about First Coast Weddings and Events
First Coast Weddings and Events helps couples throughout Northeast Florida plan weddings that feel timeless, personal, and beautifully organized. For more than two decades, we have guided couples through every step of the planning process with care, experience, and attention to detail. Our team blends classic hospitality with modern tools to ensure each celebration unfolds smoothly from the first consultation to the last dance. Couples choose us because we honor tradition, value meaningful moments, and treat every wedding as if it were our own.
Meet Our WEDDING PLANNERS
Your lead planner will be assigned to your wedding once your contract has been signed, and she will be your main contact throughout the planning process and wedding day. We match you with your wedding planner based on the services contracted, your wedding venue, and other factors that ensure a good fit for your event. For event management services, your lead planner will be assigned 2 months before your wedding, at which time she will contact you to schedule a detailed review.
HEATHER CANADA Randall, MWP
Heather is the founder of First Coast Weddings, established in 2002, and brings more than two decades of experience rooted in the hospitality industry, where she began her career after graduating from Flagler College in 1998. Known for her thoughtful approach, attention to detail, and steady leadership, Heather has guided countless couples in creating weddings that feel both personal and timeless. Her calm, reassuring presence allows clients to feel confident throughout the planning process while she manages each detail with precision and care. A Southern girl at heart, Heather values gracious hospitality, meaningful traditions, and the art of making guests feel truly welcomed.
EMMA MURFIN
Emma joined First Coast Weddings in 2006, and she is also a graduate of Flagler College. She loves to travel internationally, but is equally happy walking by the ocean in St. Augustine Beach or exploring great restaurants around town. Emma is a yoga teacher, and sheβs great at keeping everyone calm in stressful situations. Her favorite flower is the peony, and she loves everything rose gold! She wishes that every couple would hire a videographer for their wedding because the day goes by so quickly. She and her husband Drew watch their video every year on their anniversary, and now their children watch it with them.
LAura Salmon
Laura joined the First Coast Weddings team in 2017 and is a graduate of Flagler College. With a background in the hospitality industry, she brings a thoughtful, client-focused approach to every wedding. She is highly detail-oriented and truly enjoys building meaningful connections with each couple she works with, allowing her to create a more personal wedding planning experience. She loves working behind the scenes to ensure every detail is in place and the day flows effortlessly. Her goal is to take the stress off not only the couple but also their families, so everyone can relax and fully enjoy the celebration! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family doing pretty much anything outdoors.
Ashley Barksdale
Ashley has been a Wedding and Event planner in North Florida for 14 years. Ashley brings a calm, thoughtful approach to creating unforgettable celebrations. With a natural eye for detail and a passion for organization, she loves helping couples turn their vision into a seamless, meaningful experience. Being a wife, mom of three, and dog mom has taught her the value of patience, balance, and flexibility - skills she carries into every event she plans. While she's an introvert at heart, she finds joy in connecting with people through their most special moments. She is inspired by nature, travel, and quiet time with a good book.
What To Expect From Us
We will return all emails and phone calls promptly
We will be your partner in decisions without being overpowering - it will always be YOUR wedding
We will be punctual for all meetings
We will suggest reputable companies but will be open to working with new ones
We will make sure suggested vendors meet your requirements
We will be courteous and professional to the wedding party, family, guests, and vendors
We will listen to what you want!
We will offer suggestions to enhance your ideas
We will treat you as an individual
Things will go wrong on your wedding day - but you will never know about it!
As members of the Association of Bridal Consultants, we are held to a strict Code of Ethics, which includes:
Represent each client fairly and honestly, providing all agreed-to services in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Establish reasonable, proper fees for services and provide written estimates to each client.
Use honest factual advertising.
Deal with employees fairly, in an unbiased manner.
Operate an establishment that is a credit to the Association and the community.
Disclose to clients any payment received from suppliers.

