Meet the "ultimate Woodinville Wedding Expert", Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

Meeting with one of our founding board members, Jennnifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer, is like spending the day with one of your best girlfriends.... the one with the best advice AND jewerly!  Here's what we learned about this life-long Woodinville resident (yes, this is just one of the reasons she's the "Ultimate Woodinville Wedding Expert"!) 

Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

I founded Taylor’d Events by Jennifer in 2005. After 12 years in corporate management, I made a personal choice and decided to utilize my organizational skills in the venue of event and wedding planning. Since that time I have orchestrated numerous events ranging from small intimate gatherings to large weddings.  I am also an educator, in 2010 taught wedding planning to up and coming planners at Everett Community College.

The locales of these events were as diversified in nature as the events themselves, from a farm on Whidbey Island, to a private residence on Mercer Island to banquet facilities throughout the Seattle area. In addition to weddings and receptions, I have spearheaded events such as the 2011 Emerald City Applause Awards presented by the Seattle Chapter of the International Society of Event Specialist, which awards the Event Industry in Seattle, and is a Founding Board Member of Weddings in Woodinville.

I have been honored to be awarded the Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire in 2010 and 2011 and Best “Day of Wedding” coordinator by Seattle Bride Magazine in 2010 and in 2011 was named one of the top 3 in the same category.  

Some personal details, I graduated from Woodinville High School, my family has been in the Woodinville area going on 90 years, so I know Woodinville.  My favorite places are Maui, and Ocean Shores (destination weddings!).  I love Frango Mint Chocolates (Seattle Frangos, not Chicago Frangos), Salted Carmel Mochas, a good glass of red wine and a great steak.  

Come meet Jennifer and experience for yourself her award-winning style at Novelty Hill - Januik Winery and Woodhouse Wine Estates during Weddings in Woodinville on January 29th, 2012.

World's Best Planners named by Junebug Weddings at Weddings in Woodinville

We are bursting with excitement that 2 of our wedding planners, Jacky Grotle of Event Success and Janel Ellefsen of Occasion, LLC have been named World’s Best Wedding Planners by Junebug Weddings. 

Here’s what these award-winning planners had to tell us about this distinct title:

What does it mean for you to be titled World’s Best Wedding Planner by Junebug Weddings for wedding planning?

Jacky:  It is an honor and privilege to be recognized for the work we do.  We have won Local & National awards but WOW "The World's Best Wedding Planner" that is truly special.

Janel:  It’s a huge honor!  I’ve been a member since they started and I would never leave!

What about you & your style make you in this elite group for Washington State?

Jacky:  I think it is a combination of things but definitely years of success in this industry and the complexity of events that we have successfully executed both locally and at destination locations.

Janel:  Because we’re awesome!  Clearly! Ha ha.  No, really I think it’s because we specialize in full service more complex weddings with many details.  We strive for a very complete look for every client.  We each bring a very strong talent to the table so we pull from the specialist in that category if need be.  Between the three of us we give 150% to each full service client.

4.  What are other titles you've held/hold for planning?

Jacky:  We have won "Chapter Program of the Year" Award from National Association of Catering Executives, Top 3 Planners by Evening Magazine/King 5's Best in the Northwest designation, & most recently the Emerald City Applause Award for "Best Event Logistics".  I hold the title of CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), which you must have at least 10 years in the industry and pass a very difficult exam too. 

Janel: Best of Planner for the Knot, State Coordinator for ABC and we are on the Style Me Pretty Preferred Black Book.

5.  What is one of your favorite wedding moments during each ceremony?  Or what particular moment stays with you after all these years from that one unforgettable wedding?

Jacky:  I love when the couple exchanges their vows; I tear up almost every time.  I surprise myself that after almost 500 weddings, I still get emotional!  I can feel the commitment the couple is making to one another- it is an intimate moment that they are sharing and I think that is very special.

Janel:  When the bride makes it down the aisle!  Father of the bride toasts!  Hands down the best part.

Janel Ellefsen & team, Occasions LLC named World's Best Planner by Junebug Weddings
Jacky Grotle, Event Success named World's Best Wedding Planner by Junebug Weddings

Introducing our 2012 Weddings in Woodinville Guest Wedding Planners

Every year, Weddings in Woodinville invites three guest planners to join us in bringing you the most spectacular, chauffeured, wedding wine tour available in the Pacific Northwest.  This year we are pleased to introduce you to the following talented wedding planners.

Janel Ellefsen owner & creative director of  

occasionsllc.com 

Occasions creates world-class events that are inspired by YOU!  No matter what level of service you request; you will always receive a “full service” approach.  We fully understand the magnitude and complexity of a wedding and all they have to bring, so we are here for our clients from the beginning to the sweet end.

Be inspired. Have fun. Enjoy the journey!

