Getting to know Alanah Curbishley

Meet Alanah Curbishley. This Senior Wedding Coordinator came to Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel from bridal wear – not just selling it but sewing it! She is passionate about creating the perfect wedding for her clients and is waiting for one where the groomsmen all wear Hawaiian shirts. We are waiting for an invite to dinner at her house where she always serves figs wrapped in prosciutto and filled with blue cheese. Join us as we meet another awesome event pro, Alanah Curbishley…

Give us a snap shot of your career to date.

I started in bridal wear, working in boutiques and also sewing gowns for local designers. From there I decided to have a go at wedding planning and styling and fell in love with the job. I contracted as a planner and stylist for a couple of years before starting work at Sydney Collective in Events and Weddings, now I’m the Senior Wedding Coordinator role at Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.

What is the most memorable event you have worked on and why?

A wedding I did for a couple named Rocky and Britt. It was one of the quickest and full on bump ins I’ve done. The entire event including the ceremony set up materialised in an hour. The Bride and Groom were both the nicest people and I have never seen two people more in love. It was one of those weddings were you can feel the love in the room every single guest was truly celebrating these two people having found one another and as cliché as it is the look on Rock’s face as Britt came done the aisle was something I won’t ever forget.

What did you ‘learn the hard way’ when planning an event?

Check and double check. Communication is key in events and outdated or incorrect information however tiny the detail can affect delivery on the day.

What are three personality traits that you think are required to succeed in the events industry?

Solution based thinking, ability to thrive under pressure and a love for your job.

If you could share one piece of advice to those starting out in the industry what would it be?

Start at the bottom, get your hands dirty and gain a really good understanding of operations. Wedding planning isn’t as glamorous as JLo will have you believe but it is super rewarding.

What song always gets you on the dance floor?

Hey Ya – Outcast

Favourite type of food?

Mexican

How would your friends describe your job?

They would probably say it’s stressful but cool.

Describe yourself in two words?

Loud & Creative.

How do you unwind after a big event?

Big glass of red.

Where do you go for creative inspiration?

Everywhere really, however it all starts with the couple you are working with.

When entertaining at home what do you cook?

There’s almost always grilled prosciutto wrapped figs stuffed with blue cheese as a starter and Banoffee Pie as dessert.

What do you prefer, cocktail party or sit-down dinner?

Both have their occasion but for me it’s Cocktail. The Bride and Groom can move around and mingle with their guests without having to leave their dinner at the table going cold, you can get really creative with interactive food stations and best of all no seating plan to have to agonize over in the planning stages!

Favourite party theme?

I don’t know I can pick just one! I love a good Vintage Hawaiian theme but the next on the list is a 70’s Pool Party.

It’s event day – heels or flats?

Both! Bump in in your flats and throw the heels on for guest arrival.

Who would you love to invite to dinner (past or present)?

Heston Blumenthal (he would cook some amazing and bizarre thing), Cher (because I think she would be hilarious), Paul Kelly (really no explanation required)

Best event styling tip?

Refine, refine, refine.