We recently had the honor of photographing the lovely and talented team of ladies from Coastal Coordinating at Sunken Gardens. Cayla, one of their lead planners was in charge of creating a style and vibe that goes along with their brand. I love the champagne and sparkly neutral color palette she chose to go along with the beautiful outdoor gardens. I think this photo shoot totally captures the essence and fun personalities they have as a wedding planning team. I met Katy, the founder of Coastal, when she moved to Tampa on a styled shoot we got to collaborate on and since then I’ve gotten to do quite a few weddings with their awesome team so wanted you all to get to know them as well! Straight from Katy and Cayla…..

Tell us how your company came to be, locations you do weddings, and who is your idea client?

We are are wedding and event coordinating and planning company in the Tampa Area as well as the Orlando, St Augustine and Jacksonville Area.  We cater to all styles and love to expand on visions! From huge colorful Indian weddings, black and white, multicultural, modern classic and even a 70s bohemian disco! We don’t just coordinate weddings, we love coordinating all kinds of events such as baby showers, bridal showers, birthday parties, and corporate events! All that matters is striving to make their wedding day stress-free, lovely, and unforgettable for everyone. Our ideal client is just trusting in us to help and guide them throughout the entire process! 

Katy - Honestly I started Coastal on Accident but it was meant to be.I had worked for many years in the wedding and event Industry in different roles, including the football Hall of Fame and hotels. I decided to work in the industry, but as a corporate event planner for Winn-Dixie (I wanted more of my weekends Back), and ultimately people started to call me and ask me to coordinate Weddings for their friends on the side. I told them that I wasn’t doing Weddings anymore but ultimately I got sucked back in because I love it so much and it is my passion. Within a year of me doing weddings on the side I had 80+ weddings and a team of three. I truly love this, and I know it’s what I was meant to do.

Cayla - I went to college to study resort and hospitality management and wanted to work in event planning. During and after college I started working corporate events, themed party events and recreation coordinating. Then I eventually started working at a wedding venue and that is where I fell in love with weddings! I ended up moving back to the Tampa area which is where I’m from in 2020. That is when I found Coastal Coordinating! 

What things do you do as a wedding planner that people would be surprised that you do? 

Honestly, everything. To this day I am surprised at some of the things we do each and every day and even though I think there’s nothing new that we will experience we experience more new roles.  Sometimes we are psychiatrist that help with nerves and help calm everybody down. We are time keepers and we are babysitters. We are drink makers and Food Servers at Times. We are alterations/seamtresses as we have cut dresses.   Ask Cayla she had a cut  almost an entire train after it caught on fire at a wedding from a candle on the floor of the Aisle.There are so many things that can arise on the day of your event and we are happy to help and take on those roles! (This is all true I can attest to it!)

What service that you offer is your favorite? 

Katy - For me, it is the event design. I love to pull all aspect of the design including color, fabrics, flowers and any of the little things that the client wants. You basically have a blank slate and you make it come to life it’s so fun in the end you get to see it all come together. It’s very creative and I think that helps me love the job even more every day.

Cayla - I love our full planning package that we offer because we really get to know the clients and we are with them from day one. l love that we get to help them with the design aspect and we get to create an inspiration board for them and help them decide on flowers, colors, decor, etc. I love being creative and this is such a fun part in the planning process for them. 

What advice would you give a couple who has just got engaged and about to start the wedding planning process?

Katy - I mean this when I say this hire a coordinator from day one. We can help you with the stress in the beginning, tell you what to do first, and help you save money. Hands-down we will save you money that it is totally worth it to pay for full planning if you can. Also Do What you want and have the wedding the way you want. DO NOT listen to everyone around you.

Cayla - Make sure you have given yourself enough time to relax and enjoy your engagement and then when you feel ready to start planning I would advise you to hire a wedding planner. Especially if you have no idea where to start, we can help you with that and get things rolling! It’s the best investment and it will take a lot of stress off your plate.

Random fact;-)?

Katy - The first big event that I did after college was John Madden‘s enshrinment party - (why would they trust a 21 year old with a party like this??)) but let me tell you it was a blast.

Cayla - I was in the Macy’s Day Parade in 2011!

To get in touch with Coastal Coordinating and see what they are up to check them out:

Web - www.coastalcoordinating.com
Instagram - @coastalcoordinating
Email - events@coastalcoordinating.com
Phone - 904-463-0423