Let me start out by saying I can't count the number of times before and after I got engaged that I said I would never get a wedding planner and could do it all myself with my mom (I laugh as I just typed that by the way). Well, that was until I met Cody Smith! As I began booking vendors, I continued to get asked who my wedding planner was and kept saying that I did not need one. They probably thought I was nuts. It wasn't until I booked my photographer that he explicitly told me I needed a wedding planner and the wedding planner I should hire was Cody Smith. That was hands down the best advice I received during the planning process. From our first call with Cody, we knew she was definitely our girl! As we began working with Cody, we loved everything about her. Cody is incredibly talented at what she does and on top of that is so kind and truly cares about you not as just a bride but as a person. Cody took every idea that we had for our wedding and brought it to a whole other level that I could never have imagined. The time she puts in, the detail, energy, and dedication that Cody brings makes you feel as if you are the only bride she is working with. Cody was exactly what I never knew I needed but can't describe how lucky and grateful I am to have had Cody as my wedding planner. Cody is so much more than just your wedding planner; she becomes your family. My wedding was the wedding of my dreams and perfect in every way. I can 100% say that my wedding day was perfect because I had Cody as a wedding planner. Cody, I can't thank you enough for all that you did for us and our wedding. I am so grateful for you. You are the best of the best and one of a kind, as I said in the title a gift from the Wedding Gods! If you are a bride like me who thinks you do not need a wedding planner, I am here to tell you I promise you that you do. And the wedding planner to hire is Cody.

Many brides will tell you they fall into one of two categories after their wedding: either they’re thrilled it’s over and can finally relax and enjoy married life, or they feel a deep sadness that the day they’ve dreamed of since childhood has come to an end—the most magical day of their life is now behind them.

I like to think I fall into the first category—beyond happy to settle into life with my husband, Dane. I get to admire our wedding bands, look forward to our favorite season (fall in Virginia is heaven), and finally breathe easy without stressing over family dynamics, rain plans, or unexpected blemishes on the big day. Yet, I can’t say I’m not a little heartbroken… but not for the reason you might expect.

What saddens me most is that I won’t be speaking regularly with the most incredible wedding planner, Cody. Over the past months, Dane and I have come to adore and love her, and words can hardly capture how amazing she was to work with. From our very first phone call, when she shared a detailed Excel sheet tracking every aspect of the wedding (from budget-tracking to planning checklists), I knew I was in excellent hands. Cody checked all the boxes—she was organized, knowledgeable, passionate, resourceful, and attentive. However, most importantly, she was authentic and genuine. These two qualities were vital to me during my search for the right planner, as I wanted someone who truly understood me and had my best interests at heart. And I know Cody did, every step of the way from our weekly calls to random texts throughout the weeks leading up to the big day, she had my back through everything.

Cody is not only an exceptional wedding planner; she’s also a talented designer and visionary. When we first spoke, I shared my vision for a wedding that was simple yet timeless, and I also explained that we were working with a strict budget. To help ease the financial pressure, Cody graciously offered to handle the florals herself. Now, looking back, I’m in awe of how she flawlessly planned our wedding while also creating the most breathtaking floral arrangements. She crafted my stunning bouquet, all the wedding party’s flowers, boutonnieres, centerpieces, and even an exquisite ground floral arch for the ceremony, which she cleverly repurposed for our sweetheart table. Beyond the flowers, Cody used beautiful candle holders, lanterns, vases, votives, frames, and more to bring my vision to life—all while keeping us within budget. Her creativity and resourcefulness were nothing short of magical. The magic she wove was felt by every guest, and I’m still receiving messages about how extraordinary our wedding was. It was a day that will be remembered by all who attended, thanks to the unforgettable experience she helped create.

Beyond being an incredible planner, designer, and creator, Cody was a calming presence throughout the entire planning process. I am endlessly grateful for her as a listening ear, a voice of reason, and a constant source of support. The confidence and trust I placed in her allowed me to truly enjoy our wedding day, knowing she had every detail under control. I was actually so genuinely happy to see her throughout my wedding day (a feeling I will not forget).

Thanks to all of Cody’s hard work and meticulous preparation, I felt like not only I, but my entire bridal party could simply show up (and follow the timeline, of course!) and savor every moment of the day—and that’s exactly what we did.

Words can’t fully capture how much I love and appreciate Cody. I feel so fortunate to have had her as my planner, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to future brides.

We can hardly find the words to express how grateful we are to Cody and her incredible team for making our wedding at Mount Ida an absolute dream come true! From the very beginning, Cody fully understood our vision and found the most creative and thoughtful ways to bring it to life, all while keeping us within our budget.

Cody’s team was also fantastic, and we can’t say enough about how much they contributed to making our day seamless. Our bridal and groom’s attendants were absolute lifesavers, taking care of every small detail so we didn’t have to worry about a thing. They anticipated our needs before we even had to ask, whether it was a quick touch-up, keeping us hydrated and comfortable, or ensuring we could savor each part of the day without distraction. Thanks to their help, we could simply enjoy the experience with each other and our loved ones, fully present in every moment. The team’s support made a world of difference, and we are so grateful for how they worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly.

Beyond her flawless execution, Cody’s communication and organization throughout the entire planning process were exceptional. She encouraged us to complete everything as far in advance as possible, which made the days leading up to the wedding feel much more relaxed. Knowing Cody was in charge gave us so much relief and happiness; we were able to soak in every moment because we knew she had everything handled!!

Thank you, Cody, for making our wedding more beautiful and memorable than we ever thought possible!! We’re forever grateful for the best night of our lives, all thanks to you and your amazing team!