It was more than six years ago, back when Michelle Tortuya worked as a marketing and public relations coordinator for city government in Los Angeles, while planning non-profit events, grand openings, anniversaries and other milestones, that Michelle’s interest in party and event planning peaked. After having the opportunity to plan several weddings, she knew she could never go back.

And, just like that, The Charming Little Event Company was born. Ok, maybe not “just like that . . .”

“Since its inception, I have been through a company name and logo change,” says Michelle. “I’ve had two kids, tons of fun with weddings and events, with lots of ups and downs along the way.

Based in Orange County, Calif., and currently employing two lead assistants and anywhere between two to six interns throughout the year, Michelle says she wouldn’t change a thing.

The complexity of simplicity

Michelle’s success grew out of a dedicated work ethic seen in all successful entrepreneurs, but it also grew out of her personal philosophy that events should be simple.

Don’t be deceived by Michelle’s definition of “simple.”

“A special event should be a reflection of emotions, personalities and experiences,”  says Michelle, conveying that the purpose and people of the event should remain paramount throughout the planning process.

Delivering simplicity of this nature to each of her clients requires an ability to navigate the intense complexity behind the scenes and between all people, places and things wedding-related. Michelle excels at this.

“I have a degree in organizational communication,” says Michelle. “That has come in really handy, when dealing with various vendors, family members and all different types of personalities.”

Michelle’s education, both, in the field and classroom, doesn’t stop there. She is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants, Orange County, where she currently serves as Co-Director of Programs.

“There is always something to learn,” says Michelle, “And I make sure I surround myself with educational opportunities and absorb all the details from each of my experiences.”

Demystifying the consultant role for confused brides

Both a consummate teacher and pupil, Michelle’s website contains a FAQ page relevant to all brides, whether they book with her or not. With so much misinformation out on the Internet and in the media, this FAQ page is a great place for any bride who is interested in demystifying a wedding consultant’s role.

Wedding consultant roles, pricing, advice for the DIY bride and recommendations on finding a reputable consultant are all explained in easy-to-understand and accessible language for brides and grooms who may be feeling overwhelmed and, possibly confused or conflicted, about hiring a wedding consultant.

“Some brides and grooms feel that a planner is an extra expense on top of everything else,” says Michelle. “Maybe something that only the higher-end couple would utilize.

“That’so wrong!”

Michelle helps couples understand that a wedding consultant is an integral part of a wedding budget, not an extra expense. She advises that couples often save money because a consultant suggests less expensive alternatives that still enhance your wedding; consultants may also obtain discounts from suppliers and/or find vendors that fit a couple’s budget and taste.

“Wedding consultants can work with you to produce the wedding of your dreams while staying within your budget,” adds Michelle.

For brides who being hands-on, Michelle and her team will work with you to implement your vision and help bring your ideas to life.

Another misconception brides have, in Michelle’s opinion, is their lack of understanding the difference between an on-site coordinator and a wedding planner.

“I hear a lot of brides say they don’t need a wedding planner because their venue offers a coordinator,” says Michelle. “Make sure you know exactly what services are offered to you by the venue.”

Unlike a venue coordinator, Michelle cautions, a planner knows every detail of your day, from who has not RSVP’d to all the ins and outs of your budget.

“Having someone there that knows every detail of your day is so important in ensuring the most seamless and enjoyable experience for you,” adds Michelle.

Long walks and stacks of magazines

Brides feel confident and well cared-for under Michelle’s expertise and tutelage, but it’s her creativity that ultimately cements their relationship.

“For an outdoor vintage romantic wedding, I was at the park with my kids when I noticed beautiful birch wood branches on the ground,” reflects Michelle, “And wow, I had a total vision!”

Michelle utilized the wood to create signs and stands for the dessert table.

“Cute, outdoorsy and fun,” shares Michelle, who takes inspiration from her many long walks outside, as well as from her favorite magazines, including: The Knot, Real Simple, Your Wedding Day and Better Homes and Gardens.

“It doesn’t have to be a wedding magazine to inspire,” reminds Michelle.

Wedding under wraps

This past June, Michelle helped design a wedding for a bride who had a strong idea of her overall vision, but who wanted help with the details. Michelle found herself in heaven, picking out linens, chatting with the florist, checking out lounge furniture and designing a candlelit path. Because this particular bride had a strong sense of the big picture, Michelle was free to really run with the details. The end result was so breathtaking that Michelle can’t spill the beans because The Knot will feature this wedding next year!

Inviting brides to see

Not all brides are outspoken about their vision. There are no shortcuts when working with any bride and for a shy bride, it may take a little longer or take several meetings before she’s ready to risk putting her ideas out there. Once she does, Michelle builds on those ideas and proposes the bride and groom experience her ideas first hand.

“I invite her, as I do all my brides, to see and feel in person,” says Michelle. “To see a linen on the table; to see colored uplights on the wall; to smell the fresh flowers, and the like. Seeing and feeling in person is a huge step in articulating and then finalizing a vision.”

Philosophy builds brand

Michelle’s wedding philosophy is one that honors, both, the bride and groom by striving to create a day that is not only beautiful in details, but  one that doesn’t fall short of the real reason everyone is gathered — the ceremony to unite the bride and groom in marriage.

“Any personal touches we can incorporate into the whole day that portray the couple’s personalities and life together, help us do just that,” concludes Michelle.

Michelle Recommends . . .

• Looking for design inspiration outside the wedding industry: in fashion, architectural and design magazines, as well as anywhere you are walking outdoors.
• Remember, your design details are important, but the real reason everyone is gathered is to be a part of the celebration of your marriage.
• A wedding consultant does make sense for brides who have a strong vision and are thinking of going the DIY route. With the help of a consultant, you really can enjoy all the planning and relax and enjoy your day.
• Do your homework when determining if a wedding consultant is reputable or not. Ask prospective wedding consultants to which professional organizations they belong. Education, experience, credentials, and ongoing involvement in certification and other professional programs are important measurements of whether one is reputable or not.

A little bit more

The Charming Little Event Company is based in Orange County, CA and plans events all over southern California. Michelle and her team offer full planning services (starting at $1500) as well as a variety of basic and partial services, including meetings, consultations, vendor visits, theme design, RSVP assistance and more.

If you are a bride or groom who is unsure about what a wedding consultant does; how much one costs; or whether or not it makes sense to hire one, be sure to check out The Charming Little Event Company’s FAQ page, where Michelle has answers to all your questions in an easy to read Q&A format.

Keep up with Michelle on Twitter, Facebook, her blog and her website.

(Photo courtesy Michelle Tortuya)