Occasions, LLC  is Janel Ellefsen - Owner. Creative Director, Jenna Davis - Senior Planner. Designer and Meghan Baker -  Senior Planner

Janel Ellefsen, Jenna Davis & Meghan Baker of Occasions, LLC

 Erin Lindeman

 Lindeman Weddings and Events
LindemanWeddings.com ~ info@lindemanweddings.com

Erin Lindeman, owner of Lindeman Weddings and Events has planned intimate local affairs to extravagant weddings around the United States.  Sought after for her attention to detail, exceptional client service and creativity, your wedding will sure to be one of a kind with Erin by your side.    

Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings and Events 

BreeAnn Gale

Pink Blossom Events
 pinkblossomevents.com - info@pinkblossomevents.com

People often ask me why I got into the wedding and event planning business. The answer is simple: I am obsessed with planning events! I grew up planning vacations and parties for friends and family and never realized it could be something I could do for a living. One day in college, it dawned on me, I really could turn my passion into a career. That is when Pink Blossom Events was born.

Since 2006 I have been helping my clients turn their dreams into a reality. Whether it is a small seaside ceremony or a surprise fortieth birthday party, I am there to see that every detail is fulfilled. Once in a while I have to pinch myself knowing that I am able to spend my days making people's ideas come to life.

What started as a passion for planning vacations and parties for friends and family has turned into a career. I would be thrilled to help you plan your next event!

Pink Blossom Events
...turning the expected into something unique! 

BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events

Vendor Highlight: Melody G Davis of MG Davis Events

MG Davis Events is dedicated to professional event and wedding planning in the Seattle area with a philosophy based on perfecting the occasion and a passion for being of service. For over 20 years Melody Davis has seen her hands-on approach to weddings, birthdays, and corporate events engage and excite clients and guests alike. Melody brings a sense of calm and focus to planning and executing events, leaving you to enjoy yourself with peace of mind while someone else focuses on your guests having a great experience.  Melody Davis is also a founding board member at Weddings in Woodinville.   

So now let's get to know her a little more personally....

Melody Davis of MG Davis EventsWhat is your name and company name? 
Melody G Davis , owner of MG Davis Events

Groomsmen pushing off to the wedding from one of Melody Davis of MG Davis Events favorite wedding momentsWhat inspired you to start your business?
It was the natural evolution of my career. I have been planning events since college where I majored in Business and Hospitality Administration.  Having worked for large corporations, as well as privately owned businesses I always knew that I would thrive in a business of my own.

MG Davis Events, San Juan Wedding flower boatWhat sets you apart from other vendors in your field?
The years of experience I have as an event planner. For example many of the weddings I have planned have been at private homes which requires a different skill set than those required to plan a wedding in an established venue. Several years ago I barged an entire wedding to a private San Juan Island which had neither ferry service nor electricity. It was one of the most challenging events of my career but it was spectacular!  (All the photos included in this post are from this wedding.  The bride wanted a hometown island wedding so Melody arranged to have them transported in a local school bus which took them from the local fire station along the brides childhood route.  This is why we simply adore Melody and her talents and can not wait for you to meet her and experience her talents for yourself!)

Groomsmen row to the ceremony in the San Jaun's coordinated by MG Davis EventsWhat's your style?
My creative style leans traditional with European influences. My work style is to listen to my clients carefully, identify the areas which are causing them the most stress and subsequently provide solutions so they can enjoy their wedding. 

What is the main thing that makes you unique?
My number one rule is that each event must have authenticity.

Wedding & Event Planning with MG Davis EventsWhat is your greatest strength?
Over and over again my clients tell me that I have a very calming and reassuring presence.

MG Davis Events promises authenticity with every eventWhat are you most proud of?
The lifelong relationships I have cultivated over the years with my clients. Recently one of my former wedding couples asked me to plan their daughter’s sweet sixteen party. My how time flies!

MG Davis Events is the event & wedding planner at JM Cellars and co-planner for Woodhouse Wine Estates at Weddings in Woodinville 2012.

Photos courtsey of Della Chen Photography.  

Vendor Highlight: Jacky Grotle of Event Success

Event Success Planning for Weddings, Corporate & Special OccasionsWhat is your name and company? 
Jacky Grotle of Event Success

What inspired you to start you business?
I traveled a lot with my family and loved the hotels and resorts we visited.  I went to Washington State University and got a degree in Business/Hotel Management.  I have worked in hotels, catering, private club and became an expert in event planning thru my education and experience.  I started Event Success 11 years ago and have been busy ever since!

What sets you apart from other vendors in your field?
I have more experience than most other consultants (almost 20).  I also listen to my clients and customize their event or wedding.  I can make their vision or dream a reality.

What's your style?  
Having grown up here, I would say my style is very NW and love when my clients want to feature this area.Jacky Grotle of Event Success

What is the main thing that makes you unique?
Having been in the industry locally for so many years, we have developed long standing relationships with all the local vendors.

What is your greatest strength?
Logistics.  Having won an award "Best Event Logistics" from ISES was a great honor and supports that this is our strength.

What are you most proud of?
Every event is an accomplishment and makes me proud and happy to be doing what I am doing.

Jacky is a founding board member of Weddings in Woodinville and was the planner for DeLille Cellars at the 2011 Weddings in Woodinville Tour.