Oh my, it has been WAY too long since I blogged last. I was doing so well at posting monthly and then this fall happened. Between weddings and new booking meetings, a family member experiencing health concerns, my other business moving into its busy season, my son learning to walk (finally!), and of course: Christmas, well, all I can say is it was a BUSY fall. My blog definitely fell to the wayside during this time. BUT, it's almost a new year and its time to share some amazing photos and memories from 2017. Starting with O & C's wedding day! 

August weddings have a special place in my heart, probably because my own wedding was in August. O & C's wedding was absolutely perfect! Some aspects that I loved about the day:

• The day itself. It was a warm day and it was also one of the first days in weeks where BC saw blue skies. Due to insane forest fires in Northern BC, we were covered in a hazy smoke for weeks on end. Given that the wedding was up on Burnaby Mountain, I was sad at the ceremony rehearsal to find that I couldn't see the beautiful view that the mountain offers. Thankfully, rain came the day before the wedding and brought clear, blue skies for the wedding day. And the view was STUNNING!
• The theatrics. The best man pretended to forget the wedding rings at the ceremony, making everyone believe that the rings were missing. Then he "remembered" that the rings were attached to the ring-dog's collar, which lead to lots of relieved laughter. The bride and groom also made a hilarious video of themselves acting out how they met. It had everyone endlessly entertained (myself included).
• The gratefulness. The bride and groom were so thankful for their guests, their family, and for each other. The love that they shared for their parents and friends was amazing to bear witness to. 

Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Dessert: My Sweet Cake
Photobooth: Panorama Media Group
Photographer: Perspective Studios
Rentals: One Stop Party Rentals
​Venue: Burnaby Mountain/Horizon Restaurant

It's always a treat to get an email from a photographer you've worked with, asking if you'd like them to send you photos from a wedding you had done together. Even a year later, it's always wonderful to have new photos to share! Be sure to check out the below photos that I received from Isaac Sim Photography. They are full of fun, beauty, and a stunning old school vibe. <3 

Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Hair/Makeup: Hair by Casii
Photographer: Isaac Sim Photography
Rentals: All Occasions Rental

My baby boy turned ONE last weekend and I had the privilege of planning a special party for him. When I first found out I was pregnant and would be having a baby right in the middle of the wedding season, I was nervous about what my clients (or potential clients) would think. I ended up only having to turn away a few weddings around the time that he was born. There were a few potential clients that had concerns about my pregnancy and how capable I would be after returning to weddings after Wesley was born. These potential clients chose not to book as a result (which I was and am fully okay with). But I had an overwhelming amount of support after having Wesley and my business has never been as successful as it is now. I'm so grateful that Jodi Marie Events has come to a place where I'm able to be at home with (and STAY at home with) Wesley. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my business!!  

Anyways, back to the party. ;) It has been quite awhile since I've been able to choose the details of an event, so planning Wesley's first birthday party was a real treat (literally)! We went with a "cookies and milk" themed party and it was so perfect. My sister took the most amazing photos (check out her page: Sheer Joy Photography). Check out these photos below:

Cookies in a Jar Favours: Jars by Jodi (yes... this is my small side business ;)
Outfit: bowtie from Handsome Baby, overall shorts from H&M, and shirt and shoes from Old Navy
Planning: Jodi Marie Events
Photography: Sheer Joy Photography
Smash Cake: Double Trouble Creations
"Wesley" Banner: Little Sprout Creations

After a fairly lengthly break from weddings, Elio & Kali's April wedding kicked off my 2017 season. As much as it was nice to have a bit of a break to adjust to life with a little one, it was exciting to get back into doing what I'm so passionate about: weddings! Elio & Kali's wedding did not disappoint (it truly was a party)! A few fun memories from the day:

• The Backstreet Boys karaoke that the bride and groom busted out during the reception. 
• The Croatian dancing that had everyone up and on the dance floor.
• The dance party in general! The dance floor was constantly packed and it looked like the bride and groom, along with their guests, were having an incredible time!

Thank you, Elio & Kali, for bringing me on for your wedding day! It really was a fantastic day! The love that you two share is strong and I know it will carry you through a beautiful lifetime together. 

