Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Bartlett
Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Katie Bartlett! I have been in the service industry in San Diego for almost 20 years. I graduated from the Culinary Institute of San Diego in 2010 as a bright eyed pastry chef and immediately started working for Bertrand at Mr. A’s as a Pastry Chef and making wedding cakes for any orders that came my way. After multiple cake deliveries it became apparent to me that I wanted more involvement in these weddings, and with the people preparing for their special day. That is when I created Eat Drink N Be Marry. I completely immersed myself in Day of Coordinating with my amazing team, while continuing to work in the culinary industry. I have had the honor of assisting numerous couples in making their special day truly exceptional. Covid changed the look of my company and after those two years of uncertainty, I changed my focus. My Services now include Day of Coordinating, Event Sales, where I am currently the Sales Director for the restaurant; Feast and Fareway located at the Coronado Golf Course, as well as offering Officiating services. In the coming year of 2025 I have begun dipping my toe into the Consulting side of the events industry, and offer consultations to local restaurants looking to move their services into the event production direction.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every company faces challenges, and COVID was an especially tough hurdle. As a pastry chef, I was furloughed, and with weddings being canceled and new bookings halted, I had to temporarily close my doors. It was a difficult time, but I used that year to reflect and reimagine the future of Eat Drink N Be Marry.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an artist and entrepreneur at heart. Being part of a wedding or event sale feels like creating a masterpiece—something I get to see through from start to finish, much like a painting. Each wedding is unique and beautiful in its own way.
Having been a bride myself, I understand the emotions both the bride and groom experience. It’s one of the biggest days of their lives, involving significant investments of time, money, and energy. Sleepless nights are spent wondering, Did I get this right? Should I do that instead? I take the time to reassure my clients that I’m there for them every step of the way. It’s an incredible honor to be chosen to bring their vision to life.
I am especially proud of what my company has become. What started 10 years ago as helping friends with event coordination has grown into a thriving business. Today, I still coordinate a small amount of weddings per year while offering event sales, consulting, and officiating services. I truly feel blessed to have learned so much along the way, met incredible people, and worked at some of San Diego’s most stunning venues.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During COVID, I learned more than I ever expected. I had always considered myself flexible and patient, ready to adapt to any situation. But the pandemic brought constant change—from shifting societal norms to the evolving ‘COVID norm.’ Through it all, I developed a new level of resilience and adaptability, especially for my clients during such uncertain times.
I worked with several brides who had to reimagine the weddings they had been planning for months, adjusting their visions to fit ever-changing restrictions. Together, we embraced the challenges, found creative solutions, and made the best of what we had to ensure they could still walk down the aisle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://eatdrinknbemarry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdrinknbemarry
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bartlett
Image Credits
Paige Sabine
Vynce Pham
