Kith & Kin

If your wedding mantra puts guardrails on your wedding plan, making sure everything is aligned with your values as a couple... Then a wedding coach is like the person driving that train, who knows to stay within the lines, and keeps things moving so you can relax and enjoy the ride. I'm also going to be direct with you about... When you're absolutely allowed to break etiquette rules And when your expectations are unreasonable Or if your mom/sister-in-law/fiancé has a point about those centerpieces Because I am here for *you*, and that means making sure you will have an amazing day without regrets. I won't pretend something is fine if it isn't, just because it's easier for me to do that. Big sisters don't take the easy way out. I've got your back, but I'm absolutely going to tell you when you're wrong, and you'll thank me for it. Questions? Slide into my DM's! I still have a few prime weekends available in 2022, and more spots available for virtual coaching and planning. #wedmin #consciousrelationships #consciouslove #weddingprep #mindfullywed #radlovestories #mindfulliving #stressfreewedding #ethicalwedding #lgbtqwedding #twobrides #twogrooms #samesexwedding #mindfulwedding #engayged #unconventionalbride #feministwedding #minimalistbride #consciousbride #ecobride #montrealweddingcoordinator #montrealweddingplanner #montrealwedding #montrealweddings #mtlwedding #montrealweddingphotographer #montrealweddingphotography #montrealeventcommunity #montrealevents #montrealweddingvendors

Last week I had the honour of being interviewed by my business coach, @erikatebbensconsulting, for her podcast, Sell It Sister! It was a very exciting milestone And like she always does, Erika pointed out something I didn’t even realize about my business. She explained to her audience that the wedding mantra puts guardrails on your wedding planning. I LOVE this word. And I never thought of it quite that way, but that is exactly what it does.... Having a guiding principle for your wedding planning means: Knowing exactly what it’s worth it to invest in, and where to save your money Having the confidence to set boundaries with your families and guests Being on the same page as your partner throughout the process I love those guardrails. Tell me - have you got a wedding mantra? #wedmin #montrealweddings #consciousrelationships #consciouslove #weddingprep #mindfullywed #radlovestories #mindfulliving #stressfreewedding #ethicalwedding #lgbtqwedding #twobrides #twogrooms #samesexwedding #chicbohowedding #indiebride #weddingplanningservices #mindfulwedding #engayged #bridedisrupted #unbridely #unconventionalbride #feministwedding #rocknrollbride #smallwedding #offbeatbride #minimalistbride #consciousbride #ecobride

Link in my bio to listen to my latest podcast appearance! It was such a treat to be interviewed by @dpnak and @danielmoyerphoto for @putaringonitpodcast, because: 1. It’s one of my favourite wedding podcasts - super valuable and I strongly recommend you listen. You will learn soooo much and save yourself a lot of headaches.... 2. They are exceptional hosts. I’m planning to start my own podcast (non-wedding stay tuned!) and I hope to one day be as organized, consistent, and entertaining as these two! I’m listening to the episode now in my car and trying to pick out my favourite snippets but it’s hard because it’s less than 40 minutes of pure gold. Let me know if you listen and what you loved best! I’m sitting here beaming with pride about the support we offered couples. I know someone is sitting in *their* car sighing relief that they can actually set a boundary, even if they’re not paying for their wedding. #weddingpodcast #weddingplanningpodcast #weddingcoaching #weddingplanningtips #weddingcoach #virtualweddingplanner #virtualweddingplanning #weddingstressrelief #weddingwellness #planningyourownwedding #planningyourwedding #weddingplanningchecklist #unwedding #antibridetribe #woowedding #samesexweddings #twobridesarebetterthanone #twogroomsarebetterthanone #lgbtqweddingplanner #yogaweddingorganizer #yogawedding #sustainablewedding #ecofriendlyweddingplanner #lifecoachforbrides #engagementcoach #weddingplanningtools #weddingcommunication

