Wedding Planner Magazine 05062012

Transcription

May/June 2012
Volume 2 Issue 2
the publication for wedding planners, professionals, and designers
Tented Weddings 8
South Asian Weddings 15
7 Steps to Success 19
Make Your Business Stand Out 23
An Interview with Donnie Brown 26
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Contact our Destination Wedding Specialist
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The Breakers
PalmBeachFL.com/weddings
2012 Business of Brides: The Wit and Wisdom of Donnie Brown............26
With a larger-than-life personality and 2,600 weddings under his belt,
celebrity wedding planner and ABC member Donnie Brown has learned a
thing or two about the industry. He shares his humor and perspective in
this exclusive interview.
© JGarner Photography
Table of Contents
Features
Be the Driving Force for Tented Success.............................................................. 8
What are the keys to a successful tented wedding? Choosing the right
team and ensuring you stay attentive to all details from start to finish
are just the beginning. Plus, learn how some ABC members turned
tented wedding mishaps into sensational events.
Vintage Style Reigns Supreme................................................................................27
To get the latest trends and ideas from the UK National Wedding Show
2012 in London, you’ll need to step back in time as vintage 1940’s and
1950’s styles are all the rage—in everything from dresses and luxury tents
to candy campers and candy topiaries.
Departments
South Asian Weddings: Traditional to Modern, and Everything
in Between........................................................................................................................15
Full of vibrant colors and rich traditions and customs, the South Asian
wedding is an epic event spanning two to seven days. But it’s not easy to
plan and requires much patience, understanding, and flexibility.
Real Wedding—Kentucky..........................................................................................24
Coordinating 300 guests to multiple areas of this inn and castle, including a tented setting, presented a challenge, but stunning décor and style
paved the way for success.
Columns
Business Basics: Seven Steps to Success............................................................. 19
Discover the ins and outs to increasing your customer base from David
Brownlee, CEO of CashWeddingGift.
Master Bridal Consultant™ Profile: Stephen Stawicki, MBC™........................21
ABC Member Insight—Rebecca Richman, PBC™, The Queen of Hearts
Wedding Consultants.................................................................................................23
Ever notice the increasing number of entrepreneurs in the wedding
market? Discover how to distinguish yourself in a saturated market.
In Every Issue
ABC President’s Letter.................................................................................................. 7
Editor’s/Publisher’s Letter.......................................................................................... 7
ABC Meetings & News................................................................................................ 16
Who You’ll Meet In This Issue..................................................................................13
Advertisers Index.........................................................................................................30
© Focused on Forever Studios
ABC Member Best Practices....................................................................................29
Social Media: Tips to make business sizzle.
© digital memories forever
Real Wedding—Florida..............................................................................................25
Inspired by tropical elegance, this stunning outdoor, Florida wedding
was nearly overcome by tropical weather. Dreamday Couture Wedding
Planning & Event Design ensured an event to remember.
15
8
25
Wedding Planner Magazine
5
letter
Volume 2 Issue 2
May/June 2012
Publishers Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
David Wood
Editor Beth Erickson
Creative Director Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
Art Designer Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to
succeed is more important than any other.”
- Abraham Lincoln
WritersDavid Brownlee
Rachel Cripps-Gervais, PBC™
Beth Erickson
Rebecca Richman, PBC™
Dharmi Shah, PBC™
Kim King Smith, ABC™
Proofreader Kim Seidel
We couldn’t agree more. And that’s why this issue of Wedding Planner Magazine is targeted toward your
success. Wedding professionals, more than most, know that when we set our minds to it, we can do anything.
Thinking outside of the box is an everyday occurrence to those who plan events of such significance. Creativity
and ingenuity are must-have items for our toolboxes—as is business acumen. Within these pages, you’ll find a
little of each for inspiration.
PhotographersAlexander Appleyard
Anna Roström at smallpigart
Dalal Photography
Digital Memories Forever
Edmund Moon of Daily Thousand
Words Photography
Eduardo Gazzotti
Emin Photography
Focused on Forever Studios
Mark Garber Photography
jGarner Photography
Dave Getzschman of Chrisman Studios
Mueller Photography
Olivier Kpognon Photography
Raffi Kebabjian
Damon Tucci Photography
Brett Tyler Studios
Kate Webber Photography
Wedding Planner Magazine, a publication inspired by the
Association of Bridal Consultants, is published bi-monthly by
Wedding Planner Magazine LLC, 400 Main Street, La Crosse,
Wisconsin 54601. Phone: 608.796.2257. Fax: 608.796.2253.
email: [email protected].
Visit: www.weddingplannermag.com.
What does it take to pull off a successful tented wedding? Get direction, learn about current trends, and find
out what a few Association of Bridal Consultant (ABC) members did to handle tented mishaps in the article by
Kim King Smith, ABC™. Speaking of successful events, learn what it takes to plan lively South Asian weddings.
Plus, discover unique trends coming out of Britain with our coverage of the UK National Wedding Show 2012.
Want to make your business stand out? David Brownlee shares his Seven Steps to Success in our Business Basics
feature. And you’ll find out, from Rebecca Richman, PBC™, how to make yourself stand apart in a saturated
market. You can also take a cue from the achievements and experience of fellow members, and learn how to
make your business sizzle with their hottest social media tips in ABC Member Best Practices.
