California Wedding Divas

Although it has been a year, my husband and I are still reminded of the disappointment, sadness and embarrassment that was caused on our wedding day due to our hiring of Yvonne as a «day of wedding coordinator».
In the days following our wedding, we were informed by multiple attendees of her inappropriate and unprofessional behavior. Family and friends of ours could not believe that she was our «day of coordinator»! Many of our guests witnessed her lack of attention to the details that were important to my wedding day. From the moment our vendors arrived to set up the beach deck, to the actual wedding ceremony to the start of the reception… Her duties were neglected… Rather than assist in making sure things went smoothly and as planned… she instead told my friends who arrived early to help out that details were NOT her responsibility, she indulged in alcohol, stood from a distance on the deck and just observed the ceremony, then went on to dance inappropriately, intimidate guests, and request songs she wanted to hear to the DJ at my reception. It was very obvious that she made her priority having fun while fully neglecting the actual duty for which she was hired!
Yvonne and I met the week before my wedding and went through a binder with a list of expectations and obligations for which I paid her $ 350 to complete. She made no mention that she was going to be incapable of fulfilling those duties. I am still appalled that she did not hold up her end of the agreement. In addition, it took her over a month to return my day-​of binder to me. She first said she mailed it, then after multiple emails, she finally said it was not mailed and that she would drop it off at my condo. I should not have had to spend so much time trying to get it back from her!
Furthermore, it became an even wider eye-​opener when we received our wedding video and pictures from the day. She is clearly visible in the background of the video and pictures standing off to the side with a drink in her hand, grinding on our guests, and appears completely intoxicated — not acting professional at all. A true embarrassment! When I found out that she had to be asked to leave the reception, I was in disbelief!
In the time since I was married, I have had 4 friends also get engaged. When they inquired about hiring a wedding planner/​coordinator, rather than be able to recommend her, I had to be honest and tell them NOT to hire her.
It makes me sick to my stomach to think about the fact that I paid her $ 350!
Don’t try to get a refund from Yvonne directly, file a claim with the Better Business Bureau and then go through small claims court in San Diego. Contact the Small Claims Advisor at (858) 634‑1777 to guide you through the process. This is a free service.
When I went through Yvonne for a refund, she tried to make me sign what she called a «refund agreement» which is pretty much a gag order to prevent myself and anyone I know, and all my wedding guests from speaking about her and her service. It was a bogus document! Also, the file she sent me had someone else’s name on it…
Save your $$$ and hire someone else! Message me if you want any more details of information.

I was blessed to have won Yvonne’s «day of coordination» at a bridal show. A few months out Yvonne and I emailed to get a few details out of the way, but I did not work with Yvonne until two weeks out. She was amazing and very detailed oriented. Since I «won» this coordination, I was in charge of everything from decorations, to vendors, to timeline of event; but when I met with Yvonne to go over how I would like things set up and ran, she had very knowledgeable input about things I didn’t even think of. My reception went so smooth and we couldn’t be happier! Thanks Yvonne!