Nanette and Jari, Oct 2004

Wedding Blessing

From our first interview in Ennis we knew that Kate would be the wedding planner for us. We interviewed several planners but Kate was the only one who really listened to what we wanted. This was especially important as the majority our planning was done either by email across the Atlantic or text messaging.

The other factor was how down to earth Kate was, we knew would not be pushed into something we did not want or need.

She understood that while we desired an Irish castle, we were on a limited budget and wanted a no frills wedding. We wanted self catering, a Norman castle, with thistles. Kate found the ideal castle for us, most of the guests stayed there and I was able to cook breakfast and dinners — our choice as I love to cook. The rest of the guests stayed at a local B & B. The week was about spending time with family.

No matter what we threw at Kate she answered the request - housing for 19, finding restaurants that were willing to deal with specific menu requests, and even the best local butcher. She has a wonderful pool of people to work with who listen to requests and really cater to her clients.

How many bakers would make a Marimekko (Finnish design) polka dot wedding cake that used a frosting the baker had never heard of before?

The photographer was more than willing to take different angles, group photos (the Finnish guests, the US guests, couples, mother/daughter, etc. and even the bride’s request of her and a special rock).

Kate was there to oversee every detail of the wedding from storing luggage while we traveled, receiving packages, moving guests from place to place and getting additional flowers. She was even flexible enough to work with our Celtic Shaman, never pushing to use her contacts.

At the wedding dinner a guest announced they needed a ride airport at 7 A.M. the next morning—no problem, Kate whips out her cell phone and in 2 minutes all was arranged.

Both of us cannot thank Kate enough for being there for us and making the week and wedding day perfect! All thanks to Kate’s flexibility, willingness to listen, and her love of creating the dream day.