Wedding Planner Magazine does not necessarily endorse the
claims or contents of advertising or editorial material. Printed
in the U.S.A.
© muellerphotography.net
Copyright 2012 Wedding Planner Magazine LLC. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
without written permission from the publishers.
© muellerphotography.net
© Olivier Kpognon Photography
Speaking of success, sometimes we learn the most by studying those who have achieved new levels of it.
Celebrity planner and Style Network television host Donnie Brown shares his wisdom in an exclusive interview
with Wedding Planner Magazine in this issue. Brown, an ABC member, is a keynote presenter at the ABC 2012
Business of Brides conference in Denver, Nov. 11-13. In addition to Brown, Rebecca Grinnals, owner of Engaging
Concepts, a wedding industry consulting firm, will also speak. “Diamonds & Denim in Denver” promises to be
one of the most exciting conferences ever! Be sure to register so you won’t miss out on this conference that
will inspire you to new levels of creativity, style, and success!
Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
Publisher/Creative Director
[email protected]
Beth Erickson
Editor
[email protected]
For advertising information: 608.796-2257 or email
[email protected]
© Eduardo Gazzotti
David M. Wood, Publisher
President, Association of
Bridal Consultants
Wedding Planner Magazine ISSN 2160-3286 is published
bi-monthly by Wedding Planner Magazine LLC, 400
Main Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601. Circulation is
4,000. Advertising is accepted; corporate ABC members
receive a discount on rates. Annual subscriptions
are $36. Periodical postage paid at La Crosse, WI and
pending additional entry at Eau Claire, WI. Postmaster
send changes to Wedding Planner Magazine, 400 Main
Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.
www.weddingplannermag.com
Twitter: @wedplanmag
Next issue: Destination Weddings, Contracts, Proposal
Planning, Mayan Weddings, Business Plan Basics, and more!
7
F E AT U R E
© damon tucci photography
2012 Tented Weddings:
By Kim King Smith, ABC™, Kim King Smith Events, Edinburgh/Indianapolis, Ind.
Twinkling lights. Fresh air. Outdoor revelry. Tented weddings
are a gorgeous way to celebrate a momentous day. But to make a tented
affair an event to remember, the professional bridal consultant must
work closely with vendors to create a map for success—and then remain
in the driver’s seat from start to finish.
Tented affairs require clear direction
Tented weddings are not effortless. “Many brides fall in love with the look
of an outdoor wedding, but have no idea what to do when it comes to the
logistics,” says Rayna Ortwein, Always Planned, Lexington, Ky. “The tent
is just the beginning.” Tented affairs involve many rentals of items that
are normally included in an inside venue. Everything must be taken into
consideration: chairs, tables, linens, lights, dance floor, staging, heat, air
conditioning, bar space, restrooms, handwashing stations, insect control,
trash receptacles, tent sides, pole covers, and the list continues. Teamwork
is essential to managing an outdoor event with multiple facets. “My best
tented wedding was one where everyone working the wedding worked as
a team. From the caterer to the rental company, everyone was on the same
page,” says Stella Inserra, PBC™, Simply Dazzling Events, New York City.
comfortable and successful event. “A tented wedding is a more expensive
option because you are building a wedding venue from the ground up,”
says Inserra. The average cost of a tented wedding can be significantly
higher than a traditional venue. Brides wanting to have their wedding at a
home or estate should plan on paying premium prices on incidentals like
landscaping, outdoor furniture, lighting, and yard décor.
Navigate pitfalls with a clear course
To ensure tented weddings are devoid of tension, misdirection, and
extra expenditures, the successful consultant anticipates roadblocks
and finds an alternate route. What are those roadblocks? Finding even
ground on which to place the tent is one. Level areas with few trees,
wiring, or looming branches make erecting tents easy and effortless.
Steer the tent locale away from landscaped areas with shrubs, trees,
and statuary. Tent companies are well aware of the type of damage
that can be rendered to their equipment. They often require a damage
fee of 6 percent of the total rental fee on average. Mike Wiggins, director of outside sales for A Classic Party Rental in Indianapolis, says,
“This is a good fee to pay when you have linen, glassware, tables, and
chairs with replacement costs that can run much higher. And, it’s usuIt’s also important to make sure that your client realizes everything that’s ally a lot less than the 20 percent service fee you would pay at a venue.”
involved with a tented affair, and the subsequent expenses so you ensure a Not only should your rental company have insurance on the tent, it
8
© damon tucci photography
© dalal photography
feat u re
9
© Kate Webber Photography
Time of year is a factor in the event’s success as well. Both Ortwein and Inserra feel
outdoor weddings are best when held in the
spring or fall. “The weather is always mild, and
it’s perfect to stay outside all evening,” says
Ortwein. Other priorities involve plenty of
parking space, well-lit pathways, and shaded
areas for guests.
Staying on budget is also important, but not
at the sacrifice of safety. Experienced outdoor
planners ensure that even the strictest of
budgets makes provisions for electricity, water,
flooring, and additional shelter for staffing and
catering. The top three equipment priorities for
an outdoor wedding, says Inserra, are “generaBrett Tyler Studios
feat u re
© Alexander Appleyard
should also have a waiver with the planner
and the wedding host on it, too, according
to Insurance Services Owner and CEO Wally
Deford, Spencer, Ind.
tors, heating/cooling units, and port-a-potties.”
