Simply Sparkling Events

Hiring Simply Sparkling events to coordinate my wedding was the best decision I’ve ever made! I had a very difficult time finding a planner in the Marin/​Sonoma area that wasn’t overpriced, umimaginative, and cookie cutter. I was relieved when I found SSE!
Prior to the wedding I worked mainly with Natalie who accompanied me to vendor meetings, provided incredible vendor referals, and spoke through email and phone often. She helped me develop my idea of having a reception that was more of a party, that everyone would remember.
The day of the wedding, Natalie and Leah were incredible! Together with the banquet staff, and vendors they created a beautiful party that my guests are still raving about! At the end of the night they cleaned up everything, secured my gifts and ceremony materials, and passed out tips. If there were any problems they took care of them without anyone knowing about them. They really made the day of the wedding STRESS FREE for me and my husband, and our whole family.
SSE was awesome!

I recently had my wedding & hired them for day of coordination — and I have to say that I really didn’t think the $ 950 was worth it. It’s not like they did a terrible job, but they definitely didn’t go above & beyond in any way.
After I had initally hired them, I asked if they could get my cupcakes/​truffles the day of the wedding & deliver them to the reception hall on their way. They said that they didn’t deal with anything food related. Ok. So then I asked if I had a friend do it could they at least set it up so that it looked nice/​cute. Again — same response. No. Then at the end of the night, my husband had to help them load everything into the car as we all waited on the shuttle for him. It had clearly stated in their contract that they would take care of all of it.
There were a few other minor things that weren’t executed the way they were supposed to (seating arrangements were set up wrong, the bathroom candles weren’t lit, my grandmother never got her corsage ect)
So in the end, I really didn’t need them — and they weren’t worth the $. My caterers rocked & could have done all of this (setting up & making everything look nice) themselves.

Since i own a store — i have a lot of time to plan my wedding! i can meet with potential vendors at the shop, i can peruse the knot, the wedding channel,
and all the other guides. even good ol craigslist! which is where i found fabulous natalie & leah of Simply Sparking Events.
i am loving the planning of my wedding — but i did want to hire a day-​of coordinator to manage all the details and free me, my fiancé and my family to enjoy the day.
i met with quite a few and was more than astounded at what they wanted to charge (since when does lighting candles earn $ 150 an hour??). now, if they were offering creative services that would be one thing… but for a pair of helpful, efficient hands — i didn’t want to break the bank.
so i was ecstatic when i met SSE. not only did they provide a list of services a mile long — but the price tag was — dare i say — reasonable!
yes ladies — you can find people to work with that won’t work you over the coals of an industry that has become synonomous with ridiculous budgets!
i’ll report back once we’ve had a chance to actually work together — but for now, slap me happy.
UPDATE: these ladies were our dream team. they nailed every little detail we had discussed — including some of my unusual things like a photo booth and my own linens. they were calm, cool and collected when things got off schedule or when we randomly decided to do a group shot with EVERYONE person at the wedding (note: this is a great way to pack the dance floor!). i’d hire them again in a heartbeat. scoop em up before they get to be too pricey!!!

Natalie and Lea are THE best duo for events! I always enjoy working with them and know, without a doubt, that their events will be outstanding! I’ve worked with them for a number of years now and have always been truly impressed with their creativity and fully enjoy them as co-​vendors and friends!