In Conversation With The Coda's Collective
The Coda’s Collective, a wedding planning team based in St. Louis and Melbourne, is known for their deeply personal approach to creating unique and unforgettable wedding experiences. Drawing inspiration from a childhood love of crafting immersive worlds, they focus on making each wedding a true reflection of the couple’s love story, embracing both the conventional and the unexpected. By limiting the number of weddings they curate, The Coda’s Collective ensures meticulous attention to detail and unparalleled service for each couple.
Interview Alexander Ross
“…At the heart of every gathering lies the couple, two people whose love story is woven with shared dreams, joys, and challenges. Their journey, full of tender moments and resilience, creates a warm and inviting space that draws us in.”
What inspired you to become a wedding planner, and what sets your approach apart from others in the industry?
From the days of losing myself in the intricacies of my custom dollhouse, lovingly crafted and painted by my aunt in New York, to orchestrating grand doll events with real florals from the market and perfect home decor, my passion for creating immersive worlds has only grown. Those childhood fascinations have seamlessly transformed into my art of wedding planning.
I believe in curating events that are deeply personal and unique. I always remind my clients that their love is the heart of the celebration, and it’s vital to keep that at the forefront when planning every detail. We take pride in making room for the unconventional—for the small touches that astonish guests, the details that make the day unmistakably theirs, and the moments that linger forever.
We deliberately limit the number of weddings we curate to guarantee unparalleled service and meticulous attention to each and every couple.
Can you describe your typical process for working with couples to plan their wedding, from initial consultation to the big day?
We embark on The Coda’s Experience with an initial consultation, tailored to your preference—whether through a phone call or a virtual meeting. Once you’re on board, we craft your dedicated wedding email and curate a personalized file to keep all your essential details beautifully organized in one place.
Next, we gather our stellar team of event partners and dive into the exciting phase of designing an event that truly reflects your unique style. With the design perfected, we collaborate with our lead coordinators to craft a seamless timeline. And then? The magic unfolds!
How do you handle unexpected challenges or last-minute changes that arise during the planning process or on the wedding day itself?
When faced with unexpected challenges, I believe in understanding all perspectives before taking action, and addressing situations with grace and thoroughness while involving all parties. When presenting information to clients, we provide all essential details, along with solutions and a plan to resolve the situation at hand.
On the event day, we meticulously track every detail, noting both successes and challenges. We ensure our event partners are set up for success and promptly address any issues that arise. If a challenge does occur, we troubleshoot it on the spot and discuss it with the client after their event, ensuring they are fully informed. We offer a follow-up meeting to review these aspects, enabling us to learn from each event, enhance future service, and address any current concerns effectively.
What trends are you currently seeing in wedding design and planning, and how do you incorporate them into your clients' celebrations?
Right now, one trend that captivates me is the incorporation of various fruits, vegetables, and other foods into wedding designs. As someone who adores the farmers market, seeing these elements come together is truly delightful. However, despite my appreciation for this trend and many others, I prioritize crafting timeless designs over chasing fleeting fads. While we gladly integrate trending elements at a client's request, our main goal remains curating an event that authentically mirrors the client’s unique love story.
This approach ensures a well-rounded experience that goes beyond passing trends, achieving a timeless elegance that sets new standards.
How do you help couples stay within their budget while still achieving their dream wedding vision?
Let's infuse authenticity and creativity into our approach, crafting an experience that truly reflects the couple's unique story. To do this, we first need to deeply understand their priorities and what holds the most significance for them. This understanding is key to ensuring that our budget aligns perfectly with their values and desires. By focusing on what matters most to them, we can create a foundation that honors their vision. Once we've solidified these essential elements, we can then unleash our creativity, thoughtfully allocating resources in ways that bring their dreams to life with vivid, heartfelt expression. This approach allows us to not only meet but exceed their expectations, crafting a celebration that is as memorable and unique as their love story.
What advice do you have for couples who are just starting the wedding planning process and feeling overwhelmed?
Consider hiring a planner— it probably seems obvious coming from me, but truly, entrusting someone who deeply understands your vision sets the stage for everything else: from your event partners and design to the entire immersive experience!
Can you share a particularly memorable or unique wedding you've planned, and what made it stand out?
Alida + Erin’s wedding, our latest masterpiece, unfolded as an unforgettable celebration of love and creativity. From the moment guests arrived, the air was charged with anticipation and excitement, setting the stage for a truly remarkable evening.
In a bold departure from tradition, Alida + Erin chose to exchange their heartfelt vows amidst the lively atmosphere of dinner and cocktails. This decision imbued the event with an intimate charm and laid the foundation for an evening filled with joy and authenticity, where every detail resonated with their vibrant personalities.
The venue was transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors, with pinks, oranges, purples, greens, and yellows adorning the space in a vibrant tapestry. Each hue was meticulously selected to reflect the couple’s spirited style and the joyful ambiance they envisioned. The whimsical floral arrangements, brimming with life and movement, added an enchanting touch, as if the blooms themselves were dancing in celebration of love and unity.
What truly made the event magical was the palpable energy of love and connection that enveloped the room. Surrounded by their closest friends and cherished family, Alida + Erin were embraced in a warm wave of support and celebration. Laughter and heartfelt conversations wove together, creating a rich tapestry of memories that will endure for a lifetime.
As planners, we were honored to bring Alida + Erin’s vision to life, ensuring every element—from the carefully curated playlist to the expertly crafted cocktails—aligned seamlessly with their dream wedding. It was a testament to the transformative power of creativity and personalization, creating an experience that surpassed expectations and left an indelible mark on everyone present.
Alida + Erin’s wedding transcended being just an event; it was a testament to the beauty of embracing individuality and celebrating love in its purest and most authentic form.
As a wedding planner, what do you believe is the most important aspect of a successful wedding celebration, beyond the aesthetics and logistics?
At the heart of every gathering lies the couple, two people whose love story is woven with shared dreams, joys, and challenges. Their journey, full of tender moments and resilience, creates a warm and inviting space that draws us in. We come together not just to celebrate their union but to honor the unique bond that has grown over time, getting stronger with every shared step. They are the radiant center, the axis around which our collective hearts revolve, reminding us of the beauty of love and the power of togetherness.
Find The Coda’s Collective online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @codasevents
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