* What sets your service apart from other planners?
We are the region’s 1st Wedding Planning & Design company to create custom illustrations depicting your wedding designs (bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony design, reception design, or centerpieces/table-scape design) and present them to the Bride & Groom as part of the planning process and bringing them to life. We like to say it’s like the design shows on Television – taking each couple from “Concept to Creation to Celebration”.
* How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I was introduced into “weddings” when my own wedding took place 2 days after the Governor of Virginia issued a “State of Emergency”. I orchestrated my wedding only 2 days after Hurricane Isabel devastated Virginia in 2003. Although 2/3s of the state (including the city were the wedding was held) experienced statewide loss of power, flooding, and other obstacles the wedding was a success. This experience was challenging, emotional and unexpectedly inspired. After 3 years of intense research, industry education, and development we opened the doors in 2006.
* What experience do you have outside of wedding planning?
When working towards my Bachelor of Fine Art my worked for several years as a Caricaturist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I received my degree in Art in 1995 and then worked in a number of non-profit and education organizations like the Virginia Symphony, Portsmouth Museums (including the Children’s Museum of Virginia). I’ve also worked with some creative organizations like such as PR & Marketing Director for Animax LTD (Animation Studio) and a Marketing Manager at Decipher Inc. (an Entertainment & Gaming Studio). Before starting my own business I also worked as a Contract Corporate Trainer for the (then) world’s largest telecommunications company and Marketing Contractor for the U.S. Air Force.
* Words of advice.
When talking to your Pro don’t just share the things you want or things that you like. Let them know what you don’t like. I was speaking with a Bride about Floral Designs. She told me, ”Oh, I like all kinds of flower, I don’t have preference.” She showed me a bunch of pictures of styles she like. I then asked her, “Tell me about the things you can’t stand. You don’t want anywhere near your special day”. She, once again said she’s open to anything… oh, except roses. “I can’t stand roses”. The pictures she showed me indeed had roses in them. Now, of course we do concept drawings of the designs first but can you imagine what it would have been like if she was handed a bouquet with roses in them? Don’t just bring images of what you like but tell your Pro your “Wish List” (if I could have anything in the world) and your “Must Haves” (Things you simply will not compromise on).
* Why is having a planner/designer a must?
I was once coordinating a wedding where the venue had a fire alarm go off while the Bride was getting dressed. The venue was not on fire but they had to evacuated. My team and keeping our beautiful Bride & gallant Groom calm. We got the photographer and their assistant to take the Gentlemen in the front of the building to take some stunningly suave pictures while, in the back, the photographer also took pictures actually on the Fire truck. Do major disasters happen at every wedding? No, but there are literally hundreds of details and thousands of dollars (and memories) invested into this special day. A Professional can help you save time, money, find the best and most reliable resources, to create your worry-free wedding day experience. Most Professional planning service providers offer a range of services from Hourly Consulting services (ideal for the DIY Bride who may need coach and guidance on where and when to get the best bang for their dollar) to full-service complete luxury planning and everything in between.
* Add any additional information you would like.
Vivid Expressions LLC is a full service Wedding Design, Wedding Consulting, Fresh Floral Designs and Creatives services (such as Caricatures and Designer Candy Buffets) company. I personally have 2 Certifications in Floral Design. We have a Consulting Office in Norfolk and a Workshop in Virginia Beach and happily serve clients throughout the Hampton Roads region, DC, and beyond. We are also proud to be the In-house Wedding Consulting and Design Company for the historic Granby Theater in Norfolk Virginia.
* Contact Information
Vivid Expressions LLC
URL: http://www.vividexrpessions.com
Telephone: 757-802-3199 (Toll free: 888-878-4843)
Email: janelkeen@VividExpressions.com or events@vividexpressions.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/vividexpression
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/vividexpressionsllc
