Get to Know Your Coordinator: Elena – Eclectic, Fearless and Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life

At Carmen’s Weddings, our coordinators aren’t just planners – they’re creators, problem-solvers, and the calm in the middle of the wedding-day storm. Each one brings their own unique style and strengths to the table, ensuring every couple gets the support that feels just right for them.

This week, we’re sitting down with Elena Steinbach, whose eclectic style, youthful perspective, and fearless creativity make her an incredible force behind the scenes. From punk rock stages to dreamy mountain weddings, Elena has a way of turning visions into unforgettable realities.

Q.) Wedding planning isn’t something you originally planned on doing, is it? 

A.) Not exactly. I originally wanted to go into marketing and still dream of opening a music venue and putting on concerts. That’s closely related to event planning – just in a different space. A lot of  roles in marketing involve coordination, and being a wedding planner wasn’t really something I thought I’d do, but it’s not too far off from what I had in mind. 

Q.) What made you take the jump?

A.) My sister started Carmen’s Weddings, and I loved the idea of helping brides actually enjoy their day. I was Maid of Honor for my best friend and did a lot of planning with her, and it was so much fun. I thought, I could totally do this for other people.

Q.) What is your favorite part of wedding planning?

A.) For day-of – it’s watching everything come together. Turning an empty space into a beautiful venue in just a few hours – that’s amazing. The best part is seeing  the bride, groom, and their families happy and relaxed in a way they wouldn’t have been without us.

For full service, I love coming up with ideas and shaping a vision. One bride didn’t know what she wanted when we first started out, but we ended up creating a camping-themed wedding. Watching it go from a vague idea to a full concept – with every little detail fitting together like a puzzle – was incredible.

Q.) Tell us more about the camping theme wedding.

A.) It’s a destination wedding at a state park in the Georgia Mountains – so beautiful in autumn. I tied in little elements to make it tasteful for a wedding: a canoe as the beverage cooler, a fall-inspired menu with cider-braised pork or chicken, roasted veggies and potatoes, plus a S’mores bar instead of the typical desert station. We’re even bringing blankets for guests at the ceremony - it’s practical and ties into the theme. Cocktail hour will have hot coffee and apple cider - exactly what you’d want by the fire on a cool mountain evening.

Q.) How do you encourage couples to add their own elements

A.) I love it when couples really put themselves into their wedding. One of the coolest things I’ve seen was a cake that looked traditional on one side with cascading flowers but had the couple’s Hogwarts houses and golden snitches on the other. Those little details make it fun for everyone – and I truly believe weddings should be fun.

Q.) What is your dream wedding that you’d like to plan?

A.) Something Southern Gothic - magnolias, moss, dark colors – spooky but beautiful. Or a wedding for elder emos with alternative rock music. That would be blast!

Q.) What makes you unique as a coordinator?

A.) I’m passionate about what I do, and I give 100%. If there’s an obstacle, I’ll come up with a plan and overcome it. As your coordinator, it’s my job to fight your battles. I’m no-nonsense about vendors bothering my couples – don’t go to the bride or groom, go to me. It’s their day, not their problem. I’m on their side always.

Q.) What’s the wildest pivot you’ve had to make?

A.)  My very first wedding got hit by a hurricane. The venue shut down, so we moved the ceremony to the beach house the bride’s family had rented. I even hauled in my own piano for the pianist! We fit everyone onto the deck, got everything upstairs, and still started on time. It turned out beautifully.

Q.) What do you do when you’re not planning weddings?

A.) A lot! I play bass in an all -girl punk band, I’m a barista, and I work at a library. I love concerts, music festivals, playing video games, cooking, hanging out with my friends. Having my own outlets help me show up fully for my couples.

Q.) Any advice for couples just starting out?  

A.) Give yourself time to plan and save for the wedding you want. If you can, don’t rush it – figure out exactly what you want. And OMG set up a Pinterest board! It’s one of the first things I ask about because it shows me their vision. If they don’t have one, I start asking questions and brainstorming ideas. Communication is everything.

Q.) What sets Carmen’s Weddings apart?

A.) Two things: affordability and the team. We believe quality coordination shouldn’t cost thousands. And our team is amazing – we’re literally family – but we are also so unique and bring something different. I focus on creativity and details, and making sure the bride is calm, cool and collected. There really is the perfect coordinator for every bride.

Q.) Any “hot takes” about wedding traditions?  

A proud FSU Alumnus, Elena splits her time between St. Augustine and Tallahassee.

A.) Blue and white color schemes? Over it. You can have a calm, delicate vibe for the wedding without doing dusty blue, green and white – the same thing everyone else is doing. Same with the bouquet and garter toss – I’ve never understood why we’re tossing things. I loved one wedding where couples danced to cute and romantic, kind of fun and upbeat song.  The couples danced, leaving the dance floor based on how long they were married, until the longest-married couple remained, and they got to keep the bouquet. It was sweet and meaningful. And speeches? Do them at the rehearsal dinner, not the reception where there’s people that you haven’t seen in years. The story from your BFF isn’t going to read as well to your great grandmother. Keep the vibe fun.

Final Thoughts

Whether she's hauling a piano during a hurricane or dreaming up Gothic weddings with punk-rock flair, Elena brings passion, creativity, and fearlessness to every event she coordinates. She's not just here to plan your day - she's here to protect your peace and make sure every aspect of your wedding day feels completely, authentically yours.

Read more about our coordinators in our bios to find the best fit for you.