Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc. Reviews
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 rating
![WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner]()
5.0 out of 5 rating
83 Reviews
99% recommend it
Awards
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Featured
![Megan]()
Megan M. Sent on 06/13/2023Working with Paula Is the Best Wedding Gift
I am not a Type A Bride.
I am a Type A centered and hand calligraphed in fuchsia ink (that isn’t too purple) on chartreuse (that isn’t too yellow) cardstock (110lb) Bride.
And I was floored by Paula.
We selected Paula after an interview process with several top-tier planners (the first test was their reaction when I sent them a 10 page vision & expectations keynote presentation – Paula was excited by it). After debating between two planners we went back to the reviews. They were all so insanely glowing for Paula and now we have fully experienced why (and yes, they’re all accurate). We have a family inside joke that people would give their firstborn to Paula after working with her – and I’m so sorry to have to part with our son but we know he’ll have a good home with her. ;)
My loving husband waxes poetry on the way Paula brought our very specific creative visions to life (See “A Groom’s Perspective”) but I will deliver a crisp bullet pointed list for those of you who are scouring 800 reviews like I did.
• Paula is a mind reader. We were so in sync on our wedding day that I would turn to ask her for something (not yet speaking a word) and she would hand it to me. It’s a little spooky.
• I was actually so calm during my wedding weekend with Paula at my side. Even my husband was surprised at my chillness. This was the best gift as I enjoyed so many more moments with loved ones.
• Every single vendor said she was the most outstanding planner they’ve ever worked with – not just from an organizational perspective but also kindness. Because people love her, they will move mountains for her.
• Paula has a magic rolodex of the best vendors. Every person/vendor she brought in went ABOVE AND BEYOND in their craft, but also was wildly kind. When you hire Paula, you’re getting this wedding industry best -- this insight is SO DIFFICULT to determine as an outsider.
• She will be your assassin if need be. She will defend you like a mama bear. She is fierce on your behalf.
• She is thoughtful and sweet. Little touches from Paula made the entire journey special.
• She is the most responsive person I have ever met – emails would be answered in minutes.
• She protects your mental health, giving you little doses of need-to-know info but she’s great about including you on the things you ask to be included on (if you want to be super hands-on like me)
• Her real superpower is coordination. She has a calm, cool, collectedness that permeates the months leading up to your wedding and while that remained during our wedding weekend, the GET SH*T DONE (but of course, sweetly!) attitude was awe-inspiring. I'd never seen so many plates spinning at once, and I did not doubt her capability. Being a company founder and Type A person, it can be hard for me to let go. My bridal weekend was actually relaxing. I trusted Paula 300%.
• She puts the couple first. When she arrived for set-up at our home I offered her coffee and she responded with “This week is about you. Do not even think about me.” She brought her cooler of snacks and was off to orchestrate the many moving pieces. It killed the hostess in me a little bit, but that reminder to focus on myself and my partner was a blessing.
• She took my details to the next level – even seemingly silly things like the way she displayed the parasols, and rolling our pool towels for the pool party for a streamlined look, or the glass card box leveled up by putting a vintage postcard and some moss from our cake table inside. She is simply a master.
• She thinks of everything. Every. Possible. Scenario. Every. Possible. Detail. She advised ordering clear umbrellas two weeks before the wedding as a “just in case” but also acknowledged that we’d still be in the return window if we didn’t use them. Small, but thoughtful!!!
• Paula has done this so many times over so many years she knows what works. She knows what you need, more than you know what you need. The only thing which could have been improved from our wedding (and it was tiny and insignificant in the big picture, just one cranky bartender!) was a time I didn’t listen to Paula. NEVER AGAIN PAULA, NEVER AGAIN!!
• She has two adorable pet donkeys (clearly a bonus that cannot be ignored)
• Her husband is an aviator and has access to the BEST weather forecasting software (a surprise bonus)
• As my new husband describes in his review, our wedding weekend ended in literal applause and a standing ovation from our guests for Paula. So many people came up to me to talk about the magical experiences they had with her - everyone, much to my delight, now has a Paula story.
For all events from this day forward, Paula will be my coordinator. I will shout her praises from the rooftop.
Do not let Paula’s calm and zen exterior fool you - she is a mastermind thinking about the thousands of details underneath. She just knows the exact right moments to act. I feel that I have learned and grown as a leader in my own professional sphere after seeing Paula work her magic. I know this list simply cannot do her justice, so please, trust all of these reviews together and book her.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Megan,
Words cannot describe my gratitude to you for not only the opportunity and honor to work with you and Keith but also for taking the time to articulate your satisfaction with your weekend and the value we provide to nail your vision. It was a dream project and SUCH an ABSOLUTE delight to work with you both so closely and to see your joy and love shine throughout the journey and especially on your day.
