THE BRIEF
Backyard “post elopement” surprise wedding for the family.
Held at Luke’s parents – KEY REQUEST – didn’t want Luke’s Parents to have to “host”, worry about the setup or particularly the clean up the next day. Wanted them to enjoy the day and just have it all taken care of.
Overall budget $25,000-$30,000
Happy to DIY some elements but spend on the important things.
THE PROBLEM
Gabb couldn’t decide on styling and kept changing her mind.
They had some friends who were going to lend them toilets who flaked when it came to crunch time.
Gabb being Italian – food was incredibly important to them and the catering offerings they liked was way overpriced to the point I would say was actually overcharging and ripping them off for what they were getting (thankfully they asked my thoughts before paying the deposit).
A noise complaint from a neighbour on the night at about 11:30pm.
Toilets hired had a broken door after only 2 uses and so instead of 3 cubicles meant there was only 2 in use the entire night.
THE SOLUTION
I sent Gabb & Luke different options and we had multiple catchups to talk through the styling until they settled on something they were happy with.
This is where the vetted list of vendors and my network comes in handy as I was able to find a replacement within budget within less than a week.
I compared quotes and found them a caterer they actually liked better – who even created them a custom package to include Luke’s favourite pizza (even though it was off menu!) and to feed 150 people there was not only food leftover but all dietaries were catered too AND this one was $3500 LESS than the original caterer they were going to use.
We ensured with so many guests the event was registered with the local police and hired a security guard for the evening to ensure all guests got in their ubers/rides safely, noone came in off the street and no open alcohol left the premise. When a neighbour who worked shifts came to the gate the security called me and I was able to politely inform the neighbour of this and that the music would be cut off in 30 mins. I don’t even know if anyone else knew of the noise complaint which is another bonuse to having us there we handle all of that for you in a private event!
During the event I locked the toilet for safety as the door had come off it’s hinges, the following Monday I emailed the company immediately prior to it being collected with documented photos and was able to get Gabb & Luke a refund for the unit.
MOST IMPORTANTLY – Ensuring Luke’s parents got to enjoy… whilst running through a rehearsal and final timings on the Friday I agreed with them I would be there at 9am on the Saturday ready for the vendors to bumpin – whilst Luke and Gabb saved some money by creating their own signage, floral arrangements and redoing the gardens (Luke being a landscaper) – I bumped in everything, setup tables, clothed with linens, arranges florals, helped bump in the bar, caterers, style cushions etc. The Sunday I returned to clean up what was left of the glasses and cans, packed the linens, arranged the furniture collection, arranged a rubbish collection, emptied the fridge and freezer to defrost ready for collection Monday, cut and packaged the remaining cake and disposed of the fresh florals. This ensured the most important request for Gabb & Luke was fulfilled!
THE VENDORS
Venue: Private Residence
Planning, OTDC & Styling: Events With Amie
Catering: Carmeli Catering
Bar: Miss Fizz
HMUA: Makeup by Ingrid
DJ: Fergus Nicol
MC: Friend of Couple (John)
Photographer: Amer Ali Photography
Videographer: Sunnyside Films
Toilet Hire: Black Tie Toilets
Fridge, Freezer, Oven: The Equipment Co
Furniture & Umbrellas: The Table Station
Security: 248 Security
Linens: LUNA Event Supplies
Florals: Mr Fresh Wholesale Flowers
Cake: Mister Nice Guys Bakehouse
THE COST
Toilet Hire + Caterer 150 people + Bar & Alcohol + Tables, Chairs, Umbrellas + Security + Florals + Additional Styling Elements + Fridge, Freezer, Oven Hire + Photographer/Videographer + DJ + Full Planning, OTDC & Styling
approx $29,500
(refund for toilets and unused alcohol some returned to Dan’s)
Photos & Imagery: Amie Laiyton – Events With Amie (Partial Personal Content)
Professional Shots: Amer Ali Photography
THE FEEDBACK
Amie was absolutely incredible from the start. My wife and I were so lucky with Amie to have not only a great person but someone who is really good at their job.
I didn’t notice how much Amie was doing on the day as we were too busy having fun! However so many friends and family said to me afterwards how much Amie took care of during the event to make it run so smoothly.
I know it’s because of how well prepared Amie was and how much she did, that my wife and I were able to enjoy ourselves so much with no stress at all.
Can’t recommend her enough!!
LUKE
GABBY