Electricity is of the utmost importance for
lighting, generators for the band, fans and the
like, but power lines both above and underground can perform havoc in the erection of
the tent. Prepared planners make certain that
the rental companies are contacting the utilities in their area so no power lines, fiber optics,
or gas lines are located where the tent will be
staked. Most counties have varying ordinances
for construction of tents. Many even require
a licensed general contractor to supervise the
erection of the tent.
desire. I love the fact that, at outdoor weddings, your guests have a large area to mix and
mingle. You can create many different areas
for your guests.” Inserra agrees. She feels a
tented wedding is a blank canvas. “The only
limits are imagination and budget. A tented
wedding awaits your personal and creative
signature.”
Getting creative involves staying abreast of
current trends. Many brides are now tenting
their affairs inside a structure. Traditional
tents include the hi-peaked, the clear span,
and the framed tent. The hi-peaked adds
beauty, the clear span offers an advantage for
Drive off the beaten path to
large crowds, and the clear tents offer a full
explore trends
view of the landscape and starry night sky.
Once all of the details are worked out, planIn good weather, many planners take the risk
ners discover the true beauty of steering a
tented wedding. Ortwein loves the advantages of using the tent frame and not covering it.
Ortwein realizes it is gutsy creating an openof outdoor weddings. “When it comes to
air event, but likes using this idea since it
décor you can do as much or as little as you
“creates a more intimate space while keeping
it open and airy.”
The popular vintage trend is also evident in
tented weddings. Old barns are being transformed into lush lofts with draping, lights, and
tents. Pole tents are gaining popularity compared to framed due to cost and a more retro
look. Tack on vintage bulb lighting strung
throughout the tent and on companion trees
and structures, and add oaken, folded church
chairs to complete the look. Fancy linens are
being replaced with crisp white linens and,
perhaps, a burlap overlay. Mason jars are being
used for votives and barware.
Other tented trends include vintage furniture,
lounge ensembles, lucite bars, rose petal
flooring, specialty draping, chandeliers, and
placement of tents in barns, stadiums, ballrooms, and on basketball courts. The sky is the
limit—as long as the budget doesn’t have one.••
10
OPPOSITE top left Designer: Wildflowers Events &
Occasions. Planner: Wildflowers Events & Occasions,
Ocean Club, Paradise Island Bahamas. OPPOSITE top
right Designer/planner: Merrily Wed. Reception
Venue: Private West Lakefront Estate. Tent/rentals:
Celebrations Party Rentals. Chair Rental: Classic Party
Rentals. Linen Rental: La Tavola Linen. OPPOSITE
bottom Planner/designer: Christine Terezakis of
Dreamday Couture Wedding Planning & Event Design.
Flowers: Harbour Bay Florist. Tenting and rentals:
Eventmakers International. Linens: Unlimited Linens.
Draping/lighting: Frost Lighting.
Top left Design/planning: Merrily Wed. Tent/
rentals: Classic Party Rentals. Venue: Private lakefront
estate. Linens: La Tavola Linen. Top right Designer:
MPE Events. Planner: TwoFoot Creative. Location:
Grand Blanc, Mich. Rentals/businesses: Colonial
Events. Middle left Designer/planner: Amy Grasso.
Location: Benham’s Grove. Rentals: Prime Time Party
Rental. Middle right Designer: Fest & Bröllopsagenturen. Location: Europe, Scandinavia, Sweden,
Gothenburg, Tjolöholm’s Castle. Tent/rentals: InTent
Solutions. Bottom Planner/designer: Unique Weddings by Alexis. Location: Castle Hill Inn, Newport, R.I.
Rentals: Rentals Unlimited.
courtesy of twofoot creative
© Raffi Kebabjian
Page 9 top Designer/planner: Mary Dann. Rentals:
Revelry Designs, Classic Party Rentals, Town and
Country Rentals. Location: Westlake Four Seasons
Hotel, Westlake Village, Calif. Florist: Hidden Garden.
Monogram: level 4 international. Page 9 bottom
Planner: NK Productions. Floral: Flowers by Fudgie.
Décor: Affairs in the Air. Tent: US Tent.
© Anna Roström at smallpigart
Page 8 Planner: Weddings Unique. Floral and décor:
Greenery Productions. Tent: Karl’s Tent Rental.
© Mark Garber Photography
© Dave Getzschman of Chrisman Studios
Page 5 Designer/planner: Katy Griffiths of VOWS
Wedding & Event Planning. Location: Private Home
in Kirkland, Wash. Florist, tent liner and linens: Aria
Style. Rental company: ABC Rentals.
feat u re
COVER Designer: Martin Roig. Planner: Barbara Diez
Event Planners. Rental Companies: Roggerone Tents.
11
put the
Wow
Overcoming Tented Mishaps
By Kim King Smith, PBC™
into your weddings
Bridal Consultants
&
Weddingstar
the perfect match!
