By Natasha V. Verkest
Owner, Tavè Weddings and Events
I am a professional wedding planner and have been in the wedding industry for over 15 years. I am proud to own and operate a woman and veteran-owned business. I served 10 years in the US Army and my husband Adam retired after 20 years of service. I came to Huntsville by way of the military 8 years ago. We have two beautiful children in college. My son is attending his first year at the University of North Alabama and my daughter is in her junior year at Birmingham-Southern College.
What Does a Professional Wedding and Event Planner do?
I do everything from planning the style and logistics involved in your event to ensuring every detail you envisioned is present. I not only set up the event space, but also function as the client’s liaison between the multiple wedding and event professionals hired to ensure their event is stress-free so they can ultimately feel like a guest at their event.
How Did You Get into Wedding Planning?
I earned my Culinary Arts diploma and specialized as a pastry chef. I first entered the wedding industry by making wedding cakes. After meeting with several couples to design their wedding cakes, I somehow agreed to design their entire wedding on top of baking a four-tiered confectionary masterpiece! Word got out that I was a Jill of All Trades and I found myself doing more wedding planning than baking cakes. I decided to pursue wedding planning full time earning a diploma as a professional wedding planner. I wanted to make sure I was as well rounded and inclusive as possible. I am certified and accredited to coordinate multi-cultural weddings, destination weddings and events at Sandals and Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, a certified autism travel specialist, military event protocols, LGBTQ+ weddings, bar and bat mitzvah’s, quincean᷈eras and quincean᷈eros, floral design, and green and sustainable events.
What Are the First Things A Couple Should Do Once They Get Engaged?
Do you mean besides hire me? The first step should be to set a budget and stick to it! You would be surprised how quickly wedding elements add up from the moment you announce you have decided to get married. Having a set amount of money you plan to spend on your wedding will help prioritize essentials and prevent excessive spending on unnecessary items. The second step in the planning process should be creating a guest list. This can be a daunting task that can create some stress and challenges, but if you follow this formula, it can be a smooth and fun part of the process.
There should be 4 Lists: the Bride’s, the Groom’s, the Parents of the Bride’s, and the Parents of the Groom’s. Each person’s list should contain no more than agreed amount (i.e. 25 persons). This will give each person a fair amount of their desired guests. The third step should be set a date. You cannot decide on a venue if you do not have a date to check for the venue’s availability.
REVIEWS:
“Nastasha is GREAT to work with. She turned a bland “industrial” facility into a party atmosphere. Top notch planning and event support!”
Chuck Nickey event date: 05/15/2015
Rating 5 out of 5
5.0
“Nastasha, of TAVÈ Weddings & Events, was an AMAZING wedding planner! She helped take care of so many things, things that I didn’t even know to think of, that I could not have had done it all. She did so with SO much enthusiasm and a passion for all things weddings & events. She was there every step of the way. On our big day, I was SO sick with the flu. We had a little hiccup (I think!) with the musicians, but she fixed it all up and I was none-the-wiser and she ensured our guests worth everything to have her by your side to plan your big event. I wouldn’t hesitate hiring her again for any important event in my life. Had a splendid time.”
Isabel F. wedding date: 09/05/2009
Rating 5 out of 5
5.0
South Huntsville Neighbors 