The Real-life Wedding Planner {audreygracephoto} Atlanta Wedding Photographer

     Growing up, my sister and I would watch tons girly wedding movies; “The Wedding Planner”, “Run Away Bride”, “Father of the Bride”, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, etc. and I was always loved watching the behind-the-scenes drama of a wedding (even if it was in a movie). Because without these movies….we would’t really see this part of wedding, unless we were in it. 

     Who would have guessed that years later I would be apart of real wedding stories and seeing the real behind-the-scenes action! So exciting! While at a wedding, I met this super sweet planner and just had to share her story on my blog. Rachel is your go-to, real life wedding planner (like Jennifer Lopez in the Wedding Planner….but better). We grabbed coffee and talked about weddings for a few hours (we really love our jobs!) I am so excited to share some of her perspective and story for you all! Meet the planner behind Rachel Slauer Weddings.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do:

My job can be summed up in three words – coordinator, planner, designer. I think through timing, details, and communication. For example, it’s my responsibility to make sure the procession song is long enough for the wedding party to make it down the aisle, that the toasting flutes are in place for the cake cutting, and that the florist delivers the flowers in time for photos. Even more than coordinating, I especially enjoy the design aspect of weddings. I help brides bring their ideas and creativity into a cohesive vision, and I love seeing how artists and vendors then bring that vision to life. Weddings really are a work of art!

What inspired you to become a wedding planner?

After planning my own wedding to my high school sweetheart, Ryan, I graduated from USC in Columbia, moved to Atlanta, and married him two weeks later. Afterwards, I found myself continuing to design color palettes, ceremony spaces, and tablescapes in my head. I found that I never tired of talking weddings with my engaged friends. I just couldn’t leave the wedding world, so I decided to build a career in it!

What is the difference between a day-of coordinator and a full service planner? How do you know which is best for your wedding?

The day-of coordinator is one of the most “behind the scenes” roles in a wedding. As a bride, I believed the whole day would magically fall into place. I actually didn’t think I needed a coordinator (ironic, right?). Luckily my venue provided one anyway, and I am SO glad I didn’t go without! The coordinator creates the timeline, communicates the timeline with all other vendors, oversees set up, gets the family and wedding party lined up for the ceremony, gathers everyone for the cake cutting, bouquet toss, and exit. Not to mention, bringing dinner and drinks, lipstick, water, etc. It’s a crucial role that allows the couple and family to truly celebrate the day without worrying about details.

What is your top tip when hiring a wedding planner?

Hire someone you connect with and want to be around. You’re going to be spending time together! Make sure it’s someone who brings out the joy of planning your celebration rather than making it stressful.

As a planner, what is the biggest thing you see overlooked at a wedding?

Communication. There are so many moving parts involved. Each and every vendor needs to know when and where to be, and they need to be notified if something changes. In the hustle and bustle of the day it is easy to forget to make sure everyone has the information they need to perform their jobs well. That’s why having a coordinator is crucial!

What is your favorite part about what you do?

Beauty! Weddings are full of beauty and that’s part of what has drawn me to this career. I try to design the wedding space in a way that cultivates delight and speaks to the beauty of the couple and their new marriage. It gives me such joy to see the bride and groom, their friends, and family truly focused on celebrating and enjoying one another. I love that my job helps give them the freedom to do that!

Tell us 3 fun things we would never know about you!

1. I love kids! I actually spent a year teaching before diving into the wedding world, and still nanny for 3 wonderful girls!

2. Cooking has become a favorite hobby in the last year or so. Trying new healthy-ish recipes is so much fun.

3. I’ve spent almost my entire life in Atlanta. I grew up here and only left for those four college years!

Be sure to follow along with Rachel’s wedding planning adventures and see her beautiful website below. 

Website: https://www.rachelslauerweddings.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelslauer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelslauerweddings/