Aleah Valley of Fine Line Management & Events

Coffee Talk with Aleah Valley of Fine Line Management & Events

WC: What motivated you to start this business?

AV: Nick and I have always had a very creative and entrepreneurial drive -- and after we graduated from Washington State University we got married. Planning our own wedding was so much fun; we truly enjoyed every last detail and sharing in that time together. With our educational backgrounds, paired with our creative sides, we thought what better business to begin than one that we are so passionate about! Weddings are the happiest time in a couple's life, and if we could make that time less stressful and more joyful, then what better way to use our drive!

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about planning weddings?

AV: Working closely with people who have amazing dreams and visions, and then turning those dreams into their reality is a great reward. It gives us a lot of joy to see a wonderful finished product and two happy people. For me, utilizing innovative ideas to help couples work on their themes and colors, and even menu ideas and budget is fantastic. Nick really enjoys watching the end product come together, and working hard at the reception and ceremony to ensure that every last detail falls into place. It's a very important part of our job to guarantee that our clients' experience is a magical and fun celebration.

WC: It seems that the modern bride is much more apt to hire a consultant than the bride of 4-5 years ago. Why do you think that's the case?

AV: I think that because brides and grooms are often tied up with their careers, finding time to organize and prioritize their wedding "to do" list is often difficult. They often do not know where to begin, and thus they need professional assistance; and companies like ours come into play.

WC: What are some of the challenges that face a modern bride planning a wedding on her own?

AV: More and more we see brides and grooms who are very strapped for time. Work life and home life are not balanced enough, leaving the already busy bride struggling to find time to plan her wedding. Many resources are available online, which is great, but there is such a wealth of information to sort through, and it's oftentimes overwhelming if you do not know where to begin.

WC: Do you think brides have any common misconceptions about wedding coordinators? How do you get past them?

AV: Many newly engaged couples believe that they can do it all; however, they do not realize how much time it truly takes to research, budget, and finally select quality vendors for their budget, as well as everything else that goes into coordination. Wedding coordinators are invaluable to a bride and groom, and I think that it is very important for a couple to lay out their wedding priorities and take a deep breath. Letting certain things go and passing them over to either a family member or friend, or a professional wedding coordinator will not only save them time and money, but give them peace of mind as well.

WC: Do you currently plan events outside of Seattle?

AV: Yes, we love to branch out of the city as much as we do planning weddings inside of it. Our state has the most gorgeous landscapes.

WC: Based on your years of experience consulting, what advice would you give to a planning Seattle bride?

AV: Look at your wedding as a blank canvas and use your creativity to work with your fiancé to fill that canvas with anything your imagination desires! Whether you are on very limited funds, or have a larger budget, use your creativity to find different types of wedding favors, a unique venue on the coast or in downtown Seattle, and utilize different colors. Seattle is a very unique city, and let the city aid in your planning! Perhaps most importantly, always remember that this is your wedding -- and enjoy your planning time! If you become too overwhelmed, ask a family member or a wedding coordinator to step in.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.