Behind Every Great Wedding: Unveiling the Personalities that Shape Your Perfect Day
In the enchanting world of wedding planning, where dreams transform into reality, the role of a lead coordinator is pivotal. Each wedding is a unique tapestry woven with the threads of meticulous planning, creativity, and the personal touches only a dedicated professional can provide. Today, we're peeling back the curtain to reveal the vibrant personalities and expert minds of our lead coordinators at Coastal Coordinating.
Our coordinators ensure that every couple's special day is seamless and stress-free. But who are these magicians behind the scenes? They're not just planners but storytellers, problem solvers, and dream weavers. In this blog series, we'll explore their professional journeys, personal anecdotes, and the passion that drives them to create unforgettable moments. After all, every successful event starts with a connection.
Meet the Masterminds Behind the Magic: Maddie Culbreath
Professional Questions:
How did you get started in wedding planning? I used to work in Theatre and Film production before I moved from NC to FL. When I moved here, I met Laurel who was already on the Coastal Team. I told her about my background and we cliqued! Theatre and Film production work isn't very common in Florida, but I still wanted to use my organizational skills, time & timeline management, and working with people towards a common goal. I applied and Coastal and the rest is history!
What do you love most about being a wedding coordinator? I absolutely LOVE being able to bring a Bride & Groom's dreams into reality and to help them let go and have fun on their wedding day instead of stressing over minor details. I love taking the responsibility from them completely and allowing them to fully enjoy their friends, family, and new spouse!
Can you share a memorable moment from one of the weddings you've coordinated? Recently, I had a wedding where the Bride was a former Irish dancer. Her whole family was Irish and were singing limericks and Irish dancing together - it was a blast!! They had so much fun and I enjoyed watching them and singing and dancing with them.
What is your favorite part of the wedding day? It's such a surreal moment when the vows are exchanged - that's my favorite part. That's the commitment. Your vows are your word, and to me, your word is the best position you've got in life. I love the idea that two people will live happily ever after. I know marriage isn't easy, but it's so beautiful that two people feel so strongly about one another to declare it in front of their closest family and friends. I love the real moments - not the picture-worthy. The pictures are beautiful, and a wonderful reminder of the day - but the words are what you hang your hat on.
What advice would you give to couples planning their wedding? Hire a coordinator! We help to take the stress off the day. It's hard to stay focused on marrying your best friend when you're focused on hair, makeup, rentals, the venue, food, and the bar... It's a lot!! We have no other intention than to make it the best day ever for you - whatever it is you want to include, it's your day! We are such a strong ally on your wedding day. If there's something that you want included, we make it happen. If there's something(or someone) that you aren't comfortable with - we'll take care of that too! We can be the "good" and the "bad" guy on your wedding day so you remain stress-free.
How do you stay organized and manage multiple weddings at the same time? Personally, I keep a lot of post-it notes, file folders, and 2 calendars - one digital, and one physical. Document, document, document! Everyone has a different style, but I work best when I have a running to-do list with the most-urgent tasks at the top of the list. When a couple has a question, I do my best to find the answer immediately. It's an "act now, or worry later" style. I find that when I handle tasks as they come, it's much less overwhelming - instead of letting tasks pile up and trying to knock them all out in one day.
Can you describe your planning process from start to finish? During my first call with the couple, I like to find out a little about them and their styles. From there, we can choose vendors that fit their collective ideas. Since Coastal Coordinating has a large network of local vendors, we can always find someone who works for and with the couple to make their vision a reality. Once vendors are chosen, we help negotiate contracts that fit the couple's vision and budget. I then take over the majority of the contact between the couple and vendors, all while keeping an open line of communication with the couple. I offer suggestions and substitutes if something they are wanting is not available. We schedule several calls with the couple leading up to the wedding to make sure all of their tasks are completed on time and understood. Then, the day-of the rehearsal and wedding, I am there to make sure all the Bride and Groom have to worry about is getting ready for their big day!
What trends do you see emerging in the wedding industry this year? So far, I have seen less large floral centerpieces and it's becoming more common to get a lot of small bud vases and candles instead, or reusing bridesmaid bouquets as decor. Your dream wedding can be expensive! This is one way I see couples cutting the cost of flowers and it's still so beautiful.
How do you personalize weddings to reflect each couple's unique story? Well, that would depend on the couple. We could adjust the dress code, theme, floral arrangements, or incorporate their individual cultures. Maybe they met in college at a football game? Then, we could incorporate their college fight song somewhere. Maybe they love Halloween? Why not get married on October 31st! Choose a guest book alternative - maybe have guests sign a record or custom guitar if you're music lovers? There are tons of options for this question!
Fun Questions:
If you could plan a wedding anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Italy! It's just full of rich history and amazing architecture. I would love to incorporate that into someone's special day.
What is your favorite wedding movie or TV show? In Parks & Recreation, when Ben and Leslie get married. It makes me cry everytime!
Describe your perfect day off. My perfect day off would be getting up early, go on a nice bike ride on the Amelia Island greenway, come home and getting straight into my bathing suit and hit the beach with my husband and our friends! Then, finishing the day at a local restaurant with live music outside.
If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why? Amy Poehler 100%. I would love to pick her brain about being so groundbreaking in a male-dominated industry.
What’s your favorite song to get people dancing at a wedding? I'm a bit of an old soul, so I would go with ABBA - Dancing Queen. It's a classic that everyone knows and loves.
If you weren’t a wedding coordinator, what would be your dream job? I would LOVE to be a stage manager on Broadway - that's the dream!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I take medication for anxiety/depression. Most people think because of my bubbly personality that I wouldn't need it, but there's no shame in taking care of yourself to be the best me that I can be!
What’s your favorite comfort food? Mac & Cheese - creamy, baked, it doesn't matter!
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be? Another language! Preferably Spanish or Italian
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Phew! That's a tough one... I would have to say it's that "Nobody thinks about you the way that you think about you." This is great when you get self-conscious of something - nobody knows what you think and the odds are, nobody else is thinking that!
Quick-Fire Questions:
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Both, depending on the day!
Sweet or savory? Savory
Beach or mountains? I'm a mountain girly - even got married in the Appalachian Mountains!
Books or movies? Movies
Classic or modern? I love a mix! Bringing traditions into the 21st century can be so fun and creative!
Dogs or cats? Both! I have one of each and they're my babies <3
City life or country life? Tough one, but once a country girl, always a country girl.
Summer or winter? Tough one because I live in Florida where the winters are incredibly mild and the summer is unbearably hot... I'm going with Summer though!
Adventure or relaxation? Both have a time and place for sure, but I love a good adventure.
Which is your after-wedding snack? I love coming home, relaxing, and eating a bowl of cereal or ice cream after a long wedding day.