Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Linter.
Katie, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am originally from Oak Park, California which is an extremely small bedroom community located near Calabasas.
Being a small town girl at heart, I had traveled down south as a transfer student to receive my BA degree at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During my first year in college I had come to the realization that my goals of becoming an elementary school teacher didn’t pull at my heart strings any longer. I wanted to work within an industry where I could exercise my creativity and love for crafting.
I eventually made the trek back to my small town and started searching for my next job opportunity. My then boyfriend (now husband) had a college friend working for Mindy Weiss Party Consultants located in Beverly Hills.
Mindy was, and still is, a world-renowned party and wedding planner that plans big events for the who’s who of celebrities. I jumped at the chance to interview with them as the team’s newest intern. I was thrilled the day I received the call back from their office, I got the job!! Working for Mindy was the start of my love for all things wedding, I ADORED everything about the industry. I was assembly by the crazy, the endless fueled line of welcome bags, stressful deadlines, the bride and grooms tears of joy and each guest happy face at the events end. I knew from my very first day in the office that this was what I was meant to do.
But with that said, the years that followed were filled with learning curves and several struggles. It wasn’t until I had worked for 4 other event planning companies I had discovered my niche, event design. I could curate ideas and design mood boards for hours. It was then I had realized I could actually do this on my own. With the support of my husband, family and friends, First Comes Love Event Design was born. I had done everything from the logo design to building the website on my own. I had no idea what I was doing but I loved it. There is just a new type of appreciation to things once you do it all yourself, a real labor of love. Once the site was up and running, I was extremely humbled at the response I received from not only those that knew me but from strangers and other vendors. My past experiences have shaped me into the planner and designer I am today, with a keen eye for detail and exceptional organization. My company is just shy of its 2-year anniversary and I couldn’t be happier with what it has been able to accomplish thus far. Wedding publications within online blogs and print magazines, doubling its clientele every year and its growing popularity on social media…all by word of mouth alone!
I currently reside in Beverly Hills where I live with my football coaching husband, Meyer, and 3 cats…yes, three!! I have traveled all over California from Santa Ynez to Palm Springs working beautiful weddings and elaborate events for all kinds of fabulous people. If you’re getting married, I’m most likely already brainstorming ways to execute all your ideas. There’s no detail too small or dream too big!
Has it been a smooth road?
Overall, yes. But there were some times in the past where others or experiences had made me question my capability within the industry. But all I have to say about that is, if it doesn’t fit, move on and push forward! Every year my business grows, so do I. I definitely feel that if you have a talent for something it only gets better over time.
Never give up on something you love even if it’s hard!
Planning weddings or events can wear you down. You should surround yourself with a core group of “friendors” (vendor friends) who have your back, people that you can bounce ideas off each other and work together! That support system is key within this industry.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the First Comes Love Event Design story. Tell us more about the business.
First Comes Love Events Design was created with the trend setting couple in mind. Being young myself, I am always within the “know” of what’s popular or trendy at the moment in any aspect. I’m able to bring to life your ideas with a cool, new modern twist.
We specialize in wedding coordination and event design and can always customize any of our 4 packages to help cater towards your Big Day needs.
I am most proud of our growth. Being a first time business owner without any knowledge of how to run a company, I had a lot to learn. Some of which I still am learning along the way. Every year we manage to double our numbers for booked events, all without any marketing! Since our business is by word of mouth and social media referrals only, I am always so humbled with our extensive response and endless inquires. Seeing the response from people that really love the work we do never gets old!
I think what sets First Comes Love apart is our industry knowledge. I have worked within events since 2011 ranging from grand celebrity soirees to intimate quaint events.
My list of vendor contacts and industry professionals come in handy when planning any event.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I would hope to be able to take my company to the next level within the upcoming years.
Meaning, attending more industry events, marketing, hosting events…getting the word out about First Comes Love Events past the LA bubble.
Overtime, I would LOVE to expand my team! The busier I get, the more in need of assistants I really am. As of right now I only have day of event workers to help onsite on wedding or event days. In the future I hope to be able to have a part or full-time team member as well as a separate office space!
Pricing:
- Day of Coordination $2,000
- Month of Coordination $2,500
- Event Design $950
Contact Info:
- Address: 1110 S. Oakhurst Dr.,
Apt. 201 - Website: http://www.firstcomeslove-events.com/
- Phone: 8182700839
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @firstcomesloveevents
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstcomesloveevents/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Image Credit:
Katie Mcgihon
Haley Nord
Devon Donnahoo
Carmen Santorelli
First Comes Love Event Design
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