Unexpected disasters will happen. We’ve all heard stories about
swarms of hornets that came out of the ground an hour prior to the
ceremony, nearby tornadoes, leaky tents, and muddy floors. Planners need to always be ready for a response and a solution. Carry a
fully charged phone, walkie talkies, the written down address and
directions for your location, a first aid kit, duct tape, rip ties, tools,
lots of water, and insect repellent. Wear comfortable clothing and
shoes. Above all, always remain calm and be the leader. Meet with
your team ahead of time to go over “what ifs,” and have an action
plan ready. When all else fails, you’ll have a great story to share.
“We had a beautiful, outdoor wedding on a farm last fall. The
setup took all week and looked so beautiful—with gorgeous fabric
and lighting covering the top of the tent. When we left Friday
evening, the winds were picking up. I called our setup crew and
warned them that some ‘touch-up’ work might be needed the next
morning. Little did I know that the wind would rip down all of
the custom lighting and draping and that the rain would drench
the custom wood flooring. Thankfully, the sun was out all day
on Saturday, which helped the floor dry in time for the guests to
arrive. I checked the weather on my way to the venue, and sadly,
it was going to be another windy day. The first thing I did when I
arrived early Saturday was call my tent supplier and request clear
sidewalls. One of the advantages to outdoor tent weddings is the
view, and this venue was no different. So, clear sidewalls were a
perfect compromise to a windy day. Our entire team was called in to
make sure the lighting, fabric ceiling treatment, tables, and décor
were pristine. It’s imperative to have a great team of vendors when
coordinating an outdoor wedding, and we had just that. Everyone
came together and helped—at one point we had 12 people working
to get everything completed.”
- Rayna Ortwein, Always Planned, Lexington, Ky.
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“We had a beautiful garden reception planned the latter part of
April, and a tornado was predicted to come through our area the
day of the wedding. The Wednesday before, we changed the outside
reception venue and re-thought the entire reception plan. Obviously, the tent company refused to setup the tent, so we had to
find an alternate venue. We found a small country club and had to
convince them to allow us to bring in an outside caterer that we had
already paid. We convinced them to allow us to pay movers to move
all of their furniture out so we could make room for tables so all of
the guests could be inside, away from the inclement weather. After
a very stormy morning, and a tornado that touched down 40 miles
away, it ended up being a beautiful evening. You never can trust
those weather predictions!”
Deborah Simmons, MBC™, Signature Occasions,
Ridgeland, Miss.
Simply Dazzling Events in New York City recently faced a challenge when the floor of a young couple’s tented, spring wedding
turned to mud after a season of heavy snow melted. The team
had strongly urged wooden floors, but the couple did not want
to exceed their budget. Hence, the bride, the groom, and their
guests danced the night away in mud. “I wore mud-proof boots to
work that day and evening.”
- Stella Inserra, PBC™, Simply Dazzling Events, New York
ABC Members You’ll Meet In This Issue
Designations.......................................................................................... 17
Tonia Adleta, PBC™............................................................................. 23
Judy Alden, MBC™................................................................................18
Cindy Alexander, PBC™......................................................................16
Frank Andonoplas, MBC™......................................................... 16, 18
Ashby Wedding & Event Planning.............................................24
BBJ Linens................................................................................................16
Wendy Bass, PBC™...............................................................................18
Bruce Beaird........................................................................................... 17
Laurie Beckmann, ABC™.................................................................... 17
Ami Belaire.............................................................................................. 17
Boldly Chic Events..............................................................................16
Gloria Boyden, MBC™................................................................. 16, 18
Donna Brian, MBC™.......................................................................16, 17
Donnie Brown......................................................................................26
David Brownlee....................................................................................19
Erin Calvimontes................................................................................. 17
Regina Cialone Alaimo.....................................................................16
Shalaire Clements............................................................................... 17
The Columbia Club............................................................................16
Valentina Corro Fernandez............................................................ 17
Rachel Cripps-Gervais, PBC™......................................................... 27
Mary Dann................................................................................................9
Laura Davis, ABC™................................................................................18
Ettie Dawkins, PBC™............................................................................ 17
Detail+Design........................................................................................16
Barbara Diez............................................................................Cover, 18
Rachel Dillow........................................................................................16
Dillow Weddings & Events.............................................................16
Tobey Dodge, CSEP...........................................................................29
Dreamday Couture Wedding
Planning & Event Design................................................................. 25
Jennifer Duann...................................................................................... 17
Angela Dupont, ABC™........................................................................18
Diana Edlinger....................................................................................... 17
Leslie Ellison..........................................................................................18
Dee Emery-Ferrero, PBC™.................................................................16
Elise Enloe, MBC™................................................................... 16, 17, 18
Eventfull Planning...............................................................................16
Events by Design..................................................................................16
Event Resource Boutique...............................................................16
Every Bunny Read...............................................................................16
Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™...................................................................18
Conchita Flynch, PBC™...................................................................... 17
Veronica Foster, ABC™................................................................ 16, 18
Gloria Ford.............................................................................................. 17
The Finer Things Event Planning.................................................16
Katherine Frederick............................................................................ 17
Mary Jo Gallegos, MBC™..................................................................18
Alene Gamel, MBC™.....................................................................16, 17
Felicia Gantar....................................................................................... 23
John Goolsby, MEI, CPB, MPV.......................................................18
Renee Grannis, MBC™........................................................................18
Edward Griffin, MBC™........................................................................18
Katy Griffiths.....................................................................................5, 17
Monique Harris, PBC™........................................................................ 17
Kate Harrison........................................................................................29
Tangela Hatfield, PBC™...................................................................... 17
