Natalie Ryan is a die-hard romantic and CEO of Luna Rose Events & Weddings. With over 6 years of experience in the events industry, Natalie is able to design, plan, and manage her clients' big day to perfection.

Natalie recalls fond memories, shares words of wisdom, and muses on wedding day colour palettes with the help of an old wedding day tradition: something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue...

Something old

Fond memories

My husband and I were married in Skiathos, Greece and we had a beautiful day. We only had 13 guests, which is exactly what we wanted—small, and on a beautiful island that holds many family memories for us. It is important to me that my clients have the wedding that they want, not what is expected of them. A wedding is a chance to not only celebrate your love but to create a day that reflects your relationship.

I don't have a specific favourite memory from my time as a wedding planner, but my favourite part by far is always the first dance. I work with clients who love live music and the first dances are kick-ass, fun, and love-filled.

Something new

Make it personal

My first step when taking on a new client is a deep conversation. I get to know my couples on a personal level, their favourite places to eat, favourite movies, hobbies and passions etc. With this, the blank page quickly becomes filled with design ideas suited to their personality. We always tweak as we go and make a wedding that reflects them as a couple. Themed weddings are fun, but it's always best to be yourself.

Something borrowed

Be original

The best advice I received as a wedding planner is not to copy. In the early days of setting up as a planner, it is easy to look to other planners for inspiration but keep them as just that, inspiration—you will mould your niche yourself. Do not copy and paste. There is room for us all and your clients will find you if you just follow your own ideas.                                

Something blue

Natural sources

I find colour inspiration anywhere and everywhere—I once took a picture of a tree bark because it was the perfect shade of brown/bronze for my client! Generally, I enjoy a more rustic vibe but I do love a pop of fun in colour or accents at a wedding— think converted barn with dark modern lighting and urban twists. At my most recent wedding, the colour palette was romantic, warm, wooden, and rustic. The design worked beautifully with the venue and Laurel Designs nailed the vision.

Find Natalie on Instagram or learn more about her services on her website.