Hands down, I would hire them again and again, but happy to only marry one! I hired Pari for full…read morewedding planning and a dj service for ceremony only.
I'm Virginia's #1 Wedding pastor. I've performed over 5000 weddings and could have worked my own wedding just fine. But knowing the entire industry, I wanted to work with someone that I've worked with more times than I can count but also who knows just as many people as I do. When I first started planning, I needed to remain anonymous so having that wedding influencer coordinate for me meant that I could gain the same top industry standards that one would offer to me directly. But more than influence and connection, Pari and her team and I have worked with intimately over the years in the wedding world. They are professional, coordinated, organized, detailed oriented, and a "get it done" + "I got it" + "don't worry" vibe that I also needed and desired. The last reason, I hired my friend, a professional friend, but still my friend. All of my vendors were dear friends who I know also loved me. You see, I'm a man, and married the man of my dreams, my husband. I had not come out just yet, and this hiring was super personal for me. Not only was I joining my partner for life, but I needed a team that supports me whole heartedly and were like my family, even my "wedding industry family." I found all that with Pari and her team. My family didn't participate... not many pastors who are gay have family that would support that kind of decision, but Pari, she was my constant, my rock, my support, my guide through the entire process. Thats what meant the world to me the most.
Can you imagine "handling" a virginia's most wedded wedding pastor who's used to running the wedding ceremony? I have to give it to her, my personality is louder than any bridezilla, though, as a pro, never happened. Pari did it with such ease and professionalism. There was a part in my rehearsal that I "let go" of things.. Pari gently placed both hands on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eyes and said, "Cory... do you trust me..." I'll be honest, there was a long pause, but the reality is that I did. I said yes, I trust you. That transfer of power was needed for me and she used her professional authority in such a way to ease even me and to place me in position where she needed me to transfer that moment to her. I smile when I think about it, but I realized after that moment, I was able to relax and drink and enjoy the moments of my wedding.
My wedding day came, finally, it was my turn. Pari and the team arrived on time, sorted everything. I had nothing to do but be present and thats something that I can never be more thankful for Pari. They kept our timeline on point and made changes quickly when I asked. They packed things up and coordinated with my designees.
My wedding was perfect and exactly what I wanted. Most importantly, my wedding was executed professional and just as I envisioned. She captured my picture and performed perfectly. There isn't, truly, any negative thing I can think of, not even a lil bit of that or some more of that.
Finally, just one last thought. As my partner and I were sharing these moments in the ceremony, I scanned the logical family chosen to be there, including my vendor team. There wasn't a dry eye present, including Pari's eyes. The love I share for her and our friendship will be forever present.
Hire this team. You won't regret it. And yes, you really do need a planner!
Thank you Pari and Sara, from the deepest part of Justin's and my heart.
Much love, always!
Justin and Cory!
