Behind Every Great Wedding: The Heartbeat of Coastal Coordinating
In the vibrant and ever-evolving world of wedding planning, the orchestrator behind the scenes often remains an enigma. Today, we're spotlighting Katy, the dynamic owner and lead coordinator of Coastal Coordinating, whose journey into the wedding world is as unique as the events she masterfully curates.
Meet Katy Martin: The Heartbeat of Coastal Coordinating
Professional Questions:
How did you get started in wedding planning?
I started in college. I went to school to work in hotels, but do more Human resources or honestly be an English teacher. Which is quite hysterical because I can’t even spell things right. Ever. I did a few internships and weddings and events and I never left. I loved it. I have a major in hospitality management as well as business. I got my first job with the Football Hall of Fame doing events. And then I moved into hotels. I worked for Winn-Dixie corporate office and started my company on accident. No joke- I was out of weddings and more into corporate planning. And a friend of mine asked me to plan their friend’s wedding. I said no because I wanted my weekends off. He said I had to meet her and so I did. I fell in love with her and wanted to plan her wedding. Shortly, after that, as soon as some of the other vendors found out that I was doing weddings again they started to refer me. After a year and almost 100 weddings on the books, I decided it was time to officially just be a business owner of Coastal Coordinating.
What do you love most about being a wedding coordinator?
The creativity and organization are two of my favorite things. I also love that no day is the same, and we have so much fun doing it.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of the weddings you've coordinated?
There was a hurricane in St. Augustine many years back so the venue ended up closing. We had to replan the entire wedding within 2 hours at the bride's mom's house. The bride was also a professional ballerina so she performed a dance all around the house. It was beautiful to watch her and see everything come together on such short notice. Due to the events, a lot of people ended up not being able to make it, but everyone who did come still had a wonderful time.
What is your favorite part of the wedding day?
Weirdly, bustling the dress. It's so great once it's done and it's always different.
What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding?
Trust their wedding planner. Just let go and love the journey. We can promise it’ll be the best day ever and we will love every moment of it so come in. Enjoy and just let it be fun.
How do you stay organized and manage multiple weddings at the same time?
Google docs, lists, and also my crazy brain. Every single reminder and note is on my calendar, and I follow up with everything diligently. It helps me stay organized and manage everything from business to personal life. But if you ask my husband, he hates my calendar and all of the calendar requests that I send him. Also After 20 years, I dream about this stuff.
Can you describe your planning process from start to finish?
I usually do mostly full planning. I start with you from day one by getting to know you and knowing what’s important to you. From there, we customize the planning plan and I follow it diligently. It includes budgeting, finding the perfect vendors, the day of the timeline, invitations, moodboards, and every aspect. I also like to talk to my clients in addition to any vendor calls at least every two weeks. It helps us know that everything is getting done and that the client feels good about everything as well. I will say even though this is typical, we can customize it to anything our client wants and readjust. I have some clients that tell me what they want and I take over from there and then they just show up on the wedding day. As long as I know what they want it is great and I can make it happen.
What trends do you see emerging in the wedding industry this year?
More parties rather than full weddings, couples are also going a lot less traditional. I like it. It’s fun. I think it makes it special and creative as well which I absolutely love.
How do you personalize weddings to reflect each couple's unique story?
I try to take the time to get to know them and learn what matters to them personally. What makes them unique and how can I incorporate those things into their day.
Fun Questions:
If you could plan a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
Italy was my dream destination, but now that I have checked that off my list, I would say Dubai.
What is your favorite wedding movie or TV show?
The Wedding Planner, one of my coordinators and I were on an elevator with a drunk guy who was referring to us as JLO. My response was, no, I'm blonde and better than JLO. He loved it. Also, I love steel magnolias. It’s not really a wedding movie, but the armadillo cake is my favorite. If you know, you know.
Could you describe your perfect day off?
I'm never off. On the rare occasion I am, you'll catch me floating in the pool on my flamingo floatie. My dogs will be near me and I'll probably be online shopping too. Shein for the win.
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
Britney Spears, I just need to know WTF is actually going on with her.
What’s your favorite song to get people dancing at a wedding?
In the middle of the reception, I would say I Wanna Dance With Somebody. At the end of the night, I love Don't Stop Believing.
If you weren’t a wedding coordinator, what would be your dream job?
News Anchor, but not like a weather reporter. I would want to be on like E or Bravo. (The next Andy Cohen).
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I don't believe you need to go to college to be successful in your career. Oh, I also did John Madden's Football Enshrinement.
What’s your favorite comfort food?
Fries of all kinds and with all of the toppings.
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
I would love to be able to speak multiple languages.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It is what it is, and with my life, I've definitely mastered it.
Quick-Fire Questions:
Coffee or tea? Neither, celsius all the way.
Early bird or night owl? Both. you may get an email from me at 3 AM as well as one at 8 AM. I never sleep well or consistently, I email 24/7.
Sweet or savory? Sweet
Beach or mountains? Beach
Books or movies? Books
Classic or modern? Modern, but with a touch of classic.
Dogs or cats? Dog
City life or country life? City
Summer or winter? Summer
Adventure or relaxation? Adventure
Which is your after-wedding snack? None, I go straight to bed!
