Today we meet Alexandra Merri of The Bijou Studio. Her background in art, film marketing, music public relations, and fashion styling, allows her to draw from a diverse array of artistic and design reference points. When planning weddings, Alexandra finds it most important to have the love story of the couple reflected honestly in the aesthetics of each celebration. She takes the work of wedding planning personally and works to create magical experiences for every couple she works with. In addition to planning weddings with The Bijou Studio, Alexandra works as a consultant for various brands and venues. She also frequently works as an educator, teaching new and existing planners the art of event design. She is also a resident fashion stylist at Rock N Roll Bride magazine. Read on to find out how Alexandra and her team ensure that their clients' events are uniquely personalized and stand out from the crowd.
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
I started a blog (when blogs were just online journals) focused on styling for modern brides. As a trained fashion stylist I found the wedding market in the UK at the time was rather formulaic and cookie-cutter so I started writing and sharing fashion inspiration, beauty tutorials, and events. My day job in film marketing involved organizing events and premieres and I really wanted to combine my passion for the arts with my organizational expertise. I took an international wedding planning course to better advise couples following my blog and readers of the wedding magazine columns I was writing, and it all snowballed from there.
Why did you start The Bijou Studio?
I was passionate about couples being able to celebrate every aspect of their marriage in a personal and authentic way. After getting married, I could appreciate and understand the stresses involved in the planning process. I wanted to be that friendly, approachable team, ready to listen and produce a perfectly personal celebration.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
To be honest, I’m not sure I would change anything. This industry is full of wonderful people, great creatives and now really celebrates the personal story of a couple. With everything that is 2020, it has also proved how as an industry we can all come together to support our couples and each other in a very special way.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
I work with clients that travel a lot for work, so allowing them to access the planning tools on Aisle Planner at any time and from any country is a vital element in making our planning journey together seamless and transparent.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
The budget tab. It may not be the sexiest option, but a clear budget guide is key when planning an event.
If you weren't the Founder of The Bijou Studio, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
That’s a tough one, it’s hard to beat the buzz of knowing you helped someone during one of their biggest life moments! If I wasn’t in the wedding industry, I imagine I would still be working with people directly in some capacity be it interior design or something with more of an environmental focus.
What're three things you never show up without on event day?
Trainers/ sneakers for set up and tear down—no matter how long we have to set up I’m always running, it’s the nervous adrenaline! A tie around the waist bag packed with a lighter, tissues, pen, scissors, lip balm, plasters, hair clips, and mints - little essentials always at hand. Also, a great playlist because music is so emotive.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
Always being excited about your client’s wedding and what it means for them. It’s the thing my couples continue to comment on even during the testing times this year—how my enthusiasm for their wedding is infectious and has helped to lift their spirits. Never forget how important the wedding day is.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
Making the planning experience as personal as possible. Really taking the time to understand my couple's professional and home lives to tailor our communications and the planning journey accordingly.
Is there anything you are particularly excited about working on this year?
It’s been bizarre to have a year without a summer full of weddings, but it has been a wonderful opportunity to take on exciting new projects including working with an old client and creating an interior design scheme for their latest store.
Just for fun
I’m dying to take a trip to…
Australia, my best friend lives there and I would love to visit her one day!
Dogs or cats?
Dogs, I have two little fur buddies.
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
Italian all day EVERY day.
What skill would you like to master?
Drawing/ Sketching/ Painting I’m a frustrating artist.
What song do you know every word to?
Every word to the entire Mary Poppins soundtrack (and the whole script too).
Favorite book of all time?
Anything Agatha Christie.
If you catch me out and about I’m always wearing…
Black, my wardrobe is very monochrome.
Hero photo courtesy of Xander and Thea Fine Art Wedding Photography
To find out more about Alexandra Merri, The Bijou Studio visit her website here: thebijoustudio.com
About the Author
