Creative Ibiza wedding planner Laurie Pecher of Ibiza Cloud 9 has the experience and skills to make wedding dreams come true. Laurie is a multi-lingual certified international event and wedding planning professional born in Belgium with a passion for creating individualized boutique events. Inspired by the idyllic beauty and diversity of the Mediterranean island she calls home, Laurie has an impressive background in the fields of event planning, styling, finance, and management. This fusion of creativity and professionalism combined with a sharp business acumen means she approaches each Ibiza wedding with a thorough understanding of all aspects needed to make it happen. From conception through to completion, she's with each couple every step of the way.
What inspired you to enter the wedding industry?
I studied communications and advertisement in Antwerp, Belgium. At that moment, I didn't have a clear career path in mind and this course provided me with the possibility of pursuing several different options. In my last year of studies, I was able to specialize in one area and I opted for events, which I really enjoyed. Following the completion of my studies, I went to Miami for a year to study International Business English. I met my future husband there who came originally from Ibiza, Spain. After a slight detour of 9 months in Valencia, I finally ended up in Ibiza, working in an entirely different field, namely metal trading. I loved my job but still didn't feel this was really me and the idea of wedding planning started to grow, particularly as there was a growing demand for wedding planners in Ibiza. I followed an online course and decided after 6 years of working as a metal trader to finally take the plunge and start my own business, specializing in destination weddings for foreigners in Ibiza (mainly from Belgium and Holland).
Why did you start Ibiza Cloud 9?
I really wanted to have a job where I'd wake up in the morning with a real desire to start my working day. Something adventurous, creative, and challenging that would take me away from the set routine of sitting full-time in front of the computer. I wanted to end each day with a feeling of satisfaction. It took me a really long time to find this but the combination of my studies, speaking multiple languages, my love of meeting new people, and living on an island that's so perfect for weddings led me to the decision to start my own wedding planning business.
If you could change one thing about the weddings and special events industry, what would it be?
I'd love to change the perception that weddings have to be held in a certain way. Each wedding should be unique and a reflection of the couple themselves so if you wish to have the ceremony after the reception, skip the opening dance, and start the party with Brazilian dancers taking your guests to the dance floor, dance your way up to the aisle, then why not? There should be no right or wrong way and uniqueness should be encouraged.
How does using Aisle Planner help you deliver the client experience you want to?
Aisle Planner provides transparency to my clients. With just a click, AP allows them to see exactly what stage of the planning I'm in. Communication is a fundamental element of wedding planning and Aisle Planner provides an additional form of this. I think this is very important as, ultimately, the clients are trusting you with the most important day of their lives and they need to be kept involved and made to feel in control at all times.
What's your favorite Aisle Planner feature?
So difficult to choose! I'd say the Checklist—with so many different clients it provides me with the structure I need to ensure that everything is completed within the necessary deadlines. I find the way in which Aisle Planner sends reminders, to both myself and the clients, very helpful, particularly during peak event season when I may have long periods of time out of the office at events. I also find the Notes wonderful as it allows me to keep clear and concise overviews of what's been arranged with each vendor.
If you weren't the Owner of Ibiza Cloud 9, what would you be doing instead, or what would your life be like?
If I wasn't a wedding planner, I would've liked to run my own bed and breakfast on the island with a view, making my guest’s stay in Ibiza an unforgettable experience. I'd probably want to organize small events and weddings at this B&B as well!
What are three things you never show up without on event day?
1. Extra external battery for my phone, as I need to be in constant reach for my vendors and clients.
2. Three different pairs of shoes because I'm running around so much that I need to switch shoes every four hours to prevent blisters.
3. Phone numbers for my Plan B vendors in case a vendor the client booked directly fails to arrive or one of my own vendors has an accident.
What’s your personal philosophy on becoming a great wedding and event planner?
I think experience is the key to becoming a great wedding planner. I'm a very different planner now than the one I was five years ago when I started my business. I'm better prepared mentally for stressful situations, I have an extensive database of the best vendors on the island that I can trust and that trust me. Working with so many different people has made me a better judge of character, which in turn has made my communication with clients and vendors more efficient.
What’s your trademark in the client or event experience?
My trademark in the client experience is that I live in Ibiza all year round. Many other planners here are of the destination variety and therefore don't have the same relationship with the vendors, or the island, as I do. I speak the local language and am immersed in island life, so I'm aware when a new venue opens or a new vendor appears. I can recommend a special hidden location for a pre-wedding photoshoot or suggest a secluded spot to watch the sunset. I enjoy building relationships with my vendors and meet with them during the off-season for coffee to simply chat and hear of their news. Due to these strong relationships, my vendors always go the extra mile for my clients.
Just for fun
Three things you wouldn't board a plane without?
Toys, chocolate, and a charged phone with cartoons for my daughter so both myself and my fellow passengers can have a relaxing flight.
I’m dying to take a trip to…
Lapland! I've always wanted to go there, seems to be magical.
Dogs or cats?
Dogs
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
Italian
What skill would you like to master?
I'd love to play an instrument but, regrettably, I've been told on several occasions that I'm tone deaf.
Non-work related hobbies?
Running and yoga
On my days off you can find me…
On the beach with my daughter or friends.
If you catch me out and about I’m always wearing…
My hip bag with my phone, charger, and pens.
Want to see more from Laurie? Check out her website ibizacloud9events.com!
Hero photo courtesy Jennifer Arndt Photography
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