All the best,

Jodi Marie

Caterer: Sugar Mountain Catering
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Dessert: Cartems Donuterie
DJ: GirlonWax
Florist (Bouquets): Garden Party Florals
Hair/Makeup (Bride): Jasmine Hoffman
Hair/Makeup (Bridesmaids): Mink Hair & Makeup
Light-Up Letters: BULetters
Musician: Evan Kennedy
Photographers: The Nickersons
Rentals: Lonsdale Events
Transportation: City Limousine
Venue (Ceremony): St. Augustine's Church
Venue (Reception): Famee Furlane

Zach and Dana were married on a beautiful Fall day this past October. My sister-in-law is good friends with the bride and was her Matron of Honour. It's always fun doing weddings for people that I know and Zach and Dana's wedding was no exception. They were a calm and relaxed couple both on their wedding day and on the days leading up to their wedding, which certainly made my job easier. The day was so calm that I was able to grab lunch with my husband, baby boy, and brother-in-law after the ceremony. I'm grateful that they chose me to be the coordinator for their wedding day, it was a joy to ensure that their day was as calm and smooth as it could possibly be. A few special moments from the day:

• The ceremony. It was a beautiful and personalized ceremony. The vows were so well written, the songs were lovingly selected, and the entire ceremony was God-honouring. 
• The fun. If you look at the below photos of the bride, groom, and their bridal party, you'll seriously see how much fun they were having. The bridal party was constantly laughing and enjoying the day, which I loved witnessing.
• The dancing. The dance party was wild, crazy, and hilarious to watch. You could tell that everyone, including the bride's mom, enjoyed getting down on the dance floor. ;) 

Thanks, Zach and Dana, for hiring me for your wedding day. You truly were a joy to work with! I cannot wait to see where your future takes you as I know that God has big plans in store for the two of you.

Much love,​

Jodi Marie 

Catering: City Catering/Burnaby Food Services
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
DJ: GQ Production
Hair: Montana's Bridal Hair
Makeup: Rose Quartz Makeup Services
Photographer: Danaea Li Photography
Rentals: One Stop Party Rentals
​Venue: Burnaby Lake Rowing Pavilion

Josh and Nikki's wedding was my last one before I gave birth to my son, Wesley. Would I recommend coordinating a wedding at 38.5 weeks pregnant? No, probably not. What about combining that with a hot day in July? Again, my answer would have to be no. But I did it and it was an adventure, that's for sure. I booked Josh and Nikki's wedding shortly before finding out that I was pregnant. Being the stubborn person that I am, I figured I would be fine. I, of course, had a backup plan just in case I had the baby early though I ended up being okay. I brought in an amazing assistant, Kelsey, who made the day 100 times easier. Looking back, I laugh at how determined I was to pull my own weight on the wedding day. This included attempting to carry heavy objects as well as standing on rickety chairs to adjust the top of the arbour. Kelsey was always there to calmly remind me that she was there to help so that I WASN'T doing those things while being so pregnant. 

Josh and Nikki were married on, as mentioned above, a hot summer day in July. It was a seriously beautiful day. They had their ceremony on the dock right at water level and their dinner took place in the beautiful UBC Boathouse reception space. Josh and Nikki knew what they wanted and took special care to make sure that it happened. They made time throughout the day for what mattered most to them: family and friends. A few memories that pop out from the wedding day:

• The simplicity. Josh and Nikki chose simple decor items that were gorgeous. They didn't go overboard with anything but yet both the ceremony and reception looked perfect. 
• The weather. Although you cannot plan the weather, this couple sure lucked out. The skies were clear all day and the evening ended with an unbelievable sunset. A cellphone photo of that sunset is still my phone's lock screen and background to this day. 
• The celebration. The bridal party, family, and friends were so excited to celebrate this couple. I witnessed loud cheers, huge hugs, and endless smiles throughout the day. You could tell that Josh and Nikki had a big group of supporters. 

