When it comes to wedding venues, it’s the space itself that gets all the attention. What about the hard-working people who manage that space and help couples to create their perfect day?
People like Katie Coon, Special Events Manager at Antrim 1844.
Antrim is a historic wedding and event venue in Taneytown, Maryland. The property includes a beautiful 17,000 square foot mansion, as well as 11 separate outbuildings and cottages that have been turned into charming accommodations. It’s all situated on 24-acres of manicured rose gardens and greenery, which make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
Running everything behind the scenes at this stunning property is event manager Katie Coon.
Although Katie is originally from California, she grew up in Frederick, MD, about 30 minutes from Taneytown, with her seven siblings. Most of her big family still lives in the area — including her sister, who will be having her own Antrim 1844 wedding in November!
Katie has a background in sales and account management. So when she was ready for a change, she was already equipped with the skills she needed to excel in event management. Looking for an industry that would provide a more personal connection, she made her way to Antrim and started making wedding magic.
While weddings certainly involve creativity and fun, they also have a lot of moving parts that need to be carefully coordinated. And when you’re looking at a summer full of weddings and events, keeping all the details organized is key.
Katie loves to find solutions to challenges and keep the day stress-free for the couple. This means being clear about the couple’s expectations before the wedding, and also checking on them regularly during the big day. It’s important for everyone to know that the event manager is taking care of the details.
And those details can vary wildly from event to event. During her time at Antrim 1844, she’s had an Alice in Wonderland wedding, a Halloween themed wedding, a bridal party that entered on scooters, and even alpacas on the property!
For anyone who is considering getting into the event management business, Katie has some advice: “Be patient and go with the flow! There are going to be several hiccups in any given event so you need to keep a level head and deal with them the best you can! A lot of it comes down to problem solving and keeping the couple removed from any issues.”
In such capable hands as Katie’s, the couple can relax and enjoy, just the way they’re meant to.
We asked Katie a few more questions about the event industry and what she wishes people knew about working at weddings. Enjoy!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
What’s your favorite venue and why?
Isn't it obvious? Antrim 1844! Not only are the formal gardens and manicured lawns stunning (which they are) but the passion for our guest's experience is unparalleled.
What’s your favorite thing about weddings?
When the couple sees each other for the first time! It is such a special moment that they will never forget. I also love seeing the bride right before she walks down the aisle : )
What’s the wildest thing a couple has ever asked for?
Requesting that I dress as a Disney Princess : )
What’s one thing you wish people knew about working at weddings?
You have be just a little zany to work in this industry : ) The one thing I have noticed about great vendors is their ability to stay calm and go with the flow. Weddings never go completely as planned — nor should they!
What’s your favorite wedding movie and why?
The Wedding Singer because Robbie was such a better fit for Julia than Glenn! And the music, obviously!
What’s your best marriage advice?
Not marriage advice but wedding advice: Plan your day around you and your fiance's style — not others. It is your day! Oh — and eat dinner!
To learn more about Antrim 1844, visit their website. And make sure to fill out our contact form if you need a DJ or uplighting for your Antrim 1844 wedding!
Published on:
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
