The Creative Mastery Behind Hawthorne & Poppy Events

Hawthorne & Poppy Events is not just another wedding planning company; it is a vibrant and imaginative force in the wedding industry, celebrated for its unique blend of creativity and meticulous planning. The company's foundation lies in the rich, creative childhood of its founder, who once said, "I've always been imaginative and creative - I enjoyed telling stories and creating gorgeous and fun dream worlds." This narrative prowess and vision for beauty seamlessly transitioned into the realm of wedding planning, where dreams and reality converge.

The Journey Begins

Amy Küntz's entry into wedding planning was serendipitous, born from a personal experience marked by chaos and beauty. Describing her own wedding, she recounts, "On my wedding day, there was a huge flash flood that threatened to get in the way of everything. Thankfully the rain held off until dinner, when the sky opened up and it started pouring, so much so that the tent we were in started sagging on the sides. My favorite memory was sitting at our table and seeing my cousin Cody jumping up to knock the water off of the tent. After dinner, we danced the night away while the storm rolled it. Even through all of that, it was still the best day." 

This experience not only tested her resolve but also instilled a calmness and adaptability that she now brings to each wedding she plans. “After our wedding, I started working full-time for a local planning company to learn the ropes and get to know the community. After three years as a wedding planner and helping with marketing and creative direction, the pandemic hit. I took this season as an opportunity to create what I always wanted - a destination design and planning business of mine own. Now I'm going on 8 years and have loved every moment of the ride,” Amy shares.

Philosophy and Approach

The ethos of Hawthorne & Poppy Events revolves around creating weddings that embody the essence of the couple, reflecting their personalities, preferences, and dreams. "We design weddings that not only look like our clients but feel like them too," the team emphasizes, underscoring a commitment to personalization that goes beyond the surface. “Our clients love expressing themselves whether it's in fashion, art they choose for their home, where they travel, or the experiences they surround themselves with. We bring all of that to the wedding in a refined way that is as gorgeous as it is revelrous.”

Services and Client Engagement

At Hawthorne & Poppy Events, the focus is on full-service design and planning. "To do our best work we like to guide clients each step of the way and offer our expertise in all avenues," the team asserts, highlighting their comprehensive approach to wedding planning. This includes crafting a custom planning schedule right from the start and using their deep industry knowledge to guide clients toward the best choices for their vision. They advise, “Remember what your priorities are and what you ultimately want your wedding day to be.”

Regarding their capacity and commitment to quality, the team notes, "As a team, we can comfortably take on 30 weddings or wedding weekends per year." This allows them to maintain a high standard of service and attention to detail for each event.

When discussing the financial aspects of their services, Hawthorne & Poppy Events is transparent about their pricing, stating, "Our minimum ranges between $15,000 and $25,000." This investment reflects the bespoke, high-quality service that clients can expect when they choose Hawthorne & Poppy Events for their special day.

Memorable Moments

One particularly unforgettable wedding underscored the firm's ability to create joyous, lively celebrations. "We had a wedding in 2023 that had the best energy. The guests were so fun and kind. They cheered, toasted, and danced the night away. During dinner, all 200 guests twirled their dinner napkins over their head and cheered so loudly in unison any time something fun happened like the grand entrance, siblings toasts, or for just because they felt like it. After dinner, they danced so hard I thought we'd all fall through the floor. I've never experienced anything like it," she fondly recalls. “Everyone was fully in the moment for the couple and constantly showered them with love. It was epic and so special to witness.” Such moments are testaments to the vibrant and engaging experiences Hawthorne & Poppy Events is known for.

Challenges and Solutions

Dealing with unexpected challenges, especially weather-related ones, is part of the job. The team discusses their proactive approach to potential problems: "We plan with our clients from the get go to love their plan B as much as they love plan A so that they feel confident and taken care of if we have to call for inclement weather."

Understanding and managing budgets is critical in wedding planning. “From the very beginning in our onboarding call, we talk through the vision with our clients in depth. We want to know how they want the wedding to look and feel during each step of the day. From there we build a tiered budget where they can view vendor options in a few different investment ranges, then we educate them on each so that they are able to choose the best option for themselves," the team explains. “After they have made all of their selections from the tiered budget, we put together an estimated investment plan for them. We let them know that the estimated investment plan is living and breathing and that the estimates are based on our current knowledge of pricing which, thanks to supply and demand, can change without notice. Our clients really appreciate the expert knowledge on the front end instead of the promise to stay in budget while also delivering a vision that is much more grand than the initial investment.”

Vision for the Future

When asked about her dream project, the founder's eyes light up: "We don't have a dream venue per se, but end game for me personally would be Patagonia. But some of our favorite locations have been places where our clients give us the opportunity to transform spaces and get creative."

For those enchanted by the thought of a wedding that truly reflects their personality and dreams, Hawthorne & Poppy Events offers a magical blend of creativity, professionalism, and personal connection. With each event, they not only plan a wedding but also weave a rich, unforgettable tapestry of joy and celebration.