​Josh and Nikki moved to Ontario not long after their wedding. I coincidentally ran into them at a small concert just a few weeks after their wedding. It was great to see them again and so fun that they had the opportunity to meet two week old Wesley (who was born just 6 days after their wedding!). 

Thanks, Josh and Nikki, for trusting in me for your wedding day. I'm grateful that it went so smoothly (and that I could actually be there). Best wishes to the two of you, I know you have some amazing adventures ahead of you!

Much love,​

Jodi Marie 

Catering: Signature Catering
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Photographer: John Yoo Photography
​Venue: UBC Boathouse

I met Grady a few years back when we both began our new jobs at Timberline Ranch in the same week. I got to know him better when we carpooled to work together in our first year of work and when we took a week-long first aid course (which we both passed, thankfully!). I was so excited when I heard Grady telling me about this amazing girl, Jessica, that he'd reconnected with. I could tell that there was something special about her, and it was wonderful to see their relationship grow and mature. I was privileged to be their coordinator on their wedding day! Some special memories from the wedding day:

• The live jazz band. Grady plays in a jazz band and he had the entire band come in to play live music during the reception. The live music led to some really fun dancing and great entertainment.
• The personality. Grady and Jessica infused so much of their personalities and interests into the wedding. This included a catered BBQ dinner and homemade spice rub as the wedding favour (they love meat!) and postcards for people to sign as the guestbook (they love travelling!). 
• The speeches. I've said it before, but I am one of those odd people who loves wedding speeches. They allow me to get to know a couple on a much deeper level, as I hear what their closest family and friends have to say about them. The speeches at Grady and Jessica's wedding were thoughtful, hilarious, and perfectly delivered. I was laughing, crying, and smiling through all of them. 

I am honoured, Grady and Jessica, that you chose me to help you with your wedding. I truly enjoyed the day and I'm very excited to see where your future is going to take the two of you! 

Much love,

Jodi Marie

Catering: Wilbur & Sebastian's
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Desserts: DesignerCookies
Hair/Makeup: Makeup by Kyla
Jar Bar: The Jar Girl
Photographer: Natalia Reardon Photography
​Venue: Whonnock Lake Centre

I'm so grateful to have had another amazing year of weddings and events with Jodi Marie Events. I met some pretty wonderful people this year! Fun-loving couples, talented vendors and a whole bunch of kind family and friends of the couples. Below are some photos from a few of the weddings that I did, as well as some memories or favourite moments from each of those weddings.
​

A & N - I loved the care that this couple had for their guests. It was really important to the two of them that their guests have a fun time. To make sure their guests enjoyed themselves, they featured delicious drinks at the wedding, served incredible food, and hired a lively and talented live band. You could tell that the guests enjoyed themselves, which meant that the bride and groom accomplished their goal.

S & C - My favourite memory from the wedding was how well I got to know the couple throughout their day. They infused their personalities into the entire wedding day, which was incredible. I loved the custom vows, the couple's artistry within the stationary, the amazing speeches, and the dancing, singing and lip-sync battles during the reception. I could tell that they are a well-loved couple and it was an honour to get to know them on the wedding day! 

J & N - I was heavily pregnant when doing their wedding and I was grateful for how well the wedding day went! The setup was smooth, the weather was perfect, and I felt surprisingly well despite being 38.5 weeks pregnant. My baby was born only 6 days after their wedding so I'm incredibly thankful that I was able to be there to assist them.

Wesley - This isn't a wedding but I can say that the birth of my baby boy was definitely a major memory of my year. He was born right in the middle of wedding season and was the highlight of my year. He's nearly 6 months now. It's crazy how fast he's grown and the little person he's become! 

​B & E - This wedding had a nautical theme, which I loved! They carried the theme through their decor, their attire, and their photographs. They took photographs on a boat and it led for some pretty amazing shots! I loved that they were a couple that wasn't afraid to express themselves through the wedding day.

​G & J - I really enjoyed how seamless and well-thought this wedding was. The couple had a lovely cocktail hour while the bridal party was taking photos, the reception dinner was a yummy BBQ, and the speeches were incredible. They ended off the night with a live jazz band, which was so much fun! 

