Headshot of Chantal

About me

Hello!

If you are reading this, you are considering working with me on your wedding. Thank you! I am honoured that you are thinking of hiring me. Working with someone you can trust and collaborate with is really important. So here is an opportunity to get to know me before you take the next step in planning your wedding.

I have been working in events for over fifteen years. These have ranged from academic events and conferences, to weddings and festivals. I have a BAH and MA in Art History from Queen’s University and completed a Diploma in Event Management certified by the Chartered Institute of Marketing while living in the UK. I am also certified by the Wedding Planners’ Institute of Canada.

During my time in the UK I had the amazing opportunity to work on Pride in London. I worked specifically as a liaison between Prides throughout the UK and towards creating an accessible Pride for all. At our first attempt we achieved Silver Certification with Attitude is Everything.

I subsequently moved back to Canada and shortly thereafter my partner and I welcomed a baby boy into our family. Having a year to reflect on my career helped me realize that it was the perfect time to start my own business.

As I moved more into the world of events I helped plan the annual Kingston Intercultural Arts Festival – hosting 22 cultural associations, coordinating 12 performances on the main stage and 6 free art workshops for up to 8,000 visitors. I worked in events at Queen’s University for several years and in 2022 I took the decision to follow my passion and take my business full-time.

A Wedding Planner for You

What makes me stand out as your wedding planner?  My organizational skills, experience, and industry knowledge. My love for event planning. Most importantly, my commitment to you, your vision, and your values. As a full-time planner my focus is 100% on you.

I would love to hear from you about how I can help make your wedding aspirations a reality.

Chantal

Chantal Valkenborg Certified Wedding Planner

Let's talk about your wedding!
"Chantal made our wedding what we never could’ve imagined our day could be. She was extremely knowledgeable, comforting and exceptionally professional. Every question we had, she answered with ease. Every quote we received, she found ways to slim to help out budget."
Emily & Jackson
"Of all the things we spent money on for our wedding, Chantal’s services were easily the most valuable. On top of that she is such a nice person who is clearly passionate about her work."
Eric & Steph
"Chantal was fantastic as our wedding planner, and we can't express how grateful we are for her exceptional work. My husband and I often say to each other that hiring her to help us was one of the best decisions we ever made."
Elena & Andrew
F.A.Qs

Wedding Questions

Here are some of the most common questions I get asked. 

I'd love to chat with you to see how I can help you!

  • Do we need a wedding planner?

    Planning a wedding can be super overwhelming with lots of details to handle. That's where a wedding planner steps in, like your personal superhero for the big day! They help sort out all the nitty-gritty stuff, from picking the right flowers to making sure everyone walks down the aisle at the perfect time. With a wedding planner by your side, you can relax and enjoy the special moments, knowing someone's got the behind-the-scenes covered, turning your dreams into a stress-free reality.

  • What does a "Day-Of" Coordinator do?

    A day-of wedding coordinator plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth wedding day. Despite being mainly active on the day itself, their responsibilities extend beyond that timeframe. They manage a detailed timeline for the day, coordinate with various vendors, oversee ceremony and reception logistics, and discreetly troubleshoot unexpected issues. Additionally, they provide assistance to guests, guide the bridal party, and ensure the seamless execution of the ceremony. While their primary focus is the wedding day, day-of coordinators often offer limited assistance in the weeks leading up to the event to familiarize themselves with the couple's plans, ensuring a seamless transition into their role on the actual day.

  • How much do I have to spend?

    Your marriage is a commitment between you and your partner, marking the beginning of the next stage of life together. While extravagant celebrations are tempting, you don't need to accumulate debt for a beautiful and memorable day. Tips include creating a realistic budget by discussing expenses with your partner and breaking down costs, seeking low-cost and flexible wedding venues, considering second-hand stores or bridal consignment shops for affordable outfits, and reducing the guest list to alleviate financial burdens. Additionally, saving on music costs can be achieved by creating playlists for specific wedding moments, and thrift shopping for decor is recommended for a budget-friendly yet creative celebration. The key is to keep expectations realistic and work with what you have for a memorable and enjoyable wedding on a budget.