The fabulous Kristine Galli of In Love, Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation
As a business owner, it is so important to attend conferences and seminars to learn from other experts in the wedding industry. And so many times when we attend these conferences you end up meeting so many amazing people that you just want to share their business with everyone. This was definitely the case when Jay & I attended the ISS (Inspire Smart Success) Conference in Chicago last month. During lunch I sat next to Kristine Galli, owner of In Love Engaged Wedding Planning & Marriage Preparation, and I wanted to share her unique business with all of my soon to be brides.
Tell me about yourself and your business. The short of it is that I run a wedding planning and marriage preparation business. The wedding planning piece is pretty straight forward—I help brides and grooms-to-be plan their weddings. But I also believe that a couple should use their engagement to prepare for marriage and their long life together. So I offer marriage preparation as well—I have a Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy and I am certified in Prepare Enrich, an assessment and counseling tool for engaged couples. Education is key—learning about yourself and your partner and how the two of you relate to one another—as is communicating about topics that may cause conflict later on. In addition to the planning and preparation business, I also write a wedding blog providing inspiration, planning tips, and relationship advice. In a way I play three roles—planner, counselor, and writer. Those three words describe my personality very well!
How did you get started in the Wedding industry? Like so many planners and bloggers, I got started in the industry after my own wedding. But for me it was more than just enjoying the planning aspect {which I definitely did!}. I was working as a therapist for a group practice at the time and feeling like I wanted to do something different. While I was planning my wedding, I realized that I could combine my talents—my organized, detail-oriented, Type A side with my counseling, love for people and relationships side—by starting my own wedding planning and marriage preparation business.
Where is your business located? I am located in Chicago but I work with couples all over the Chicagoland area as well as Northern Indiana and Western Michigan.
What type of event makes up the majority of your business? Weddings! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What sets your company apart from other wedding planners? I believe I offer something unique to couples planning a wedding. For couples who choose to use my planning services, I attempt to keep the wedding day in perspective for them and encourage them to enjoy their engagement and focus more on their relationship instead of the details of the wedding {since that’s why they hired me!}. For couples who choose to use my marriage preparation services, I walk them through the Prepare Enrich assessment and help them learn about one another and communicate with each other about important past, present, and future topics in their relationship.
What are some 2012 Wedding Trends? Oh gosh, there are so many trends out there at any given moment. I actually think there’s going to be an increase, or comeback if you will, of classic, elegant weddings. And I really loved all the dresses that were revealed at this year’s Bridal Market—especially the lace sleeves (modeled after Catherine of course!), colors (blush pink!), and beautiful details like layered tulle. But I think the real trend is doing whatever you want with your wedding! Your wedding is a celebration of your marriage and should be all about you and your to-be spouse.
What are some of your favorite menu items for wedding receptions? It’s funny, I love going to weddings with a traditional meal like salmon, green beans, and mashed potatoes (because that may just be my most favorite meal to eat!) but I also love when brides and grooms do something different—BBQ or family-style or even brunch. I think it’s great when couples get creative. I always love seeing those s’mores bars and milk and cookie shooters. And it’s great when the season is incorporated—like pumpkin pie for a Fall wedding or hot chocolate and donuts for a winter wedding. There are just so many options out there!
Do you have a favorite color palette? I think I have to say no to this one. There’s no way I could choose a favorite. I go back and forth every day, with every new wedding I see! I love colorful weddings or weddings with a color that really pops like orange. But I also love, love, love muted palettes and all-white weddings. There’s something so romantic about blush pink, light blue, and soft gray. In fact, those were my wedding colors! So maybe I do have a favorite?
If you could only have one song on your I-pod, which song would it be? My favorite song to dance to is I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston. There’s no other song that gets me the dance floor faster. My husband requests it whenever we attend an event with dancing—he knows I can’t resist it!
To learn more about Kristine & In Love, Engaged please visit her at: www.inloveengaged.com
Kristine transformed a historic barn for her very own wedding reception!
Kristine's travel themed wedding complete with a Map Seating Chart for the guests.
Who wouldn't love a homemade Pie Dessert Station...yummy!
Kristine's travel themed Gift Table complete with a suitcase for her wedding cards.
