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For this inaugural episode of Hudson Valley Bride, I had the pleasure of chatting with Katie Parent, owner of Service Matters Northeast. Katie offers her best wedding planner advice while also sharing about how she got her start in the hospitality business as a teen.
Katie was introduced to the fine dining business when she worked at a family-owned restaurant where the owners took her under their wing. She learned the ins and outs of hard work by working her way up from a bus girl and observing how the front of house and back of house operate and what makes those systems work smoothly. When this restaurant branched out and started hosting weddings, Katie again worked her way up to a Bridal Assistant where she realized how impeccable service could make or break an event.
In 2011 Katie established Service Matters Northeast and continues to implement all those lessons in how she works with engaged couples as well as other wedding vendors. I love her perspective of “collaboration over competition.”
Wedding Tip:
DON’T SETTLE! Katie spoke about seeing couples during Covid restrictions having to “settle” with not having their dream wedding or not having their entire families with them to celebrate. Where there’s a will, there’s a way…even when you’re talking about sticking to a budget. This is where having a wedding professional like Katie can be useful in helping you decide how to you make your tastes fit your budget.
Wedding pros are also expert problem solvers! Chances are good that what you see as an insurmountable problem is something Katie and other pros have likely dealt with in the past. Never be afraid to ask questions or allow your vendors to think outside the box to resolve an issue.
Contact Katie:
Web: servicemattersny.com
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