Homer Alaska - Business

The open house will now be held at Sweet Berries tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. offering an opportunity for Davis to meet with vendors available for her to call upon to make her clients' events fit their dreams.

Tending to the details, whether big or small, are what she's all about. For Davis, putting multiple pieces together and organizing details for a successful outcome is exactly what she enjoys doing.

"I've done this ever since I was a teenager," said Davis, who grew up in Homer. "I just love doing parties. I'm the one telling everyone when to come down the aisle, making boutonnires, running to the store at the last minute. That's what you have to do when you're a planner."

Putting a polished edge to her abilities, Davis worked with a wedding planner in the Lower 48 and is the former event coordinator for Land's End Resort. Her experience allows her to offer clients several options.

"I can be there from the beginning, from picking colors to doing cleanup of the event, or I'll meet with a client several times and then be there for the event, or I'm there for the day of the event, making sure it runs smoothly," she said. "It's all based on clients and what they want."

Davis doesn't do all the work herself. Instead, she pulls from her contacts, matching clients with others who can provide the needed service.

"I coordinate everybody," she said. "If a client prefers one food over another, I'll find someone that can cater that particular food. I find the venue they want, the florist. If they want to go inexpensive or if they don't mind spending a little bit, I'll find someone that does a good job."

That doesn't mean Davis isn't skilled at jumping in herself when needed.

For instance, there was one wedding where the bride wasn't interested in making a big fuss. Davis convinced her a little decorating was in order, and introduced some tulle and little white lights.

"Then she showed up at 10 minutes before the ceremony, with no hair done, no makeup on, not even dressed," said Davis.

With a groom and more than 100 guests waiting, Davis recruited the bridesmaid to help get the bride into her gown. Then Davis drew from her own experience as a barber's assistant and what she has picked up having a beautician for a mom, and arranged the bride's hair for the occasion. Makeup was added, everyone was cued and the wedding began on time.

"It was fun," Davis said, laughing at the memory and adding, "I was glad when that one was over."

Helping brides create the perfect wedding day is a challenge Davis welcomes.

"Some people don't like working with brides because they want what they want and that's how it is. I understand that. It's their day," she said. "I'll do whatever I can to try and make it happen for them."

Tasked to organize a two-day retreat for 300 women held in Colorado in the winter, Davis created a garden theme, bringing in flowers, benches, arches and spring colors. A masseuse, a makeup expert and sweets added to the atmosphere.

"They really got pampered and they really loved it," Davis said.

When it comes to vision, Davis has her own: Homer as a wedding destination. Her plans include presenting Homer in that light while attending bridal shows in the Lower 48.

In addition to Friday's open house, Davis is developing a Web site to include an album of photos from events she has coordinated. Although not yet completed, her site can be found at www.arcticfavorevents.com. For more information, call Davis at 299-0611 or e-mail her at arcticfavorevents@gmail.com.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.