Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Wedding Planning Partner in Jacksonville
First Coast Weddings & Events was founded in 2002 with a mission to create stylish, fun, and memorable weddings on Florida's First Coast. Our team specializes in event logistics, vendor management, and wedding protocol to ensure professional service tailored to each couple's unique vision. We utilize a team approach, assigning lead planners based on venue, services contracted, and client needs, with support from assistant coordinators. Our proprietary Client Portal streamlines planning through digital tools for budgeting, guest lists, and vendor contracts.With decades of combined experience, our planners have coordinated hundreds of weddings locally, nationally, and internationally. We maintain membership in the Association of Bridal Consultants, adhering to strict ethical standards for client representation and vendor partnerships. Our services span from full-service wedding planning to day-of coordination, serving clients in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach, and beyond.
Services
Wedding Planning
Event Management
Day-of Coordination
Vendor Recommendations
Custom Packages
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of specialized wedding planning expertise with proven vendor networks
- Our team approach ensures multiple planners support your event with coordinated expertise
- We provide proprietary digital planning tools for budget tracking and vendor management
- We handle logistics so couples can fully enjoy their wedding day without stress
- Our ethical standards include transparent vendor recommendations and timely communication
Associations and certifications
- Association of Bridal Consultants
What people say
Exceptional job
Stress-free planning
Magical wedding day
Calm presence
Perfect execution
Services
Wedding Planning
Our comprehensive wedding planning service guides couples through every stage from venue selection to final execution. With customized planning timelines, vendor contract reviews, and design coordination, we ensure cohesive event development. Couples receive unlimited email support and scheduled planning sessions to create personalized celebrations that reflect their unique story and preferences.
Event Management
This service focuses on seamless wedding day execution starting 4-6 weeks before the event. We develop detailed timelines, coordinate vendor logistics, and manage ceremony rehearsals. Our team handles all operational aspects during the event, including guest flow, vendor coordination, and contingency planning to ensure stress-free celebration for couples and families.
Vendor Recommendations
We provide curated vendor recommendations based on budget, style, and reliability. Our network includes pre-screened professionals for catering, photography, floral design, and more. We verify vendor credentials and facilitate introductions while respecting client preferences for new or personal vendor selections.
Online Planning Tools
Our Google Drive-based Client Portal offers digital tools for budget tracking, guest list management, and document sharing. Accessible via any device, the system includes customizable templates for timeline planning, vendor contracts, and event checklists to streamline communication and organization throughout the planning process.
Custom Packages
We create customized service packages to match specific needs, combining elements of planning, coordination, and consulting. Options include partial planning for specific event components or enhanced day-of support with additional planners, adapting to unique venue requirements, guest counts, and special circumstances.
People
Heather Canada Randall
Founder
Heather founded First Coast Weddings in 2002 after hospitality industry experience since 1996. She specializes in vendor management and ceremony logistics, bringing expertise from Flagler College studies and 20+ years of wedding coordination. Her attention to detail ensures flawless execution for destination and local weddings.
Emma Murfin
Wedding Planner
Emma joined the team in 2006, combining her hospitality background with wedding planning expertise. A Flagler College graduate, she excels at stress management and vendor coordination. Her international travel experience enhances destination wedding capabilities while maintaining strong local vendor relationships at St. Augustine venues.
Kari Smith
Wedding Planner
With prior Orlando wedding industry experience, Kari joined First Coast in 2012. She specializes in sentimental wedding details and family tradition integration. Her background in event logistics ensures smooth coordination while maintaining personal touches like heirloom incorporation into wedding attire and ceremony elements.
Laura Salmon
Wedding Coordinator
Laura joined First Coast Weddings in 2017 after hospitality industry experience. She focuses on stress reduction for couples and families, managing day-of logistics with precision. Her background in vendor relationship management ensures smooth coordination between multiple service providers during event execution.
Questions
What's the difference between wedding planning and day-of coordination?
Wedding planning involves full-service guidance from venue selection through final details, while day-of coordination begins 4-6 weeks prior to manage logistics and execution.
How many planners will be at my wedding?
We assign at least two planners per event, with additional staff added based on guest count, locations, and complexity as detailed in your custom proposal.
Do you work with out-of-state clients?
Yes, we specialize in destination weddings with online planning tools and local expertise for couples not based in Northeast Florida.
What areas do you service?
Our primary service area includes Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra Beach, with additional coverage in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties.
How are payments structured?
50% retainer at booking, with remaining payments due 6 and 2 months prior to the wedding as specified in your service agreement.
Can I customize my service package?
Yes, all our packages are customizable to meet specific needs, with optional add-ons available for additional planning hours or services.
