Meet Maria Wolford | Wedding Coordinator and Business Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Wolford and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was determined to leave my corporate job so that I could raise my adopted-son. My husband and I wanted to be able to continue to do foster-to-adopt and we knew I needed a more flexible schedule to do so. Raising a family while also giving our kids the best life has been my primary goal. So I decided to follow my heart and passion for the wedding industry and start my own wedding business.
I was a little scared, yes, but I was determined to create a business where the rewards far outweighed any trepidation. I loved knowing that I could set my own schedule, that worked best for my family, while also being able to create the wedding business of my dreams. Knowing that I could start a business that would make sure that a wedding couple had the best day of their lives wasn’t scary but instead exhilarating and motivating. So I took that step-of-faith and chased after my dreams, with my whole heart, knowing that nothing could stop me! I dove in, head first, and never looked back!

What should our readers know about your business?
I am so proud to be able to say that I am part of the wedding industry! Going all-in on my dream business has been life changing. This was a dream of mine, since high school, and now I have been able to see my dream job unfold right before my eyes. I knew that this business could face many challenges but with the support of other wedding professionals (yup we support each other always) and my family, I have been able to get through each season with more wisdom, knowledge, and a touch more grit.
I feel honored and blessed by each wedding couple who trusts me to be a part of their wedding day. Knowing that they have selected me and my company to run one of the most important days of their lives, still humbles me.
Wolford Weddings loves to do things a little differently because we want to give our couples the absolute best experience. We do this by showing them support from the moment of booking through the wedding day and even beyond. Checking in with our couples regularly, providing vendor recommendations, a safe space to vent or talk, offering creative advice, as well as, creating a complete wedding day guide that includes timelines, vendor info, and day-of details. Wolford Weddings is there for full support by giving our wedding couples someone to trust and fill them with peace, which is priceless.
You know the phrase “ready for anything”? Well that’s exactly the mindset you have to have when it comes to wedding days. Every wedding is unique no matter the size or location but can be very unpredictable especially the ones outside. I will never forget the wedding with torrential down pouring for over 12 hours, we were drenched. But my team pushed through, improvised, acted quickly, professionally, and without ceasing to make sure that this wedding couple could still have a beautiful wedding day, with all of their guests (many of them flying in from out of town). The wedding couple and family were beyond grateful that they didn’t need to cancel or worry because our team was handling it all. Nothing can stop a highly determined and driven team of coordinators who will do anything to make sure that each wedding day is executed and is beautiful, no matter what.
My passion for weddings and my wedding couples is evident from the initial consultation and throughout the whole planning process. I truly love my job and what I do! Wolford Weddings is proud and prepared to show up, on the wedding day, and make sure that everything is handled (yes I mean everything), from the smallest to biggest detail, so that our wedding couple can actually enjoy their wedding day. I always like to say, that no bride, groom, mother of the bride, best friend, or wedding party should have to get all sweaty, be stressed out, and have no time to actually enjoy the wedding. That’s exactly why you hire a Wedding Coordinator! There is no better feeling than knowing that a wedding couple fully trusts you to make the wedding of their dreams come to life! And we do just that!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ok I LOVE this question! Being from New York, and only living in Arizona for the past 12 years, I have loved exploring and experiencing the drastic difference of these two states. Some of this depends on what time of year you visit Arizona, but a few of my fave things to do is go kayaking down the Salt River, explore the red rocks of Sedona, and walk the Riparian Preserve. My go-to restaurants and/or bars are AZ-88, Cornish Pasty, The Blue Heron, and Lom Wong. There are so many unique and delicious places to eat, the options are endless. I love supporting other local, small businesses…I highly suggest choosing these over a chain restaurant any day! Honestly, Arizona has so much to offer between the varying terrains, weather, cultures and vegetation that you could find something fun and adventurous to do every single day. It’s a truly beautiful state!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to thank my supportive, loving and very patient husband, Dan, for supporting my dreams no matter how crazy they may seem to him. I also want to thank my beautiful children who give me the determination, motivation and desire to keep going. Showing them that “big dreamers” can actually see their dreams come true, motivates me! You all are my whole world and I’m beyond blessed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to thank all of the wedding vendors who took me in, shared some trade secrets, and made me feel welcome from day one. I am in awe of the support and love that flows through the wedding industry. I couldn’t do this without you all!

Website: https://www.wolfordweddings.com

Instagram: @wolfordweddings

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/wolfordweddings

Image Credits
@a.r.sphotos
@oohlalaphotography
@stantonphotoandfilm
@bianca_frost_photography
@nettikphoto
@jcryggphoto
@evevephotography
@laciephotography
@brianaleephotography