Meet Tionna Van Gundy of Wedicity

Tell us about you and your story.

What is your background and how did you find your way to the wedding industry?

Wedicity – Wedding Day Detailing stemmed from my love of details, events and organization. Although I’ve been planning weddings in Chicago for 9 years, I’ve been in the event and wedding industry for over 14 years, originally starting out in Ohio.

As a young girl in a large Ohio-based family, I took the natural role as the organizer of the family and regular details. This lead me to my first “company” as a child when I passed out Mickey Mouse business cards to my neighbors to plan birthday parties around the area. From the thought of my first “business” (which I had coined the name “Party Time Planners”), I always had a keen eye for detail and an entrepreneurial drive.

After having worked on the events side of association and destination management, hotel and venue operations, I worked under a successful wedding planner for a few years to gain the knowledge and skills that it takes to lead a strong wedding based event business. The move to Chicago was exciting as the wedding market in the city is very lively with such a vast amount of talented vendors to work with.

Five years went by as I operated my wedding planning business under my own name when in 2015 I finally coined the name: Wedicity – Wedding Day Detailing, which focuses on city-based weddings for couples of all backgrounds and their wedding day details and design needs.

Share a little bit about Wedicity's history.

When did Wedicity launch? What are you known for?

I officially launched Wedicity in 2015 however previously planned events under my own name instead of a "brand" identity. When I founded Wedicity I was known for thorough details, a commitment to service and the guest experience with an eye for design. These values still hold true today and although we focus most of our attention in the city, we now serve couples coast to coast and have produced weddings all over the country and abroad!

What sets you and Wedicity apart?

What's your secret sauce? What makes you different from everyone else?

Well, I can't give up my secret sauce... because, well... it's a secret! However, I can tell you that I know this industry inside and out and I pride myself on my vast knowledge in all sectors of hospitality. It helps me bring another eye, another voice and a next level sense to the planning and design process that is unique in this arena! I also don't believe in "vendor lists" - all of my referrals are curated based on Style, Fit and Budget; every vendor team for each couple's wedding is hand-selected for them.

Tell us about your ideal couple.

Tell us about the type of couple that really clicks with you and your company.

Our clients love the city just as much as we do and are foodies without a doubt. Those who appreciate the restaurant scene, boutique coffee houses and craft cocktails as much as they do some late night grub from the pub around the corner. They are looking to infuse their own story and their journey into the wedding and not just follow tradition unless its something that truly resonates. Our couples are looking for a PARTY that is tasteful and photo-worthy but also an all-out bash!

What is the best advice you have for couples currently planning their weddings?

You've seen so many couples go through the planning process. Share your best pearl of wisdom for those just starting out with their planning.

As a planner... I could ramble on and on here so I'll do my best to sum it up...
As long as you are marrying your best friend, everything will be perfect!
*Remember this when your aunt interjects her opinion or there is a small blip in the weather, or the venue you dreamed of is booked on your date... at the end of the night, you'll be walking away married with some awesome memories of those you shared it with...but most of all; with your very best friend - your new partner in life!!

What's the ONE thing that couples shouldn't forget to ask potential wedding vendors?

Spill! What's the single most important question that couples should ask before booking a vendor for their wedding?

When speaking with a DJ, Photographer, Videographer, or Planner - ask if they will be the one on-site. If not, who is and when do you meet them. I highly suggest that you meet your Photographer/Videographer well in advance as they are by your side throughout the entire day. When booking a planner: Ask how many events they have produced and what their back up is if they can't be on-site? What is their process like and how involved are they? What's more important is to ask yourselves if you "clicked" with the vendor. Did they understand your thoughts? Can you see them being a good part of your team on wedding day? The right vendors will feel right!