[ Image: Eddie Judd Photography ]
As both a designer and wedding blogger, I am thrilled to be interviewing the, quite frankly monumental, luxury wedding planner, Mark Niemierko, for the latest instalment of my Wedding Smashers series.
Mark’s utilises a true ‘Smashing The Glass’ ethos in his work, keeping things super-personal to the couple, and using his wonderful imagination to reflect their tastes and vision.
He has a spectacularly creative and meticulous touch. Just look at all the eye candy littering the page – it’s all his work and artistry. He is fortunate enough to often work with lavish budgets, on which he styles the most fantastical celebrity and society weddings, but recently he’s launched his ‘Made By Niemierko’ brand for couples who still want that WOW wedding and guaranteed peace of mind on their W-day, but without the crazy price tag.
Mark and I have a few ideas brewing and you’re going to be hearing and seeing a lot more from us collaboratively, but today let’s reveal what he has to to say about Prince George, pudding rooms, breaking the rules, and post-wedding day blues…
[ Images top to bottom: Jeremy Enness :: Hello Magazine :: David Pullum ]
So Mark, how did you build up your incredible business, and what made you become a wedding planner in the first place?
I think a love of events and parties — I had previously organised events for both film and tv and wanted to focus on social events. Weddings are so personal and nothing is more rewarding.
What is a ‘regular’ day for Mark Niemierko like?
What makes the job so enjoyable is that there isn’t such a thing as a regular day. It can vary from dress shopping, venue site visits, florist appointments and cake tastings. I do however look forward to the days when I can sit at my desk and achieve plenty of work and put planning into action.
Do you have a signature aesthetic or personal style that you put into the weddings you’ve planned?
I guess the signature of breaking wedding days up into sections…. So ceremony, drinks reception, dinner, pudding rooms, nightclubs…. Keeping the guests guessing. But overall we don’t have a signature style as I like to create something that’s personal to the couple. A reflection of their taste and vision.
[ Images clockwise from top: Kode Media :: Nikole Ramsay :: Jeremy Enness :: Jeremy Enness :: Kode Media ]
How do you get the ideas out of brides so that they describe to you effectively their vision for their wedding day?
I think it’s crucial to just talk to them.Conversations on dress days and when we are looking at venues…. I quickly pick up and notice their style and taste. But more importantly it’s crucial to know what they don’t like.So I can avoid and move away from that.
Was there one particular moment when you thought ‘I’ve ‘made it!’?
No I don’t think so — and I still don’t think I’ve made it. I’m only a wedding planner.
If you could go back and give yourself once piece of advice at the beginning of your career what would it be?
You are worth it. You work super hard — all wedding planners do. And I think I wish I knew that worth earlier on — to know to charge the right fee.
[ Images clockwise from top: David Pullum :: David Pullum :: Nikole Ramsay :: Xander Casey :: Hello Magazine ]
Are there any trends that you absolutely love or would love to see brides leave behind?
I think the trend of following trends can be left behind! Be yourself, break the rules, don’t follow, there are traditions as guidelines but really that’s all they are… its your day so make it that.
Can you give some examples of celebrity weddings that you’ve loved?
I think Grace Kelly is iconic…. And plenty of brides reference her. One of my all-time favourite weddings would certainly be Julia and James Corden’s Babington House wedding which I was lucky enough to plan. Fun, personal and super intimate.
Something that I think holds back couples from working with a wedding planner is the perceived charges. What would you tell brides and grooms about the cost?
Peace of mind. Of course both my brides and grooms are fans of me and what we create for their big day…. But I’ve found the biggest fan and most grateful afterwards is the groom. Realising for sure we create a visually stunning day, but also zero stress, made his life easier and most importantly made the wedding an experience.
[ Images clockwise from top: David Pullum :: David Pullum :: The Telegraph :: AP :: The Telegraph :: Jeremy Enness ]
If you could be trapped in a lift with any 3 living people, who would they be and why?
1. The Queen. Just beyond.
2. Her great grandchild Prince George. To draw inspiration for Niemierko Kids
3. Barbara Streisand. The lady has a shopping mall in her home’s basement…. I’d charm her for an invite.
How do you let off steam?
By hanging out with my 4 nieces and nephews, Ruby 9, Annie 6, Edward 4 and Alistair 2. All hilarious characters and they certainly take my mind off work.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
My couples and their families. All very individual and interesting people with great stories on how they’ve made it.
…And the worst bit?
Post-wedding day blues. They can last for up to a week you know…
[ Images top to bottom: David Pullum :: David Pullum :: Nikole Ramsay ]
I am not just a luxury wedding planner I’m also…
A party planner. We plan a number of birthdays, anniversary parties and gala’s as well as weddings.
Finally, what’s next?
Niemierko Kids. The super fun and colourful next stage for the Niemierko family. My niece Ruby Grace is heading it up as our Creative Director and will be the go to for approval on all themes. Kids know best.
Website — www.niemierko.com
Facebook — Niemierko
Twitter — Mark Niemierko
[ Image: Eddie Judd Photography ]
Great interview with some lovely images (Oh to photograph one of Mark N’s weddings!)