PRIDE LIFE CAUGHT UP WITH SAMANTHA LANE, THE FOUNDER OF IVY PARTNERSHIPS WEDDING MANAGERS WHOSE MOTTO IS DEDICATION PERSONIFIED
What prompted you to set up Ivy Partnerships and Events in the first place? Ivy Partnerships and Events was set up in 2010. Prior to that I had an established wedding consultancy business, Ivy Wedding Management and Events. However, more and more of my friends from the community would face such unnecessary hurdles from various suppliers from the venue to the florist, so I felt it was time I specialised within the LGBT community exclusively. Which was the best move I ever made! Unlike many similar companies your services are targeted exclusively at gay and lesbian couples. What sort of difference does this make to the big day? At Ivy we seek and establish relationships within the community to ensure our clients’ vision remains respected and realised throughout the planning process. We are proud to service the community. I have met the most wonderful people, people with vibrant ideas, warm hearts and who are passionate about their big day. It is truly inspiring working with these people on a daily basis and very rewarding for me personally in terms of job satisfaction What do you consider the most important thing in planning a wedding? Our experience in this industry has shown me that it’s the attention to the smallest of details that collectively makes the most difference on what is the biggest of all days. How far in advance would you recommend planning a wedding? It does depend on the size of the wedding but ideally 9 —12 months. However, having said that I did organise a beautiful wedding in London this August with only three months to work with — so anything is possible! I try and be as flexible as possible for my clients so all the long hours are always worth it in the end.
How closely do you work with the happy couple? I am dedicated to my clients, they know they can call me at any time day or night. I stay in regular touch with my clients, and the frequency and method is what suits them. When a couple trust you to create that most memorable day for them I strongly believe the very least you can do is be there for them, allay any fears they have and provide ideas or just simply be there to listen. Getting married can be quite pressurised at times and I find that sometimes an extra voice with some perspective can help take that pressure away. This helps them to concentrate on the fun and excitement of the planning.
What other events have you organised? I have organised birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs and some corporate team events.
Do you organise events just in the UK? Not at all, I have trusted suppliers in Asia and Europe after a number of successful weddings and events. I have been asked to organise honeymoons abroad too. What has been the most memorable wedding you have organised? The most memorable wedding I have organised was in rural Oxfordshire: the idyllic setting and personal touches brought to this wedding helped create such an unforgettable day. I always tell my clients personal touches that relate directly to you and your partners character and background will ensure a memorable day! What makes Ivy Partnerships different to other wedding planners? At Ivy we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary personal service, and we strive to take all the potential pitfalls and worries away from sight and mind.
I specialise in the community and I love being able to use my creativity to help organise a memorable day for my clients. I work on a partnership basis with them and I will always listen and make sure both are happy at every step of the way. The planning process, after all, is part of the experience! On a personal level, what has been the most satisfying thing about running Ivy Partnerships and Events? You cannot beat the joy on people’s faces when a wedding is successfully planned and delivered. It’s such a great human experience, all the important people in your world are there, it’s your biggest day and it has all gone to plan, just perfect! I have the best job in the world!
“It’s the attention to the smallest of details that makes the most difference on the biggest of all days”