Paikka Where Anna Weds Ian

When Anna and Ian initially reached out to me they were firm on quite a few musts:

MUST NOT HAVE a first look or family photos
MUST HAVE the same photographers and pastor as elopement
MUST DO a greeting line with guests at the reception venue with a photo opportunity
MUST NOT HAVE a wedding party, save for a best man and a maid of honor

And they were mulling about a few ideas,

like, sustainable reusable napkins (that they did collect and launder post-use)
like, should we use dad’s groom inflatable tube man?
like, should we get ready on site (perfect timing for PAIKKA’s new green room addition)
like, how do we keep hold of a chill vibe during the event?

To be clear, I am sometimes just a day-of-coordinator. I bounced ideas around with them but Anna and Ian were in the driver’s seat the whole time and I was just there to take notes and ensure that myself and Cheri (Retire In Peace) executed their plans as chill as possible.

Boy do I love a chill wedding, and being able to use my leatherman.

6 THINGS WE CAN LEARN

If you get married in a church, decor/floral is never missed
Groom inflatable tube men use a blower to majestically dance in the air, this will create NOISE, plan accordingly
Glassware can lend a pop of color and be more usable then extra floral on the table
If you are picking up your own rentals ask how those rentals are handed off, like in crates, totes or boxes, and then ensure your vehicle has ample space to transport said rentals
If you are planning to bring games for guests, pick games you know they’ll play
Tip jars are a great place for early relationship photos, particularly if your hairstyles have transformed over the years