Who is so dedicated to hitch a ride with a stranger in order to make it to a wedding on time?
Nicole Konkin, that’s who.
That’s not my story to tell, but you should DEFINITELY DM Nicole and ask her about her marathon adventure from Edmonton to Dallas in spring of 2022.
She is a gem of a human and I’m so thrilled to share about this amazing award-winning wedding planner who is quite literally living and loving out her childhood dreams!
Tell me about what you do and why it’s important.
I am a professionally certified wedding producer. I interpret couples visions and create an immersive design and flow of the day that moves the couple and their loved ones through the day as if they were caught up in the riptide of the couples daydream. Why is this so important? Because we live in a heavy world and if we can take the guests along with the couple and immerse them into one perfect pause in time where the only thing that matters is pure joy, I think the ripple effects change the world.
Where are you based out of, and what do you love most about weddings?
I am based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and I produce worldwide, wherever the couple’s authentic versions can be produced in the most iconic way. What I love most is the connection, the friendship, the trust and respect I find with my couples, their families and their friends. Almost all of my couples have become lifelong friends and I love it when their moms still text to catch up. It’s the best career in the world.
Why do you work in weddings?
Because I think peace begins at home and as wedding producers, we have a unique ability to meet that mission at ground zero. We are there creating and holding space for the fusion of generations and what we do, the environment we create, hosts the power to unite and bond them like no other event. Its where family becomes woven into the couples relationship and will innately and relentlessly support them rather than choosing sides, for an entire lifetime. What greater gift than to have the skillset to create an environment to cultivate this outcome?
What are your top 3-5 favorite venues to design weddings at and why?
Venues are tough to say, as each one has been anchored with someone’s most vulnerable day and it was unique to just their version of love.. But I do have a few favorite places!
1) tented weddings- because the universe is mine to bend. Whether it’s a clear span like Vivid Venues, a teepee design or a festival poled tent, the possibilities and energy is infinite!
2) Any venue in Europe.. Old world or new world.. The charm and history embedded in Europe is the perfect foundation to breathe life into the couple’s wildest daydreams.
3) The United States- from coast to coast the Americans have the historic landmarks that dreams are made of; whether in the big cities, small towns or beach side.. Not to mention the sophistication of modern architecture and the “yes and” personalities of the American production pros, everything you could possibly imagine is one click away.
What’s your wedding style/aesthetic?
My style is sophisticated fine art; delicate meets dramatic for an iconic interpretation of a couples dream day.
What’s one trend in the wedding industry we should pay attention to?
Designing from the ceiling down rather than focusing only on tablescape and fine details. The environment is dictated by what we do with the ceiling. Whether that’s to create an intimate space, breathe mood into the celebration, add a grand sense of arrival or a breath of enchantment; this space is rarely focused on but when it is.. That’s when we design an alternate universe custom just for this one unique love story. For most, this will piggyback on the trend of intimate weddings because designing with this in mind is much more accessible when you focus the energy on creating space for those that mean most.
What are three things you prioritize for every client?
1) Accessible Communication; whether it’s the couple of their family and friends, treating each and every person involved in this day like they are my own family is what fosters lifelong relationships and an experience second to none. 2) Getting to know the couples; this is how I am able to interpret a design that fuses both of their lives as individuals and as a couple. 3) A room reveal; the couples spend 12-18 months on average working closely with me to design a day right from the edge of reality and to gift them a pause in time where they can see the spaces in all its glory before the guests arrive truly takes their breath away.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
When I have a few solid weeks.. I love to backpack and see the world in its most authentic version. If it’s a short break, I love being with my family and friends doing all the small town stuff and hanging out at the cabin; playing cards, sitting in the open sky, seeing the sun rise and fall, while drinking (European) beer- yes, there’s a big difference.
Words to live by?
Always remind yourself that your track record for making it through a bad day is perfect.
What advice do you have for couples planning a wedding in 2023?
Don’t panic! Everything in the media is steering couples into complete chaos with the residual “wedding boom” talk. Just relax and focus on booking the wedding pros you need in order of priority and don’t get overwhelmed when many are booked. There are so many incredibly talented professionals out there with dates open. Book the ones that you click with and that you know will not be overwhelmed leading up to your wedding day so that they too can focus on what matters most on the day of. Ultimately, it’s always the best idea to hire a certified wedding planner to do the work for you if that’s within your means.
Drink of Choice?
Water.. 100% , but if I’m feelin’ it; Spicy Caesars and European beer.
What’s one thing you’re most excited about for 2023?
I am really excited about this being a true year checking the boxes on the goals that are finally coming to fruition for myself, my family and my business! I feel like I’ve been packing for a dream trip for 15 years and now it’s the day I get to step onto the plane. 2023 is that feeling for me.
