What Sets Us Apart - Vendors have seen it all! The good, bad, and everything in between!
Here’s something couples don’t always think about:
When you read a glowing review from a newlywed, they’re sharing what they experienced—which is so valuable. But most couples only ever plan one wedding, so unless something goes really wrong… they may not realize what could have gone better.
But you know who does know the difference? THE VENDORS
They’ve worked hundreds of weddings. They’ve seen planners who elevate the entire day—and planners who vanish when the timeline hits a snag.
When you’re planning your wedding, the first thing most couples do is read reviews from other couples—and for good reason. Hearing from people who’ve been in your shoes is incredibly helpful.
But here’s the thing most couples don’t realize: almost every wedding planner has glowing reviews. And yet… not all planners are created equal.
As a Hudson Valley Wedding Planner and Designer with 15+ years of experience (yes, that’s a lot of first dances and toasts), I’ve worked with every type of couple, venue, and vision imaginable.
We also plan destination weddings worldwide and specialize in non-traditional venues—think: the middle of a wildflower field, inside a warehouse with 20-foot ceilings, under a tent next to a lake, or at a vineyard in the Champagne region of France. If you can dream it (and we can safely get power and bathrooms there), we’ve probably made it happen.
But what really sets us apart? That’s a question best answered by the folks who’ve seen it all: the vendors - venue managers, caterers, florists, photographers, DJs, you name it—I asked them to share their honest take on what it’s like working with me and my team.
Why? Because vendors have seen it all.
The good, the bad, and the seriously-why-is-there-a-live-peacock-at-this-wedding level of weird.
Most couples only experience one wedding. Vendors experience hundreds.
They’re in the thick of it weekend after weekend, and they know the difference between a planner who makes things look effortless... and one who’s barely holding it together with duct tape and crossed fingers.
They know who:
Communicates clearly (and doesn’t disappear after the final invoice)
Solves problems before they become emergencies
Makes their job easier while making your day incredible
Of course, I’m so thankful to the many couples who’ve shared their kind words about working with us—you can read those [Wedding Wire, The Knot, & Google]—but these behind-the-scenes voices matter just as much. Maybe even more.
Here’s what they had to say:
Jessica Miller, COO of Bridge Creek Catering
Over 13 years in the industry
As a caterer I'm in the thick of what makes an event work- in particular the timing, rental/bar needs, and overall service throughout the event. I am typically involved with 30+ events every year.
I've worked with a myriad of event planners and am always pleased when a client chooses to work with Cathy's Elegant Events. As a full service custom caterer in business for more than 25 years we know what makes an event successful and the effect that the right or wrong planner can have on the entirety of an event.
Cathy and her team are always ahead of the mark in terms of deadlines, updates, follow up/though, etc. and always ensure that none of the little things are missed. As a vendor we see some things that clients don't, and have had to pick up the slack when the "planner" and other vendors have fallen short.
We've had planners show up late, get intoxicated, leave early, forget important aspects of the event, not have a large enough team for the promised services, and more. In this industry, we do our best to support each other and ensure that our clients have the best experience no matter what, so even when these terrible things occur, we try to ensure that the client is unaware. Which often results in praise and positive reviews of "planners" that didn't deserve it.
We know we're walking into a successful event when Cathy's Elegant Events is listed as the Planner!T.G.
25+ years experience in Catering & Event Services
I’ve had a 25+ year career in hospitality, including my recent role as an Event Captain at a venue that hosts weddings nearly every weekend during peak season. During my first few weekends in the position, I quickly realized just how challenging this role could be.Unfortunately, high turnover in this industry often means working with inexperienced planners—and for about 98% of the weddings I worked, that’s exactly what it was. I often found myself doing their jobs for them. It made an already demanding role even more stressful.The first time Cathy’s Elegant Events was hired by a couple at our venue—and chose to have their team present for full day-of coordination—the difference was immediate. I literally felt 10 pounds of weight lift off my shoulders when they arrived.Cathy’s team is, without question, the most professional, organized, communicative, and efficient group I have ever worked with. Their preparedness and execution are truly unmatched. Every detail was handled thoughtfully and proactively, which allowed me—and the rest of the vendor team—to focus on doing our jobs at the highest level.It became such a relief that there was even a running joke among staff: when the BEO (Banquet Event Order) would come through and we saw Cathy’s name, there was a dramatic "yessss" and a fist pump because we knew it was going to be a smooth, well-run event.Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside Cathy and her crew several more times, and I can confidently say they bring the same level of excellence and consistency to every wedding. It’s clear that Cathy has taken great care in building a team of experienced professionals who are thoroughly trained and work seamlessly together.I truly cannot express enough how wonderful they are to work with.April Tiberio - Venue Manager - Senate Garage Wedding Venue
Over 9 years in the industry
As a venue manager, one thing that immediately stood out was that I have to do absolutely NOTHING! :)Because of Cathy’s extremely detailed run of show and her communication in the days and weeks leading up to the weddings, everything was handled seamlessly. I didn’t need to be hands-on. Generally, with other planners, I have to redirect and put out fires when a planner doesn’t do their job.I'm sad to say that some are also somewhat lazy and do what's best and easy for them, NOT what's best for the couple that hired them. They forget that they need to do what is best and what will make the couple happy. Not what will work for them and get them out quicker at the end of the night. Also, without a very detail oriented planner, working with many vendors the day of and having everyone on the same page can be challenging. I never felt that way when you were at the helm. F.T.