Kerri Hatter, PBC™................................................................................ 23
Char Hein, MBC™..................................................................................18
Kim Horn, MBC™...................................................................................18
Sonya House-Jenkins......................................................................... 17
Indy Visual...............................................................................................16
Stella Inserra, PBC™.........................................................................8, 12
Gail Johnson, PBC™........................................................................16, 17
Karl’s Event Services.............................................................................8
Gloria Kates............................................................................................ 17
Mark Kingsdorf, MBC™.......................................................................18
Jeannine Kennedy............................................................................... 17
Kim King Smith, ABC™...................................................................8, 12
Joanne Klein........................................................................................... 17
Jennifer Kontomerkos, PBC™..........................................................16
Ryan Koral..............................................................................................29
Heather Lapham Kuhn......................................................................16
Nikki Lawrence..................................................................................... 17
L’evento....................................................................................................16
Cherry Levin........................................................................................... 17
Laura Lim......................................................................................... 16, 29
Linen Hero Fine Linen Rental........................................................16
Sally Lorensen Conant, PhD, MWV™........................................29
Ginia Lucas, MWV™.............................................................................18
Kate McClellan, PBC™..................................................................17, 18
Debra Lynn McNairy, PBC™............................................................. 17
Merrily Wed..................................................................................... 10, 11
Carmen Mesa, ABC™...........................................................................18
Ester Miles.............................................................................................. 17
Sandra Monahan................................................................................. 17
Nicole Montenat.................................................................................16
Rosie Moore, PBC™..............................................................................16
Cindy Morley, PBC™...........................................................................29
Colleen Morrison................................................................................ 17
Ruffles & Roses Weddings and Events....................................16
Shafonne Myers........................................................................... 16, 29
Brittany Nause...................................................................................... 17
Airyel Negron........................................................................................ 17
Rayna Ortwein, PBC™....................................................................8, 12
LaToya Parnell, PBC™...........................................................................18
Jean Picard, MBC™................................................................................18
A.J. Ploughe.............................................................................................16
Amber Pusatere.................................................................................... 17
Rare Form Limousine........................................................................16
Cheri Rice................................................................................................18
Monica Richard, MBC™.............................................................. 16, 18
Rebecca Richman, PBC™.................................................................. 23
Kassie Romero...................................................................................... 17
Lillian Rosario, PBC™........................................................................... 17
Teri Saffon............................................................................................... 17
Aviva Samuels....................................................................................... 17
Sandals......................................................................................................16
Milena Santoro.....................................................................................18
Kim Sardo................................................................................................ 17
Holly Schoenke, MA, PBC™............................................................29
Caroline Seale....................................................................................... 17
Dharmi Shah, PBC™.............................................................................. 15
Deborah Sheeran, PBC™....................................................................16
Deborah Simmons, MBC™.........................................................12, 17
Jane Skarosi, MBC™, MWV™.............................................................18
Jeannie Smith, PBC™...........................................................................24
Social Butterfly.....................................................................................16
Lori Solomon.........................................................................................16
Stephan Stawicki, MBC™..................................................................19
Shelly Stone...........................................................................................18
Sunny Moon DJ....................................................................................16
Sweetest Candy Buffets..................................................................16
Cathleen Taylor-Dudley, PBC™...................................................... 17
Christine Terezakis, ABC™............................................10, 16, 17, 25
Jennifer Tornatta, PBC™.....................................................................16
TwoFoot Creative............................................................................11
Unique Weddings by Alexis............................................................11
Pablo Vasquez, PBC™...........................................................................18
Natalie Vishny, PBC™..........................................................................29
Patti Wallington, MBC™....................................................................18
Kirstie Warren....................................................................................... 17
Tamara Lin Waterman, ABC™.........................................................18
Jill Watson..............................................................................................29
Weddings Unique.................................................................................8
Glen Weisgerber.................................................................................. 17
Well Organized Weddings.............................................................16
Lisa White, PBC™................................................................................... 17
Mesha Williams.................................................................................... 17
Stephanie Wilson, ABC™.................................................................. 17
Annamarie Wintercorn, MBC™.....................................................29
David Wood, ABC President......................................................... 17
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13
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Emin Photography
South Asian Weddings:
Traditional to Modern, and
Everything in Between
Emin Photography
Edmund Moon of Daily Thousand
Words Photography
Emin Photography
By Dharmi Shah, PBC™, Evenings of Elegance
Gorgeous colors. Large families. Traditions.
Those are what constitute the essence of a
true South Asian wedding—and every aspect
encompasses values and customs. But throwing
a South Asian Wedding is no piece of cake. Yes,
it’s sweet, but it requires a strong attention to
detail, patience, understanding, and flexibility.
