If your’re the smartest person in the room, then you’re in the wrong room.
This quote has followed me even before I started my wedding planning business back in 2008. You can find hundreds of alterations using this quote and although the origin is sketchy (some say it’s from the 1987 James Brooks film, “Broadcast News,” while others site Richard Tirendi, CEO and Co-Founder of VisionQuest 20/20 as the person who coined it during a speech in 1992), the meaning behind it is instilled in my daily thoughts. I strongly believe that in order to keep growing in life, relationships and business, it is imperative that you have people around you that you can learn from. Your team should consist of people who will challenge you to be better than you were the day before and each day going forward. If you have a huge ego it will block your ability to grow. Everyone has something to teach and it is possible to learn something from every person with whom you come into contact with.
I took all of the above factors into consideration when building The Coordinated Bride Team, also known as #TeamTCB. Together we are a group of smart, charismatic, technologically advanced, social media savvy, funny, fashionable, adaptable and downright COOL women! I am honored and humbled to even have a team! These ladies work hard and diligently to ensure that we keep bringing you content that is top notch! So…without further delay……Here’s the newest members of The Coordinated Bride Team!!
Listed in alphabetical order.
Kristine Baker – Texas, US {Blog Contributor}
Photo Courtesy of Emily Davis Photography
I have been wedding planning for over 5 years. After being asked to always be Maid of Honor or Matron of Honor, I took the hint that wedding planning was my calling. I am certified through the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (www.aacwp.org) as well as an active member of this organization. My background in high-end retail has truly impacted the care that I take with each of my brides, so I look to give each of my brides a boutique experience. My favorite moments are when I am watching a bride and groom recess down their aisle after saying “I do” and the private last dance at the end of the night – these moments melt my heart and truly drive me to make my bride’s wedding day a dream come true. From big red barns to gorgeous hotel weddings, I’ve had the opportunity to experience and love all wedding styles. My best advice to brides is always plan your wedding according to your own style and personality. The best complement that you can receive on your wedding day is “Wow! Definitely celebrated them. Let’s do it again!”
Kristen Biller – Florida, US {Editor}
My love for bridal started young – from my first wedding at the age of 6 where I insisted on attaching the brides bustle (and after 30 minutes and my mom profusely apologizing, I was successful) to reading the same bridal magazines underneath my covers by flashlight. After graduating from college I began my (official) bridal career at a bridal boutique in Salt Lake City as a bridal stylist. Family obligations (okay, I missed my Mom too much) brought me back to Central Florida where I continue to style brides for the big day at a boutique in Orlando as well as serve as a day of coordinator (pro bono, for now). I consider myself a connoisseur of all facets bridal fashion and etiquette – especially the unique and one-of-a-kind gals.
When I’m not playing fairy godmother of dresses, you’ll find me with a glass of wine in one hand and some sort of New York Times best-selling book in the other hand. I tend to choose the brighter MAC lipstick colors, wear the highest heels to add some power to my otherwise tiny 5 foot frame and can talk to anyone about anything, really. I am a self-described cat lady, an avid daydreamer and live by the phrase “be the change you want to see in the world.” I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Mass Communications and hope to one day write my own novel….and knowing me, it’ll be about brides and weddings – my one true passion.
Selina Howard – New Jersey, US {Brand Manager}
Hello! I am Selina Howard, Creative Director/Stylist for Vainglorious Brides, an internationally published bridal stylist for brides who crave a curated fashion experience for their wedding day and all surrounding events.
Prior to launching Vainglorious Brides, I was a full-time educator with a B.S. in Health Education from Virginia State University and a M.S. in Teaching and Learning from Nova Southeastern University. My career in weddings began with my boutique planning firm Selina Howard Events in 2011. Although Vainglorious Brides was born under the (SHE) umbrella in 2012, I became passionate about working more intimately with brides and ensuring that one of the most important elements of the wedding ( the dress) was chosen precisely and bustled to perfection! Not to mention, the countless times I had to steam dresses as a planner. There was need in the industry for a professional to oversee the fashion experience during the wedding process and provide a service for the busy professional brides who just don’t have time to worry about finding the perfect dress. I saw this as an amazing opportunity to create and market services that are lacking in the wedding industry offering custom bridal shopping experiences, day of dressing services, editorial services, bridal fashion styling, creative direction, and bridal fashion event production. Recently I’ve added brand manager to my portfolio, assisting new brands navigate the wedding market and determine the best route for success.
My work has been featured in Munaluchi Bridal (Blog and Print), Style Me Pretty, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Green Wedding Shoes, Burnett Boards, Bella Naija, The Ruffled Blog, 100 Layer Cake Blog, Style Unveiled, Every Last Detail Blog, Mod Weddings, Mountainside Bride, and The Pretty Blog. Spring of 2015, I was featured on Bravo TV Blood, Sweat, and Heels as bridal stylist for Demetria Lucas. I was also seen on VH1 Love and Hip-Hop the Wedding dressing Yandy Smith for her wedding in May of 2015, and recently on BET’s About the Business.
When I am not styling brides or playing in gorgeous gowns for editorials I love to read, workout, and vacation with my family.
Melissa, 31 is an aspiring wedding photographer, blogging contributor, & Mom to Lucas ‘8’. She lives in the picturesque country, North Wales, United Kingdom. Melissa recently became engaged and has an overwhelming desire for all things wedding related.
As an aspiring wedding photographer she spends hours searching the internet for photography inspiration and taking courses on Creative Live to further her skillset. When she hasn’t got a camera in her hand capturing those ‘Blue Moon’ moments, you will find her curled up on the sofa with a good book, her current read is the ‘five people you meet in Heaven’.
Melissa has an extremely healthy addiction to shoes, which all started when she was introduced to Cinderella at a young age. She is still searching for her perfect ‘Glass Slippers’ for her wedding day. Melissa has also been dancing since a young age and currently participates in Street dancing & Jazz.
Weekends are filled with her closest friends and loving family, they enjoy beautiful walks in the Cheshire and Welsh countryside, romantic meals especially in her favourite Italian restaurant in Chester and Movie nights with lots of yummy food and of course the cosy quilt.
After graduating from the University of South Carolina in my hometown of Columbia, SC in 2008 I moved to New York the following year to pursue a career in the fashion industry in the field of public relations. Now, having lived and worked in the city for just over 6 years, I am officially a New Yorker and continue to leave my stamp as a PR and Social Media expert.
I’ve always loved and respected the fashion industry as a whole, however; unlike most women, my fascination and love for “all things weddings” did not come about until I, myself got engaged. That fascination has grown into a full blown obsession!
As a bride to be, I found myself constantly referencing The Coordinated Bride blog and social channels as a source of inspiration. Now, having the opportunity to contribute to such an amazing presence in the digital space has been very exciting! As an editor for TCB, I am able to harness my passions for writing, digital media, and building relationships.
When I am not working, I am enjoying the company of my loved ones, reading, browsing Pinterest for new recipes, or shopping online!
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I find the need to tell these wonderful women “Thank You!” – all of the time. I am so grateful to have a team that holds The Coordinated Bride near and dear to their hearts. I continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude on a daily basis. Welcome to The Coordinated Bride Family ladies!!
