The Stars Inside.

We’re very excited to share our chat with Val, wedding planner extraordinaire from The Stars Inside. As a London-based Roman astrophysicist-turned-wedding planner, Val gave us unique and inspiring insights into the magic of small weddings, her love of helping couples celebrate their personal stories, and how sustainability practices are woven into her weddings.

Tell us about The Stars Inside and how did your journey begin?

Thank you so much for having me! It's truly such a joy and honour to be asked!

So here at The Stars Inside I plan and style weddings all over the world - with a specialty in intimate celebrations. Although, on average, my weddings do have small guestlists (or none, in the case of elopements!) - I would say it's not really about the number itself. For me, it's really about connecting with couples who want to create welcoming, atmospheric, heartfelt experiences where they can spend quality time with their loved ones. It's about caring about every detail, and creating opportunities for real connections and joyful togetherness - whether it's 2 people or 200.

My journey into weddings has had a lot of plot twists along the way actually - including stints as an astrophysicist, circus performer, and investment banker - but honestly I feel like I've finally found my calling, my people, and my home. I dove into this business with both feet when I launched in September 2017, and haven't ever looked back! I have a fellow wedding planner colleague to thank for finding this path actually - she was our ROCK during some fairly difficult times, and it was thanks to becoming her friend and intern that I realised how right this was for me.

How does the process of wedding planning work? It can be overwhelming to think about planning a wedding as one huge project - but in fact the process of wedding planning is all about breaking it down to smaller steps, and taking it one day at a time. There is a very natural order in which suppliers can be booked, so I help my couples build their team, one awesome vendor at a time. There are portions of wedding planning that are more about admin and logistics, and parts that are more about aesthetics and details, and my goal is to help them with all of this - and hopefully enjoy every step of the way! I want my couples to have time for the elements of planning their wedding that they love, and the peace of mind of knowing that the parts they don't enjoy, or that worry them, are in safe, caring, expert hands.

How does the process of wedding planning work?

It can be overwhelming to think about planning a wedding as one huge project - but in fact the process of wedding planning is all about breaking it down to smaller steps, and taking it one day at a time. There is a very natural order in which suppliers can be booked, so I help my couples build their team, one awesome vendor at a time. There are portions of wedding planning that are more about admin and logistics, and parts that are more about aesthetics and details, and my goal is to help them with all of this - and hopefully enjoy every step of the way! I want my couples to have time for the elements of planning their wedding that they love, and the peace of mind of knowing that the parts they don't enjoy, or that worry them, are in safe, caring, expert hands.

What is the advantage for couples to hire a wedding planner?

There is a common perception that wedding planners are only for high budget weddings, or very complex or high profile weddings. The truth is that ANY couple who wants to invest in their time or their peace of mind can benefit from partnering with the right planner. Regardless of size and budget, any wedding is a big project - and having an expert by your side means being able to plan with more intention. A planner will keep the planning timeline ticking at its natural pace, recommend trusted vendors, inspire you with new ideas, guide you with the admin and contracts, manage your budget and help you understand what you are investing in, and generally be there for you for any advice or support you need.

Has COVID affected the approach to your work?

My approach to my work has always been very wholehearted, as I want my couples to feel they have all the logistical, creative, and emotional support they need. This is even more important to me now, with so many couples having faced difficulties and anxieties associated with planning their planning - or who might have faced personal or professional difficulties that have shifted their priorities. My message of the magic of small weddings has remained unchanged, though I hope that it's given even more couples hope that they can create a wedding day full of meaning, joy, and beauty despite the restrictions in place.

Do you find couples are increasingly interested in sustainable weddings? If so, how do you incorporate sustainability into your planning? Yes, absolutely! This is definitely something that more brides and grooms want to talk about, which I love. Reflecting my couples' values in their wedding day is something really important to me, and this topic in particular is very close to my heart. In terms of planning, having a more sustainable wedding means having the conversation with each of their vendors ahead of time to find out what their recycling policies are, where products and ingredients are sourced, and whether any swaps can be made to remain more eco-friendly. It also means thinking about using local and seasonal elements, and making sure the venue has sustainable practices for its rubbish disposal too. More and more couples are being mindful about what they introduce into natural spaces, and what they leave behind. This might manifest in the form of potted plants, eco-conscious vendors, second-hand buying, less floral foam and plastic packaging, biodegradable paper, local produce from organic farms, a reduced carbon footprint, and post-wedding donations of food and flowers to where they can make a difference. For some couples, having a smaller footprint means choosing to have a more intimate guest-list, or using small businesses and local artisans who support the community.

How would you describe your style when it comes to your products and services?

I absolutely love that the weddings I plan and style are all different- each a gorgeous reflection of the passions and histories of the couples. I love taking their ideas and growing them, nurturing them, and elevating them into something completely unique and fresh. Refining and modernising themes is something I really love doing! I believe that beauty is a way of framing happy memories - so my signature style is all about storytelling by curating every detail of the day, and every moment of the guest journey.

 

Professionally or personally, what inspires you? I have LOTS of interests, and I love letting them colour my inspiration - from literature, to science, to art and architecture, to fashion and design, to travel and nature, to movies and videogames - I'm a very visual person, so I feel most inspired when experiencing new things or new places :)

Tell us your favourite wedding memory. I don't think I could pick a favourite, because every single wedding is absolutely unforgettable and irreplaceable in its own wonderful way! I think generally my favourite moment that I witness on a wedding day is the ceremony itself, seeing and hearing those emotions, the words of their vows... I'm a VERY soppy person, and I cry at every ceremony

What’s your best piece of advice for wedding and event planning? I have SO MANY! But honestly the single most important advice I can give is to take your time and be purposeful when it comes to choosing what to invest in. Those lifelong memories will be most meaningful and full of joy, for both you and your guests, if you embrace telling YOUR story in whichever way is right for you. Try to gently let go of any preconceptions, expectations, or pressure you’re feeling, and be really honest with yourself and with each other about what matters the most to you. Being clear on these priorities will make budgeting, communicating, and making decisions easier and more fun, and will also allow you to be more present on the day itself.

Special thanks to The Stars Inside | Web thestarsinside.com | Social @thestarsinside
Photography credits from top to bottom: Terry Li Photography; Rebecca Carpenter Photography x2; Lydia Harper Photography; Sophia Veres Photography x2; Rebecca Carpenter Photography