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Aimée Newlander

Weddings by Aimée, Owner
Slow Weddings Network, Founder
Executive and Multiple Day Wedding & Event Planning

Do you want a wedding day that truly embraces who you are?

Coordinating and planning for over a decade has taught me one thing: each couple is unique.

I care a tremendous amount about each couple I work with, and thus, see it as my job to help create your wedding your way – creating very individual weddings from intimate and organic affairs to the more glamorous and opulent occasions.

From 9 years of experience in the industry, I’ve learned that the best weddings are those that are completely reflective of who you are as a couple and what you core priorities are.  As a project manager, I understand, how to combine logistics and planning with design and personality to do just this. 

 

Do you want to savor your wedding day?

I am the mindful planner, helping you savor your wedding. I left a successful career in corporate marketing and management to pursue a long-standing passion for organizing and managing events. As most of my corporate career was within the wellness and health industry, I never understood fast paced weddings (which is the accepted wedding industry standard). As such, I incorporate my passion for wellness throughout our planning time together as well as with your wedding, making sure you’re taking time to do the things you love throughout the process.  

My professionalism, warm personality and superb eye for detail mean that you can truly relax and enjoy the planning process without having to worry about a thing. 

 

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Are you team players?

A fun fact: I played international soccer (as a defender, no less), which has contributed greatly to my attitude towards teamwork. No matter the wedding destination, I work with local vendors to ensure everyone feels that they are part of the team to make your day special.

I’ve worked events solo, and have managed and worked on teams as large as 45 vendors, which is where my project management experience comes into play.

People can overlook the importance of who they choose for their vendors. Reviews and testimonies are of course extremely helpful in narrowing research. When I’m working with a couple directly, it’s personal to me, how I research and resource vendors. I want to ensure you have a team, who is crazy good at what they do, who fully support your vision with positive energy and professionalism!

 

Wanna getaway?

With a thirst for adventure, I am a destination-wedding planner, specializing in areas such as; Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, Carmel, California coastline as well as internationally locations such as Italy, France and Mexico. With over a decade of event-planning experience, I am well connected to special venues across that globe that may end up being a perfect fit for your wedding experience.

 

Highlighted specialties, above and beyond :)

  • Strong business acumen including fiscal responsibility or budget management for budgets up to $600k. Stakeholder relationship cultivation and management from land and estate managers to government agencies, legal teams and a huge variety of vendors.

  • Venue sourcing and procurement - both private and public land - including government permissions and permitting. Creating and developing a venue from raw space being one of Aimee’s strengths and passions.

  • Project management from event concept through execution the development of detailed timelines, sourcing of all necessary vendors and contract negotiations.

 

Specialty services: yoga/massage/wellness retreats, detailed itineraries for day trips, unique lodging accommodations, resourcing interpreters (sign and language), travel hospitality and making every event extra special by finding great local/small business!

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Sonja Brunner

Wedding Planning & Coordination

Sonja Brunner grew up in a German, Mexican-American home in Berkeley. After graduating high school, she moved to Germany where she found her passion for DJ’ing and travel. With a 20-year background in business management and customer service, she began working with Weddings by Aimée as a lead wedding coordinator and planner. Being a wedding DJ for over a decade, Sonja has worn multiple hats as master of ceremonies and certified party starter. With Sonja’s various hats, she is also a dedicated member of the Santa Cruz community serving on various committees.

When she’s not being a mother, a DJ, or community mover and shaker, she spends her time staying active with her co-ed softball team, standup paddle boarding, roller skating, spending time with friends, wine and cheese, dancing, and bringing her infectious laughter to cocktail parties. No amount of words in any language can express how much Sonja has given to weddings and couples over the last decade. With all of her many accomplishments, somehow Sonja manages to do it all with fun, dedication, and style, and we are so happy to have her on our team!

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Jake Karecki

Wedding Planning Lead Assistant

Jake has been actively working for the past 7 years; ranging in experience from weddings, corporate parties, music festivals and more. His engaging personality, determination and spirit will ensure you that you are in good hands. Jake’s expertise in budget planning, orchestration and coordination make him a valuable member of the Weddings by Aimée team.

Jake’s educational background in marketing, partnered with experience in animation and design, come together to give him a good eye for the flow of a wedding. Storyboarding the wedding process gives him a visual representation of key points that will ensure each piece fits in its proper place the day of your wedding. He hopes to continue to incorporate his love of event coordination into making your wedding a memorable event.

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Tara Magpusao

Tara has worked in hospitality for about 16 years and has been with WBA for 4 years.  From restaurants, hotels and Universities in Monterey, New York and San Francisco, she has a diverse background in food service and catering.  She actually left the industry to have a career in Massage Therapy to have a mindful and stress free career. She knew there was a place for mindfulness in weddings and wedding planning, so when she met Aimee, it was easy for her to jump on board.

Her experience as a server on Cannery Row and Times Square, New York keeps her on her toes for whatever adventure a wedding day brings.  Her experience in 4 Star Hotels in Union Square San Francisco and Monterey Bay has given her knowledge to give quality service to every guest or client.  This also gives her attention to detail in multiple angles for wedding coordination and making your wedding day flow with ease.

Tara’s other passions include hiking, rock climbing, backpacking and any outdoor adventure.  She helps run and lead hiking events all over the Bay Area and is involved in many hiking communities and challenges. She loves to cultivate community in all her circles and inspire others to get outdoors and live in the moment, doing more of what brings them joy. You can also find her @shehikeshealthy.  Go Tara!