Since then, she has taken her years of experience and planned weddings of every style and budget. Although she is known for her experience with beach and tented weddings, she can bring her fun and flair to any wedding venue. Julia will help you every step of the way to create the wedding of your dreams.

We are financing our wedding 100 percent, but have very vocal parents who are insisting on certain elements. While we’ve politely told them that we’d like to do the wedding our way, our intentions seem to have gone unheard. Do you have any advice on what we should do?

It’s always a delicate balance between what you want and what your parents want for you at your wedding. Even though you are paying for the wedding, I think it’s a nice gesture to incorporate something important to your parents into the ceremony or the reception. There is always a way to keep both sets of parents happy—maybe it’s some music, a special dance, or an entrée selection. None of these choices are going to change the feel or uniqueness of your wedding. Try to pick one element, even a small one, to make them happy. It goes a long way to a smooth and wonderful wedding day.

I love monograms—especially my new soon-to-be married one. How can I incorporate this into my wedding?

There are many fun ways to incorporate a monogram into your wedding. You can start with the ceremony programs and menu cards on your wedding day. Use your monogram as the design on the front of your thank-you notes. Cookie companies make awesome favors that can have your monogram on them in icing or can even be in the shape of your monogram. Include them in your welcome baskets, or give them out as favors. Ask for your ice carving during cocktail hour to be your monogram. Some chefs may even incorporate your monogram into a dessert. Lighting companies can light your logo on the dance floor and walls of your venue. Cocktail napkins, matches, and guest towels can all have your monogram on them. Have your monogram used as a design on your place cards. It can also be made out of fondant and used as a design on your wedding cake.