The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

Danielle Couick, Principal Designer and Planner with Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events, has over 13 years of experience in the events industry. She has been recognized by industry peers and won national awards for her event planning and design excellence. Danielle also serves as the President of the Washington, D.C. Chapter of The National Association for Catering and Events.[divider_line]

Photo by Geoff Chesman Visuals

How do you describe your “style”?

That sure is an involved question. Aesthetically I like to create and combine textures, layers and dimension using different colors, textiles, light and various elements. My floral designers make fun of me for it. 😉 I love color and my style embraces a combination of a more sophisticated aesthetic paired with something unexpected and a little edgy. Ultimately, it is important to me that each event reflects the personal way of life for each of my couples. I always want my clients to feel like they are hosting an event that is a true reflection of who they are and weddings can very often be the first time they charged with figuring out what that means for them. It is always a journey. It is about what fits and what is comfortable and that is different for everyone.

Personally I love a space that feels “lived in”. I buy things because I like them or because they resonate with me. I grew up in a family where you worked for what you wanted so I appreciate the things that I have. My style is a mix of bold lines and color paired with hints of shabby chic and vintage family pieces. I am trying to shed the clutter.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?

I find joy in getting to know my clients, how they’ve met, where they are from, what is important to them. Every couple is different. Their priorities, their aesthetics, the reason for their union and the emotions and logic that make them tick. For me, weddings are much more than one day. I often say, “If I have done my job correctly, the wedding day is the easiest part”. Very often I am being trusted with one of the most important events in a persons’ life to date. You have to be passionate about people and you have to be able to shoulder all that comes with such a significant moment in life. I also plan bar and bat mitzvahs and corporate events, which keep weddings fresh for me. I am always changing gears and no two events are the same.

My passion is also driven by the industry that we work in. There are few other industries that can say they “celebrate for a living.” It is appealing for a lot of reasons but at the end of the day it is hard work. We sweat, we cry, we stand by the dumpster on the loading dock at 2:00 am if that is what it takes. It keeps me grounded and I appreciate all of the individuals that make up each team. Every event has a team that is as unique as the client. You have to be patient and be able to listen, these are just two of the qualities this industry has taught me.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?

Earlier this year I wrote an article for Beautiful Bride Magazine discussing “Wedding Trends for 2013” and it started with the fact that I am not a strong believer in the word “trends” for weddings. I certainly believe that there is a time and a place for them, but at the end of the day most of our clients aren’t super “trendy”, they want a comfortable celebration that reflects who they are and where they are from and who they are as a couple. I hear “classic, timeless, elegant” more often than I hear “trendy”. With that said I do appreciate what the “Gatsby trend” has done for the industry. We’ve designed with thought, purpose, glam and art deco inspiration for many years so it is great to see events move away from extra fluff and DIY to a more sophisticated presence. I think we are going to see more unique chair treatments and even more unique chairs and soft seating. Small plates are still popular and dance floor treatments are going to make a big design impact.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?

Don’t be afraid of your budget. Everyone has one and everyone has a number that is comfortable even if it is five figures or six figures – everyone has one. Establish your preliminary guest list and discuss budget numbers first as well as your expectations with your planner. Your planner should be able to help you make sense of those numbers or to design a custom budget for you. Your headcount and budget will dictate everything else from there. You wouldn’t purchase a car or a house without understanding the price tag and your wedding is no exception.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?

Laughter, live music, refreshing cocktails, dancing, my friends and family. Just living life.

How can we find you online?

WEB: www.MagnoliaBluebird.com
BLOG: www.MagnoliaBluebird.virb.com/blog
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/MagnoliaBluebird
TWITTER: @MBBde
PINTEREST: @MagnoliaBluebrd

Have a question for Danielle? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.