It’s Spotlight day, where we introduce you to introduce this week’s vendor spotlight, Bonny Bailey-Finck of P.S. I Love You Productions and the stories behind her company.
When people ask “what do you do?” how do you answer?
I am the Wedding Coordinator that comes on board when you are 2-3 months out and realize that you are in the “oh crap” mode. I help you see all of your visions through and make life for your vendors substantially easier!
What did you do before you did this?
I have been event coordinating for 10-12 years. Before that, I was a performer in entertainment and entertainment management for the theme parks.
When and how did you get into the wedding industry?
There was a hotel I worked for that needed someone to do weddings. I figured I had done events for 36,000 people, so maxing out at 300 (which was what our hotel could do at a time) was relatively easy in theory.
How long would you say you’ve been doing what you do today?
I can honestly say I have probably been doing events even longer than 10-12 years. My mom used to cater to our church as well as small parties when I was younger. Who set the tables? And came up with fun napkin folds and added decor…? YEP, that was me! My mom still messages me when she wants help with her holiday tables. 🙂 It Makes me feel good!
Tell us about your most memorable event so far and why it was.
I loved it when a mother of the bride wanted to do something special for her daughter’s wedding, and we were able to pull off a special tribute/concert/performance of Dan & Shay (her favorite band) to perform their first dance (also their song). Also, of course, a meet-and-greet and amazing concert for everyone who attended the wedding.
What’s the best part of your job?
The part where couples get to enter their reception room for the first time without anyone else in it and really see their vision come to life. Those few moments are precious and special!
What motivates you to do this every day?
It is going to sound cliche… but I actually do LOVE people. Yes, they do drive me crazy from time to time, which is normal. But just seeing the sheer joy that families have for their loved ones on their big days melts my heart!
What fun fact would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m an excellent cook! My husband and I joke that he’s the better baker but I’m the best cook in the house.
What is the best compliment you’ve received from your clients?
When they say that I “get” them. I do try my best to basically take on the persona of every client during their day so I can make decisions on their behalf (and not on my preferences). It is their day…I just execute it!!!
Photography by Greg
How did you decide on the name of your company?
I am a movie geek and just always thought this name spoke to me! Originally I wanted my packages offered to be named after with my favorite romantic comedies, but for those that are not well-versed in movies, I felt the scope was a little too far so I dialed it back a bit.
What is important for clients to know about your company before they book you?
Even though I am capable of full planning, predominately I shine with coordination and detailing towards the end of the planning process. Should you prefer a full-service planner, I actually work with several and would love to refer them. Should you wish to attack your wedding planning yourself, I am here to make sure you cross your “t’s” and dot your “I’s.” 😉
What is the most unique service/product you offer?
We offer entertainment referral services for weddings, parties, corporate events, and more! Among other things, we have helped clients get Beer Burros for their cocktail hour, caricature artists for their wedding reception, and Santa/elves for holiday parties. You name it, we can very likely help you find it!
What types of events do you specialize in?
Weddings, birthday parties, bar & bat mitzvahs, showers (baby & bridal), themed entertainment, and specialty acts.
What makes your business stand out from others in your category?
That we are hired both by couples and by venues and vendors! We have worked hard over the years building relationships with our fellow industry professionals, so they know they can call us when one of their client couples needs a coordinator they can trust.
Tell us about your favorite type of engaged couple.
Organized but open to new ideas and themes.
Cricket’s Photography
Why do couples hire you?
They relate to my personality and excitement about their event.
What does your most popular package include?
“The French Kiss”
Creation of Wedding Plan (Itinerary, Floor Plan, & Inventory Lists)
Rehearsal Coordination
Ceremony & Reception Coordination
Management of ALL Setup & Teardown
Placement & Decor
Distribution of Final Payments & Gratuities
Wedding Emergency Kit Use
Final Details Meeting 4 Weeks Prior to the Wedding Day
Tell us briefly about some of your package options. What is the price range for these packages?
My packages are named after On-Screen Kisses:
They range from “The Peck” (ceremony and rehearsal ONLY – $150) through “The French Kiss” listed above.
Why do you think your business is successful?
