Sacramento Wedding Coordinator Speaks with Sacramento Chic

I had the good fortune of meeting Lora Ward on September 22, 2007 as I worked as a second shooter for Allison Stahl.  The day began at the Hyatt Hotel and ended at the four-story, 24,000 square foot 58 room Grand Island Mansion.  She ran the whole operation with a smile and never broke a sweat.  At first I thought she was a family member of the Bride, but later I learned that is the type of service she provides all her clients. No wonder why “A Day to Remember” is one of Sacramento’s premier wedding coordination and event planning companies.

• Who is A Day to Remember? An (extremely helpful) wedding and event planning business with over 25 years experience in the industry.
• When did you know you wanted to be a Event Planner? As a wee babe of about 25 years of age
• Where did you train for this discipline? In the early years, I assisted the older “church ladies” with setting up receptions in the church social hall, and then later became involved with professional organizations such as June Wedding, Inc. (certified) as well as through the Association of Bridal Consultants
• How long has A Day to Remember been in business? Since rocks were soft – kidding! More than 25 years.
• What word best describes A Day to Remember? Only one word? Let’s go with one adjective and one noun – extremely helpful.
• Do you have a dream team and if so tell us about them? I have enjoyed working with many dream teams, who understand that there are no Prima Donas on wedding day. We are all there to serve the client and work together in a cohesive manner (no matter what!)
• What is your favorite thing about being in this business? Seeing the end results of months of planning, and perfection is achieved… and my bride is thrilled!
• What would you consider A Day to Remember style to be? Relaxed, fun, efficient, and stress-free.
• What would a party be like in your home? I’m not a home party kind of girl… too much work to get my house cleaned!!
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? I feed off my brides as most come into my office brimming with ideas. I do devour magazines (both home and garden as well as wedding/industry publications). Certain websites are addicting, too.
• What professional in your discipline do you admire? Colin Cowie – he’s so dreamy, and oh so talented as an event planner!
• Is there ever a moment, when doing an event, that you get butterflies? No nervous butterflies; only excited butterflies!
• Any wedding stories you are willing to share with us? Too many stories to share, and no I have no “horror” stories; all my weddings are well executed.
• Any particular event you are most proud of? So many to be proud of… where do I start? One comes to mind that was unique in that the wedding and reception was held at Thunderbird Lodge, Lake Tahoe (this is at a rather remote private estate built on boulders and outcroppings on the East Shore). The rental fee is high and so my client wanted to enjoy this historical venue for many hours. We shuttled the guests in at 1:00 p.m. and the last ones to leave was at 11:00 p.m. – 10 hours! We had four meal services throughout the day, starting with a greeting beverage and very light lunch, heavy appetizers after the ceremony, the wedding feast, and a dessert buffet with late night snacks. Tours were provided of the venue and short boat rides on a vintage Chris Craft were available for the guests to enjoy.
• I understand time lines are important. Could you give us an example of one? There is never enough time on wedding day, so I build in plenty of time for possible delays. I always allow enough time so there is no helter-skelter rushing.
• What is your ideal client? A bride who is willing to put her trust in my abilities and is appreciative of all that I can help her with. My brides are students with a job, or professional career women, and also out of town/state clients.
• How far in advance do you recommend a potential couple should start looking for a Event Planner? No earlier than 12 months prior; but I’ve had clients require full service coordination with as little as 8 weeks planning (easy!)
• Why should they hire A Day to Remember? OMG, I am such a helpful resource! If the bride is looking for a fun, easy-to- work with, organized, experienced wedding planner, they need look no further. I have a vast amount of knowledge, and because of the many different situations and experiences that I have encountered in my career, I have many “tricks up my sleeve.” My vendor resources are vast, my attention to detail is great, and my gentle nudging is appreciated.
• Where or how can they find more about A Day to Remember? My website, www.adaytorememberca.com is quite thorough and follow along with my blog. I am often quoted or have featured weddings in Sacramento Bride & Groom Magazine.
• Who do you recommend that I interview next? John Vu of ProFinish Design (if not for photography, then for the photobooth). Carissa of Sugar and Spice (specialty desserts) – www.sugarandspice.me
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? Dearfoam Slippers. And, Carlos… my teenaged daughters told me a long time ago to never refer to a sandal as a “thong.” Geez!
• Any last words? I don’t know how brides and grooms, and their mothers, manage without a knowledgeable wedding planner at their side, throughout the months. There is so much I can help with! I’m a “God Send” (and I’m very humble, too)