Lori Cole
Hometown: Turlock, California
Now Based In: Turlock, California
Experience Organizing In:
California’s Central Valley, Bay Area, Wine Country, Central Coast, Fresno, and Yosemite.
Destination weddings welcomed!
I was born in Santa Clara, California, and raised in Turlock, California. My love of wedding planning came from a talent recognized, in my early high school years, of being able to organize and actually enjoy planning school events, fundraisers, and assisting with organizing community projects. My first paid wedding planning job was just out of high school at 17, for a friend’s wedding. My background includes catering experience in numerous locations and job capacities, most notably the famed Ahwahnee Dining Room in Yosemite National Park. I worked for 6 years creating and managing the wedding and events at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock. I was responsible for more than 125 weddings at multiple campus locations in my 6 years, and numerous privately hosted events. Corporate events included the Foster Farms Annual Employee Appreciation featuring concerts by The Beach Boys, Huey Lewis and The News, and Kenny Loggins. I designed and organized the campus 50th Anniversary Gala featuring a 5-course meal, elaborate décor, and private meet-and-greet with actor, Gary Sinise, followed by a community concert by Gary Sinise, and The Lieutenant Dan Band. My love of creating fresh and unique designs with a touch of the tried-and-true for each and every client has fueled my 37 year love of weddings and events. I love to help the DIY bride create her vision, as well as assist the clients who just want to show up as the bride and groom, and leave as the Mr. and Mrs. I am confident that I can handle any obstacle, ranging from the smallest of annoyances, such as a difficult relative, to the largest of tasks, like the joining of religious and cultural traditions in a wedding ceremony, which has enabled me to be successful as a wedding designer, planner, and coordinator.
On a personal note, I currently have two very ornery cats named Daphne and Luna, a spoiled rescue terrier named Lucy, a boxer named JJ, and our newest 4-legged baby, Bella. All rescue animals and they are all very spoiled, as is my husband David, who I force to take me on adventures! You only live once....so go on adventures!