08-08-2016
Planner Profile // Eastern Shore Maryland Wedding Planner Kari Rider Events
FILED IN: Planner Profile, Small Business Spotlight
Posted By: Jamie Kutchman, Founder
Image credit: Natalie Franke Photography
Chic. Classic. Coastal. Cool under pressure. Creator of timeless weddings SO on-point, you'll wish you never wasted your time Googling wedding trends. Meet Kari Rider, owner of Eastern Shore-based Kari Rider Events. She is one of the very first wedding planners I ever had the privilege of collaborating with upon starting Marigold & Grey and I'm over the moon excited to introduce her on the blog today.
Please tell us a little about yourself and how you ended up as a wedding planner?
I kind of fell into it actually! I took a marketing job at a country club right out of college. A few months later, the event planner quit and they asked me to take over. Right away, I knew I had found what I wanted to do with my career! I worked there for five years until my youngest son Nolan was born (almost a year to the day after my oldest, Ivey, came into the world—so life was pretty crazy for awhile!). When things settled down a bit, I decided to kick our crazy up another notch by starting my own event planning business! I began slow, working part time at first before really launching Kari Rider Events into a full-fledged operation a few years ago—the culmination of which came with the opening of my downtown Easton studio and showroom last spring.
What sets you apart from other planners in the industry?
My location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Although I serve the entire Mid-Atlantic region, my focus is on the Shore, where I live and have my studio. The majority of my clients live outside the area so they need a planner with extensive knowledge of and connections to the region. And it’s almost like I was born to work here, as my favorite design palette—a mix of cool gray, bright white, oyster shell blue and a pop of gold—screams Eastern Shore!
Please describe your ideal client.
My ideal client is attracted to the natural beauty and understated elegance of the Eastern Shore, and wants those themes woven through their event design. They appreciate a well-dressed table, lush blooms and thoughtful details that allow their event to stand out.
Image credit: Elizabeth Fogarty Photography
Please describe your signature style.
In a word: polished. I love a neutral palette, subtle textures, lush blooms, metallic accents and cohesive details that trend toward the classic.
What’s your favorite way to enhance the guest experience?
Little touches that are unexpected—think creative escort card displays, fun drink stations and standout décor—and, of course, an amazing band!
What’s the best advice you have for brides and grooms to be?
Have fun and don’t overthink it! Yes there’s a lot involved with planning a wedding, but some of my most memorable weddings have been with clients who were able to relax and enjoy the process. That’s why I’m here after all—to handle all those little stresses for you!
Best part of being a planner?
The ability to be creative every day, and to see that creativity come to life in new and beautiful ways during one of the most meaningful days of our clients’ lives.
Image credit: Natalie Franke Photography
Most challenging part of being a planner?
Dealing with eccentric clients and, at times, demanding needs! I’ll elaborate when I retire!
Biggest wedding disaster and how you overcame it?
We had just loaded up the first shuttle of guests at the end of a reception last season, only to find out a few minutes later that a pickup tram had slammed into the side of the bus. No guests were injured but the passengers of the truck were flown out via helicopter (fortunately, everyone recovered just fine). The road was shut down for hours as emergency personnel worked to make sure everyone was okay. Unfortunately that meant the rest of the guests couldn’t leave the reception. I quickly talked to the parents of the bride and decided not to alert guests of the disaster, but instead to announce the band would be playing for another hour. Everyone danced away the extra time and the road cleared just in time. That was definitely one for the record books!
Fave celebrity wedding?
Honestly, nothing is really coming to mind! I feel like so many celebrities are keeping their nuptials secret these days and not sharing photos. But when it comes to celebrity wedding fashion, my faves include Olivia Palermo, Allison Williams, Anne Hathaway and Whitney Port!
Fave color palette?
Neutral, neutral, neutral! White, gray, gold and oyster shell blue top the list.
Image credit: Elizabeth Fogarty Photography
Fave spot for a destination wedding?
Bald Head Island, North Carolina. I’m totally biased—my husband and I got married there 10 years ago—but it’s the perfect wedding destination. Imagine all of your guests renting houses and making their way around the scenic beach community via golf carts (because they don’t allow cars!). It’s like a big family vacation for a hundred of your closest loved ones!
Fave ‘something blue’?
A silk ribbon on a bridal bouquet.
Fave floral?
Not to be cliché, but peonies! Especially the cool blush tones. They’re the perfect pop of texture.
Image credit: Natalie Franke Photography
Fave Insta feed these days?
Once Wed and Jose Villa. Now, always.
For a closer look into Kari Rider Events, follow along on Instagram! Thank you Kari, for taking the time to answer our questions! Much appreciated!
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