Member Spotlight: Mark Padgett Event Design

Mark Padgett Event Design is a long-time CCWP member- and Mark is also the ONLY male coordinator that we have! He's got a great laugh, great style, and a sharp sense of humor- you're going to love getting to know him.....Enjoy! 

1. How long have you owned and operated your business? 

I did my very first wedding in September of 1999. Mark Padgett Event Design was born the following year. We are coming up to our 12th birthday! 

2. How long have you been a member of CCWP? 

A member since 1995, served on the board for seven years and was the president for two. 

3. What services does your business provide? 

We offer complete and one of a kind services in wedding design, planning, coordination and consulting. 

4. What do you think sets YOU apart from other coordinators?  

Well for sure the fact that I'm a guy! : ) The industry is predominately women and I think just seeing my name makes me stand out. My specialty is design. My designs are very comprehensive, certainly the colors, textures, layout, look and feel of the wedding are important, but we also help them find an ideal setting for who they are and the vendors that best suit their desires and personal style. We also help with the menu-making sure it fits the client, the surroundings and who is attending, We help them to choose music that will underscore the day brilliantly and tell their guests who they are. We help them find the bridesmaid's dresses, the guys suits and ties, even the bridal gown if she wants us to. We have our eye on the big picture and it's all about having everything balanced. 

5. What is your approach/style/philosophy when it comes to wedding coordination?
Our lives are made of moments, some we retain and others slip away, most often when the moments are moving too fast or when we have too many other things on our mind. We make sure that the bride, groom and their families are free to enjoy the moment, that each moment has beauty, substance, flavor, fun and for heaven's sake good lighting!  Then the memory lasts. 

7. What are your favorite wedding looks/trends/color combos, etc.?
That would be a 40 Blog entry challenge. I am currently embracing the trend of fewer staid traditions. The large formal cake has given way to dessert bars, candy or "carb" stations, or just layer cakes on vintage pedestals. No garter toss, thank you very much, and most of my clients are presenting their bouquet to a dear aunt rather then throwing it. Barbaric thing really, catching a bouquet, and in high heels?! I am loving the trend of elements being authentic, not whitewashed or manufactured. A small tea tin for a vase, a fruit crate at the dessert table, a barn wall as a backdrop, real furniture instead of linen on rental tables.  I also love that the emphasis is on throwing the most fun, laid back and gorgeous party ever! Comfort food as appetizers, late night offerings of mac and cheese or goodies for the car ride back to the Hotel. Love that not only are brides letting her bridesmaids pick a style that best fits her body, often she is letting them choose the dress completely (within the palette of course!) As far as colors go the trend is not to be trendy! Palettes are all over the place.  I like the bride to choose colors that she really loves, not what is popular, but that are her favorite colors.  Grey is still holding as the new black. With orange or yellow or purple or pink, Blues are huge, faded vintage palettes, fuschia is making a bit of a comeback and greens are in. 

"Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to express my philosophy and design inspirations. I hope all of the CCWP readers enjoy the post and pictures that I have shared!" 

A fabulous dessert table! 

Mark and one of his beautiful brides! 

A chic barn wedding....how amazing is this?! 

Photo Credits go to Mike Larson, Cameron Ingalls, Colleen Rosenthal, Julie Wilson and Jeff Newsom