Lora Ward was such a valuable asset for my daughter who was planning her Sacramento wedding" long distance". Both Stacey and Joe are actors living in New York City who wanted their wedding to be near Stacey's home town of Davis.
Lora was key in helping make this dream wedding come true. I suppose many couples who are planning their wedding find their Wedding Planner or Day Of co-ordinator first. Not us.
The Crocker Museum Ballroom was selected as the site for the Ceremony with an evening reception in the courtyard of the Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento.
In late December we met with Phillip Rice of Phillip Rice Designs and East Sac Florist. After our initial meeting with him, we were so excited by his "vision" and his talents we were certain that he was PERFECT for Stacey and Joe's wedding. There was only one problem. He was already booked for a wedding in southern California the day before our scheduled wedding! He reassured us that he would be able to handle the "decor and floral" elements but that he would not be able to be our coordinator for that day. After a few minutes of thought, he recommended Lora Ward as someone who was experienced, warm, motherly, unflappable and who was adept at handling details.
Stacey and Joe (who were visiting for Christmas) were able to meet with her one evening just after Christmas. They were impressed by the scope of services she could assist them with and that she was willing to do as much or as little as they required.
My first meeting with Lora left me confident that she could "mother hen" are far-flung group and keep us on track. "No Worries." is her motto and became mine. If I was worried, I would send her an e-mail always knowing that I would receive a prompt and well thought out reply.
Lora led us to other talented and vital members of our Wedding Team. The talented Matt Brys of Extreme Productions (D.J. and lighting), Jennifer (hair and make-up) and Sara who came to the last minute rescue and produced lovely escort cards.
Stacey handled many aspects of planning her day while in New York. Lora was always there to advise, suggest and support Stacey and Joe's vision.
Because the majority of the wedding guests were out of state, this became a destination wedding weekend. John and I were happy to open our house and to be hosts for various events. I could not have survived the Wedding Day without Lora! I knew that she had every last detail under control and that I really did have "No Worries"! As the father of the bride said, "Lora was a wise investment".