In the spirit of transparency, which is a pillar of Kith & Kin Weddings, I'm telling you exactly why you cannot pick the price of your suppliers. But don't panic! You can still have the wedding of your dreams. You may have to increase your budget or get realistic about what you *really* want, but I promise that you can still have a day that is meaningful and memorable. Check out the link in my bio for a free workshop that will help you figure out how to do your wedding budge...t, or DM me to set up a time for me to do it for you. Because another pillar of my brand is taking alllll your stress away. #wedmin #brideonabudget #debtfreejourney #weddinghelp #weddingtips #weddinghacks #millenialmoneytips #couplesfinance #diyweddingplanner #weddingonabudget #weddingbudgettips #budgetsavvybride #debtfreewedding #weddingbudget #budgetingtips #budgetwedding #weddingexpenses #montrealweddingcoordinator #montrealweddingplanner #montrealwedding #montrealweddings #mtlwedding #montrealevents #montrealweddingvendors #ethicalwedding #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #valuesbasedbusiness #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur

What's the difference between a wedding coach and a planner? Mostly, tone of voice, and willingness to listen to all the things that have nothing to do with logistics. I'm here for it, because your day is about a lot more than the many (many!) suppliers that have to coordinated to make the day seamless.

Here’s a neat trick - You can simplify your wedding planning while at the same time making your guests more comfortable. And more comfortable guests means a better party, the kind of memorable event people will talk about for years to come.... Do everyone a favour and share this post! And this is by no means an exhaustive list - if you have suggestions, drop them in the comments! #nonbinarywedding #engayged #twogrooms #twogroomsarebetterthanone #mrandmr #montrealmenswear #lgbtqweddingplanner #lgbtqwedding #lgbtqweddings #samesexwedding #twobridesarebetterthanone #twobrides #ethicalwedding #feministwedding #montrealweddingphotographer #montrealweddingphotography #communityovercompetition #montrealeventcommunity #montrealevents #montrealweddingvendors #montrealflorist #montrealfoodstylist #montrealbaker #montrealweddingvenue #montrealweddingdj #montrealweddingrentals

We're baaaack! Kith & Kin has a new member! FINALLY, I can use the royal "we" when talking about my business, and not just because I want it to look like it's more than just me doing absolutely EVERYTHING behind the scenes. Her name is Lucy, and she is the reason I now have:... - early, cozy mornings - flexible office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays - limited spots for coaching calls - a partner supporting me by taking parental leave for three more months - the need for an assistant (That's right! Kith & Kin is HIRING! Are you following me because you dream of being an event planner and wedding coach just like me? Do you live in Montreal? Fantastic! DM me and let's chat.) Unfortunately, my maternity leave has ended, but because I still work mostly from home, you'll occasionally see my daughter pop up when I'm recording stories, hear her little coos when I voice message you, and find out how wedding planning is like motherhood. (Is it? We'll find out! You know I love an analogy.) Are you new here? Say hello in the comments, and tell me one thing you're grateful for - mine is pretty obvious ;) : @lorangeriephoto #ethicalwedding #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #valuesbasedbusiness #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #wedmin #weddingtrends2021 #montrealweddings #consciousrelationships #consciouslove #weddingprep #mindfullywed #radlovestories #queerweddingplanner

I’m just about back from maternity leave, so here’s a quick refresher: Wedding Coach is a title one of my past clients came up with to describe what I do, because I’m not your typical wedding planner... I hold space for you emotionally... And help you set boundaries with the people around you All while helping you plan a wedding that is reflective of you and your partner and your shared values And how do I do it? With tons of experience planning and executing events and genuine relationships with ethical suppliers I bring in my training as a yoga teacher and my years of research into stress-reduction techniques I talk to you like your big sister would: I’m direct, I’ll be totally honest, and I genuinely care about you... but I’ll also bring you back to reality when you’re focusing on the wrong things or dreaming waaaay beyond your budget New friends/lurkers - say hi in the comments! I promise, I’m really nice. Shoutout to @conqueryourcontent for reminding me how awesome @basilandbark’s templates are! Making a Venn diagram about my work made me extremely happy. #mindfulliving #stressfreewedding #ethicalwedding #lgbtqwedding #indiebride #mindfulwedding #engayged #bridedisrupted #unconventionalbride #feministwedding #rocknrollbride #smallwedding #offbeatbride #minimalistbride #intimatewedding #2022bridetobe #consciousbride

