We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassidy Wilkinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassidy below.
Hi Cassidy, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
SO, when I graduated high school, I watched my friends confidently step into careers as nurses and teachers. While I admired their certainty, I knew deep down that path wasn’t for me. The problem was, I didn’t know what was for me. I felt lost, discouraged, and unsure of my place in the world.
I started college without a clear direction, and to be honest, I struggled. I eventually flunked out, which was a heavy hit to my confidence. But even in my lowest moments, I always had this deep-seated belief that I was capable of more—I just didn’t know what “more” looked like yet.
Life led me to a role as an assistant buyer, and while it gave me stability, it didn’t give me fulfillment. As I matured, that frustration built. I refused to settle for a life that felt stagnant, so I made a bold decision: I went back to college. This time, I was determined to make it count. I graduated with a degree in Communications, landed an internship, and even won an award for journalism. With each step, my confidence grew.
But there was still something missing. I was still in the same job, still unhappy, and I knew I was meant for more. So, I took a leap. I applied for a corporate events position, and, in a moment of pure authenticity, I wrote on my Indeed profile: “A Communications major with an outrageous personality.”
My future boss wasn’t convinced, but my soon-to-be team saw something in me. They begged her to bring me in for an interview, and that moment changed everything.
Looking back, I found my purpose not by having it all figured out, but by failing, taking risks, and refusing to settle. My journey wasn’t linear—it was full of detours, missteps, and moments of doubt. But every setback pushed me closer to the life I was meant to live. Now, I run my own successful wedding coordination business on the island. It is my true calling; I’ve never been surer of anything else in my life!
For anyone feeling lost: Keep going. Seek more. Your purpose isn’t something you find overnight—it’s something you build through perseverance, belief in yourself, and the courage to take chances.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Ten years ago, I started Cassidy Coordinates with a simple mission: to help couples navigate the chaos of wedding planning with ease, joy, love, and a whole lot of laughter! But over the years, I realized my role was so much more than just coordinating timelines and managing logistics—I was the steady hand, the calming voice, and the ultimate hype girl for my couples. That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t just a wedding coordinator—I was acting more like a best friend and confidant throughout the process. Most of my couples will tell you that they often felt like they were dealing with a best friend than a wedding vendor.
And so, Your Bridal Bestie® was born—the name I was always meant to have.
As a self-proclaimed professional bridesmaid and lifelong lover of all things weddings, I thrive on building meaningful relationships and creating an intimate, boutique-like experience for every couple I work with. With over a decade of experience as a “Hospitality Hero” in the meetings and events industry, I bring expertise, a meticulous eye for detail, and a knack for handling anything wedding planning throws my way (seriously, I could coordinate a wedding in my sleep—but I won’t, because coffee exists).
At Your Bridal Bestie®, my goal is simple: to make you feel like you’re planning your wedding with your funniest, most reliable friend—the one who keeps everything (and everyone) on track, finesses a seating chart like a pro, and always has a stocked emergency kit. I’m here to bring your vision to life, manage the moving parts, and handle any last-minute fires, so you, your fiancé, and your loved ones can soak in every special moment without stress.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The Three Most Impactful Skills in My Journey as a Wedding Coordinator: Empathy, Problem-Solving, and Adaptability
Looking back, three key skills have shaped my journey and allowed me to thrive as a wedding coordinator: empathy, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Empathy is at the heart of what I do. Planning a wedding is one of the most emotional times in a couple’s life, and understanding their feelings—whether it’s excitement, stress, or even last-minute nerves—is crucial. The same goes for working with vendors, family members, and my team. Approaching every situation with kindness and patience builds trust and helps create a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved. My advice? Listen more than you speak. Understanding what a couple truly wants (even when they struggle to articulate it) is what makes a great coordinator stand out.
Problem-solving is a non-negotiable skill in the wedding world. No matter how much planning goes into an event, something unexpected will happen. Whether it’s a missing bouquet, a vendor delay, or unpredictable weather, being able to assess the situation quickly and find a solution without letting the couple feel the stress is everything. My advice? Reframe problems as puzzles to solve. Instead of panicking, take a deep breath and ask yourself, What’s the best possible outcome I can create in this moment? The more you practice this mindset, the more confident and composed you’ll be in high-pressure situations.
Lastly, adaptability is essential in this industry. Weddings are live events, and no two are ever the same. Being able to adjust on the spot—whether it’s reworking a timeline, shifting a ceremony setup due to rain, or handling last-minute guest changes—is what keeps the day running smoothly. My advice? Expose yourself to as many real-world experiences as possible. Shadow an experienced planner, volunteer for events, or take on roles that require quick decision-making. The more you push yourself to adapt, the easier it becomes.
For those just starting out: The wedding industry is not just glitz and glam or luxury. Sure, social media depict beautiful photos and florals and designs; however, there is more to this industry that meets the eye. It’s hard work, long hours, and lots of sacrifice. These skills don’t develop overnight, but they grow with every wedding you coordinate. Stay patient, stay flexible, and most importantly, always lead with empathy—you’ll be amazed at how far it takes you.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal client is someone who knows what they want and isn’t afraid to trust the process. They’re confident in their vision, decisive when it comes to making choices, and most importantly—they just want to get married!
They’re not caught up in perfection or overwhelmed by unnecessary details. Instead, they’re focused on what truly matters: celebrating their love in a way that feels authentic to them. They understand that a wedding is about more than just the décor and the timeline—it’s about the experience, the emotions, and the memories being created.
Most of all, they trust me to take the stress off their plate so they can enjoy the moment. They don’t want to spend months agonizing over tiny decisions; they want an expert to guide them, simplify the process, and make sure everything runs smoothly so they can walk down the aisle feeling excited, not exhausted.
If you’re ready to say “I do” without the stress, call me 😉
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cassidycoordinates.com
- Instagram: cassidy_coordinates
- Facebook: Cassidy Coordinates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLF9Xt4wBn3TSQUKAxM3NNDG-aj0nHFwC1
Image Credits
Heartfelt Studio
Photos by Siobhan
Studio 27 Photography
Caitlin Elizabeth Photography
Kevin Ruano Photography
Lighthouse Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
