From Stage to Aisle
The Theatrical Magic of Wendy Markum's
Wedding Planning
In this edition of our vendor spotlight series, we’re thrilled to introduce Wendy Markum, the creative force behind Revel and Wonder. With a background in theater production and a passion for personalizing events, Wendy brings a unique flair to wedding planning. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey and the magic she creates for couples on their special day.
From Theater to Weddings
Wendy’s journey into the world of wedding planning is as unique as the weddings she creates. Starting her career in theater, production, and directing, Wendy honed her skills in orchestrating large-scale productions. However, her love for working with people and creating memorable experiences led her to pursue a different path. Frustrated with the corporate side of nonprofits and the relentless focus on fundraising over people and experiences, Wendy decided to leverage her talents and passions by starting her own business.
In 2014, her company was born (it was The Savvy Bride until this year) Revel and Wonder was born, blending Wendy’s theatrical background with her desire to craft personal and meaningful events. “Weddings are essentially big productions,” Wendy explains. “The preparations, costumes, makeup, food, guests—it all is one big theater production, more or less.”
Crafting Unique Experiences
Wendy primarily focuses on wedding coordination, ensuring that the day-of event runs smoothly. She also offers partial planning services and wedding flowers, see her flowers below, helping couples find the right vendors and ensuring no detail is overlooked. Her approach is hands-on and deeply personal, always striving to understand and fulfill the couple’s vision for their big day.
These floral arrangements are expertly curated by Wendy at her business, The Prickly Thistle. The company specializes in providing exquisite floral designs for celebrations with budgets under $3,000.
One of Wendy’s most memorable weddings was a Harry Potter-themed celebration, a full-planning project she couldn’t resist. “We had different tables based on the various houses, with custom floral arrangements and candies. The chargers were set up to look like the Deathly Hallows, and each guest had a wand,” she recalls. It was these intricate details that made the event truly magical, reflecting Wendy’s dedication to creating immersive experiences.
The Wedding Planning Process
Wendy believes that wedding planning is a journey of discovery for couples, teaching them how to communicate and navigate their relationship. She recommends allocating 10-14% of the overall wedding budget to a wedding planner to ensure that all aspects of the event are covered. Honesty about the budget is crucial, allowing Wendy to match couples with suitable vendors and make the most of their resources.
Photos By: Lily Notz
For those on a tighter budget, Wendy offers wedding management services as a more affordable alternative to wedding planning. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing elements that matter most to the couple, whether it’s the venue, photography, or entertainment.
Working with Wendy
The process of hiring Wendy begins with an inquiry, followed by a discussion about pricing to ensure she fits within the couple’s budget. If a more cost-effective option is needed, Wendy is happy to refer clients to other planners. For those who proceed with her services, a comprehensive consultation call follows, where Wendy explains her process, the software used, and addresses any questions the couple might have.
Wendy’s approach is structured and collaborative, with regular meetings and checklists to keep everything on track. As the wedding day approaches, the frequency of meetings increases, ensuring that all details are finalized. On the day of the wedding, Wendy arrives 30 minutes before photography begins to assure the details are ready, while allowing the couple to enjoy a stress-free morning with their wedding party. She and her staff remain through the entire event to make sure everything is handled perfectly until the very end.
A Life of Passion
Outside of wedding planning, Wendy is a dedicated foster dog parent, gym rat, and avid gardener. “Gardening is my time to relax, and be hands-on with nature,” she shares. In the winter months, she enjoys baking, finding joy in creating delicious treats, and game nights with friends.
Wendy Markum's Unique Approach
Wendy Markum of Revel and Wonder exemplifies the perfect blend of creativity, dedication, and personal touch in wedding planning. Her theatrical background and passion for making dreams come true make her a standout choice for couples looking to create a truly unique and memorable celebration.
Stay tuned for more features on the best local wedding vendors in our upcoming blog posts. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or looking for those final touches, we’re here to help you every step of the way!
Happy Planning!
– Chelsey