READING TIME: 3 min 31 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/13/2024
UPDATED: 11/13/2024
When it comes to wedding planning, Ines & Marie has a unique approach that’s as much about artistry as it is about logistics. With over a decade of experience, these visionary planners bring together creativity, luxury, and a personalized touch to create unforgettable experiences for their clients. Their dedication to their craft and commitment to each couple’s story shines through every event they plan. Here, they share insights into their philosophy, memorable moments, and why they believe in the power of bespoke weddings.
Ines & Marie’s journey into wedding planning began as many great stories do: with a single step, a touch of serendipity, and a whole lot of passion. “We started as Take A Seat Events, offering month-of planning services and partial planning,” they share. “Our very first event was a friend of a friend who needed a coordinator.” Over time, that passion blossomed into a full-fledged business, encompassing everything from event planning to floral design.
What began as a modest business quickly evolved. “Over the years, we did a full rebrand, added floral services, as well as full-service planning,” they explain. This transformation not only elevated their brand but also refined their mission: to offer luxury weddings that are not only beautiful but deeply personal.
What drives Ines & Marie in their work? They’re clear: “We are passionate about creating bespoke, luxury events that represent our clients and deliver an elevated guest experience.” For them, every detail counts, and every choice they make is rooted in understanding the couple’s unique journey.
They believe that a wedding should be more than just a celebration—it should feel like a true extension of the couple’s personality. “Our goal is to make the entire planning experience seamless and enjoyable by providing a streamlined and transparent process,” they say. By limiting the number of events they take on each year, Ines & Marie ensure that every couple gets their undivided attention, allowing them to focus on the nuances that make each wedding special.
One wedding, in particular, stands out in their minds—a story of serendipity, change, and a shared journey. “Our most memorable wedding was one we planned in Portland, Maine,” they reminisce. The couple had initially requested a worldwide venue search, but fate had a different plan. “In the midst of our search, they moved to Portland.”
Embracing this new direction, Ines & Marie designed an entire weekend celebration in Portland that brought friends and family together in the couple’s new hometown. “We planned a full weekend—from a sailboat ceremony to a cocktail hour and dinner party the following day. We’ll never forget it,” they share. It’s these kinds of deeply personal, unforgettable experiences that make their work so fulfilling.
For Ines & Marie, the key to bringing a couple’s vision to life lies in collaboration and open communication. “We always believe in collaboration from the start—we want to know your goals, your priorities, your story,” they say. By fostering a partnership from day one, they create a planning process that is not only seamless but deeply engaging for their clients.
Managing a wedding budget can be daunting, but Ines & Marie bring clarity and precision to the process. “We establish our budgets upfront to ensure everyone is on the same page and reference it as we make decisions throughout planning,” they explain. Their practical approach includes offering advice on where to prioritize spending and suggesting areas where costs can be trimmed if necessary.
Their advice for couples? “Hire a planner that will provide realistic figures for the wedding you’re envisioning and is qualified to make decisions to stay on track.” This realistic approach helps couples feel secure and allows them to enjoy the planning process.
Working frequently at venues across Michigan, such as the Shinola Hotel, DIA, and Gallagher Farms, Ines & Marie are always drawn to spaces that allow them to create something extraordinary. However, they aren’t limited by geography. “We love to travel and dream up unique experiences in new locations!” they share, emphasizing how fresh settings fuel their creativity and inspire them to push boundaries in wedding design.
For those beginning to plan their big day, Ines & Marie offer this essential advice: “Hire your planner early (ideally before you book your venue), and let them guide you through the process so you can fully enjoy all of it.” In their experience, a planner doesn’t just make logistics easier—they turn what could be a stressful experience into a joyful journey. “The best planners will not only create the most beautiful day, but also alleviate the stress throughout planning, and allow you to be a guest at your own wedding,” they say. It’s this approach that makes Ines & Marie’s work so transformative for the couples they serve.
For Ines & Marie, wedding planning is not just about curating events—it’s about crafting stories, bringing people together, and creating moments that resonate. With each wedding, they aim to create an experience that feels both intimate and exceptional, proving that luxury and personal touches can, indeed, go hand in hand.
