Heidi & Karissa
Heidi Hughett
Heidi has worked for over 20 years in the Hospitality industry. After working her first wedding at the age of 16, she was hooked! During those 20 plus years, Heidi worked as a Chef, Restaurant Manager, Hotel Food and Beverage Manager, and Conference Center Food and Beverage Director. She understands the workings of throwing an event from the back of the house as well as the front. After working corporate for many years she decided to go out on her own. She knew that Weddings and Events where her favorite part of the business, so that is what she decided to focus on. In the fall of 2005 she opened Couture Celebrations. She successfully ran Couture Celebrations for four years, averaging 20 fabulous weddings a years. During that time, as a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants she graduated with honors from their professional program and has the designation of PBC.
In the fall of 2009 she decided to join forces with her good friend and talented fellow Planner/Concierge Karissa Paxton. The two formed Coastside Couture in order to better serve the community and take on more events. Heidi knew that Karissa was a perfect partner, due to her passion, sincerity, and balancing personality.
Heidi is known for her ability to multitask, remain calm in moments of chaos, sooth others in their moments of stress, and for her attention to detail. She prides herself on straightening every linen, checking every chair, every set of silverware, and keeping an eye on her Bride to make sure she looks her best at all times. There are no short cuts to her. It must be done right even when that means more work. Heidi is also known for her strong belief in Teamwork. She knows her job is to give her team the ability to do their jobs to their best ability. She is also a strong problem solver and knows how to fix situations. Her wedding day kit is a prized possession that she has spent years perfecting.
Heidi's own style is a mix of modern and shabby chic. She likes clean lines, no fluff, and is attracted to anything sparkly. However she understands that her job is to make sure her clients' style is what is reflected in the events she plans and coordinates and she respects that. She feels privileged to help her clients with their events and to work in an industry she loves. On a personal level her passions revolve around food and wine, shoes, great movies and most of all her family.
Karissa Paxton
As a California native and resident of Santa Cruz, Karissa understands first hand that the Coast is truly an amazing place to host an event. Karissa has worked in the service and hospitality industries for over a decade. In 2004, she started her own event-planning business, Coastside Weddings and Events, and has successfully helped clients create amazing events ever since. Through her planning business, Karissa helped to fill the immediate needs of her clients by offering extra services such as: shopping for essential items, setting personal appointments, arranging group tours, writing special thank you cards and performing daily errands. This is how the Coastside Concierge concept blossomed into Karissa's second business.
In late 2009 Karissa and her good friend Heidi became founding board members of the Monterey Bay Wedding and Event Professional Board. She and Heidi realized that they were a perfect fit for a partnership. Karissa has always respected Heidi's professionalism, dedication to her business, drive and fabulous personality. This partnership of Coastside Couture is a "match made in heaven and a force to be reckoned with"
Karissa prides herself on solid, old-fashioned customer service. She strives to give each client personal and professional care. Taking care of all the details is especially important to her. Karissa's specialty is listening to her clients to ensure trust and establish a relationship that exceeds expectations. Her favorite part of a wedding is the ceremony and even after all the years of working weddings, she still cries at every single one of them. Karissa loves the excitement that comes with events and lives for the days when she gets to see her Client's happiness and delight!
Karissa's personality is a mixture of spunky, sweet, professional, fun, focused and goofy. Karissa loves to laugh and live. Her favorite personal activities are mountain biking, running every day, cooking, reading, playing with her two dogs and camping with her Husband in the Big Sur wilderness. Karissa sees herself as the perfect balance between outdoorsy and girly.