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.

With vast experience managing large corporate projects, Vicky Choy, CEO of Event Accomplished, makes the wedding planning process easy and efficient for couples. Vicky and her team believe that every event deserves to be well organized and executed – no matter the budget, purpose or size. [divider_line]

Photo by Jan Michele Photography

How do you describe your “style”?
We are known for creating relaxed, fun, and subtle yet incredibly personalized events. Personally, I prefer bold colors, strong graphic elements, and minimalistic, modern styles.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?
The couples and their families. In this profession, I get to meet all kinds of people. I see them at their very best and at their very worst. But in the end, weddings are always about love. To see the couples and their families having a great time during a wedding makes me a happy girl.

Are you seeing any trends emerging in 2013?
I think pies could be the new cupcakes. Large pies as well as individual pies in different flavors in lieu of wedding cakes have been requested by our clients a few times recently. I also see couples asking for more eclectic musical choices – from bands that play bossa nova or dixie jazz to a DJ accompanied by a percussionist.

What do you say to couples who ask, “How early in the planning process should I hire a wedding planner?”
I think it’s self-serving to say you should hire a planner as early in the process as possible. So I won’t. I think it differs for everyone. Because planners offer a range of services, from full planning to “day of” coordination, I think you should hire a planner once you’ve figured out what assistance you need. Some couples know right off the bat they don’t have time for planning at all, or are planning from afar and need full planning services. In that case, a couple should hire one from the get go. Even those couples who know they need just “day of” coordination should look into securing a coordinator sooner rather than later. Like everything else, if you want your choice of planners, you need to book early. Some planners will only book “day of” within a certain timeframe, say 6 months before your wedding date like I do. So keep that in mind when putting your planning calendar together.

What is one piece of advice that you like to give couples?
Constantly remind yourselves what this wedding is all about. Like it or not, it is not about finding that perfect favor to give to your guests. Amidst all the planning, you can easily lose yourselves. I suggest having date nights or even weekend getaways where you are forbidden to talk about the wedding and decompress a bit.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?
Food! I love to cook and to explore new restaurants to see the creativity that professional chefs produce. I love a good ballet class when, on that one day, I can still keep up with the teenagers. My two cats snuggling next to me (or on me) is also a joyful moment.

How can we find you online?
WEB: www.eventaccomplished.com
BLOG: http://eventaccomplished.com/blog/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Event-Accomplished/46146415478
TWITTER: @vickychoy
PINTEREST:  pinterest.com/eaparties

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

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