Viva l’Italia!  West Hartford’s Marina Luri-Clark (above with her family) runs Marina Luri Events, helping couples tie the knot in style all around the world–quite natural for this Italian-born planner.  We sat down with Marina for some Q&A about her biz…a must read if you’re getting married in the near future.  Terrific advice Marina, many thanks!  To contact Marina email info@marinalurievents.com.  Buone Vacanze!

How does your business differ from other event planners?

A few things really set us apart.  The first is that we are truly an international company.  Personally, I speak 4 languages and have lived in 4 different countries.  My partner, who is based in Milan, speaks another 3 languages and her family has a high end travel planning company.  Together we have visited just about every continent and can understand most cultures.  When planning and producing an event, understanding the local culture and having local connections is key.  It also helps to know the language!

The second thing that sets us apart is that we have years of experience and specialize in working with clients and vendors from all over the world so we see a lot of the trends before they even happen.  We also get inspiration from our travels so each one of our events is very different from the next.

You’re Italian; how has that affected your style and taste?

Italians will starve to buy that one beautiful and expensive item.  As long as we look good, nothing else seems to matter.  My mother always taught me not to look at ugly things.  She said it would ruin my taste and foster mediocrity.  I used to think she was nuts but as I began working in the fashion industry I grew to understand the concept.  Even if I couldn’t afford what was inside an expensive shop, I loved looking at beautiful windows – it helped me appreciate good design and quality.  More importantly, it made me aspire and dream big.

What are some of your favorite events you’ve planned?

My favorite event was a wedding on the beach in East Hampton NY.  It was on a private property right on the bluff.  The views were spectacular but the ocean air gave everything a magical feeling.  We created 4 different settings on the property – each one different from the other so that guests were transported to a different atmosphere with each passing hour.  We worked with the best vendors and it was spectacular to watch a concept on paper develop into reality. Lighting, catering, flowers and music – everyone was timed perfectly and brought their best.  I have known the family for quite a while so it was very personal and emotional.

My other most favorite event was a wedding in Corsica, France.  It was a great challenge and amazing to see it come to life–we were tasked with finding an English speaking priest for a wedding to be conducted in a small community church at the top of the mountain,  finding magnolia flowers in June and renting an automatic Toyota Land Rover.   Corsica is an island and quite rough.  However, we managed to fly things in, work with a local pastry chef and get the 6 inch Louboutin-wearing bride up to a tiny church at the top of a mountain.

Any advice for couples for planning their wedding?

Yes – invest in a designer/producer and planner.  People think they can do it all but as the event gets closer, emotions run high, it becomes stressful to think of all the details and the unforeseeable. Professional event planners know what to expect and plan accordingly.  More importantly, they know how to deal with the unexpected and resolve issues if and when they arise.

It’s a shame to get so stressed when you should be enjoying one of the most wonderful days of your life.  Leave the details, drama, schlepping and psychology to the planner – enjoy your party, family, and friends!