Professional. Passionate. People-Centered.
The Coordinated Collective began in 2019, with a business partner, and an idea that she wouldn't have to do the work alone. Now it has flourished into a network of individuals centered on bringing calm, clarity, and exuding confidence in wedding coordination.
Many of us moved to the Washington, D.C. area, as transplants trying to build new lives in an expensive city. To make ends meet, we picked up side gigs in restaurants, catering companies, and event venues. At the time, it was simply practical. Looking back, it was quietly giving me the perfect foundation for the next era of my 30's.
By day, the team was separately growing careers in project management, nonprofit event planning, communications, logistics, hospitality, and federal entities or corporate operations. By night and on weekends, we were learning the real-time hospitality skills that only come from working fast-paced events and service skill jobs. I met everyone individually at some job and realized we were all natural planners, we loved weddings, and we were pretty exceptional at both.
The Coordinated Collective helps engaged couples in the DMV area and beyond plan and coordinate their weddings so they can relax and fully enjoy their celebration, knowing every detail is handled. Aiding couples in the District of Columbia, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, all the way to Virginia, the 29 women and one gentleman of this company possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in organizing weddings in various venues and designs.
The Coordinated Collective began in 2019, with a business partner, and an idea that she wouldn't have to do the work alone. Now it has flourished into a network of individuals centered on bringing calm, clarity, and exuding confidence in wedding coordination.
Many of us moved to the Washington, D.C. area, as transplants trying to build new lives in an expensive city. To make ends meet, we picked up side gigs in restaurants, catering companies, and event venues. At the time, it was simply practical. Looking back, it was quietly giving me the perfect foundation for the next era of my 30's.
By day, the team was separately growing careers in project management, nonprofit event planning, communications, logistics, hospitality, and federal entities or corporate operations. By night and on weekends, we were learning the real-time hospitality skills that only come from working fast-paced events and service skill jobs. I met everyone individually at some job and realized we were all natural planners, we loved weddings, and we were pretty exceptional at both.
The Coordinated Collective helps engaged couples in the DMV area and beyond plan and coordinate their weddings so they can relax and fully enjoy their celebration, knowing every detail is handled. Aiding couples in the District of Columbia, Eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, all the way to Virginia, the 29 women and one gentleman of this company possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in organizing weddings in various venues and designs.
We Got You.
Planning a wedding is a stressful affair, but it doesn't have to be. Ja'el is the most likely to embody Olivia Pope during a wedding; driven by her love of detail and infectious energy, you will never feel all of the stress of wedding planning. With a background in policy and logistics, your wedding, "it's handled." Ja’el founded The Coordinated Collective for couples planning their wedding after she herself experienced the “venue coordinator is not your wedding coordinator fiasco” when she planned her destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. “I had hired every vendor, reviewed every contract, and handled every detail myself. But instead of enjoying the day, I spent it giving instructions, managing timelines, and putting out small fires. It was stressful, unnecessary, and honestly, not how anyone’s wedding should feel. I left that experience with a clear thought: No couple should have to work on their own wedding day. Combined with a passion for music, culture, and food, she sees to it that a couple's wedding vision materializes.
Today, we’re a team of seasoned professionals who use our project management brains and creative energy to bring ease, structure, and joy to every celebration. We believe weddings should be enjoyed—not managed—and we’re here to make that happen.
Planning a wedding is a stressful affair, but it doesn't have to be. Ja'el is the most likely to embody Olivia Pope during a wedding; driven by her love of detail and infectious energy, you will never feel all of the stress of wedding planning. With a background in policy and logistics, your wedding, "it's handled." Ja’el founded The Coordinated Collective for couples planning their wedding after she herself experienced the “venue coordinator is not your wedding coordinator fiasco” when she planned her destination wedding in the Dominican Republic. “I had hired every vendor, reviewed every contract, and handled every detail myself. But instead of enjoying the day, I spent it giving instructions, managing timelines, and putting out small fires. It was stressful, unnecessary, and honestly, not how anyone’s wedding should feel. I left that experience with a clear thought: No couple should have to work on their own wedding day. Combined with a passion for music, culture, and food, she sees to it that a couple's wedding vision materializes.
