Weddings are full of love and excitement – but planning them can be a whirlwind. That’s where wedding planners, such as Sandy Brooks-Kovacs of Timeless Event Planning, come into play. With a decade of experience and more than two hundred weddings under her belt, she knows exactly how to turn a couple’s vision into an unforgettable celebration.
Here, Brooks-Kovacs shares her insights on everything from custom design processes and go-to planning tools to favorite Island venues. So grab a glass of bubbly and settle in – it’s never too early to get inspired and start planning!
What made you want to get into the wedding planning business?
I was originally on track for law school, but had a major pivot when I realized how much I loved the mix of design and logistics. I’ve also always known I wanted to own my own business, so this path just clicked.
When in the planning process do you recommend couples book a planner?
As early as possible! Ideally before booking any other vendors so we can help build the dream team from the start.
What do you require of couples in order to book your services?
A signed contract and a deposit.
What’s your favorite part about planning and designing events?
Building the vendor team is one of my favorite parts – it’s exciting to see who I’ll be working with for the next year or more. I also love getting to know our clients on a deeper level and designing weddings that are truly personal and unique to them.
How does the design process for a wedding start?
While design is all about the overall aesthetic and feel of the wedding – from colors and textures to personal touches and themes – it actually comes after we’ve booked the core vendor team. We always start with planning first, making sure we’ve secured the right photographer, caterer, band, etc., so we know exactly who we’re designing alongside.
Once that’s in place, we dive deep into the design process. This starts with an in-depth interview with our couple where we learn all about their relationship, family traditions, favorite memories, and what makes their love story unique. From there, we pull inspiration directly from their lives to create a wedding that feels intentional, personal, and entirely them.
How does that process make you stand out in terms of what other wedding planners offer?
Every design we create is completely custom…. Nothing is copied and pasted. We get to know our couples so well that the design ends up feeling like an extension of their relationship. That connection is everything to us – it’s what makes our work stand out.
What is your typical timeline for planning a full wedding weekend?
We love having a year to plan, but many of our clients book us closer to two years out.
Have you worked with shorter timelines?
We’ve absolutely planned full-blown weddings in six months or less. That said, a shorter timeline means we hit the ground running. You’ll need to be decisive and available to make quick choices so we can secure your dream team and bring your vision to life without delay. It’s totally doable – we just move fast and stay focused!
Do outdoor weddings require more planning?
Absolutely. The second we book an outdoor wedding, we’re working on Plan A (sunshine) and Plan B (rain) – everything from layout diagrams to rental orders. Flexibility and preparation are key.
What are some of your favorite locations for weddings on the Island?
We love a private estate wedding. We’re known for tented weddings, so any private estate where we can put up a tent is our kind of venue!
How many additional staff members do you hire for each of these weekend events, including the wedding day?
Our staffing is fully customized based on the scale and design of each event. Guest count and complexity determine how many team members we bring.
What planning paperwork, apps, or organizational information do you provide a couple?
We use Aisle Planner to keep everything organized and stick to phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings for communication.
What are some of the most memorable weddings you’ve planned on the Vineyard?
One that stands out is a client who wore a blue Oscar de la Renta gown – it was so unexpected and beautiful.
And, of course, my sister’s wedding (featured in the Winter–Spring 2025 issue of Island Weddings). I had total design freedom, which is a dream for any creative!
Any memorable rehearsal dinners or welcome parties?
About four years ago, we planned a ’70s-themed welcome party at Atria [in Edgartown], and it was such a blast. I absolutely love when events have a strong theme – it gives us so much creative freedom to play and make the experience unforgettable. We brought in rentals from Big Sky [Tent and Party Rentals] and Kadeema [Rentals] to really bring the ’70s vibe to life – the mix of textures and bold colors made the whole space feel fun, nostalgic, and totally immersive.
For more information or to hire Timeless Event Planning, visit timelesseventplanning.com.
