I suppose I'll start from the beginning. In looking for a wedding planner I contacted a handful of people who looked as though they would fit our vibe. Some were unresponsive, some were cold and then there was Sonia. I sent her an email and I received a call from her first thing the next morning - the only planner to actually call me rather than just email me back. She immediately exuded warmth and KNOWLEDGE. She started answering questions I had in my head that didn't even realized I was thinking. We booked her upon our first meeting.

Sonia is impressively organized, enthusiastic and connected. We booked every vendor based on her recommendations and were thoroughly satisfied with each and every one. When asked by our officiant who our planner was, upon hearing it was Sonia, he sighed with relief, "you've got the best", he said.

Did I mention that she was 8 1/2 months pregnant on the day of? Sonia kicks ass and does it with a genuine smile on her face. She's passionate about her industry and her company and it shows. We had a full production of a wedding. Everything from the forks to the furniture had to be sourced, brought in (and taken out) and all was done so with grace and serious precision. Sara-Lee was also on had the day of, and displayed the same kindness and professionalism that I had come to expect from XOXO Bride. Hire them, I tell you! They are the real deal.

Molly and Clint - Private Estate, Montecito, Ca.

Saturday July 14th, 2012

Sonia is a wonderful person and professional to work with! We immediately clicked on our vision and she was so easy to work with through planning our wedding (which was no small feat given that we had to bring EVERYTHING to our site from bathrooms to flowers). She was easy to get in touch with, on top of her game, and covered ALL the bases! She definitely knows what she's doing :)

Amy and Chris - Rancho Dos Pueblos, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Saturday May 12th, 2012

I can't say enough positive things about Sonia at XOXO Bride. We hired her as a day-of coordinator, but she started helping us months before the big day. She did everything from recommend outstanding vendors to reassure my nervous mother. On the day, she really blew us away. We did not have to worry about anything and everything looked absolutely beautiful. She even wrangled my wild dog! Her and her team went above and beyond to make sure that we enjoyed our day completely stress free. If you're looking for a coordinator with impeccable taste, a positive attitude and a calming presence, then Sonia is your lady!

Christina and James - Flying Caballos Ranch, San Luis Obispo, Ca.

Saturday October 20th, 2012

Working with Sonia Hopkins from XOXO Bride was an absolute joy! We happened to bump into her while checking out my wedding venue and she immediately began giving us awesome ideas and extremely valuable tips. We decided right then to find out if she was available for my wedding date. My wedding was a perfect dream come true and it would not have been so if it weren't for Sonia. She always listened so well and really understood our vision. Her knowledge and experience is invaluable and her taste is always impeccable! Not one thing went wrong the day of (or if it did, I never knew about it :) ). I had such a peace of mind knowing that we were in such good hands with Sonia. She is absolutely wonderful!

Gabriela and Brian, Montecito Country Club, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Saturday September 11th, 2011

I have nothing but the best experience with XOXO Bride. Sonia has been my rock through the entire planning process. She is on point, extremely organized, reliable, full of creative ideas and always go above and beyond! Working with her for a year has not only made me appreciate the value of her skills but I have also learned from her. If I could give her 10 stars, I would! Sonia is absolutely amazing at what she does and you can count on her to deliver! She far exceeded my expectations and I hope you will have the pleasure of working with her!

Nancy and Greg - Bacara Resort and Spa, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Saturday September 11th, 2011

If you want an organized professional that is accessible, a high function multitasker, creative talent, attentive listener, works well under extreme unexpected conditions and personable, hire Saralee Franchi. Saralee far exceeded our expectations and is sincerely more than incredible.

We faced several challenges inclusive of a venue change and vendor replacements during the planning and implementation of our daughter's wedding. Saralee successfully navigated our journey working seamlessly with and between numerous vendors and her "Day Of "scheduling ability is astonishing. Tranforming a private estate bringing in every item and coordinating over ten vendors requires immeasureable talent, which is exactly how I define Saralee Franchi, immeasureable talent.

Lindsay and Amber - Private Estate, Malibu, Ca.

Saturday August 25th, 2012

Sonia,

My name is Bonnie Molnar and Saralee Franchi was our wedding planner for the Molnar/Lopez event 8/25/12. I think when someone does an exceptional job it should be recognized.  This wedding posed alot of challenges on several different levels and Saralee's services were impeccable, she was always professional, always easy to reach when we needed her, and had some amazing ideas to incorporate into the wedding.  I wanted to take a moment to share her talents with you...to have someone of her caliber working with you is an incredible asset.I would not hesitate for a moment to recommend your services to anyone who wants an exceptional wedding.

Respectfully,

Bonnie Molnar

Lindsay and Amber - Private Estate, Malibu, Ca.

Saturday August 25th, 2012

Saralee was fabulous to work with! I manage programs and budgets for a living so I was a hands-on and detail oriented bride. For almost a year, Saralee patiently answered questions, provided recommendations, and talked me through difficult decisions. She went above and beyond in several areas that saved us money and made life easier (e.g. picking up linens to avoid a delivery fee and lending me frames for table markers). That said, her greatest value was what she did the day of the wedding. This is truly her moment to shine. She was a step ahead of me at every turn. She effortlessly handled issues that arose (e.g. ceremony musician cancelling last minute and guests stealing each other’s seats). She proactively took on tasks to make our day run smoothly. She made sure the photographer got shots of things with personal significance, reminded the band of our song selections, packaged up family heirlooms so they wouldn't get left behind, and probably a million other things I didn't notice because I was having the time of my life.

There is absolutely no way I could have made it through that day without Saralee. To all brides who are wondering if they really need a coordinator, I can't recommend it enough. Even the most capable and organized brides do not want to deal with these issues on their big day. You need a trusted third party (not your mom or maid of honor who are also trying to enjoy themselves and being pulled in a million different directions) to troubleshoot and organize. After a year of making decisions, you will be so ready to turn it over to someone else and Saralee is the right person for the job!

Finally I just want to add that Saralee is a sweet person who wants her clients to be happy and seems to genuinely love weddings and all they represent. At one point during the reception, I noticed her looking down at the party from a balcony and smiling.

Thank you Saralee!! We appreciate all that you did for us!

Jessica and Mike - Montecito Country Club, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Saturday September 2nd, 2012

Saralee knew everything there is to know for your perfect day. It was the best money we spent on the wedding, truly. I would have never been on time for anything nor would the flow of my day gone smooth. Saralee went above and beyond her requirements, even sharing some of her own personal inventory to decorate my tables for the reception. My husband and I agree that our wedding would not have been what it was with out her. My advice to all future brides out there, hire a wedding coordinator! I didn't do it until the final month, I had no idea a month of coordinator even existed! You get to a point where you think you can do it all, and it's best you hire a professional like Saralee and have her take care of it all and you enjoy your day. It would be wise to have one from the very start, it's worth the money. I cannot thank Saralee enough for her hard work and patience, making our day truly the most memorable day of our lives.

Shauna and Chad - Private Estate, Santa Barbara, Ca.

Saturday September 3rd, 2011