Today, we’re a team of seasoned professionals who use our project management brains and creative energy to bring ease, structure, and joy to every celebration. We believe weddings should be enjoyed—not managed—and we’re here to make that happen.
“The Coordinated Collective was great, and we’d recommend working with them to any couples who are looking for a day-of planner. We couldn’t have pulled off the wedding without their expertise and hard work. From the start, their materials were helpful with finding vendors they had worked with before. And our day-of planner, Katie, was just the best. ”
Meet The Coordinated Collective
A powerhouse team blending professionalism, creativity, and heart to deliver an elevated, stress-free wedding experience. Se Habla Español!
Meet the Team
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Katie Yaeger
Katie has been project managing weddings in the immediate DC area for well over a decade, and brings a wealth of experience alongside her can-do attitude as a lead day-of coordinator. If you need help with “herding cats”, i.e. family/friends/vendors, her expertise in managing people and teams through your wedding day timeline while keeping a light-hearted nature is an asset. Also, this animal lover can literally help herd cats if need be.
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Meredith Bell
Rockstar by day, wedding coordinator by night - at least, that's how Meredith would describe it. If she's not on stage or going to a concert, Meredith is smack-dab into the midst of wedding planning and coordination. The 5-star reviews don't lie! Meredith has a knack for making your wedding run without a hitch, and prides herself on being your bridal bestie!
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Elizabeth (Liz) DeHart
Liz approaches every wedding with a blend of creativity, structure, and a good dose of humor. Practical, patient, and always three steps ahead, she brings harmony to even the busiest timelines. Fueled by her love of timelines and a talent for problem-solving, she’s adaptable, quick-thinking, and prepared for anything - right down to sewing kits and spray deodorant. She is masterful at anticipating what you'll need as she navigates all details behind the scenes. As a returned Peace Corps volunteer and with a background in catering, Liz will help your day feel calm, joyful, and wonderfully yours.
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Blair Budd
Blair believes every couple deserves to be fully present on their wedding day, and she works tirelessly to make that happen. Detail-driven, adaptable, and endlessly encouraging, she has a knack for befriending family, pets, and your other vendors. With a background in catering and organizational planning, she loves considering all "mischief managed" as things fall perfectly into place. With Blair leading, you’ll feel supported, relaxed, and completely in the moment.
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Francisco Pelayo
Francisco is a seasoned professional with experience in the public and private sector. His broad array of interests outside work include event and wedding planning, teaching yoga and doing meditation retreats. As a lead coordinator has a keen eye for details and focuses on optimizing couples’ plans to ensure a stress free wedding day for the family and an enjoyable experience for vendors.
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Abigail Haigh
Your wedding isn’t just an event—it’s a full-scale operation. With a family and career rooted in military and nonprofit service, Abi brings precision planning, steady leadership, and a creative eye to every detail. You enjoy the moment. She runs the mission.
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Stephanie Pena
Stephanie's superpower? Turning a dozen moving parts into one flawless celebration. She’s the kind of multitasker who can wrangle a timeline and guide vendors while helping the bride put on her vail. With her experience in hospitality and planning a wide array of events, she knows how important it is for you to feel seen and heard and will support you every step of the way.
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Chrishaun Jones
With a heart for celebration and a passion for creating unforgettable moments, Chrishaun brings dedication, responsibility, and genuine care to every wedding she coordinates. She believes that each couple's love story is unique, and she is committed to honoring that story by assisting with planning and executing your celebration that feels personal, meaningful, and truly magical. She approaches each step of the process much like caring for a flower, with compassion, calm, and a deep appreciation for joyous occasions, along with a subtle sense of humor that keeps even the busiest planning days in perspective.
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Maggie Peale
Amidst all the stress that can come with planning a wedding, joy CAN be at the forefront. Whether it’s a planned call, vendor emails, or a low-key checkup, all of the stress will be handled on our end, so you can enjoy the process. With a background in elementary education, I prioritize my clients feeling the happiness at an amazing time in their lives!
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Maria Flanders
Maria spends her days wrangling eight year olds as a special education teacher, so you can trust that all the ducks will be in a row for your wedding day. With an infectious smile and a soothing presence, Maria will make sure that you can find the joy bringing your wedding together. As we wade through logistics, we’ll always come back to what your wedding is really about- celebrating you, your partnership, and all the love around you!