Traditions vary but vivid color and
lively events are constant
The types of South Asian Weddings are plentiful—from Gujurati to Punjabi, south Indian
to Sikh, Muslim, and more. And the traditions
are based on the region from which the bride
and groom come as well as how those may have
changed as they settled in the United States.
What is the same in each is the dedication
to vivid colors and truly stunning décor and
events. Plus, the weddings are truly epic, lasting
anywhere from two to seven days depending
on the region and tradition. Events begin with
prayers and lead up to pre-wedding events such
as the mehendi night where the bride gets henna
intricately drawn on her hands while other
women close to the family do the same. Traditionally, this was an all women party as they are
the ones to get the mehendi. Today, it may be
done separately or at the groom’s house with his
family and the bride’s house with her family.
The next event is usually a Sangeet, a party that
involves traditional folk songs and humor, or Raas
Garba, a night of lively folk dancing. Generally,
the order of events and which events are held
for both families depend on their traditions. The
traditional wedding reception in India might
involve the bride and groom standing on the stage
and having pictures taken with their guests. This
eliminates DJs and dancing altogether, though
for the most part, even the most traditional South
Asian weddings in the United States do involve a
DJ and dancing. And the parents must always be
informed and involved out of respect. They play a
pivotal role in traditional families.
and décor—perhaps blue. Aside from adding
new twists to color, décor, and venue, the modern couple might also arrive at their wedding
in a car for the Baraat, the groom’s procession,
instead of on the traditional horse or elephant.
Mixed culture weddings are also becoming more
common. These naturally bring unique wedding
and tradition twists. But what hasn’t changed
is the vivid color, energy, and vibrancy—with a
bit of bling in the attire and décor—making for
a truly magical event.
Honor the wishes of the parents
and the couple
Planning a modern South Asian wedding is a
Modern couples add updates
true experience, but it can also be tricky dependand twists on tradition
ing on the mentality of the bride’s and groom’s
Today, however, South Asian weddings are
family. Though the couple may be modern, that
showing an increasingly modern flare in the
doesn’t necessarily mean the parents are. In the
United States. Persons born, raised, or just
modern world, those financially supporting the
entering the country really impact the way the
wedding usually have the most say. However,
bride’s and groom’s wedding is planned. The
in the South Asian culture, this may not always
modern couple might include many tradibe true. The parents are always a big part of the
tions—from Mehendi night to the Sangeet—but planning process, which makes the whole affair
they also add a modern twist—maybe a theme, a very family-oriented event—one that truly
additional entertainment, a band, or the venue unites two families. Above all, remember that by
itself. The traditional colors of red and gold
working with the bride and groom as well as the
might be used, or modern brides might choose a parents you’re sure to coordinate an event that
different color altogether for her wedding dress makes everyone happy. ••
15
For individual monthly state meetings, please contact
your state coordinators and the ABC website www.
BridalAssn.com.
Seminars
Attend and earn two points for education and
professional development. For more information, or to
register, visit www.BridalAssn.com.
Sunday, July 15
Building & Remodeling Bridal Business
Detroit
www.abchbrbdetroit.eventbrite.com
Monday, Sept. 24
Networking & Etiquette Revival
Holiday Inn, Carle Place, N.Y.
www.BridalAssn.com (registration starts June 1)
Workshops
Sunday, May 20
Not Just for Novices Workshop
Orlando
www.abcflnoviceorlando.eventbrite.com
State Meetings
Sunday, July 8
ABC Oklahoma State Meeting, Education & Hiccups,
Hitches and Help Roundtable
Location TBD
405.250.4338, [email protected]
Sunday, July 15
Indiana State Meeting
Crown Plaza at Historic Union Station
Indianapolis
www.ABCIndiana.com
Friday-Sunday, July 20-22
Florida Family Beach Retreat
Location TBD
www.abcflbeachretreat.eventbrite.com
[email protected]
Sunday, August 19
North Carolina Novice/Aspiring Planner Seminar
Hyatt Place Hotel, Greensboro
336.375.3164, [email protected]
Save the Date
Sunday, Sept. 23
World of Wedding Planning
(with Networking and Etiquette Revival
Monday, Sept. 24)
Holiday Inn, Carle Place, N.Y.
www.BridalAssn.com (registration starts June 1)
Asia-Pacific Conference
Wednesday-Friday, August 22-24
Asia-Pacific Wedding Professionals Conference 2012
Resorts World Sentosa, Hard Rock Hotel, Singapore
www.apwpc.org, www.BridalAssn.com
ABC Annual Conference
Sunday-Tuesday, Nov. 11-13
Business of Brides
Diamonds & Denim
Grand Hyatt
Denver
www.BusinessofBrides.com
www.BridalAssn.com
16
Achievements
Cindy Alexander, PBC™, An Enlighted Event, Port
Hueneme, Calif., recently earned the Certified Wedding
Planner designation from the Green Bride Guide and is
the new director for the ABC LNG for Santa Barbara/
Ventura.
Frank Andonoplas, MBC™, Frank Events, Chicago, won
Event Solutions Magazine’s 2012 Spotlight Award for
Event Planner of the Year at the 2012 Catersource/
Event Solutions Idea Factory Conference in Las Vegas
on Feb. 28.
