French’s Point Estate is thrilled to continue our series of blog posts spotlighting amazing Maine wedding vendors that help to make weddings at our waterfront wedding venue not only successful but truly the embodiment of the experience our clients strive to craft for their family and friends. This series will showcase some of the best providers from our vibrant, talented, dedicated wedding industry community we are so proud to be a part of here in Maine and New England. This group of professional wedding vendors understands and adheres to our guiding principles for the service we endeavor to provide our clients: Be Responsive, Be Kind, Provide Excellent Customer Service, Provide the Very Best Product/Service. Because of these wonderful people, the celebrations here are French’s Point Estate are the stuff of which dreams are made!
Heather Cuzzi, of Cairn Events, is a treasured friendor (wedding vendor and industry friend) here in our office at French’s Point. Erin, Sarah and I all love collaborating with Heather on any event. We have very high expectations of wedding planners and coordinators, given our own background and experience, and Heather exceeds them every time. I have been blessed to get to know Heather on a personal level, and I have grown very fond of her and admire her greatly both professionally and personally. She is a calm, serene, professional wedding planner that can take on what could be challenging events to anyone else. Not only will she do it with ease, she will thrive and elevate the experience of that event beyond anyone’s hopes or expectations. She recently coordinated a wedding on an island in Casco Bay and had to coordinate a fleet of over 200 ships, barges and boats to provide the services needed for that beautiful celebration. I asked her how she did it and she said that after planning hundreds of political events for thousands of people all over the country, a couple hundred boats in Portland harbor was no big deal.
We hosted a beautiful Maine wedding that Heather brought to French’s Point last year, and I am very hopeful we will have an opportunity to collaborate with her on many more events in the future. She is one in a million and I can tell you, her clients LOVE her, just as I just love her. Meet Heather, the founder and visionary at Cairn Events!
What made you want to be a wedding planner?
I honestly fell into the business. I had worked in politics raising money and managing logistics both here in Maine and nationally for over 10 years, and when I was pregnant with my first child – those worlds collided. I could not do both anymore. A former campaign contact was looking for a wedding coordinator for an island wedding here in Maine….well, the rest is history.
What is the best part of your job?
Every day, every client and every challenge is different. I continue to learn new methods and new things about myself and my business.
What should I ask a potential planner I’m interviewing?
I think that it is most important to take the time to chat and get to know each other. If it is not a fit personality- and expectation-wise…it is going to make planning a very long process.
What are the advantages of hiring a wedding planner?
The couple, the family and wedding party do not have to worry about anything. Also, I am in the “weeds” on details every day. It will take me and my team less time to get the task done. In the end, I truly believe that the wedding planner pays for themselves.
When should I hire a planner?
The earlier the better. I have seen an increase in helping my clients find their wedding locations. It is amazing to work with someone for so long – you all become equally invested in the result.
What does a wedding planner do?
Anything and everything. I have helped to find locations, book venues, design the event, manage vendors, manage transportation/ travel and housing. Truly, there is not much that I would not be willing to do.
Describe your client.
My client is typically in their early to mid-thirties, well educated, getting married on or near the water. They always want their event to reflect them. My clients always have a connection to Maine, but rarely live here. I am their eyes, ears and voice through the planning process.
Tell us about your company and how it began.
It began in 2009, when I started consulting doing mostly political events and fundraisers. Then, I did my first wedding….I was hooked. The logistics and rush of the process was exactly what I needed. One of the best parts is that it has allowed me to be home with my kiddos. Now, I have a daughter in 1st grade and a son in preschool. It has created a great work/life balance.
I think that my company niche is water…and islands. Instead of hesitating in any way when it comes to building a custom venue on an island…I am enthusiastic. The logistics, the island feel and the overall challenge of an island makes me tick.
What inspires you?
My clients inspire me. Listening to them, seeing photos of their likes and dislikes, watching their process of picking out the paper. These are all jumping-off points to make sure that their day is wonderful.
Favorite Place to hike in Maine?
On the border of New Hampshire in Fryeburg.
Favorite place to Eat in Maine?
So hard…Scales.
Favorite Place to Rest in Maine?
Any beach.
Favorite Wedding Month?
September.
Heather Cuzzi
Cairn Events
Southern Maine
(207) 650-8486
www.cairnevents.com