Lead Charlottesville wedding planner and designer Sarah Fay Waller takes tasks that may feel overwhelming (i.e. picking out rentals, florals, and caterers) and makes them seem fun and easy. A Columbia, MD native and University of Virginia grad, Sarah draws inspiration from her travels abroad, classical art and architecture, literature, music, and tradition.
 
With degrees in art history and English lit, she’d imagined a career curating museum exhibits or working in arts education. After college, Sarah landed back in Charlottesville, securing an event coordinator position at UVA and side hustling as an assistant to local event planners. As close friends began getting engaged, she would gift them wedding coordination services, stepping in to establish timelines, floor plans, vendor lineups, leading rehearsals, and providing full wedding day support.
 
After planning weddings for over five years, Day by Fay was established in 2017. Sarah launched with offering day-of coordination services and quickly expanded.
 
“I learned that I loved working closely with couples throughout the whole process, rather than just jumping in last-minute and tying up loose ends,” she says. “I prefer to work with clients who are about to be engaged or just got engaged. I love jumping in and telling them here’s what’s available based on season and budget.”
 
Sarah’s ideal clients are open-minded with an anything-is-possible outlook. She pays great attention to detail, playing on art and architecture whenever she can and leaning toward unexpected statement floral installations and unique artful displays. She stays up to speed on wedding design developments by attending professional development workshops and learning from established and talented creatives.
 
“What I would like to be known for is my care. I try to under-promise and over-deliver,” Sarah says. “It’s all about the little touches, knowing that we’re one step ahead, that the couple always has a glass of something in their hand. If the bride is shivering during photos, I’ll bring a shawl out to her.”
 
The Day by Fay wedding team consists of Sarah and five women who are also dear friends and family members. They flow like a well-oiled machine, reading each other’s minds and ensuring you enjoy your celebrations from welcome reception to newlywed send-off.
 
“We know what couples need before they ask for it,” Sarah says. “The most important thing to me is that the couple and their VIP people — grandparents, parents, wedding party — are comfortable.”