Over 15 years in the industry
Photographed more than 250 weddings
What truly sets Cathy apart is her ability to handle every aspect of a wedding with precision and grace, always present yet never intrusive. She navigates any situation with quiet efficiency, alleviating stress rather than adding to it, an ability few planners truly master. The preparations and communication leading up to the wedding day are exceptional. Her team provides event diagrams, timelines, and notes well in advance, allowing ample time for any necessary adjustments. Couples often tell me how much they loved working with her, and some even stay in touch long after the wedding, having formed a genuine friendship with her through the planning process!Jimmy Bishop - Gideon Photography
Over 20 years in the industry
Photographed more than 800 weddings
Cathy Ballone is, without a doubt, an outstanding wedding planner, and I can’t emphasize enough just how essential her services are. Having been a wedding photographer for over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing a wide range of weddings—some with no planner at all, some with planners who are inexperienced or easily flustered, and then there’s Cathy. She is in a league of her own. Her calm demeanor, organizational skills, and ability to think on her feet truly set her apart from the rest.Cathy’s extensive experience shines through in everything she does. No matter how complex the situation, she remains cool under pressure, ensuring that the day unfolds smoothly and seamlessly. She understands every aspect of wedding planning, from the smallest details to the big picture, and has a way of handling everything with grace and precision.For any couple planning their wedding, I can say with confidence that Cathy is the planner you need. Her attention to detail and proactive approach will make the entire planning process not only manageable but also enjoyable. She takes the stress out of wedding planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—celebrating your big day.If you want your wedding to be an unforgettable event, with everything in place and running smoothly, hiring Cathy is a must. She will go above and beyond to ensure that your day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more.Dana
Venue Owner - Southwood Estate
Over 10 years in the industry
Whenever I see Cathy’s Elegant Events on my calendar, I breathe a sigh of relief. That’s because I know that every detail will be covered and I don’t have to worry about loose ends at the venue. She consistently keeps me in the loop as things develop. Communication is frequent and clear with her and with her dependable team.Since most couples will not have experience in putting together a complex wedding, Cathy will gently guide them through the process while respecting their values and aesthetics. The telltale sign of a well-produced event is no sign; that is, you would only notice if there was a glitch. Cathy makes sure there are no glitches. She makes it look easy while ensuring that the trains are running on time.Samantha Nass
Owner - Samantha Nass Floral Design
Over 10 years in the industry
I have had the pleasure of working with Cathy Ballone for the past 10 years, and every wedding we have collaborated on has been absolutely seamless. Cathy is a true professional—exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and an invaluable partner in the planning process.What sets Cathy apart is her ability to thoughtfully match couples with vendors that align with their style and budget, ensuring a cohesive and stress-free experience for everyone involved. She approaches each event with fairness and a keen analytical eye, always prioritizing the couple’s vision rather than simply curating a portfolio-perfect moment.Her expertise, dedication, and ability to execute flawless events make her an outstanding planner, and I would highly recommend Cathy to any couple looking for a trusted guide in their wedding planning journey.Heather Cullen
Cullen Creations Floral Design
10+ Years in the industry
I’ve worked with quite a few wedding planners over the years (and I myself started out as a planner before transitioning to floral and décor), and I must say—I find a noticeable difference when working with Cathy.A few Key examples I can give:
When she reaches out to me on behalf of her couples, she’s actually the only planner I feel comfortable giving quotes to before speaking to the couple. The reason is simple—she asks all the important details I would ask. So when I send a proposal, I feel confident that what I’m quoting is actually what the couple is looking for.The planning process is so much easier and stress-free leading up to the wedding because she has all the answers I need and responds quickly every time. Of course, I still speak to the couple during planning, and Cathy is happy to jump on the phone with them too—helping explain options essentially extending them her knowledge and experience as if it was their own.Leading up to the wedding, I’ve always gotten all the info I needed, exactly when I needed it. Every wedding I’ve done with her has gone smoothly and stress-free—I even had time to eat during the day!Cathy is the kind of planner a couple needs, even if they don’t realize it. Sadly, not all the planners I’ve worked with have provided this kind of support. If this is what I get as a vendor, I can only imagine how great she is for her couples.Now, I can’t say I’ve had anything horrific happen with another planner, but I’ve definitely worked with ones (and one in particular comes to mind) where I don’t get the info I need, everything feels last-minute and rushed, and the day ends up feeling chaotic and reactive instead of smooth and planned. We’re all working harder than we should be because of poor prep, and honestly—it makes the day a lot less enjoyable for everyone involved.In fact, with that same planner, we’re both on the preferred vendor list at a particular venue, and when couples reach out to me and mention they’re working with her, I’ve seriously considered turning them down—because I just don’t want to work with her again.Truly, Cathy has been the best planner I’ve worked with. :)