It’s #MangoMonday and this time I’d like to shed some light on our very own In-House Wedding Coordinator, Frances. If you have ever connected with Mango Studios in our Toronto office about wedding photography, chances are you’ve been greeted by her. She’s super fun to work with, very knowledgable about all things weddings and is very organized! You might have already seen a video 10 Q’s with Frances here – if not, I’ll give you a minute to watch it 😉
See? I told you she’s fun! There’s a lot of planning and organizing involved in planning your big day, and organizing your wedding photography and coming up with the best possible photography timeline is one of the most important things to tackle. That is why we have diligent in-house wedding coordinators, like Frances, whose job is to make your wedding day a stress free success by coordinating your photography behind the scenes and doing everything in their power to produce impeccable wedding photos with the team. Frances is your first point of contact in the Studio and will be there every step of the way, helping you through your entire wedding photography planning process. I caught up with her again and asked more questions about her day-to-day activities and her job at Mango. Get to know her even better below:
How did you start working as a wedding coordinator at Mango Studios?
I have been working in the wedding industry for a long time, and when it came to my own wedding, I had no doubt I was going to book Mango Studios. I just loved the photographic style and I thought they were simply the best! So, I came in for a consultation to book Mango for my own wedding day and left with a photographer and a job! We just clicked! I think it was a destiny.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Honestly, meeting new people. It is so interesting to me to meet all these wonderful couples and see what they are interested in. No two weddings are the same, so it’s cool to learn about everyone’s vision for their big day. Here at Mango, we are blessed to have one incredible couple after another, so it makes my job ever so joyful! I also love talking. My job requires me to talk a lot, so it’s awesome.
Any great stories from working with a client?
So many stories, this post will be too long. One person brought me candy for helping her with venue recommendations. She got big points in my book. I love all the couples, I genuinely want to be friends with all our clients.
How do you pick a wedding photographer for your couples?
I call it my Mango Senses. Once a couple tells me about their wedding day, I just know who their photographer should be. It’s like my Mango Senses are tingling. I will often say in meetings I know who your photographer should be.
But really, once I get to know the couple and get a feel for their day, I will either hand select the photographer for their big day or give them a few options of who will fit best and then they can select from there!
As a wedding coordinator, you work with a lot of couples and see a lot of different weddings. Do you see any new trends emerging in the wedding industry presently?
There are always new trends emerging. Last year it was all about a rustic barn yard feel, this year we are seeing a lot of those deep burgundy tones (Just call me a trend setter). I think for next summer, we are going to see more colour. Definitely brighter and more colourful bouquets too!
Here at the Studio, you’re working with a lot of brides and grooms to make sure their wedding day runs smoothly. What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned and would pass along to someone planning their wedding?
Don’t drink during cocktail hour! That is the BEST piece of advice I can offer. You will want to, but try to stay sober until dinner.
Name one thing you can’t live without:
My dog, Candy, Taco’s, Tequila, Netflix and my Husband (I named 6 :S) Also, french fries!
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried?
A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to New York. We were going up the escalator and when we were almost at the top, I dropped my suitcase. There was one man who was just getting on the escalator, so I tried to run down the escalator to get the suitcase (that did not work). Anyways, me, my husband and the man on the escalator were watching my suitcase tumble all the way down. The nice man caught it and gave it back to me. I was laughing SO hard that a security guard came up to me and asked me if I was okay. My husband was so embarrassed he walked away from me.
What’s your favourite drink?
Spicy Margarita
If you could try something new, what would you try?
I really want to try Acroyoga. I am super clumsy so that would be fun! I also want to try Zumba.
What do you do on your days off?
I love going for walks with my dog and exploring. I am a big foodie, so I love trying new restaurants. I am also a BIG Netflix, drinks and pizza kinda gal.
How to become friends with Frances?
I am pretty easy to be friends with… Give me a cookie and I’m yours.
What do you love in life beyond your job?
I love my dog, my family, travelling, food, my friends, trying new things, cooking, cookies and singing horribly to music.
What do you love about being a part of the Mango Studios family?
I love working with a bunch of creative people. Everyone has such a unique eye for design and they see the world so differently. Everyone at Mango are literally the coolest people I have ever met. I have definitely amped up my cool game since working here.
You chose Lauren and Michael’s wedding at Holcim Estate as one of your all time favourites. What is it about this wedding we shot you like the most?
Every wedding we’ve ever worked for has a special place in my heart. It was hard to pick just one. I chose this wedding because I love the light and colour of these photographs and I think our photographers depicted Lauren and Michael so well! I just love them so much. They are the sweetest couple!
