It feels like forever since I've posted some pictures of my family on the blog, so I'm making up for that today! I'm excited to share some new photos of our family as well as a few life updates from us:

• We moved recently! From a basement suite in Coquitlam to a house in Pitt Meadows. Moving was a lot of work but it's absolutely worth it! We now have a huge backyard, a lot more living space and some great housemates. And don't worry, I'll still be traveling all over the Lower Mainland for weddings. Moving 15 minutes from where I lived before won't be changing anything. ;) 
• Our son, Wesley, is growing so much. He'll be two in July (how did that happen?!). He is obsessed with dogs (as you can see in a few of the below photos), balls, doors, and basketball hoops. 
  
• I've had a pretty quiet and restful winter/early spring with only a few weddings here and there. But I'm definitely itching to get back into more frequent weddings! I'm continually grateful to be able to do weddings so that I can stay home with Wesley during the week.
• My husband is amazing and hard working as always. He owns a carpentry company (yes, we're both self-employed!) and it definitely keeps him busy.

We are so privileged to have a photographer in the family: my talented sister, Joy of Sheer Joy Photography. She has captured so many special moments and memories for us, which I am forever grateful for. 

Markus and Gracie initially booked me for decor setup and takedown. And let me tell you, Gracie came prepared to our first meeting! She handed me a booklet with pictures and diagrams that explained exactly what decor she wanted setup, how she wanted it setup, and where she wanted it setup. She knew exactly what she wanted, which I loved! Not long after they booked for me decor setup/takedown, they decided to book me in for Day-Of Coordination as well. And I'm so glad they did, as it was a pleasure to work for them! A few special memories (and photos) from the wedding day:

• The flexibility. Even though Gracie had a clear plan of how she wanted everything setup, she was still flexible to necessary changes. One change that came up last minute was having to do the ceremony indoors because of inclement weather. The ceremony still ended up looking absolutely beautiful (see the last picture on this post). I love that Whonnock Lake offers a beautiful space for both outdoor and indoor ceremonies. 
• The personal touches. I loved seeing the bride and groom's personality throughout the wedding. From handcrafted wooden pieces made by the groom to the bride and groom's amazing entrance music (Love Story by Taylor Swift switched to Ms. New Booty partway through ;) to a custom drink in honour of both the bride and the groom. 
• The colours. The wedding was in October and the colours chosen gave the wedding an amazing Fall look and feel! Everything was bright, vibrant and fun! 

Markus and Gracie, you are such a sweet and loving couple. Your love for one another is so clear and I know that you have a long, amazing future ahead of you! I can't wait to see the adventures that life takes you on! 

Much love,

Jodi Marie

Caterer: Over The Top Catering
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
DJ: Garry Robertson Entertainment
Florals: Westgate Flower Garden
Lighting: Sitka Studios
Musician: Musical Occasions
Photographer: Karolina Turek
Transportation: Royal Limousine Service
​Venue: Whonnock Lake Centre

I first met Evelyn while working with her late husband, Daniel. Unfortunately our time of working together was cut short due to an illness that ultimately took Daniel's earthly life. Through all of the turmoil, I watched Evelyn exude strength. She leaned on God and did no waiver in her faith, which was so beautiful to have been able to witness. I was overjoyed when I heard that Evelyn met a Christ-loving man, David, through online dating. When I first met him and saw him together with Evelyn, I knew that God desired for the two of them to be together. I was thrilled that they chose me to coordinate and assist in planning their wedding.

Some special moments from the day:

• The ceremony. It was such a God-honouring ceremony. The vows were lovely, the music was perfect, and the personal touches were amazing. Evelyn's daughter was a flower girl, her son walked her down the aisle, and David presented each of the children with a Bible during the ceremony.
• The theme. Evelyn wanted the wedding to be like an Easter garden party, without the cheesiness of Easter eggs, baskets or bunnies. She chose bright colours and luscious florals, and it came together in such a gorgeous way!
• The swing dancing. Both David and Evelyn love swing dancing, so they hired a DJ who is also a swing dancing instructor. The first hour of the dance party was spent doing a swing dancing lesson with the instructor and then guests were invited to dance freely afterwards. I loved seeing all of the guests on the dance floor enjoying something that has a special meaning to David and Evelyn.
  
  

David and Evelyn, I know that God has big plans for the two of you. Your dedication to your faith is profound and inspiring. I looking forward to hearing all that your future has in store for your sweet family. 

All the best,

Jodi Marie

Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Decor and Florals: Bridal Beginnings
DJ: Jason Warner of Suburban Swing
Musicians (Ceremony): In Performance
Photographer/Videographer: M&Him
Rentals: One Stop Party Rentals
​Venue: Whonnock Lake Centre

So excited to begin sharing some of the amazing weddings that I did in 2017! I was blessed with some fantastic clients throughout the year, which I'm so grateful for! The support of each and every client is what allowed me to stay home with my son Monday-Friday, which I'm extremely thankful for!

On the blog today is Nick and Jillian. They were married this past November on a chilly but beautiful day. Their wedding was one that I won't forget! A few moments that I loved about the day:

• The calm. The bride and groom were incredibly calm throughout the wedding day. They created room in the timeline to breathe so that they wouldn't feel rushed at any point. This translated to one of the most relaxed and easy-going wedding days that I've been a part of.
• The colours. The couple chose the most amazing combination of reds, burgundies, purples, pale pinks and yellows, which fit the time of year perfectly. Haley at Ruffled Rose did an amazing job creating bouquets and decor that made this wedding pop! And Dalana at the Cake and the Giraffe made a cake that complimented it all so perfectly! 
• The speeches. I've said it time and time again but I honestly love a good speech! The speeches at Nick and Jillian's were well planned out, thoughtful. and honouring. I felt like I knew the couple so much more after the speeches. 

Nick and Jillian, I wish you the best in your inevitably bright future! I look forward to hearing about all the amazing adventures and moments you experience in your life together!

All the best,

Jodi Marie

Cake: The Cake and the Giraffe
Day-Of Coordinator: Jodi Marie Events
Decor and Florals: Ruffled Rose
DJ: Gary Robertson Entertainment
Limousine: City Limousine Ltd.
Photographer: Kathleen Earl Photography
​Venue: Diamond Alumni Centre

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