I am SO PROUD of this podcast episode. My friends - I had the most fun recording this episode of one of my favourite wedding podcasts with Ashleigh and Toniah. But here’s why it’s a huge source of pride for me: 1 Because I am a legit fan. I was totally honoured they had me on, and, as you will hear, incredibly excited for my turn to play their game: This or That (If you follow them on IG, you can play a simplified version of it too!)... 2 I was crazy honest. I think you know this about me already/ I very rarely filter what I say. Being genuine and outspoken is incredibly important to me, and a big factor in maintaining my mental health. Even though I do it all the time NOW, I wasn’t always this way, so when I hear myself speaking up, I get giddy. Truly, I even surprised myself by some of the things I said out loud on this episode! 3 I know that what I shared is valuable for engaged couples... and even single people, already marrieds, soon-to-be or new parents... really, anyone. I am on a mission to help people have happier engagements, stress-free weddings, and great marriages, and it makes me feel amazing to know I was able to provide so much insight in this podcast! Yup, healthy self esteem over here. I’m sleep deprived from my sweet bébé, but so giddy with excitement. I’d love to know what you think when you listen!! #ethicalwedding #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #buildingmyempire #valuesbasedbusiness #screwthe9to5 #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #weddingtrends2021 #montrealweddings #consciousrelationships #consciouslove #weddingprep #mindfullywed #postponedwedding #radlovestories #communityovercompetition #montrealeventcommunity #montrealevents #montrealweddingvendors #montrealflorist #montrealfoodstylist #montrealbaker #montrealweddingvenue #montrealweddingdj

Mother's Day is coming up! And as a new mom, I obviously want to talk about ME. Like, I can totally empathize with moms... Because even though I talk a lot about how moms are challenging around weddings, being a mom is challenging too! And sometimes it can help you, as the marrier, to understand why mom is so challenging: She is obsessed with you. That can feel smothering, I know. But she made you and she is obsessed with you. Parents have a hard time understanding that... their kid is separate from them. At one time, you were an inseparable pair, and for your parent, it seems obvious that you are part of them. So it actually quite literally feels like it is THEIR wedding day. They also are from a different generation, and probably didn't have any control over their day. So seems only fair they should be able to live vicariously through you now. This was my be-nice-to-your-mom post. As I sit here in a brief reprieve between marathon nursing sessions with my two-weeks-young daughter, I’m reminding you to have some empathy for us mamas, because now I know how intense this love and connection feels. But don't worry - I know you might also need some tips for keeping your parents chill when it comes to wedding planning. Stay tuned - that’s coming up! : Me and my mama at my wedding, by Asbed Palakian #ethicalwedding #lgbtqwedding #twobrides #twogrooms #samesexwedding #chicbohowedding #indiebride #2022weddingplanning #2021weddingplanning #gettingmarried2022 #gettingmarried2021 #weddingplanningservices #mindfulwedding #engayged #bridedisrupted #unbridely #unconventionalbride #feministwedding #rocknrollbride #smallwedding #offbeatbride #minimalistbride #intimatewedding #microwedding #coronacouple #coronabride #2022bridetobe #2021bridetobe #consciousbride #ecobride

Happy Earth Day! I have a present for you... I wrote a blog post about budgeting and sustainability last year, using the pandemic as inspiration. It’s still relevant, and maybe always will be. But maybe that's not such a bad thing? I know, I know... Sagittarius rising, ever the optimist. Hear me out! Swipe through and save my tips here for how to make your thriftiness work for you and the planet, and scroll down a few squares in my grid for 9 other ways to make your wedding ...sustainable. And if you really want to dig into your budget... DM me your email address and I’ll get you on my email list so you can grab my FREE budget workshop, right now. Since I’m on maternity leave, you can’t schedule a call with me just yet, but if you’re willing to wait, I can get you on the books for June! #brideonabudget #debtfreejourney #weddinghelp #weddingtips #weddinghacks #millenialmoneytips #couplesfinance #diyweddingplanner #weddingonabudget #weddingbudgettips #budgetsavvybride #debtfreewedding #weddingbudget #budgetingtips #decoratingonabudget #budgetwedding #budgetbride #weddingexpenses #veganwedding #ethicaljewelery #sustainablewedding #sustainablefashion #ecofriendlywedding #sustainablebride #greenweddingplanner #diyweddingdecor #diywedding #diyweddingsigns

