Unali Events FAQ
Most frequently asked questions and answers.
What does Unali mean?
Unali is Cherokee for “friend.” I used this word in all of my wedding invitations and programs for my own wedding. I married my best friend, my emotional, physical and spiritual partner, my Unali, and our entire wedding theme was based on the word Unali. So naming my wedding and events company Unali just seemed right.
What is a Day Of/Month Of Coordinator?
Day Of Coordination is a myth. No professional wedding planner would show up at 9am to organize a wedding. There is too much wedding planning involved! A Month Of Coordinator is typically a wedding planner who pulls everything together for you but doesn’t start the work until 8-6 weeks from the event date. They will reach out to vendors, review the timeline, run the rehearsal and be there the day of to make sure everything is going as planned.
What is Wedding Management?
Wedding Management is a term that is gaining traction in the wedding planning field. It is really what any planner or coordinator does. We manage the vendors, the venue, the guests and the bridal party. Wedding Management can be as long or detailed as you want. It might include elements of planning and coordination. Maybe you need help with colors but have all your vendors lined up. Maybe you need help with the cake. Maybe you need help with everything or maybe you just need someone to manage the day of the event.
Who are you?
I am a local, wine country wedding planner and coordinator. I am a 5th generation Napa Valley local. I moved to Sonoma about 17 years ago. I have been in the hospitality and event industry for over 20 years with experience in winery events, weddings and catering.
Why did you get into weddings and events?
In June of 2018, I decided that I wanted to bring a different aspect to weddings. Weddings can be so boring! And they are so similar to the one before. I want to shake things up. I want your guest to say, “wait, what just happened?” I will not plan a “traditional” wedding without some element that is uniquely the couples.
What does that mean? Element that is uniquely the couples?
This is a process that starts with a conversation. I find out what makes the couple, well, a couple. Do they like to sky dive? Did they meet building houses? Do they hike every weekend? How can I take those elements and create their day?
Where do you work?
Although I am based in Sonoma, I cover the North Bay, Sonoma, Napa and all of Wine Country.
Why do I need a wedding manager?
Everyone deserves to enjoy their day without stress. Are you going to have your brother make an ice run? Is your new mother in law going to get more toilet paper? Is you mom and dad going to be worried about how everything is going? We take all that stress away by making sure the vendors know where they are going and at what time, the caterer knows when to put out the hot food, and the bride/groom walks down to the right song. We will make sure that you and your family can be totally present and enjoy your awesome day.
What is the process of hiring a wedding manager?
How many weddings and events have you done?
I have coordinated and/or planned over 100 events in the past 25 years.