Regina Cialone Alaimo, Cloud Nove Events, Copiague, N.Y., was named “Best Wedding Event Planner
on Long Island in The Long Island Press Best of Long
Island Poll 2012.
“The education fund is set up to provide funding for
the ABC annual education conference in November.
Part of the fund goes toward the Midwest Education
Conference targeted toward all event professionals,”
says Gloria Boyden, MBC™, Indiana state coordinator.
Since 2007, Art of the Table has also donated over
$3,050 to the American Cancer Society. And, this year,
an additional donation was made to the American
Red Cross honoring victims of the recent tornado in
southern Indiana.
Bob Ridge
Association of Bridal Consultants Meetings & News
ABC Calendar
Dee Emery-Ferrero, PBC™, Weddings by Design/DEF
Enterprises, Feeding Hills, Mass., was named Business
Woman of the Year by the Women Business Owners
Alliance of Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts.
Emery-Ferrero was honored at the annual Business
Woman of the Year banquet at the Delany House in
Holyoke, Mass.
At this year’s event, 19 wedding and 10 special-event
themed tables attracted over 300 guests to The
Columbia Club. A special “Dinner with Betty” table
was prominently displayed in the foyer, in her honor,
welcoming guests to the event. Attendees enjoyed
The Finer Things Event Planning of Blacklick, Ohio,
was named Best of Weddings 2012 by The Knot and also cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, browsing, and casting a vote
for their favorite design. Boldly Chic Events was
won the “2012 Bride’s Choice Award” by the Wedding
presented with the Art of the Table People’s Choice
Wire Network. The Finer Things Event Planning is
Award for their “Creating Couture” wedding table. A
owned by Jennifer Kontomerkos, PBC™.
panel of three wedding industry leaders judged all
tables and presented awards to the Eventfull Planning
Nicole Montenat, As You Wish Weddings and Events,
team’s “City Sophisticated” for Best Wedding Table, The
Budd Lake, N.J., planned her first wedding, which was
Columbia Club’s “Breakfast with Santa” for Best Social
held Oct. 1, 2011, in Red Bank, N.J.
Event Table, and Boldly Chic Events “Creating Couture”
as the Best ABC Member Table.
Shafonne Myers, Making Your Event Special,
Youngstown, Ohio, recently opened a new business
and launched a supporting magazine. The business
and magazine are both called Pretty Pear Bride and
provide bridal inspiration for plus-size brides. According
to Myers, the magazine, which launched March 23, is
the only one in the world for plus-size brides (www.
prettypearbride.com).
At the 2012 International Limousine Charter & Tour
Show in Las Vegas in February, Rare Form Limousine,
Bellevue, Wash., received the 2012 Operator of the
Year Award 1-10 Vehicle Category, the oldest and most
prestigious honor in the limousine industry, from LCT
Magazine.
In the Media
The Art of the Table would not have been possible
without the generous donations from the team of
sponsors and the dedication of the committee members, designers, and volunteers. Committee members
were: Co-chairs Monica Richard, MBC™, and Heather
Lapham Kuhn; and members Gloria Boyden, MBC™,
Rachel Dillow, Laura Lim, A.J. Ploughe, Lori Solomon,
Jennifer Tornatta, PBC™; and Day-of-Event Coordinator
Deborah Sheeran, PBC™.
ABC table designers were: Boldly Chic Events,
Detail+Design, Dillow Weddings & Events, Eventfull
Planning, Events by Design, Every Bunny Read, L’Evento,
Event Resource Boutique, Ruffles & Roses Weddings and
Events, Social Butterfly, Sweetest Candy Buffets, The
Columbia Club, and Well Organized Weddings. ABC
sponsors were: Platinum: The Columbia Club and Linen
Hero Fine Linen Rental; and sponsors Indy Visual, Sunny
Moon DJ.
Veronica Foster, ABC™, and Behind the Scenes, Inc.,
Greensboro, N.C., had a wedding featured on the
cover and inside of Triad Weddings Spring/Summer
2012, a real wedding and a mention in The Knot North
Carolina’s Spring/Summer 2012 issue, and were featured
in an article about their teaching courses for teenage
By Donna Brian, MBC™, Louisiana State
girls in the January 2012 issue of Huami Magazine.
ABC Southeastern Conference
Coordinator
Rosie Moore, PBC™, 27 Miracles Wedding Consulting,
Windermere, Fla., was interviewed on a Telemundo TV
show “Entrenos” and for a show called “Let’s Chat” that
will air in June. Visit Moore’s blog at http://27miracles.
wordpress.com/2012/ for the link to watch).
The ABC Southeastern Conference was held in New
Orleans Feb. 25-27 at the Astor Crowne Plaza. The event
began with Cynthia Bresseau from Sandals presenting
WeddingMoons. Several attendees received their WeddingMoon specialist certification.
Indianapolis’ Art of the Table
The second day began with ABC speakers: Deborah
Simmons, MBC™; Christine Terezakis, ABC™; Gail Johnson, PBC™; and Alene Gamel, MBC™. Saundra Hadley
was our guest speaker and presented “Closing the Deal:
Get Sales Methods for Event Professionals.” Mary Beth
Cihal, sales manager, BBJ linens in Dallas, presented
linen trends and products. On the third day, Elise Enloe,
MBC™, ABC director of education, presented an Expanding Horizons seminar. Networking occurred over dinners
at Mulates, Margaretville, and Bourbon Café.