Oh hello! Yesterday I told a story (that now lives in my highlights - check out Behind the Scenes for that spice) highlighting why your wedding suppliers should leave their egos at home on your wedding day. The shortest version of that: It’s not MY birthday. And underlying this belief I have are not just my 15+ years of experience, but my values - the whole foundation of my business (picture the iceberg, and everything beneath the water).... Here’s the thing: My clients don’t always find me first. Sometimes they find their dream venue. Or they’ve had a photographer in their sights for years. Or they have a family friend they just have to hire (otherwise it will cause major ish). So I don’t always get to choose who I work with, and that means that sometimes our values don’t line up. Which is tricky, because I am what they call a bleeding heart, left of left, liberal snowflake, and I do not abide stupidity. How do I leave THAT at home on your wedding day? I’m not going to pretend it isn’t a challenge to bite my tongue at times. But deep breaths and reminding myself that this day isn’t about me have gotten me through those tough days. And then I can go home and rant and rave to me ethically minded, brilliant, savvy biz besties about it all. Because as your wedding planner, I'm not there to advance my own agenda. I'm actually An advocate for what YOU want An interpreter of your desires to your suppliers And of their services/needs to you And the person to guide decisions that will lead to the best outcome for you when things don't go to plan... because there are always fires to put out, and you want someone you trust handling them without interrupting your magical day. I know better than anyone that this day isn't about me. It's about you. And I'm kind of obsessed with you #ethicalwedding #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #buildingmyempire #valuesbasedbusiness #screwthe9to5 #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #ethicalwedding #lgbtqwedding #twobrides #twogrooms #samesexwedding #chicbohowedding #indiebride #2022weddingplanning #2021wedding

We’re expecting the bébé any day now, and as I ease into maternity leave, I’m taking the importance of rest to heart. I don’t know what motherhood + entrepreneurship looks like yet. It probably won’t be clear for awhile, and I’ll have to continue to make adjustments along the way. But for now, I have a few things in place: Practicing HUGE boundaries with my family... No discovery calls or onboarding of new clients for at least six weeks from the birth My current clients have office hours access, and strategies based on where they're at in their wedding plan If I'm not on here posting or responding to DM's, you’ll know why! But, IG is a happy place for me, so I’ll be popping in sporadically. Mostly, though, I’m going to be trying to go into labour, deliver this baby from my belly to my arms, and then get to know her. : @cepstudio #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #buildingmyempire #valuesbasedbusiness #screwthe9to5 #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #yogaweddingorganizer #yogiwedding #yogiweddings #yogawedding #yogaweddings #yogabachelorette #yogabachelorettemtl #yogabachelorettemontreal

We’re expecting the bébé any day now, and as I ease into maternity leave, I’m taking the importance of rest to heart. I don’t know what motherhood + entrepreneurship looks like yet. It probably won’t be clear for awhile, and I’ll have to continue to make adjustments along the way. But for now, I have a few things in place: Practicing HUGE boundaries with my family... No discovery calls or onboarding of new clients for at least six weeks from the birth My current clients have office hours access, and strategies based on where they're at in their wedding plan If I'm not on here posting or responding to DM's, you’ll know why! But, IG is a happy place for me, so I’ll be popping in sporadically. Mostly, though, I’m going to be trying to go into labour, deliver this baby from my belly to my arms, and then get to know her. : @cepstudio #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #buildingmyempire #valuesbasedbusiness #screwthe9to5 #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #yogaweddingorganizer #yogiwedding #yogiweddings #yogawedding #yogaweddings #yogabachelorette #yogabachelorettemtl #yogabachelorettemontreal