Love to you both!
Paula -
Judy S. Sent on 02/17/2024
Flawless execution with great care and grace
Your Event - Paula Smith Designs was an absolute lifesaver when it came to planning my son's bar mitzvah. He had a very specific vision for the event, and Paula not only understood it perfectly but also brought it to life in a way that surpassed anything we could have imagined. From the games arcade theme and the beautiful logo graphic carried throughout the weekend to the engaging activities, serene ceremony design and on theme swag everything was flawlessly executed with the utmost attention to detail and beauty.
But most importantly, the Your Event team handled it all with calm, confidence and grace and ensured that the entire celebration was filled with joy and laughter. All the guests, young and old, had a fantastic time, and we couldn't have asked for a more memorable experience. Thank you Your Event for making my son's bar mitzvah truly unforgettable! You did it again!!! I recommend Your Event wholeheartedly for your next special occasion -- it will be SPECIAL if you're with them.
Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Judy,
How can we thank you ? You trusted us for Son #1 and then Son #2, first a naturalist theme and onto Brooklyn for a completely new vision and ramped up vibe. We loved the challenge but most of all having the opportunity to work with you all again. We are so grateful for this review, for you and for all you entrusted us to for this celebration weekend. Thank you so much! -
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![Lizzie]()
Lizzie K. Sent on 11/06/2023Perfection with Paula
My now husband and I found Paula through our caterer - and boy did we get lucky. Immediately we hit it off with Paula, though I will say... that is exceedingly easy. She is at once a comfort and a joy to be around, while ensuring she brings rigor and precision to the planning process.
Every step of the way we felt so assured and that we were in the best hands with Paula. Over the course of the year we worked with her, she got to know us personally - and as it related to our vision for our wedding weekend - both what we wished for as a couple, and what spoke to us individually.
Paula was always quick to dream up something I could have never thought of myself, while constantly staying smart, savvy and wary of any budget restrictions. Her curiosity, her ability to understand and go deep with her clients and background in design (and all other things wonderful) made our wedding weekend everything that it was and more.
My husband and I both work full time jobs, and during the planning process, were juggling a long-distance relationship on top of it all. If we ever fell short, or flat on our wedding planning responsibilities, Paula held us to account and kept us honest. I can say with 100% certainty, we would NOT have been able to pull off the weekend without her and we so appreciated a planner who kindly held us accountable for the weekend every step of the way.
Just as important as it is for your planner to be an expert in accountability, (which Paula is), she also is the perfect partner in creating windows of time during the planning process to unplug and enjoy the engagement. Paula was quick to remind us that despite the stress of planning the wedding - it should be FUN! And for my partner and I - she made it just that.
Of course all the planning is for something - and as I previewed - Paula knocked it out of the park during our wedding. In the stressful weeks leading up to the weekend, she kept us grounded and was our biggest cheerleader.
As the weekend kicked off, she was a rock. She kept all of our vendors on time and on task, and genuinely was a joy to have there. Both of our Moms and my grandma were thrilled that her calming and reassuring presence was there to guide us through the whole weekend. And after a year of getting to know Paula and planning with her - my partner and I were honored that she was there to witness our big day.
Looking back on photos from the weekend, I'm in awe of all the little details that Paula brought to life. It meant the world to us.
She is a treasure.
Now we just need another excuse to throw a party!Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Lizzie and Justin,
We are so grateful for this stellar review and all you shared from our first hello to the longing for our next party together. Your wedding vision offered so many opportunities to be playful yet sophisticated and the warm bright palette truly felt like an extension of your personality. We enjoyed EVERY moment of our time with you especially witnessing your blissful joy on your day. Thank you for all you entrusted to us and for being you!
Warmly,
Paula -
![Timothy]()
Timothy S. Sent on 10/26/2023A Transcendent Wedding
Paula is incredibly detail oriented in a way that enables married couple and family to focus on the "cherries-on-top". Her instincts are tasteful, understated, and elegant - it's often the little things like signage, or guest arrival that surprise and delight. Highly recommended!Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Timothy,
So grateful to you for these specific review highlights and your recommendation. It is so wonderful to read that 'You got me!" and it was truly an honor to work so personally with you and the family to make this wedding shine.
Thank you so very much!
