VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // AMANDA COWLEY EVENTS
Today’s Vendor Spotlight is on Swish List member and Vineyard Bride copywriter + social media editor, Amanda, of Amanda Cowley Events!
A short description of what you do: As owner + head planner of Amanda Cowley Events, my role extends to offering full-service wedding and event planning, design, styling, and, consulting, as well as partial-service and month-of coordination. Basically, if you want to plan an event across the spectrum; from as extravagant as a 200 person wedding in one of the most high-end venues wine country has to offer, to as laid-back as an intimate celebration in your own backyard, I can help elevate the experience for you and your guests.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? My journey began as a floral designer 14 years ago. From there I worked in a winery that caters mainly to weddings and events, self-taught myself the craft of baking and decorating special occasion cakes, and, even assisted photographers on wedding days. Finally, in August of 2013, I put all of the knowledge and skills I gained over the past decade towards one driving force that is Amanda Cowley Events. You could say I hit the ground running, and I've never looked back.
What makes your business unique? My focus is always to bring the personal details that make my clients who they are to the forefront. My greatest fear is if a couple I was working with arrived on-site on their wedding day and felt like the wedding wasn’t “them” — that feeling would so quickly trickle down to their families and guests, and that kind of disingenuous atmosphere would make me feel like I had failed them. If I keep the focus on the couple and the celebration of their love, I can never go wrong.
Favourite part of your business? I’ve always been a social butterfly who loves forming connections, meeting new people and learning from other artists and creatives. The wedding industry has opened my world up to countless individuals who have given me greater knowledge and appreciation for not only what I get to do as a planner, but who have enhanced who I have become as a person.
What inspires you? As someone who is drawn to people and things that sparkle in their most authentic way, I can find inspiration in just about anything. A catchy song with clever lyrics. A smart outfit that was put together with thought and care. The display in a store window, the way a home is styled, or a garden bursting with colour and shape and texture; it’s the little moments that pass me by each and every day that help to build the bigger picture things, like weddings and special celebrations and creating those once in a lifetime days we never forget.
On your day off...where would we find you? I’m a mom to two very busy kiddos, so even on my “day off”, I’m on. However, if I’ve cleared my schedule and have my out of office response on, then there’s a good chance I am spending time with my family and friends. If it’s the summer we’re most likely in the backyard, tottling around in the garden or splashing in the pool at my parent’s house. We fill those dog days by entertaining friends with a bbq or bocce ball tournament or an outdoor movie night. We make a point to visit the farmer’s market often and to take advantage of the joy of living in Niagara — you could dine somewhere different or try new wines almost every weekend of the year, and I can’t explain how much gratitude I have for that.
If you weren't a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? My answer changes daily as I would love to try so many different careers in my lifetime. A radio DJ, a television host, own a pub with my husband, travel agent, set designer on Broadway, own my own kiddo boutique in a beautiful old building, an author of my own book, real estate agent, stand-up comedian, the list goes on.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Getting nude! Seriously. Gowns, linens, florals, stationery, place settings, couples are getting nude in almost every facet of their day and I am here for it.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? I’m going to give the exact same response I gave the last time I was asked this question: Give yourself time. Time to plan accordingly with room for setbacks or changes in those plans. Time to secure the vendors you have always dreamed of sharing in your special day, and for finding a close alternative if your original hopes fall through. Time to handcraft those charming details you fell in love with on Pinterest. Most important, time to enjoy every moment of the process and to take it all in -- an engagement is one of the most romantic, wonderful times in one's life, don't let it go by without appreciating how special the journey is.
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