Meet San Diego wedding coordinator Melissa Barrad, the owner behind I Do Weddings and Events. Melissa has been coordinating #ExquisiteRealWedding celebrations for the last decade. You can view some of her San Diego-based weddings here, here, and here (and these are just a few of our faves!). Follow Melissa and her rockstar team of coordinators and designers on Instagram at @idoweddingsandevents.
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What are some traits that define you?
Passionate, organized, loyal, and calming, with a silly sense of humor!
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My family, the warm San Diego weather, and coffee. Lots of coffee!
Where is your favorite place to be?
At La Jolla Shores with my son and dogs!
Your job in three words.
Creative, organizer, cheerleader!
What do you love about your job?
The ability to do something exciting, creative, and new each day! My clients and their events are incredibly diverse, and I love interacting, planning, and being creative in different ways each day.
The wedding trend I am obsessed with right now is:
Wedding cake alternatives! I love a good late night novelty dessert.
What’s your favorite detail in the Spring issue of Exquisite Weddings magazine?
Definitely the greenery! There are so many incredible uses of texture and color throughout the issue. My partners Laura Lambillotte and Jill Hudgins created a gorgeous styled shoot at Mission Brewery with gorgeous green details.
What San Diego wedding venue do you adore, or which venue would you love to work at?
I love to read, and would love to do a wedding at the new library downtown.
Who is a San Diego wedding vendor you admire and why?
Suzanne Hansen of SheWanders Photography. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and she inspires me to be a better consultant and colleague in the industry. She was also the person who encouraged me to develop my brand and just be me.
What is your most beloved wedding and details?
I love anything fun and original. I always say you can do any color palette and any style, as long as you do it right. This wedding (pics below) at Leo Carrillo Ranch designed by Jill Hudgins and shot by Heather Elise Photography is a perfect example. You can truly see the couple’s personalities shining through!
What’s your go-to motto?
It always comes together! Sometimes everyone has a moment of doubt, but rest assured, your wedding day will be beautiful.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am not a fan of chocolate or wedding cake! Clients often have me join their tastings, and I politely decline the sugar.
