READING TIME: 3 min 3 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/06/2025
UPDATED: 02/06/2025
Weddings are more than just one-day celebrations; they are carefully woven stories of love, commitment, and unforgettable moments. But for AJ Coordinates, wedding planning is also about challenging conventions, embracing creativity, and crafting experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.
For AJ Coordinates, wedding planning isn’t just about organizing a celebration—it’s about storytelling. With a bold and eclectic approach, they transform ordinary weddings into extraordinary experiences.
“I love planning weddings that challenge the norm and embrace bold, eclectic ideas. I thrive on designing weddings that are full of character and meaning.”
Based in St. Louis, Missouri, AJ Coordinates has planned over 85 weddings in just four years. Their love for wedding planning goes beyond logistics—it’s about forming deep connections and creating moments that last a lifetime.
“Building relationships with not just the couple but with their friends and parents is what I love most. Seeing an idea go from creation to completion is incredibly rewarding.”
Like many remarkable journeys, AJ’s path into wedding planning wasn’t planned. Initially working with a nonprofit organization, AJ was responsible for managing events and weddings. But when COVID hit, everything changed.
“My department was dissolved, and at the same time, a close friend was struggling to plan her wedding during the pandemic. I stepped in to help, and that experience changed everything for me.”
That one event was a turning point. Word spread, and soon after, another friend asked for assistance. At one of those weddings, someone approached AJ and asked about pricing. That moment marked the start of a full-fledged wedding planning career.
AJ Coordinates believes in breaking away from traditional norms to create truly unique weddings.
“At the heart of my company is a belief in celebrating love in all its forms and empowering couples to break the rules of tradition to create something uniquely their own.”
Their philosophy revolves around inclusivity, creativity, and authenticity. AJ specializes in working with couples who want a wedding that reflects their personalities and stories—not just what’s trending.
“Do what feels like you and not what the current trend is. Think outside the box and become the new trend!”
Among the many weddings planned, one stands out: a circus-themed wedding.
“We planned a circus wedding. Equipped with food trucks, acrobats, and cotton candy machines.”
From unique concepts to unexpected details, AJ thrives on creating immersive experiences that guests will never forget.
Their favorite venues to work at? Wild Carrot, The Chase, and World’s Fair Pavilion—all spaces that allow for bold creativity and unique designs.
Every wedding comes with its own set of challenges. For AJ, one of the biggest is balancing the expectations of the couple with those of their families.
“Weddings are deeply personal, but they’re also communal events, and navigating those dynamics can be tricky.”
Through empathy and communication, AJ ensures that the couple’s vision remains at the forefront while keeping everyone involved happy. Their solution-focused mindset and ability to stay calm under pressure make all the difference.
Budgeting is one of the biggest concerns for couples, and AJ Coordinates has a strategic approach.
“My main advice is to set clear priorities and stick to them. Decide what matters most to you as a couple—whether it’s the food, the venue, or the guest experience—and let those priorities guide your spending.”
They also recommend building a contingency fund of around 5–10% to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring that couples can enjoy their big day without financial stress.
If there’s one wedding AJ dreams of planning, it’s a fully customized tented wedding.
“We really want to do a custom tent wedding.”
A blank canvas that allows for full creative control is the ultimate goal. With their expertise, there’s no doubt they’ll bring that vision to life in the near future.
For couples currently planning their wedding, AJ has one final piece of advice:
“There will be a lot of opinions that come your way. Take them for face value and do your own research.”
At the end of the day, a wedding should be about what makes the couple happy—not about meeting expectations. With AJ Coordinates by their side, couples can rest assured their wedding will be a true reflection of who they are.
For those looking to create a wedding that breaks the mold and tells a story, AJ Coordinates is the perfect planner to bring that vision to life. Reach out today and start crafting your unforgettable celebration!
