REAL WEDDING | CANCUN

Planner: Jen Kasten, My Event by Jen Kasten, Chicago,www.my1event.com, jenkasten@my1event.com Years in industry: 8Photography: Alyssa McElheny PhotographyBusinesses: Claudia Vazquez/LatinAsia Destination Wedding Décor, Sandos Cancun Luxury ResortWedding date: Nov. 6, 2015Guest count: 84Involvement: Full consultingThe couple: From the first time I met Alexis and Chris, they had a clear vision of their wedding. While interested in a destination wedding, the bride didn’t want the typical beach-casual approach. Instead, she wanted a black-tie, formal wedding with rustic accents. Chris wanted to make sure that the fun factor was present. A small, all-inclusive hotel with great amenities and fantastic venues was the ideal solution. My challenge was to find an ocean-view venue that was secluded enough to guarantee privacy for the ceremony and reception. Within the first few meetings, Alexis and I developed a friendly collaboration, where creativity was possible but hard decisions could also be made. A food and fashion blogger, Alexis trusted my knowledge and style enough to listen to my suggestions. Together, we created the perfect layout for her and Chris’ wedding. Inspiration: Alexis was inspired by formal city weddings that included rustic accents. “Aha” moment: The “aha” moment was converting a sterile-looking ballroom into a dream wedding location utilizing architectural illumination and a great floor plan.Most unique design element: Personal touches provided the unique elements. These included: a tequila and cigar bar; a memory altar for lost loved ones; a high-tech dance floor; and romantic, lush, rustic flowers and decorations.Color palette: Blush, white, gold, and deep blueBudget: $30,000Staff hours: Due to the nature of destination weddings, we typically hire staff locally—in this case, in Mexico. Our services include three-day coordination; approximately two extra staff members—besides the head planner—for 16-18 total hours for each staff.Planning time: 10 monthsClient meetings: 10Revenue breakdown: 40% planning, 10% outside supplier commission(s), 50% hotel commission(s)Biggest challenge: By far, the biggest challenge for this wedding was facing adversity. Within the last week of planning, the hotel notified me that the venue where the ceremony was to take place had suffered some damage and was no longer available. This, unfortunately, is common, and sometimes hotels don’t disclose the reality until it is too late. Luckily, I was able to protect my clients’ interests and negotiate concessions and benefits for the inconvenience. Then, 48 hours before the wedding, extreme bad weather conditions caused damage to the rehearsal dinner venue to the point that safety was a concern. As an alternative, we were able to close a local restaurant for a private rehearsal dinner. Finally, with rain and wind blowing over 18 knots, the reception venue had to be moved to a dark, dated ballroom; which we brought to life with the help of additional decorations and impressive architectural lighting. Learnings: When planning a wedding, couples are on the hunt for a perfect wedding planner and finding the right fit is vital for their sanity. However, I learned that it is equally important for wedding professionals to select business opportunities based on mutual trust and respect. As wedding professionals, we work with our couples for eight or more months, so choosing whom you want to work with is crucial for a successful journey from both sides. WPM