Christine & Mike - Episode 1

The Lighthouse Journal - How Their Mexico Wedding Journey Began

It’s time to turn the spotlight toward the backbone of my business: my couples, and their real stories. Since my anniversary mini-series was so well received, I thought I would follow that interest and start sharing my past clients under a similar light.

I’m kicking off my next mini-series with one of my all-time favorite couples: Christine & Mike.

Sometimes, when you meet a couple, the connection is there from the very beginning. In this case, part of it was because they were referred to me by Catie & Dom (one of my past couples), and their advice was basically: “Hire Jen for everything.”

But still… we had to meet. We had to vibe. We had to fall in love with each other’s energy.

Most of my couples have been Chicagoland couples, and honestly… it’s the best. Because if you sit down with me in person, share a glass of wine, and we talk like friends, it’s almost impossible not to end up planning something magical together.

But lately, I’ve been challenging myself. I’m opening this freshly rebranded, newly energized version of my business beyond Chicago.

Because even though I love meeting my couples in person… I also have years of experience planning weddings and events from a distance. I’ve worked with clients in Australia, Tokyo, all over the U.S., and throughout Europe.

And thanks to Zoom (and Google Meet), we can still build that connection and trust — even if you’re nowhere near me.

So if you’re wondering what it’s like to work with me…

Expect a lot of laughter. Expect real guidance. Expect clarity. And expect planning to be a great experience.

Now back to Christine & Mike… One random day, I got three consecutive inquiries within five minutes. One was a formal request for a meeting… and the other two were questionnaires they each filled out separately.

Years ago, my old business had a “Which Mexico Destination is right for you Questionnaire” where I asked couples a series of questions — and based on their answers, I could usually tell what destination fit them best.

***I haven’t added it to my new website yet, but if you want it, send me a love note and I’ll bring it back.

Anyway… to no one’s surprise, Christine and Mike’s answers led them to the same destination.

We met a few days later at a beautiful luxury restaurant in Chicago — one they were even considering as a wedding venue — because they were exploring the idea of keeping things local. But deep down, their hearts were already in Mexico.

Here’s the funny part: Since Catie & Dom referred them, I told Christine and Mike: “Invite them to our first meeting. I haven’t seen them in years.”

So Catie joined us, we hugged, we caught up, we laughed… and after about 20 minutes, she gracefully left.

Casually strolling the resort of their dreams!

Because then it was time to make it all about Christine & Mike.

That first meeting is where I learn what kind of wedding you truly want, whether Mexico is the right fit for you, what you feel most nervous about, and what kind of support you need from me.

It’s also where you get to ask me everything and anything… and see how deep my knowledge really goes. And yes… I tend to impress people in that first meeting. Not because I’m trying to be flashy — but because I truly know Mexico, and I know how to make this process easier than people think.

I don’t talk pricing during that first sit-down. But if you want to move forward, I prepare a full proposal with everything spelled out clearly, so you can see exactly what is included and what level of support feels right.

Now here’s where Christine & Mike’s story gets really good… I told them: “In about 10 days I’m going to be in Cancun. No pressure, but if you want to take advantage of my trip… I can take one day of my stay and walk you through resorts in person, and I can guide you through the site inspections myself.”

That doesn’t happen often, because I’m usually in Chicago. But when I’m there? Doors open faster. Things move smoother. And you see exactly why having a planner who knows Mexico matters.

Spoiler alert… They signed the contract with me that night. Paid the deposit. And booked their flights almost immediately.

Nine days later…

I was picking them up at their hotel in Mexico — the one we thought was going to be their dream resort… but it was NOT the resort they ended up choosing.

The hotel they ultimately chose, on the Morning of their wedding!

More on Christine & Mike’s Saga… to be continued.