I'm starting this series close to home in part because it's close to my heart, and in part because I am in the process of scheduling real, honest-to-goodness site visits and wedding observations nationwide, which will understandably take a little time. Non-Williamsburg brides, keep checking in. I promise content relevant to the broader audience. But first, we start with a true Williamsburg gem.
Scott Crabbs, "Event Guru" and "Facility Manager with a Clue", counts among his many responsbilities at the William & Mary Alumni House, the management of special events in this gorgeous building on the picturesque college campus. Scott is the first in my "Gets It" crowd for many reasons:
1. He treats every event with equal respect and reverance whether he's dealing with a dignitary or an wedding "off the street".
2. He demands quality of the vendors he recommends, and goes above and beyond to provide insightful recommendations to his clients.
3. He is equally as respectful to those couples who do not book the Alumni House, giving them great information and a great consultation experience.
4. He recognizes that his facility is tailored towards some clients, and may not be perfect for everyone, and he doesn't try to beat the square peg into the round hole.
5. He likes happy clients, and does what is appropriate and what is professional to create them.
Scott is what every facility manager or venue coordinator should be, and the Alumni House is a beautiful, elegant historical venue that anyone considering a Williamsburg wedding should check into.
You can find more information on renting the William & Mary Alumni House here.
Help our movement grow by letting vendors know you found them here. WE DO NOT ACCEPT VENDOR COMMISSIONS OR KICKBACKS as part of this movement or in our coordination business. We're recommending professionals who we believe deserve exposure for adhering to a higher standard.
Evaluate all vendor recommendations critically and determine whether or not the professional is really suitable for you. Everyone has a bad day, and ultimately you will have to hold that vendor responsible for his or her performance.
Participate! If you are a superior wedding professional make your case! If you know one (doesn't count if you're related!) shout! Email us at shayna@williamsburgweddingdesign.com. Have unbelievable wedding talent to share...will (okay, we'll) travel.
Shayna Walker
Great post Shayna! I love working with a venue coordinator that "gets it". It makes the entire planning process so much more pleasurable. I know that the bride benefits when the wedding planner and venue coordinator work as a team to produce a wonderful event for her.
Since you are also opening this to locations outside of VA, may I mention Alicia Carroll of The American Visionary Arts Museum in Baltimore who is another venue manager that "gets it". She is kind, hard working, very knowledgable and just a nice person to be around and to work with. It makes AVAM one of our favorite places to have a wedding. Planners and brides both really like and respect her.
Posted by: Elizabeth Bailey | August 29, 2008 at 07:23 AM