Paula
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Annabel Sent on 11/02/2023
Wedding Planner, Paula Smith
Paula and her team were incredible to work with. My husband and I live in CA so we needed someone to completely manage everything for us on the east coast. Plus we had a 3 day wedding event with a welcome party, reception, and brunch, complicating things a bit. We were also very wishy washy on our wedding vision, the only thing we knew was that we wanted it to be beautiful and fun. I don’t even think we had a clear vision of what we wanted our color pallet to be. But Paula had a few conversations with us and was able to curate a vision that captured both of our personalities and the vibe we were looking for. Paula hadn’t worked up in VT when we booked her but it didn’t even matter, she was able to get us vendors and manage the entire process. Every step of the process was seamless because Paula was so prepared, whether it was vetting wedding vendors for us or ordering trees for the reception-she went to great lengths to make sure everything was perfect. Paula also managed various competing family personalities with poise and did an excellent job protecting us from any potential stressors. Working with her was a dream. We couldn’t have asked for a better planner. In addition to her planning skills, Paula has an excellent eye when it comes to design.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Annabel and James,
Thank you both for this generously detailed review and acknowledging all we were able to support and guide you through in the long distance planning. We were delighted to break ground in Vermont and expand our resources as we curated your weekend.
It was THE BEST to witness your joy throughout the weekend and to see the fun unfolding. I will never forget James on the dance floor in "FULL-ON" mode, then running across the barn to hug me and tell me how GREAT the DJ was. I know this was so important to him and it was such a gift to witness his Zen moments and HUGE smile, song after song. You, Annabel, were breathtaking in each and every moment and in each dress you wore. Seeing you so relaxed was a delight to witness. Thank you for trusting us from start to finish. We were so honored and are so grateful to have had this time with you both and to know we delivered your dream weekend.
Warmly,
Paula
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Yeab W. Sent on 08/26/2023
Impeccable Wedding Planning Experience
We had the best experience working with Paula and her team. From the earliest stages of planning to the actual wedding weekend, Paula went above and beyond to listen to what was important to us and make it come to life. She was so organized and worked with all our vendors to make sure everything came together on our wedding weekend. We so appreciate the care she put into making all the details of our wedding special, and making our guests feel so welcome.
The whole team reflected the grace, competence, warmth, and high standards that we experienced in our year and a half working with Paula Smith Designs. It is because of our trust in Paula and her team that we were able to relax and have such a good time at our wedding, and we will always be grateful.
We highly recommend Paula Smith Designs!Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Yeab,
Thank you so much for expressing yours and Cecilia's experience
with our services. It was my absolute pleasure to work so closely with both of you this past year and to see your joy throughout the weekend. What a glorious 3-days it was and we truly enjoyed taking care of you, your family and your guests. I wish you every happiness in your life together.
Warmly,
Paula
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![Jill]()
Jill F. Sent on 10/22/2023Thank you Paula!
Being located in California, we knew it would be difficult to coordinate a backyard wedding in New York. So it was especially important to us to find a planner who could interpret our vision and act on it autonomously. That said, when we hired Paula, we didn’t realize we’d be getting such a close friend and ally in addition to a competent and connected planner.
Paula’s guidance and effort helped get us through the planning process with relative ease. On several occasions, she went beyond her role and offered us knowledge and feedback on details like the signage and graphics that we decided to take on ourselves. And she treated our vendors the same way she treated us - with warmth and tact - and the result was a cohesive, well-orchestrated day.
In the week leading up to that day, the forecast began calling for rain. Paula checked in with us several times a day during that week, letting us know exactly what to do. Having prepared per her instructions, we could relax and be fully present on our wedding day, confident we were in good hands with her team.
In the end, our day was better than we could have imagined - thank you Paula and team!
Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Jill and Eric,
We truly appreciate the time you took to articulate the ways in which you felt supported by us over the course of the planning process. Thank you so much for this elaborate review. Your wedding day on the Hudson was a delight to envision with you and the time we spent over many months, treasured ones. We are very grateful to have had this time and opportunity with both of you on your family property. It was a dream day in every way!
Warmly and with gratitude,
Paula
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Tanya Sent on 12/28/2022
10 out of 5 for Paula Smith & the Your Event Team!
We will keep this short to make sure you read this all the way through – trust us and the many exceptional reviews that Paula Smith and the Your Event Team is the absolute BEST and a MUST to book for your event!
