Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Koekenberg.
Hi AJ, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always dreamed about being an event planner but never believed it would happen. I would put my all into planning parties for my friends and family to fill the void. Then, a couple from my church asked me to help at their wedding venue! I started as a helping hand, then trained and became a coordinator. At this time, I also became a bridal stylist and quickly realized that I had a passion for the wedding industry! When they sold their venue, the new owners wanted to hire someone to manage it and recommended me. I became the General Manager of a gorgeous wedding venue in the Smoky Mountains! It was a dream, except for the long hours away from my husband and daughter. I decided it was not worth the sacrifice; I missed my family. So, I quit my job and prayed about what to do next. Not long after that, a friend reached out about partnering up with an event planning company. She runs the corporate side, and I run the wedding side! It feels like a match made in Heaven, and I could not be happier about how things have worked out!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Nothing worth having/achieving is easy, at least not in my experience! But the lessons you learn along the way stick with you. That sounds cliche, I know. I started Ellery Blue Weddings in September of 2023 and have learned so much! However, the support I have received from family, friends, and even others in the wedding industry (this has to be the most supportive industry I have ever been in) has been almost overwhelming, and I will forever be appreciative!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Ellery Blue Weddings, established in 2023, we specialize in planning and coordinating unforgettable wedding experiences while extending our expertise to parties and showers. Our holistic approach sets us apart, offering services catering to every aspect of event planning. Our design and content creation services can be booked independently to elevate any event or seamlessly integrated as add-ons to our comprehensive wedding planning packages. At Ellery Blue, we pride ourselves on more than just executing flawless events. We prioritize fostering meaningful connections with clients who value the sanctity of marriage above the spectacle of the wedding day. These genuine connections often result in lifelong relationships extending far beyond the event.
Our unwavering dedication to making each client feel cherished and heard defines our brand. Whether adding personalized design touches from our curated inventory or orchestrating every detail of the big day, our mission remains the same: to transform dreams into reality. We want readers to know that with Ellery Blue Weddings, they’re not just getting a service; they’re gaining a partner dedicated to making their wedding dreams come true with unmatched attention to detail and heartfelt dedication. Something old, something new, something borrowed, and Ellery Blue!
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, the wedding industry is poised for some exciting shifts! One trend I’m particularly excited about is the emphasis on “quality over quantity.” Couples increasingly opt for more intimate gatherings with their closest family and friends, prioritizing meaningful connections over large guest lists. After all, the people you surround yourself with truly set the mood for your special day. Another noteworthy trend is the rise of content creation within the wedding sphere. While it’s still a controversial topic, when executed respectfully, it has the potential to foster beautiful collaborations between vendors and create memorable experiences for couples. This trend is here to stay, provided it’s approached with sensitivity and consideration for all involved. As the industry continues to evolve, I’m eager to see how these trends shape the landscape of weddings in the years to come.
Pricing:
- Coordinating packages start at $750
- Planning Packages start at $2250
- Content Creation packages start at $300
- Design services vary, inquire for a quote!
Contact Info:
- Website: Elleryblue.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/elleryblueweddings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094919096458 and https://www.facebook.com/DestinationTNValley/
Image Credits
In order: Jessi Quillen Photography (feature photo and first photo in the gallery), Sundance Photography, Stephanie Wilson Creative (next 2 photos) Nunn photography, Sarah Jayne Photography (next 2 photos), Violett Co. Photography