I build packages for what vendors and clients need. Not just sell them a blanket sales pitch. It is ALL CUSTOM!
What current trends have you seen at weddings that you personally like the most?
We love seeing animals incorporated into weddings! Couples are making sure their precious dogs and cats are part of the big day, and things like Beer Burros and horse-drawn carriages are really popular!
We also love seeing wedding guests dressing to the 9’s, it just lends an air of class to the entire day!
What do you think are the biggest misconceptions that people have about your vendor category?
A lot of folks don’t see the value in a wedding coordinator, whether it is Day-Of or Month-Of. They think, rightfully so, that they can plan and put everything together themselves. And while that is true, that often does not leave time for actually enjoying the process, and this goes doubly for the day of the wedding.
A coordinator is more than just someone who lines up the wedding party and sends them down the aisle. We can turn your vision into reality. We can smooth out the bumps in the road leading up to your wedding, solving vendor issues, and communicating the always vital schedule to all parties ahead of the big day. And on the day of your wedding, we make sure your special items and decor are set to your exacting specifications, so you can get ready without the stress and worry of making sure it’s all the way you want it.
And folks, please don’t make your parents clean up after you again. We will make sure everything gets cleaned up, packed up, and safely back to your home. That is the value of a Coordinator!
Tell us 3 venues you enjoy working with and why.
Highland Manor – We love the history and feel of this grand old house! The grounds are beautiful, the accommodations for the bride and groom are just perfect, and that amazing tree as a backdrop is gorgeous!
Dr. Phillip’s House – We love the people and the property here, Chef Lo has done amazing work since buying the house and Angie is among the best in the business! We love the cellar where the gentlemen prepare, and the courtyard and gazebo are perfect for an intimate feeling ceremony that still feels open and airy!
Paradise Cove – What could be cooler than getting married on the “beach” where the groom arrives by boat?! Paradise Cove is a compact space that makes coordinating a breeze, but still gives the couple varied spaces for both the ceremony and reception!
What some of their previous couples had to say….
“Bonny & P.S. I Love You Productions – ARE THE BEST!
Bonny made our day so special. Everything went super smooth, if there was any sort of bump on the road that happened on our wedding day, I had NO CLUE about it. I did not have to stress over a thing because everything was taken care of. Bonny was very attentive the entire time, even when it came to fixing my train, helping me change into my second outfit for our send-off, getting our UberBlack.
The setup, food, party, and breakdown (of the party/pack-up) was completely stress-free for my parents and other families that also helped plan our big day. Even the meetings leading up to the wedding she shared her professional opinion and provided great advice for the set up of the wedding in regards to tables, DJ and cake placement. All great things -very experienced, and sweet!”
“Bonny is the best!!!! Wow! What to say about this amazing venue and Bonny our coordinator! IT was the most amazing magical day ever! Juan our personal Butler was fantastic super attentive! Bonny was amazing kept everyone in the right spots At the right time… kept the flow moving perfectly!
She helped take so much off the stress off of us it really made it the best day of my life! She was always quick to respond to my emails, no matter how many small and large questions and the amount of confusion we were under she was always so quick and friendly to respond! My husband and I recommend her and the highland manor for everyone to use!!!!” –
“We had our wedding at the lovely Highland Manor in Apopka and Bonny was our coordinator. She was very thorough in the planning stages, asking lots of questions so our wedding would be tailored to our desires. Her experience and experiences (ask her about the intoxicated mom and the flowers!) gave her confidence and adaptability. She gave clear instructions during the rehearsal so we all felt comfortable for the wedding.
On the day of the wedding, there was a high chance of rain and Bonny made the tough, but correct, decision to move the ceremony inside. The room looked beautiful and it was probably better than being outside. Bonny was involved in every aspect of the day; entrances and exits, the entire wedding photo on the porch, greeting guests, overseeing the food and decor, releasing the tables for the buffet, cake cutting, and the farewell. And I’m sure she did more!
She was pleasant, professional, friendly, and prompt in answering my MANY emails. It made my wedding day stress free! I would highly recommend her! Thank you Bonny for your wonderful work.”
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