I LOVE talking about boundaries! And I love being on podcasts. This was such a treat, and the @yogamagicpodcast in general is SOOOO good that I’m really honoured to be among @ashleysondergaard.yoga’s guests. Let me know if you give it a listen! As always, I share way more than I probably should #feministbusiness #feministentrepreneur #buildingmyempire #valuesbasedbusiness #screwthe9to5 #heartinthehustle #lifeofanentrepreneur #lessworkmorelife #consciousbusiness #9tothrive #heartcenteredbusiness #heartcenteredentrepreneur #emotionalwellbeing #selfcareday #selfcareisthebestcare #antihustlebusiness #restisproductive #selfcarematters #selfcareeveryday #indiebride #selfcareisapriority #lifecoachforwomen #selfcareisimportant

Some details from my moon and stars themed baby shower! I’ve always been into the woo, so my childhood friend Rachel, who put together this amazing table, made the menu inspired by the four elements. It’s funny how it really feels like there is no competition at all between us, even though we both work as wedding and event planners. All we really want is to find the perfect couple who really needs both of us - her amazing eye for design and detail, and my safe container f...or expression and joy in the process. So, putting it out there - @lemarais.eventdesign and I are manifesting a wedding we can plan together! @lemarais.eventdesign : photos, food, design, love @fleursdesjardinsbypaul : epic florals I gaze at lovingly every morning @divaofcake : gorgeous cookies @kvprintbar : acrylic signage and moon stir sticks #bridesmaidduties #bridalpartyoutfits #bridalpartygowns #bridalpartyentrance #bridesmaidsduties #bridesmate #groomsmanduties #idocrew #genderinclusivewedding #genderneutralweddingparty #bridalpartyproposals #covidweddingideas #covidbachelorette #bachelorettepartyideas #zoomevents #zoompartyideas #virtualpartyideas #engagementpartyideas #engagementpartydecor #bridalshowerideas #bridalshowerdecor #zoomparty #zoomevent #virtualshower #bridalshower #weddingprep #mindfullywed #postponedwedding #radlovestories

I have been slowly getting French Husband to watch all my favourite Adam Sandler movies, which he has NEVER seen (one of the joys and frustrations of marrying someone from another continent is that pop cultural references are widely different!) Anyway, the other night we watched The Wedding Singer. If you haven't seen it, I mean, go watch it right now cause it's great. And I'm about to spoil the entire plot. So Drew Barrymore is engaged, but her fiancé won't set a date, and ...then when he finally does she's so happy, but he is really clear that he is not going to help with any of the planning at all. Now, this is a red flag in the movie and really serves to move the plot forward, since she ends up planning it all with Adam Sandler and that's how they get to know each other and fall in love. BUT, I want to point out that this is NOT a red flag in your relationship. Obviously Glen Goolia is the worst, but this not-wanting-to-plan thing is not why. Just gonna say that. Anyway, the idea is that Drew Barrymore should be asking her best friend or her mom to help her, because she's new in town. But they aren't very helpful. Adam Sandler IS, because he's an industry insider. So, that's me. I'm the Adam Sandler to your Drew Barrymore, taking you to the best suppliers, negotiating the best prices for you, cracking you up along the way, and at the end of the movie, we will be in love. Sidebar: In 2019 I had a couple who had "I want to grow old with you" as their first dance song and I've been jealous ever since. I sing it to the baby all the time, and now French Husband knows it... even though he fell asleep before we got to the airplane scene with Billy Idol. So... which Adam Sandler movie should I show French Husband next?

Okay, full disclosure... I use Pinterest sometimes! And that’s how I know that it is a time vortex, much in the same way as Winners or TJ Maxx... When you walked in it was daylight, but now it’s six hours later, it’s dark out, you went in for one thing and came out with a bunch of shit you don’t need, and you literally lost an entire day of your life. There’s a better way. I mean, not for shopping - let me know if you figure that out. But for wedding inspo? Yeah, we can do be...tter. #weddingbudgettips #debtfreewedding #weddingbudget #weddingexpenses #lgbtqwedding #twobrides #twogrooms #samesexwedding #indiebride #2022weddingplanning #2021weddingplanning #gettingmarried2022 #gettingmarried2021 #weddingplanningservices #mindfulwedding #engayged #bridedisrupted #unbridely #unconventionalbride #feministwedding #rocknrollbride #smallwedding #offbeatbride #minimalistbride #intimatewedding #microwedding #2022bridetobe #2021bridetobe #consciousbride #ecobride