Words cannot fully express the gratitude and appreciation we have for Paula Smith and the Your Event Team for creating an unforgettable and beautiful wedding day for us. From the first moment we spoke with Paula when looking for a wedding planner, we knew she would be perfect for our special day. Her immediate care for us as a couple, unconditional support, guidance, attention to detail and the skill and love for her craft was clear throughout our entire year of communication (and beyond our wedding day). She is a true professional in every way, from managing us as clients and our vendors (who she knows of MANY and all adore and admire her), to ensuring every small and big detail was accounted for and making sure we were happy and calm throughout the entire process. Her emails and calls always brighten our days and made us feel calm and supported in both the smoothest and the most stressful days. Her consistent communication, scheduling and management of every detail (and there were many!) was outstanding. Paula always made us feel at ease, finding a solution to anything that came our way throughout the entire process and most importantly the day of. She went above and beyond to make sure our creative vision was beautifully executed, and day of events went exactly as we had imagined and more. Our wedding day was everything anyone would ever dream of – smooth, stress free and full of love and joy. We fully trusted Paula and her team, and we are so beyond grateful and lucky to have had them be a HUGE part of our special day. Paula truly made us feel like family, and she is most certainly a part of ours! We feel so lucky and blessed to have met her and will forever be grateful to her for making our wedding year memorable and special.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Tanya,
I'm not sure if your review is considered "short" but it so, I can only say knowing you now the way I do, everything you do is in-depth and oh-so-generous. I am so very grateful to you for this shout out and the details that we addressed for you throughout your experience. Working with you both was a sheer joy from the first hello to the last goodbye hug in the wee hours of your night. I respected the endless details and styling you put forth in the creation of "Your Wedding Day" and was so very honored that you trusted us to manage and execute when we stepped in for your month-of. Your wedding was gorgeous and you are a very special couple indeed. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Thank you so much!
Paula
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![Katherine]()
Kate L. Sent on 10/20/2022Talented, humble, hilarious, professional, and organized. Simply the best!
I’ve been thinking of what to write for my review for quite some time and I still cannot put into words how simply incredible of a person and planner Paula is.
Paula is one of the best people we have ever met, period. She led us, our vendors, and her team through 2 reschedulings due to COVID-19, and produced the most beautiful wedding beyond anything we ever could have imagined.
Paula is patient, kind, and so humble. Please do take my word on this because as a licensed therapist with a decade of experience, I consider myself to be a fair judge of character.
There were so many times when she easily could have fired us (and it would’ve been fair); we didn’t mean to be, but we were bridezilla and groomzilla. We’re perfectionists and both work minimum of 50hrs/week and our work became super busy in the month before the wedding. We worked with her over the course of THREE years and never once was she rude or unprofessional despite the fact that there was a global pandemic occurring that threw the wedding industry upside down and sideways. The other vendors only ever had wonderful things to say about her too.
Paula’s skills speak for herself and can be viewed on her website, but what you can’t easily see is that she is so hard working and thinks of details I’ve never heard of! My aunt has unobtainably high standards and was a bit high maintenance at the wedding and even she was impressed by Paula!
In sum, if you’re on the fence, call her and see for yourself. Paula, if you see this we love you and our next fluffy child better be adorable because they’re going to be named Paul or Paula in your honor! (No, we’re not kidding.)
Photos by Eichar photography, venue is the Sablewood by Lisa Shaul, cake by Mazzone catering, and florals by Monika Boston of Burke and Boston - I recommend all of them (and yes, Paula showed us venue and connected us to vendors other than the photographers). Photos below are from preview and not the full album; will post more professional photos with details once we have them.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
WOW Kate and Chris...thank you thank you thank you!!! We've certainly logged many miles together (with wild detours!) given the hand we were dealt these last years with COVID. With that, came many opportunities to learn each other and understand deeply not only what your wedding day dreams were but what an extraordinary couple you are. My heart broke each time we had to lean in another direction and I thought no one deserves this. Your love conquered the changing tides. And I am so glad that I was able to steer, console, temper the anxiety and in the end deliver the wedding you dreamed of and so deserved. We had some good laughs because it was better than crying, right? And I can't wait to meet your 4-legged Paul(a) one day. Thanks to this "longest running replanning", I know with all certainty that "great event" are worth waiting for. Love you both so! -
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![Karianna]()
Karianna H. Sent on 11/20/2022Hire Paula and her team for a magical, stress-free event!
We worked with Paula for our engagement party in a rustic barn setting, and I cannot recommend her team enough! Paula and her team ensured that our party was beautiful, on-time, and stress-free. All of our guests enjoyed the evening - it was truly magical! Paula is thoughtful, professional, and truly a joy to work with. She considers every single detail, down to the tiniest things (that add up to make a big difference!) Do not hesitate to hire her for your next event!Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Dear Karianna,
Thank you so much for this lovely review! We loved being with you to kick off your engagement and to welcome your favorite people to this gem of a setting. It was such a pleasure for us and an honor!
Enjoy this special time dreaming about your next steps and big day!
