We thought it would be fun to share a bit more about our team members, how they got into planning and what makes them so special. That said, here is our very first Team Q&A, featuring one of our wonderful Wedding Day Coordinators, Emily Crase!
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in North Vancouver and had the wonderful experience of going to boarding school on Vancouver Island for my final years of highschool. I then studied Ancient History, Religion & Civilizations at university in Toronto, after which I came back to Vancouver to try to become a proper adult. It took a few years, but I finally discovered the wonderful, absurd, and amazing wedding industry in Vancouver — and I couldn’t be happier here.
Other things to know about me: I love nature, watching and listening to comedy, country music, traveling, and expanding my perspectives. I’ve always been very curious about my surroundings and want to learn more!
What made you choose wedding planning as a career?
Throughout my teenage years and early 20s, I found myself constantly volunteering for event coordination roles at school and university. I planned several formals, charity events, and orientation weeks, but that was always as extracurricular activities. Then, after several years of working at a tech company in Vancouver, I knew there was something missing from my life — so I turned back to this interest in event planning.
I had never been to a wedding, nor worked one, but I was drawn by the potential to be creative and design truly unique events. I met Alicia and she quickly made me fall in love with this business. The rest is history!
What do you love about wedding planning?
I am so lucky that I get to spend my time working with incredible vendors who are at the top of their craft. Plus, I also get to be a part of a team that is dedicated to creating beautiful and meaningful celebrations of our clients. Each wedding is different, and each couple is unique, and I love that I’m able to work with many different styles, budgets, and personalities!
Captured by Lucida Photography
How would you describe your planning style?
I’m not what you would call “Type A,” but I am incredibly detail oriented. I like to begin a planning relationship by talking to couples about their priorities, seeing what makes them the most excited and what is most meaningful to them.
I also have a big obsession with efficiency and try to find processes and solutions to make everything as easy as possible for everyone.
Where do you find inspiration?
I love a classic and timeliness wedding, but I’m also really excited by some of the trends we’re seeing now.
Thankfully we’re no longer stuck in the 2012 Pinterest world or specific “themes” for weddings. To me, we’re rounding the corner towards thinking more about how we want to FEEL on our wedding days, rather than how we want them to look. Seeing the incorporation of things that mean something specific to the couple (tequila shots instead of a champagne toast? Yes please!) is so exciting, and I love seeing weddings that play with the traditional rules to better suit the couple.
Captured by Jenn Best Photography
What are your top 5 favourite Vancouver wedding venues?
I’m a little biased as the Venue Manager for The Wallace and Pipe Shop, but I truly think these two spaces are super fun to work out of.
That said, I love unique venues that give you room to play with design and get creative with how the space is used. My other favourites are the UBC Botanical Garden and The Permanent, as well as any fabulous restaurant that’s happy to let you play with the design, such as Brix & Mortar. (Again, I’m biased as that’s where I got married!)
What are your top 5 planning tips?
Hire your amazing vendors first, and don’t stress the small stuff.
Prioritize what you want to spend the most money (and time) on — and what makes you excited about the planning.
The amazing thing about modern weddings is that you can throw the book out and do whatever feels best for you. You will have much more fun finding something that works for you both than trying to fit a mold of what is expected of you.
And lastly, just have fun! Planning your wedding with your sweetheart shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. Have your planner help you with all the nitty gritty so you can focus on what you love.
(Ok, that was four — but I stand by all of them!)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
My happy place is anywhere with my whippet, Riley. He’s a real 100-mile-an-hour couch potato, so we hike, we cuddle on the couch, and spend lots of time walking around the neighbourhood looking for squirrels.
That said, if you tempt me with a warm blanket and a binge-watch of a show I’ve seen a million times, I won’t say no!
My husband and I are big travellers and campers, and we try to get at least one backcountry backpack trip in a year. However, we’re about to become first-time parents, so I foresee a lot of easy local exploring in my near future! 
Captured by The Apartment Photography.
Stay tuned for more team features on the blog!