Displaying items by tag: Katie O’ Weddings & Events
Just because the big “C” (COVID) changed your plans this year, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise your amazing wedding day – you just have to get creative.
Charming Cherub Cupid
You never know when Cupid’s arrow will strike or what’s coming your way.
The last six months have carried with them countless challenges - but even with all the changes and uncertainty, the experts at Katie O’ Weddings & Events told concerned couples to always keep one thing in mind.
“Don’t look at it as compromising. You get to marry the love of your life and ultimately, you will celebrate,” said event coordinator Katie O’Malley Maloney.
Cheerful, Confident & Caring
In March, when everything was unknown, Katie and Senior Event Planner Casey Benson began moving, adjusting, and rescheduling weddings for more than 30 couples.
“It was a roller coaster but that’s our job as planners, confidants and trusted vendors,” said Katie.
There were tears, stress and anxiety from brides who were feeling different levels of heartbreak and loss, but Katie O’ Weddings strived to be a sounding board and a source of support during every stage of the process while also looking ahead with hope.
This was something Katie and her husband, Nate Maloney, did at home with their two children, Grace, 4, and Charlie, nearly 2. Staying positive meant moving ahead with the opening of their new venue, the Kenmore Ballroom in Albany.
Nate is the Chief Operating Officer of With Grace Management, which has slated the newly renovated Kenmore, which was originally built in 1878, to hold its first event this fall.
Celebrations Can Continue
When challenges come along, the Katie O’ team combines a winning attitude with creative solutions.
“We know that this is now and will not be forever. Celebrations can happen. We’ll do what we can with what we’ve been dealt and it’ll be awesome,” said Katie.
Keys to Can-Do Celebrations
Commit to Candid Conversations – Discuss what’s most important for you. Choosing to change up the date, venue, or number of guests can put your mind at ease.
Most of Katie O’ clients are keeping their original plan but celebrating on alternate dates in 2021, she said.
“I want nothing more than to do those weddings but it’s with an abundance of caution that I look towards 2021,” said Katie.
Churches & Contract Considerations – Guidelines are different for churches – they adhere to capacity restrictions, so you might want to consider the option of having a larger church ceremony followed by a smaller reception.
If you’ve already committed to a contract at a large venue but have decreased the total number of guests you’ll be having, consider setting up separate spaces for the ceremony, cocktails and reception.
Clever Customizations - Some couples are opting for “Mini-monies” – a simple, intimate, and less expensive ceremony now, followed by a big ceremony and reception later.
For those concerned about social distancing, meetings through Zoom and the Event Live Apps, virtual make-up, video and photo shoots have provided links to creating unforgettable memories.
Compassionate Connections – Above all, plan “C” stands for connection and communication. It’s those people that support and lift you up that will keep you feeling “sparkly” no matter what comes your way.