My best,
Paula
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![Colie]()
Colie C. Sent on 08/02/2022One of the absolute best
I love working with Paula! As a floral designer, I value organization and communication in the planners I work with, and I love when they've conceived of interesting, novel designs. Paula and her team offer all of the above and more. I can't recommend them highly enough. Every event we've done together has been perfectly planned, with time set aside to dream up new and interesting ways of making something unique for our clients. Paula truly cares about everyone she works with -- clients and vendors included -- and that care shines through in each of her events.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Hi Colie,
We are so grateful for this pro and personal review from you! We love our vendors and we strive to make their jobs as smooth as possible as we work together and with our clients. I am humbled by your perspective on our process and am ever so grateful.
Thank you so much!
Paula
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![Katherine]()
Katherine O. Sent on 01/03/2022Beyond all expectations!
It will be difficult to put into words in this review how much Paula did for us for our wedding. From our first phone call, we knew she would be amazing to work with, and she exceeded all of our expectations. She really went above and beyond with all the special details, from helping with the flowers, to the amazing table settings, to special details we didn't even know about. The venue looked even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined, and the day of, she was able to implement a few backup plans that I didn't even know were in place, but she had worked on with all the vendors in advance. Even a few days after the event, she is still providing guidance and support to us!
Paula was also so kind, patient and thoughtful throughout the entire process, and was a calming and guiding force for us in the best way possible. She truly had an uncanny ability to know when we were starting to freak out, and was able to reach out with a kind email or just the right advice to calm us down and focus on what was most important.
I could not recommend her more- it will be the best decision you make for your wedding (apart from your partner!), and you will also get to spend time with an amazing person!
Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
We truly appreciate the details and enthusiasm in this review!!! Celebrating your wedding day on New Year's Eve was exhilarating and such fun. The timing in the midst of this variant surge was unfortunate for you and your guests. So many added stressors for you that we were glad to divert. Getting you to your day safely and relaxed was the goal yet we loved all the opportunities to make it glam and truly yours. What a way to kick-off 2022. Cheers to you! -
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![Adrienne]()
Adrienne L. Sent on 10/16/2020Paula is a STAR!
Paula and her team crafted and orchestrated the most intimate and personalized wedding day for our dear friends. Our home and property was the backdrop for the magical day in late August. Amid Covid and all the stressors that came along with planning and executing every last detail, Paula and her team were total STARS!! A couple would be very fortunate indeed to have the opportunity to work with Paula.Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Adrienne, thank you for this wonderful review! It was such an honor to work at your lovely home and property on behalf of Allegra and Aaron. Directing and creating weddings on private properties like yours is truly a luxury! We took much care in maintaining low impact with our vendor teams in the comings and goings and are so glad that you appreciated our efforts. -
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![Luke]()
Luke F. Sent on 09/28/2020Great working with Paula!
Absolute pleasure working with Paula this year (2020). I am a photographer and she paved the way for our team to be successful. The wedding changed dynamics many times (covid) and Paula adapted, planned and kept our team abreast with updates and ever changing timelines. There is no doubt she significantly contributed in not only making us elevate our services but in making the wedding a huge success! Highly recommended :-)
Luke Wayne of Luke Wayne PhotographyYour Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Thank you so much for these kudos, Luke! I feel a deep commitment to our vendor teams just as I do our couples. It's always so important to support every artisan working alongside us. Our collaborative goal is always for a very successful day and a very happy couple. This year was especially critical in standing united and strong. I'm thrilled that we made it to the finish line and can do it all again next year for Part 2! -
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Helene R. Sent on 04/18/2022
Top Notch Planner
Paul Smith, from Your Events Paul Smith Design, Inc. is one of the most professional Event Planners that has worked at the Preston Barn. Paula and her team were calm, well organized and most importantly willing to roll up their sleeves to assist. When working with couples over the months leading up to their wedding, there are many things that need to be addressed: time line, liability, vendors, colors, flowers, table settings etc. Paul, was always a step ahead. She supplied me with the needed information before I even asked for it. Top Notch!
Paul Smith and her team are always welcome at the Preston Barn.
Your Event - Paula Smith Designs Inc.'s reply:
Thank you so much for this review, Helene. Working with you and your team was a delight. We thoroughly enjoyed our first wedding at the Preston Barn. I appreciated how willing you were to accommodate our personalization of the space and the guest experience, from decor to the amazing signature cocktails. We certainly look forward to more opportunities with our couples and your team. I have to say how much we appreciated your thumbs up on the confetti launch at midnight. It was an incredible countdown and made Katie and Nikos's night that much more exciting.
With gratitude - Paula -
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