Fairy Tale Events for a Fairy Tale Wedding

Following timelines, arranging photo shoots and making sure bridesmaids are perfectly coifed are all part of the wedding day. However, brides and grooms, and the bridal party and family, are busy getting themselves ready so having another person around to oversee the details is important.

A current trend while planning a wedding is to hire a "day of coordinator." I spoke with Chrissi Mordhorst, owner of Fairy Tale Events, to find out more about what she does and how she has helped Garden City couples.

GC Patch: How did Fairy Tale Events come about?

Mordhorst: I began with party planning and coordination 11 years ago before moving on to hosting corporate, charity and red carpet events. In 2007, I coordinated several weddings while working for The Walt Disney Company and I fell in love with how magical weddings are! I recognized my passion and desire to work as a wedding planner and coordinator. When I moved back to New York, I started a business where I love what I do!

GC Patch: What services do you provide?

Mordhorst: We offer both full and partial planning services for all types of events. However, we are most known for our Day of Coordination packages, which include coordination and direction of all aspects of the event.

GC Patch: Can you tell me about your experience at The Garden City Hotel?

Mordhorst: Weather permitting, outdoor ceremonies are beautiful on the well-kept grounds. The high ceilings are perfect for elaborate centerpieces, while all of the wide open spaces showcase beautiful uplighting designs. The spacious layout is also perfect for live bands and dancing.

GC Patch: Does working there make your job easier?

Mordhorst: The staff at GCH is fabulous! I'm able to have faith that the details we discuss will be perfectly executed, allowing me to focus on the bride and wedding party. Often, guests have access to a hotel block at a discounted rate, allowing them to enjoy the wedding without fear of driving home at the end!

GC Patch: What's your favorite aspect about working with a bride?

Mordhorst: I am truly flattered every time a bride chooses me as the person who will execute her dream wedding! I become close with brides and I want nothing more than to create that fairy tale that all girls dream of. There are so many moments that are special to me, such as corsetting a bride's dress and watching her see herself for the first time, watching the groom's face light up when he sees her and revealing the reception hall when the couple stands back and takes everything in.

GC Patch: What do you think are the biggest hardships of wedding planning that a Day of Coordinator can really help with?

Mordhorst: All of the choices can be overwhelming. I try to lend my perspective and opinions when asked about everything from centerpieces to bands and veils to guestbooks! Sometimes playing devil's advocate helps couples work out the "what ifs." Another point of stress is definitely wrangling with vendors. We call vendors to confirm hours, location, services and payments. On the day of, we become the sole point of contact for all of the vendors so that the happy couple is not being bothered. We also distribute payments and gratuities so that no one needs to worry about carrying around the cash.

GC Patch: Is there anything else you think Patch readers should know about Fairy Tale Events?

Mordhorst: Don't be intimidated by the idea of hiring a planner or a coordinator. We are the only company that I know of that offers complimentary basic planning help to our clients. We're friendly, experienced and affordable. You absolutely need to trust all of your vendors, don't settle! If you don't feel 100 percent comfortable with a vendor, you may run into complications later on.

Visit Fairy Tale Events for more information.