Happy Friday everyone! Happy to announce that this is WE’s first official Fridays featuring…post and the spotlight is on Amy Karlin of Splendid Events!

If you happened to catch the recent post about Rouge Ottawa, you already know a little bit about Amy as this is one the current events that she is working on–which will take place March 26th at Mansion NightClub!  You should definitely check it out, especially if you’re a bride looking for a unique wedding show experience!!

Last weekend, Amy and I met at Bridgehead for some hot tea and some chat time about how her business began and her philosophy on event planning!  After speaking with her, I can tell you that she’s one talented lady!  I have no doubt that she will experience nothing but success as she continues to organize simply Splendid Events!

Beginnings

When I asked Amy to tell me about how her company got started she told me that like most young girls, she hadn’t always dreamt of her wedding day but in fact it was the planning of her own wedding that sparked an interest in wedding and event planning. Amy planned her wedding down to the very last detail and while she took great pride in being a DIY bride and making sure all those personal touches were included, she felt some regret about not hiring an event planner when she realized that playing the role of both host and planner was too much to handle! Thus, Splendid Events came to be in July 2010 after having spent several years prior to starting her own businness planning a variety of corporate events.

Amy’s Philosophy

Splendid Events is all about creating events that are personal, meaningful and polished! “When all the details fit together, it just feels right” she adds.

As a wedding planner, Amy feels that all too often, people are afraid to challenge the traditions of the “cookie cutter” wedding where there tends to be a lot of repetition–that feeling of once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Wedding are supposed to be a uniquely personal experience, so Amy works with her clients to create weddings that are a perfect reflection of the couple’s personailities, interests and story. Further to this, Amy does not work with banquet halls, rather she helps her clients choose venues that already evoke an ambiance or a feeling that would be a good fit with their individual styles, event goals and tastes.  Museums, wineries or restaurants are all examples of possible venues that Amy encourages her clients to consider. As she explains it, at a banquet hall, people often have to overcompensate with a lot of extra matierals to achieve a desired look/feeling, whereas with a location that already has a specific ambiance, it is much more natural and effortless.  One of Amy’s favourite restaurants in downtown Ottawa is eighteen, on York St.  She describes it as an old Heritage home that is still modern, with impeccable decor.  She also loves that decorate with fresh flowers everyday as they work with an in-house florist!

Making her mark!

As earlier mentioned, Rouge Ottawa is the current project being organized by Splendid Events and it is sure to be a hit among Ottawa brides and their girlfriends!  In addition to this, Amy has also been involved in Wed by Hand, Ottawa’s alternative wedding show, which features handmade, fair-trade and eco-friendly exhibitors!  The most recent show took place at the Glebe Community Center on February 6th, 2011! In addition to the variety of  exhibitors who were on hand to share their wisdom, Wed by Hand held DIY (do-it-yourself!) workshops, one of which Amy lead for the brides-to-be in attendance!

This year’s theme was “On a Shoestring” so Amy taught brides how to save money and stay sane during the planning process!  One of the things she talked about was how to create beautiful and meaningful centerpieces for less than $20 by creating non-floral arrangements or by incorporating succulents into the centerpiece. For example, if a couple has an interest in literature, she explains how using vintage and classic books arranged on the tables can not only save you money but more importantly, showcase the personality and passions of the couple.  She encourages couples to consider non-traditional options that have some personal significance to them.

Stay tuned for more tips on WE, as Amy will soon be featured as a guest blogger!

Amy is very passionate about supporting local vendors and teaches brides how to connect with artisans in the Ottawa area in an effort to support local economy.  Some of her favourite vendors include (but are not limited to) KoKo Chocolates, Geeksweets and Urbanite Jewelery to name a few!

Want to know more?

If you’d like to know more about Splendid Events, head on over to her website where you will be able to read more about Amy, the events and charities she’s involved in and acquire contact information if you’re looking to plan a wedding or an event! You won’t be disappointed! (Photo credit: Laura Elizabeth Photography)

Have a wonderful, sunny weekend everyone!