Alaya Design Group

Thank you Tereh, Clarence, and Janaia! It was truly a pleasure to with you!

I appreciate this review, as it is always my desire to offer the best service possible to my clients. It was a pleasure to work with Ashley and Erik and I thank them for choosing my company to manage their special day. Despite the desire to have a perfect day, there are occasions when things do go awry. I would like to offer additional information in regards to the "areas on insight/ additional assistance" that were noted. -The "Mother of the Bride" was the point of contact for the Bride. I apologize if it wasn't clear that all communications during the wedding would more than likely go to point of contact unless it is absolutely necessary for me to disturb the Bride. This is one of my policies and I will revisit how I manage this in the future however there was a significant design element that I was unable to physically handle until the day of the wedding. This element involved manipulating a stand to hold a rather large design feature. During the ceremony set-up it was determined that the stand that was to hold this design element was not sturdy enough to withstand the weight of this feature or the breeze on the patio. It would have posed a hazard if left as it were without proper support. I did inform the Bride’s Mother, the Bride, and her sisters that there may be a possibility that we may need to forgo this design feature. Subsequently, the venue staff, my assistants, and I were able to find a workable solution for this matter. I am saddened that Ashley felt she was not properly informed. -I take full responsibility for the miscommunication between myself and my assistant who was appointed to bring the Bride to the designated starting point of the processional. I am grateful that it did not significantly impact the actual wedding ceremony however, I do know it emotionally affected the Bride and for that, I again offer my sincere apologies. This has never happened before however I have instituted an additional policy to ensure this does not happen again in the future. -The patio sound system belonged to the venue and it did not work properly before the wedding during the test phase. We also were unable to test the speakers during the wedding rehearsal the day prior due to the music being presented on a non-venue compatible source. I took the music home and placed it on a venue compatible source. The venue manager was able to fix the patio speakers prior to the wedding and I utilized the remote control to play the recorded ceremony music. I was unaware that there were any volume issues during the ceremony as everything was played at the acceptable outside volume of the venue. -The Bride's belongings were handled by her family, most notably her mother and sisters this was not a line item detailed in the duties of the contract. I was not made aware of any personal items at the venue as they were not given to me nor stored by my staff or me. When the Bride and Groom were in the car, I was made aware of a purse that was with her sister but I was not aware of anything else at that time. It is my policy to discuss the exit with the Bride and Groom and all personal effects are noted that should be placed in the exit vehicle. Our discussion was that they were planning to leave in a taxi of which I then decided to utilize a special vendor and surprise them with a luxury car. -In regards to the DJ, he was secured by the Bride and Groom and not one my preferred vendors. This DJ was provided with a song list and a list of acceptable genres of music to play by the Bride and Groom. I was never informed of any dissatisfaction regarding the music being played by anyone attending the reception or the Bride or Groom. If that were communicated, I would've certainly discussed that with the DJ. I was only informed of volume and that was resolved immediately. -The post-wedding photos of the Bride and Groom were taken offsite. I stayed in constant communication with the driver and photographer via cell phone in order to determine the timing of the reception for the caterer as well as to better manage the flow of the evening since at this point we were behind schedule. The offsite photos took longer than expected of which the Bride and Groom seemed to not mind after inquiring with them. I did inform them of the state of the cocktail hour and the tone of the room due to the timing. Once they arrived back to the venue the evening flowed into the reception. I had a 'side bar' with the photographer regarding additional pictures of which he stated he 'would handle it". After the first dance and the call to the buffet, the photographer then began additional family photos. I again am disheartened that Ashley and Erik felt this element was area of concern. -Lastly, day-of vendor payments. Based on the contracts I read, all payments were made and completed with the exception of the caterer, who submitted a final bill the day after the wedding. There was a last minute vendor added as a surprise to the Groom and I was unaware of that day-of payment. This wedding was far more involved than originally expected just based on its sincere uniqueness. Services were provided that were not even listed as expectations on the contract. This couple received a significant value for the quality and amount of work provided. Every company has room for growth and I am truly aware and attune to that, as it is always my number one goal to provide exceptional service. Mishaps do occur and the goal is to ensure they are small in nature and resolved quickly. I always seek to learn something new or determine more ways to strengthen and or add to my company policies. I am never too proud to accept my faults as learning from them only serve to make my company and I stronger. I love what I do and will often times provide complimentary services outside of the contract, for example, store decor items and wedding gifts for the bride and groom to pick-up at a later date; many times I will meet them at a designated location resulting in me traveling hours outside of my own place of residence. I pride myself on always being 'on top of things.' I only want to provide the best service to my clients and ensure that my clients are confident that their wedding day is handled with the utmost respect and care. I also appreciate this venue in particular for appointing me their preferred wedding coordinator. It is sincerely an honor.