After a series of truly extraordinary career paths (we’re talking a stint as an Astrophysicist, an investment banker…and a circus performer) Valentina Ring, the wedding planning, problem-solving, location-wielding magician – there’s really no other word for it – behind revered brand, The Stars Inside, found her calling. And, it was a calling filled with love, effervescent styling skills and unprecedented planning credentials that would assist couples across the globe.
Celebrated far and wide for her signature micro-weddings and intimate ceremonies, Valentina of The Stars Inside is renowned in the industry for her rather magical planning touch. Your Day caught up with the woman herself to discuss everything from the beauty of a micro-ceremony or elopement, to the benefits of hiring a wedding planner and, in her own words, reminds us that underneath the stress, the styling and the celebrations, “this is all just the beginning of something that actually IS magic: a marriage with the one you love most in the whole world.”
#1 What is the story behind your brand? How and when was The Stars Inside conceived?
“There isn’t a short answer to this question but I will try my best! I started The Stars Inside in September 2017, after having had careers as an Astrophysicist, and investment banker, and a circus performer(!). I learned so much about who I am and what I love during each of those chapters of my life, but it wasn’t until I became a bride and started working with a wedding planner for our celebration that things really clicked. I fell in love with the industry and I decided that I wanted to be for other people what our wedding planner was to us: she was our rock, a dear friend, and an inspiration. I quit my job at the bank and leapt into this business with both feet – and honestly I never thought I’d find a calling that fit so perfectly, fulfilling both my creative side and my problem solving, geeky side!”
#2 Talk us through a typical day at The Stars Inside…
“Probably one of the best things about this job is just how different days can be. Over the course of any given week I might be spending hours at my computer handling client and supplier emails, researching venues and vendors, making calls, mood boarding, you name it! But I might also be out and about at meetings, travelling to venues all over the world, hosting photoshoots and workshops internationally, or delivering dreamy weddings and elopements. I’m a one-woman band so my typical week also includes finding time for social media, marketing, website updates, finances, guest blogging/speaking, and generally keeping the business happy, healthy, and sustainable.”
#3 What does The Stars Inside offer couples that other wedding planners don’t?
“I won’t speak for other planners, but hopefully I can offer some insight as to what is at the heart of my own brand: for me, weddings are heartfelt, meaningful, intimate experiences – each one different and each one worthy of being planned with joy and care. I believe in partnering very closely with my couples, so we can plan and design something completely unique and that aligns with their values. I specialise in creating magical atmospheres for small weddings and elopements that revolve around travel and togetherness – and I’m so proud to offer my couples totally bespoke, comprehensive, caring wedding planning support – wherever in the world they wish to go.”
#4 When working with a new couple, what’s the process? How does The Stars Inside tap into their vision for the big day? How do you take it that one step further and add your own touch of magic?
“This depends a lot on what stage couples are at when we first start working together – but generally speaking, it starts with getting to know each other through multiple video calls and an in-depth questionnaire. I then start the very thorough and completely bespoke research process of matching them with the most talented vendors that align with their vision. These supplier searches go hand-in-hand with various stages of mood boards and design look books, all of which build on their original vision. I love helping couples weave their personalities and stories into their wedding day, while also modernising and refreshing traditions – I use a lot of visual tools to suggest inventive ideas and solutions to make the most of their venue and create something truly unique to them, and that they love. For me, it’s about encouraging them to do what is right for them, embrace what excites them, and to design an experience that is immersive and completely personal. As we progress with planning, I’m the touch point with all their booked vendors, and I assist with all the logistics and details – no limits on time or topic, I’m there for them for whatever they need! For my full planning clients, I’m the first one in and last out on the day itself – usually spending multiple days on site with my couples coordinating every element of the wedding and any pre- or post-wedding celebrations.”
#5 When should couples be aiming to get in touch with you to start the planning?
“I would say: as soon as they’re ready! I’ve had planning timescales anywhere from two months to 24 months, and ultimately it really depends on the complexity of the plans, how much time a couple has for decision-making, and also how flexible the couple is (for example, working around the short-term availability of the venues and vendors). The sooner we start working together, the better we will get to know one another – and the more time we have to research and make decisions together. I always try my absolute best to work with whichever timeline the couple ideally has in mind – though I will also always be totally open and honest if something isn’t realistic or possible within the circumstances.”
