Business Buzz
When you were growing up, do you remember fellow grade school students who knew exactly what they wanted to be? There were kids who wanted to be doctors, firefighters, hairdressers, teachers, and yes, there was the future organizer who was planning events at a very young age.
Let me introduce Kristen Fitzpatrick, who, at the tender age of 5, was already working toward her career.
“I was planning neighbor weddings, events, and parties,” the Horsham, Pa., native said. “I just knew the love and passion for organizing special events would turn into a passion for my business as it is today.
“I love to be the coordinator who has the task and responsibility to make a couple’s weddings and events a dream day that they will remember for their entire life.”
Kristen graduated from West Chester University, where she earned a business management degree. However, sand was definitely in her shoes, and her summers were spent enjoying the sun and fun in Ocean City, N.J.
Her summer job, where she obtained valuable hands-on experience, was at Gillian’s Island Water Park. She took pride in planning their large private parties and corporate events.
After graduation she was hired as the food and beverage director at the prestigious St. David’s Golf Club in Wayne, Pa., where she gained tremendous experience, extensive knowledge, and additional education from the best in the catering business.
“My career was launched in the catering field, and I never looked back,” Kristen said.
The unique combination of Kristen’s formal education and firsthand experience was topped off with her completion of a certificate program in wedding planning at Temple University. In addition, she earned a certified professional bridal consultant recognition from the Association of Bridal Consultants, a leading nationwide wedding industry organization.
By 2013, Kristen knew it was the right time to take the leap and opened her own wedding and catering planning business, Luxe Weddings by Kristen.
Ever since, she has had the task of meeting with hundreds and eventually thousands of couples, planning the most important day of their lives. Her impeccable reputation for creative design, detailed planning and meticulous follow-through has led to exponential growth, along with a five-star rating.
A full-service wedding and party planner has to learn as much as they can about every client – their likes, favorite colors, food choices, flowers, limo companies, the wedding venue itself, and most importantly, their family backgrounds.
They take over, working closely with the bride and groom from when the couple says “yes,” to “I do” and beyond.
You think there is pressure to get it perfect? You bet. Her job is to take the stress off the bride and groom so they can experience the perfect day. The Luxe brand is on the line at each and every event.
Kristen decided to take the Luxe full wedding planning and event experience to the next level this year when she held a grand opening for Luxe Boutique and Gift Shop at 1326 Asbury Ave. in Ocean City on Aug. 28. It offers gifts for every occasion.
“Luxe Boutique curates a collection of unique gifts, accessories, and décor inspired by stylish coastal resorts,” she said.
Customers can choose from everyday luxuries to statement pieces. They will help you celebrate life’s special moments with handpicked home goods and coastal-inspired gifts with exclusive items for the celebration. There are limited-edition finds where you can custom create your own gift boxes to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Only so many words can describe what Kristen has created. If you are planning a wedding or special event, be sure to stop by and find out what the Luxe experience is all about.
Call Kristen at 609-602-2655 for The Luxe Boutique, or call Luxe Weddings by Kristen at 215-588-2804. You can also check Luxe out at www.luxeboutiqueandgifts.com or www.luxeweddingsbk.com.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