Z & D - Their wedding was such a beautiful day Everything from the decor to the bridal party to the speeches to the food. It was all perfect and full of so many special memories! Stay tuned for this wedding on the blog in the near future. 

I'm so honoured to do what I do. 2016 was a great year and I'm anticipating another fabulous year in 2017! 

I'm always grateful when friends hire me to be the coordinator for their weddings! Ben and Eva were married this past September, and it really was a beautiful day! The biggest memory that sticks out from the day is that the wedding was infused with the couple's personality. This included the groom wearing a giant horse head at certain points, the headbanging down the aisle after the couple was pronounced husband and wife, and the pizza and taco bar for their reception dinner. Ben and Eva seemed to truly have fun at their wedding, and it was a pleasure to be a small part of their wedding day. Best wishes, Ben and Eva, I can't wait to see where your future takes the two of you!

Love, 

Jodi Marie

PS. An adorable picture of my tiny baby in his wedding attire is on the blog post! 

Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Florist: Past Pieces
Hair/Makeup: Dames & Dolls
Officiant: Chris Throness
Photographer: Natahsha Priya
Rentals: Past Pieces and A&B Partytime Rentals
​Venue: Coquitlam Alliance Church
Videographer: Perspective Studios

This. This right here. This is a wedding that I'm very excited to be sharing on the blog today. It was such a fun, upbeat wedding, with so many special moments. It unfortunately poured rain on the wedding day, but that didn't faze this bride and groom one bit. Before you look through the photos, here are a few of my favourite moments from the day:

• The colours. Sunny and Cheryl met at Emily Carr and are both incredible artists. Sunny is currently working on a kid's show/cartoon and Cheryl is a graphic designer. I loved that they implemented their passion (and talent) for art by using bright, fun colours for their wedding. Cheryl personally designed all of the stationary for their wedding, which turned out amazingly!
• The lip-sync battle to Single Ladies. Yes, you heard that right. The bride and groom performed a lip-sync battle to Single Ladies and it was PERFECTION. 
• The bridal party and their guests. Everyone was seriously ready to party and enjoy the wedding day, which was the best! Some of the bridesmaids rapped during their speech, a few guests sang songs for the bride and groom, and the bride's dad performed a dance alongside the bride and groom. The dance party even included a dance train, which my assistant and I were very tempted to join in on. 

So grateful, Sunny and Cheryl, to have been a small part in the coordination and setup/takedown of your wedding. Thanks for hiring my company and for being such fantastic clients! I wish you two a bright, wonderful future! 

Much love,

Jodi Marie

"Jodi is a true professional and we knew right from our first meeting with her that we wanted her to coordinate our wedding. She is always prepared, on-time, and incredibly detail-oriented, reliable, and responsive. She even made sure to check-in with each of our vendors and share our schedule with them as our wedding day approached. During our rehearsal, our musicians didn't show up, and Jodi called them afterwards to brief them on what we went over. 

It was such a relief knowing that she would take care of everything on the wedding day. I was glad that my bridesmaids, friends, and family would not feel stressed out on the day-of and that they could relax and enjoy themselves. My husband and I weren't worried at all because we knew Jodi could take care of anything that came up.

After the wedding, my husband and I were chatting, and I asked him who his favourite vendor was - and he immediately named Jodi. Honestly, I don't think our wedding day could've gone as smoothly if it weren't for all of Jodi's hard work. We have such great and fun memories from the night because we didn't need to be stressed. 

When you work so hard to plan all the details of your wedding, you do not want to be worried about all those details on the actual day! You've invested a lot in the day so the most important thing is to enjoy it. So a trusted wedding day-of coordinator should be a top priority. We were so impressed with Jodi and would highly recommend her!" -Cheryl

Catering: Party Chef
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
DJ: DJ BFAD
Florist: V&J Plant Shop
Hair/Makeup: The Love Team
Ice Cream: Rain or Shine
Musicians (Ceremony): 12Strings
Officiant: Paula Cline
Photographer: Gillian Stevens
Rentals: One Stop Party Rentals and Bespoke Decor
​Venue: Performance Works
Videographer: Fresh Canadian Content