About Favor Me Events {interview with Anne Markey}

An interview with Anne Markey, 
Owner and Lead Designer at Favor Me Events:


Q. How long have you been planning weddings and how did you become a wedding planner?
A. I have been professionally planning both corporate and social events {including weddings} since 2003. After graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism, I made the move to New York City in hopes of becoming an on-air journalist. After months of closed doors, a window of opportunity opened for me as an event planner at a large New York City non-profit. I planned both corporate and social events in New York until 2009, when I moved with my husband to Charlotte, North Carolina. It was at that time that I decided to take my years of experience and open the doors of Favor Me Events.


Q. What services do you provide?
A. I provide full planning and design, day-of coordination {which can also be called month-of coordination} and everything in between. I realize that not every bride is the same and neither are their budgets and needs. This is why I find it imperative to have a consultation to get to know you and your fiance and build a package and proposal that works best for you.


Q. My fiance and I love your services and portfolio. Can you tell me what sets you apart from other local planners?
A. My experience sets me a part from other local planners. With over 8 years of event management under my belt, I did not start my business simply because I got married and liked the planning process. Wedding and event planning is not a hobby for me, but rather a career. As well, Favor Me Events is not something that I do "on the side." 


Q. My venue has an event coordinator on staff. Should I still hire a wedding planner?
A. The role of an on-site event coordinator and a wedding planner is very different. In most cases, the on-site event coordinator also acts as the catering sales manager- which makes selling the space and managing the catering staff their first priorities. While they are there to help make your wedding day run smoothly, you are responsible for most of the planning process. A wedding planner will help with all aspects of planning the wedding, such as vendor recommendations and meetings, design, rsvp management, timeline configuration and day-of coordination. If you are unsure of what your on-site event coordinator is able to do for you, it is best to ask specific questions up front.


Q. Everything looks and sounds wonderful, but my fiance and I wonder if we can afford your services?
A. Like any other wedding vendor, a wedding planner is an investment and should not be seen as a frivolous vendor- but yet one that is imperative. Let's face it, you're not planning on making your wedding dress. You're not planning on making your wedding cake. So why plan to be your own wedding planner?  I know it may be hard to wrap your head around a fee for a service that is not tangible {such as your invites, photos, florals and dress}, but a planner absolutely spends more time with a bride than any other vendor.  I would ask that you look beyond the fee to what invaluable services I am able to provide for you. Along with the services, I also bring to the table strong vendor relationships and discounts, impeccable attention to detail, design knowledge as well as an overall peace of mind.


Q. Will I lose control of my wedding if you are planning it for me?
A. Absolutely not! Think of my role as a partnership with you- working together to put your vision in to action. 


Q. Will you work with the vendors that I have already found/booked?
A. Absolutely! While I have a list of vendors that I typically suggest, this list is ever-growing and never mandatory. I play well with others :)


Q. Do you offer a payment plan?
A. Sure do! I am happy to work out a payment plan that fits you and and your budget best.


Q. What happens if you are sick or unable to make my wedding?
A. I would make every attempt to be at your wedding. However, if I am sick or have a family emergency that does not allow me to be present, I have a wonderful staff of consultants who are well versed in all of my upcoming events. After alerting you to the situation, I would assign the appropriate staff members to your wedding for a smooth transition.


Q. Do you have liability insurance?
A. Sure do! Most wedding professionals are obligated to have insurance.


Q. Do you take on more than one wedding per day?
A. I want to give you and your wedding the time and attention that it needs and you deserve. Therefore, I only allow one wedding per weekend.


Q. May we contact some of your previous clients?
A. Absolutely! I am happy to put you in touch with Favor Me Events alumni! In the mean time, please check out some of our reviews from WeddingWire by clicking: here.


Q. We have a few more questions for you. Can we arrange a time to meet?
A. Sure! I actually require that we have a consultation before signing a contract. It's complimentary and absolutely no strings attached.


Q. This all sounds great. What's the next step?
A. The next step is to either email me at anne@favormeevents.com or call me at 704.821.3212 to set up your complimentary consultation.  Look forward to meeting you!

bethany and caleb tie the knot {freedom park wedding}

Happy Wednesday!

Today I am finally using all of the ripe bananas that have been in my freezer for weeks, and baking some banana bread. So, I thought it was perfect timing that I share with you a recent 

Favor Me Events baking-themed wedding.

You may remember this couple from here and here {when they were featured on Once Wed}. If you haven't already checked out their story, and not to mention the amazing photos by Jose Villa- you should. They are gorgeous!

Bethany and Caleb were married on May 27th in Freedom Park. Despite the rain {and oh boy, there was a lot of rain!}- this couple and their guests made the most of an otherwise soggy day.

The ceremony took place in the lawn of the island in Freedom Park under the largest weeping willow tree that I have ever seen. The reception was taken to the band shelter where breakfast was served for dinner and Bethany's DIY projects {with a baking theme} were incorporated throughout.

All florals were handled by Bethany. The bridesmaid's dresses {along with the groomsmen's ties} were all handmade by a local seamstress- adding a special touch to the day.

Here are a few photos from the day, taken by Susan Dean Photography:

A huge thank you to the vendors that made this day a success!


Venue: Freedom Park
Photographer: Susan Dean Photography
DJ: All The Right Grooves
Caterer: Chef Henry
Cake: Cake Lady Jill
Rentals: Party Reflections


Thank you for allowing me to share in your special day!


with love.
Anne

amanda and sean e-session {styling} raffaldini vineyards

Happy Tuesday!

Meet Favor Me Events styling couple, Amanda and Sean. The couple is getting married next June at Raffaldini Vineyards {one of my favorite vineyards to date}, so we headed up North for their early morning engagement session.

Of course, we needed to bring in the elements of wine, cheese and all things picnic for the first look.  After some interrogating by me, I found that the couple got engaged on St. Patrick's Day.  Decision made-  we needed to bring some Irish elements in for the second look. Who doesn't love a little Bailey's Irish Creme in the morning?

Amanda's friend is a jewelry designer for Aria Handmade and allowed her to use some pieces for the shoot. Make sure to check out his eco-friendly designs.

Here are some shots from the shoot, photographed by Critsey Rowe Photography:

Great working with you both!  Happy Planning!

with love.

Anne