Welcome to the latest installment of our Northern Wisconsin Wedding Vendor Highlight Series. This is where we shine the spotlight on the stars making your events unforgettable. This week, we’re thrilled to feature Northern WI Wedding Planner | Distinctly Yours Weddings & Events. Owner & lead planner Marsha VanArk sat down with me to share more about her work. https://www.stevenspointweddingplanner.com/
I’ve worked with Marsha and her team at many events. She is certainly a professional at what she does! Every detail & task is done with great attention to detail & a joyful smile. I loved working with her more recently at Tom & Claire’s Riverside Wedding in Eagle River, WI. (photo credit Ann & Lee Photography)
Let’s get started with Northern WI Wedding Planner | Distinctly Yours Weddings & Events
Starting Your Business
Hi Marsha! How were you inspired to start your business as a Northern WI wedding planner, and how does your passion shine through in your work?
“I was inspired to start my business after working as a venue coordinator for a large church in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. after six years, I developed a passion for guiding and partnering with engaged couples. In 2010, I launched Distinctly Yours Wedding & Events to pursue this passion further. Now, with 20 years of experience coordinating weddings and 14 years in business, my dedication to creating unforgettable experiences shines through in the growth of my company My team now includes a team of eight.”
What sets your business apart at a Northern WI wedding planner
How do you feel your business is different than others in the industry, and what unique elements do you bring to weddings?
“What sets our wedding planning service apart is the personalized attention we give to each couple. Despite managing multiple events simultaneously, we prioritize making each couple feel like they are our sole focus. Clients often remark that they never would have guessed we had other events, as they felt like they were our top priority. “
Tell us a sucess story
Could you share a memorable experience or success story from working with couples on their wedding day?
“Oh gosh there are so many! We survived Covid-19 despite the challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic! All the weddings we booked prior to 2020 remained committed to our services. None of them canceled. They instead opted to adjust their plans by either rescheduling or reducing guest counts. They trusted us not only with their wedding planning but also with navigating the uncertainties of a global crisis. Despite the obstacles, all of these couples were able to celebrate their love and have joy-filled events. It’s moments like these that remind us why we love what we do. We turn challenging logistics into effortless solutions and create unforgettable experiences for couples.”
Collaboration
How do you collaborate with other wedding vendors, such as photographers, to ensure a seamless and beautiful wedding day for couples?
“We collaborate closely with other wedding vendors, including photographers, to ensure a seamless and beautiful wedding day for couples. Communication and care are central to our approach. We initiate conversations with vendors by asking what they need to be successful on the wedding day. We foster positive communication from the start. My goal is to provide each vendor with the support and resources they need to shine and deliver their best work. We want to ensure a flawless experience for the couple.”
Advice as a Northern WI Wedding Coordinator
What advice or tips do you have for couples when choosing services or products for their wedding day? How can they best incorporate your services into their vision?
“When choosing services or products for their wedding day, couples should prioritize what aligns with their vision. We recommend starting by determining what’s most important to them. For instance, if they seek guidance throughout the entire process due to busy schedules, we would suggest our Full Planning service. Alternatively, if they prefer to handle most planning themselves but want expert coordination and design, our Signature Experience of Wedding Management + Design is ideal. By understanding their needs, we can seamlessly incorporate our services into their vision, ensuring a beautifully executed wedding day.”
Tailoring events
How do you tailor your services to suit the unique preferences and personalities of each couple, ensuring their wedding day reflects their individuality?
“Tailoring our services to suit the unique preferences and personalities of each couple is our secret sauce. With over 300 weddings executed, we’ve never had two that are exactly alike. We love highlighting each couple’s individuality, ensuring their wedding day reflects their distinct preferences and personalities. ”
Budget
Can you share any tips or suggestions for couples who may be working within a specific budget but still want to achieve a beautiful and memorable wedding aesthetic with your service?
“When working with couples who have specific budget constraints but still desire a stunning and unforgettable wedding aesthetic, our approach is centered on creativity, flexibility, and prioritization. First and foremost, we collaborate closely with the couple to understand their vision. Next we discuss preferences, and budgetary limitations. By establishing clear communication and a shared understanding of priorities, we can maximize resources and create a wedding that reflects their unique style and personality.”
Misconceptions
Finally, in your opinion, what are some common misconceptions couples have about weddings? How do you address these misconceptions in your work?
“One common misconception couples have about weddings is that they must handle everything on their own. They think they must be perfect hosts while also enjoying their special day. This can lead to stress and overwhelm as they may not realize the extent of planning and coordination required for a successful event. To address this misconception, we offer full-service planning or wedding management services, partnering closely with couples to alleviate their burden. By understanding their vision and priorities, we handle logistics, vendor coordination, and problem-solving, allowing couples to focus on celebrating their love with family and friends. Our goal is to create a seamless and memorable experience that exceeds expectations, empowering couples to be gracious hosts and honored guests at their own wedding.”
Thank you Marsha for sharing about your important work in the wedding industry! If you’re looking for a fantastic team to help plan your perfect day, Northern WI wedding coordinator | Distinctly Yours Weddings & Events will bring your dreams to reality.
Other Valued Vendors In Northern WI
It can be really challenging finding trusted vendors in Northern Wisconsin. I love to refer to vendors I know, have worked with, and trust. Check out some of our other vendor highlights!
