vendors are busy folks with a lot of information to share.
Today’s interview is with Sarah Valencia of Our Jonrah Events and The Wedding Edit
The photographs featured in this blogpost are by Janelle Dudzic Photography, Deanna C Photography, Dallas Curow Photography, Prairie Willow Photography, M2S Photography
Meet Your Planner
Sarah Valencia | Our Jonrah Events & The Wedding Edit
Where can readers find you?
Instagram: @ourjonrahevents
Instagram: @theweddingedit
Website: www.ourjonrahevents.com
Website: www.theweddingedit.ca
Number of years in business?
1.5
What are your top three predicted wedding trends for 2021?
- I think sustainability will continue into 2021.
- Micro weddings will grow in popularity given Covid-19’s effects on gatherings and finances.
- Having a coordinator/planner given the unpredictable challenges we are going through to help couples navigate their plans.
Your favourite decade for wedding planning inspiration?
The 1920’s!
What’s the wedding planner advantage? AKA, why should soon to be newly weds hire a wedding planner?
A wedding planner has gone through many wedding days and event experiences that allow them to be comfortable in handling stressful and unexpected scenarios that arise. Their professional insight and expertise also helps to guide couples with their decision making rather than through endless Google searches and potentially trial and error of doing something. Nothing is missed when you work with a planner – they are your best advocate in making your wedding plans come to life!
What are your favourite online resources when starting the planning process?
I love reading and exploring wedding blogs and websites to come up with unique themes or ideas to present to the client. As a visual learner, I also bookmark a lot of my favourite photos from social media and inspirational ideas I like to keep on hand.
What’s the difference between Day of Coordination and the Full Wedding Planning experience?
A full wedding planning experience guides the couple from their first point of contact, through every stage of planning and includes coordinating their wedding day. I would consider it an all inclusive experience and the planner can provide the necessary direction to ensure you have every wedding element considered and covered.
Day of coordination is an option where the couples have planned their own wedding day, but would like a professional to help direct and oversee their rehearsal, day of logistics, and to be the point person for any contact or emergency matters. Usually the work starts 6-8 weeks out to review the couple’s planning and make sure nothing is missed.
What is one thing you want every couple to know about choosing their wedding planner?
Get to know them! Have coffee (or a virtual call at this time) to see if you are the right fit and style for one another. Planning can be a long term journey so you want to make sure you are comfortable communicating and getting to know your planner and vice versa. A planner is also there to support your dreams and helps you to bring your ideas to life so you want to trust their perspective and knowledge they present to you.
What’s your favourite Edmonton venue?
I love planning in non-traditional spaces such as The Creative Hive (a co-working space by day and special events venue in the evening/weekend) and unlikely wedding venues such as DOSC, a local restaurant downtown that can be booked out for a dinner reception!
What was the most unique wedding you ever planned?
I think the most unique, also came as being the most meaningful. I got to plan and coordinate a couple’s wedding in three weeks given that the mother of the bride was terminally ill. I got a call from a vendor and knew I had to help them make it happen! We created an intimate ceremony at the Foundry Room followed by a reception for 30 at Sorrentino’s Downtown. It was crazy to have it all come together in such a short amount of time, but the beauty of it was the love that made it happen!
What inspires you everyday?
I love working in the wedding industry and the creativity that comes with it. The work of wedding vendors, my travels (been to 20 countries!), and love for lifestyle magazines all inspires my work and what I am passionate about.
Tell Me About the Wedding Edit
I started Wedding Edit in 2019 after noticing a void in the wedding industry for a live and immersive wedding experience. I wanted to create a realistic setting that celebrates love and marriage, while also providing an inspirational opportunity for engaged couples to attend and treat like a date night with their fiance!
Vendors are vetted to be creative, reliable, and professional, and the whole experience is enjoyed like a wedding day!
The Wedding Edit includes a real vow renewal ceremony, vendor showcase, and dinner reception! The next event is on February 27, 2021 at the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel. For more information, you can visit, www.theweddingedit.ca
Vendors Featured in the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Shoot Include:
Wedding Styling: The Wedding Edit
Venue: Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel
Models: Kathleen Okerman and Graham Okerman
Photographer: Janelle Dudzic Photography
Hair and Makeup: The Hair Lounge
Cake: Ilovepampangas
Florals: The Wild Posy Co.
Table & Installation: ChapterNine
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Hi, my name is Janelle, I’m a photographer from Edmonton Alberta. I’m all about three things: celebration, connection and client education. My style is relaxed and romantic. I love intimate weddings, the kind where I get to know your family and friends. I thrive when meeting new people.My favourite moment of every wedding is right after the ceremony. This is when your friends and family smother or possibly crush you with either love or cheerful embrace. Bring on all the candid moments.
I value connection and celebration of moments over a big production.