#6 After the events of the past year and a half, what type of ceremonies are you planning more of? Are couples looking to elope more? Or planning smaller, more intimate ceremonies?
“I’ve always specialised in smaller weddings and elopements, even prior to the pandemic, and I absolutely love that this has become more accepted and more mainstream! I think it’s freeing a lot of couples who felt a bit uncomfortable with the traditional, large wedding framework to have a wedding that is more suited to them, which I love. Next year is going to be all about gorgeous intimate weddings in breathtaking destinations! I’m definitely seeing more people wanting to have multiple day, micro weddings (or large weddings with intimate atmospheres) – with personalised ceremonies and plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with their guests.”
#7 Are couples taking a different approach to planning their weddings? Especially if they’ve had to postpone?
“I do think that couples who have postponed, or experienced the difficulties of planning during the pandemic, have been more mindful about what is at the very heart of their wedding day, and what means the most to them – there is more attention given to the ceremony itself, the vows, and what the day will be like for their loved ones. Some couples are using the return of weddings to go bigger, and celebrate in style – and others are using it as a chance to pare things back and keep things simple. There is no right answer, and the most important thing of all is that couples are listening to their heart and choosing the path that feels right for them.”
#8 Why should couples consider taking on a wedding planner?
“I think that working with a wedding planner isn’t for everyone – but it’s for more people than people think! Having that extra support while planning such an emotive milestone of your life can give you immense peace of mind; planners give you more time to do the things you love about planning your wedding, while also giving you a brainstorming partner for all the things you find difficult or stressful. We can be problem solvers, stylists, travel consultants, confidants, and wedding experts – and we dedicate ourselves to assembling a team of suppliers for you whose work ethic we trust and whose talents we love. We can reduce your wedmin, guide you in the investments you make, and help you unlock the style and vibe that is truly YOU. On the day itself, a planner will oversee everything, coordinate everyone, and manage every transition – while surrounding you with beauty, ensuring you and your guests have an amazing time, and protecting you from any issues, problems, or stress. We’re on your side, every step of the way.”
#9 If you could have planned the wedding for any celebrity/or high profile wedding – who’s would it be and why?
“Oh what a great question! I absolutely adore Angelina Jolie, and would have LOVED to work with her as one of my brides!”
#10 If you could collaborate with another industry professional or brand who would it be and why?
“Every collaboration is an honour and joy for me – and I’m always so grateful when ANY brand trusts me to partner together on a project. I’ve been involved in 40+ wedding photo shoots and workshops since starting my business, and I try to work and connect with new people as much as I can. If I could make a wish for a new collaboration, I would LOVE to test my skills in a wider variety of spheres – working with brands to style sets for fashion look books, catwalks, theatre, or even films!”
#11 Your top tips for couples planning their wedding are…
“My number one piece of advice is always to do what YOU want to do. Take it at your pace, make the decisions that excite you, and don’t let any preconceptions or expectations put you off from telling your story the way you want to. Don’t worry about trends, click-bait must-do lists, or Pinterest-pressures. Hire a team of experts that get you, have fun, and remember that this is all just the beginning of something that actually IS magic: a marriage with the one you love most in the whole world.”
The Quickfire Round with The Stars Inside
#1 Coffee or tea? “Milky coffee with a sweet syrup like honeycomb or caramel!”
#2 Favourite way to relax? “Curling up on the sofa with my husband in front of our log fire.”
#3 My top restaurant recommendation is… “Ah, I love too many restaurants to answer this! The latest restaurant I went to that I loved was Tokyo Joe in Mykonos, Greece. Mind-blowing sushi experience!”
#4 Favourite book? “Again, way too many to pick just one! Latest read I loved was Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson – perfect for fans of scandi noir.”
#5 Perfect getaway? “A holiday with a mix of adventurous exploration and total chill out time.”
#6 The last Netflix show you watched was… “Locke & Key.”
#7 Your favourite thing about the wedding industry… “That moment when people and planning come together.”
#8 Favourite thing about social media? “The real connections.”
#9 Least favourite thing about social media? “The fact that it requires constant attention in order to be used as a successful business tool.”
#10 Top film recommendation? “Latest film I watched and loved was Luca, the Disney Pixar animation.”
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