Killer Weddings with Hello! Productions Event Planning; Interview with Owner Ashley Moss

Killer Wedding with Hello! Productions Event Planning; Interview wi...

Over the next few months, I will be interviewing wedding planners in the Burgh. I want to introduce all of you engaged couples (and to-be engaged couples)(and hey-even people who plan on getting hitched one day, keep these in mind for future reference) to some very valuable people to you-wedding planners. They will make your wedding-planning-life so much easier and the day of the wedding so much smoother and stress-free. If your main goal is to fully enjoy your wedding, you shouldn't think twice about hiring a planner, because they will take care of all the details so you can focus on having a good time. I met up with Hello! Productions' Ashley Moss and her staff just before Christmas when they had a rare chance to be together before their Christmas dinner at the Grand Concourse in Station Square (yum!). This is easier said than done-Ashley now lives in Raleigh, NC, where she operates Hello! Productions in both Raleigh and Pittsburgh - work makes a good excuse to visit Pittsburgh though and she has a great staff here in the Burgh (two event coordinators and a director of marketing and events). I think a great point Ashley makes (that I never thought of), is that you should start working with your planner right from the start, because they can help save you time - makes sense! Keep reading for more! I was excited to be out at night shooting, because night portraits are beautiful!

How did you get into wedding (or event) planning?

My background is in marketing, advertising, and public relations. With that, you always end up working in events at some point. I fell in love with event planning and sought out an independent company who might be hiring. Hello Productions hired me in 2009 and a year later I took over as owner. I have been planning events ever since.

What is your educational background?

I was a theatre major originally and then switched to advertising my junior year of college at Kent State University. I think my theatre background helps in planning events as they are really “productions” in and of themselves.

What is your favorite wedding venue and/or reception venue?

I love the Omni William Penn. It’s very elegant and offers many spaces. The staff is top-notch. I also have a soft spot for Heinz Field – East Club Lounge as that is where I had my wedding this past spring. It’s a unique wedding venue that offers your guests a memorable experience and the view of the city is spectacular!

What is your favorite part of the reception?

I love the introductions, first dance, and toasts. Although it is sometimes stressful as the planner because that is where the timeline can get thrown off-course before dinner (if the Father of the Bride decides to turn his speech into a sermon), it is a part of the reception that can be very personalized (unique bridal party entrances, first dance experiences, and of course, unforgettable speeches.)

How far in advance should you book with Hello Productions?

A year out is typically the best for full-planning. Six months to a year out is best for day-of coordination.

What all is provided with your services? (what kind of planning do you offer?)

Our full planning involves us from the very beginning and is highly recommended if you are unsure of the venue you want. It takes a lot of time to research venues based on your guest count, budget, and availability, and we can easily pull from the information we already have on file for most of the venues in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. We are also sometimes able to negotiate better rates as a planner.

Any tips for engaged couples planning their wedding?

The hardest part of the planning will be the guest list and trying to work around the wants of both families. The details of the décor and entertainment, etc. are fun and should not be stressful, so enjoy that part of it! At the end of it all, the wedding is about the MARRIAGE, so be sure to remember that along the way…meaning don’t cut the ceremony too short!

What was the most unique wedding you ever planned?

We planned a wedding in April several years ago that was very unique. They held their reception on the top floor of a popular bar downtown. It was a very romantic yet laid-back venue that allowed guests to lounge on the couches and munch on heavy hors d’oeuvres rather than the traditional sit-down dinner. It was a lot of fun and the couple was so relaxed!

Aside from weddings, what else interest you? (outside of work!)

We focus on non-profit and corporate events in addition to the weddings. Personally, I enjoy working with non-profit organizations because the purpose of the events are to raise money for a good cause and bring attention to an organization whose sole purpose is to help those their mission supports. They are often working with a smaller budget, which makes it a little more difficult on the planning end, but the main goal of the events are to give guests an entertaining and unforgettable experience that will encourage them to donate money.