By Rachel Dillow, Dillow Weddings
and Events
On Sunday, March 4, the ABC Indiana chapter hosted
the 8th annual Art of the Table, a design showcase of
29 unique tablescapes benefiting the Betty Jackson
Memorial Education Fund and the American Cancer
Society. Betty Jackson was an ABC member who died
early in her career.
ABC Designations
The Association of Bridal Consultants congratulates
the following members who have achieved designation.
Professional Bridal Consultant™
ABC Southwestern Conference attendees: Seated l-r: Glennette Haynes; Mesha Williams; Tiffany Rivers; Gloria
Ford; ABC President David Wood; and Donna Brian, MBC™. Second row: Gail Johnson, ABC™; Saundra Hadley;
Alene Gamel, MBC™; Deborah Simmons, MBC™; Christine Terezakis, ABC™; Ester Miles; and Caroline Seale.
Third row: Jennifer Paskill; Joanne Klein; Lani Bailey; Mary Beth Cihal; and Kassie Romero. Attendees not
pictured: Katherine Frederick, Cherry Levin, Elise Enloe, MBC™; Lillian Rosario, PBC™; Marilyn Bolden; Patricia
Smith; Tangela Hatfield, PBC™; Cedric Polk; Brittany Nause; Ami Belaire; Gwendolyn Franklin; Iveth Belaire;
and Shalaire Clements.
ABC Sandals FAMinar Jamaica
By Jennifer Duann, Jennie Sue Photography
Thirty ABC members started 2012 with island flair, reviving the lost arts of etiquette and networking while enjoying
the sand, sun, and surf of Sandals Grande Riviera Beach and Villa Golf Resort in Ochos Rios, Jamaica. The Sandals staff
lived their “luxury included” motto, while ABC members practiced networking daily during site visits, seminars, meals,
and the amenities. Members stayed at either the Riviera Villas or Riviera Seaside, toured the Grande Riviera property,
the Sandals Royal Plantation, Beaches, and the Sandals Golf and Country Club. “I am completely inspired and excited
about sending clients to Sandals!” says Monique Harris, PBC™, who now feels well prepared to “sell an experience,
not just a building.” Above photo, l-r: Pablo Vazquez; Debra Lynn McNairy, PBC™; Nikki Lawrence; Kim Sardo;
Stephanie Wilson, ABC™; Katy Griffiths; Kate McClellan, PBC™; Monique Harris, PBC™; Aviva Samuels; Carol
Carroll; Bruce Beaird; Valentina Corro Fernandez; Elise Enloe, MBC™; Glen Weisgerber; Sandra Monahan,
MBC™; Colleen Morrison; Erin Calvimontes; Conchita Flynch, PBC™; Lisa White, PBC™; Laurie Beckmann, ABC™;
Diana Edlinger; Gloria Kates; Cathleen Taylor-Dudley, PBC™; Jeannine Kennedy; Teri Saffon; Sonya HouseJenkins; Ettie Dawkins, PBC™; Airyel Negron; and Amber Pusatere. Not pictured: Kirstie Warren and Jennifer
Duann (photographer).
Laketra Blue, LSB Events, Belleville, Ill.
Denise Bonds, Windemere Elegant Weddings &
Events, Gurnee, Ill.
Latonya Brackenridge, Dolton, Ill.
Jodi Bradley, North Hollywood, Calif.
Barbara Brown, Quinby, S.C.
Linda Bueche, Houma, La.
Mindi Davis, El Lago, Texas
Brittany Foshee, Griffin, Ga.
Jessica Foster, Simply Yours Ltd., Christ Church,
Barbados
Amanda Marie Franko, Warren, N.J.
Angelina Gajic, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Martha Gibbs, Richmond, Va.
Rosario Gil, Rosario Gil Events, New York
Belinda Greenleaf, Searsport, Maine
Tawanda Griffin, Kentwood, Mich.
AlAlisa Guthrie, San Jacinto, Calif.
Kippi Halfin, Argyle, Texas
Patricia Hollers, Hollers Holdings, Crowley, Texas
Nicole Hughes, Showdown Event Design, Beverly
Hills, Calif.
Amelia Johnson, San Diego
Ashaundra Johnson, Indianapolis
Sarah Jones, Rex, Ga.
Yuki Kawana, Japan
Jennifer Kontomerkos, The Finer Things Event
Planning, Blacklick, Ohio
Deirdre Luster, Divine Elegance by Deirdre, Howell,
N.J.
Joanne Mathis, The Wedding by Mathis Interiors,
Flemington, N.J.
Jerra Merritt, Lewisville, Texas
Lori Miller, Saginaw, Mich.
Amber Minter, San Antonia, Texas
Christen Mosquera, North Miami, Fla.
Priscilla Munoz, Conyers, Ga.
Lyrae Norman, YOUnique Event Designs, New
Orleans
Michelle Paradiso, Bellamore Wedding Consultants,
Apopka, Fla.
Ashley Parks, Autumn Blu, Farmington Hills, Mich.
Gina Polana, Alameda, Calif.
Dawn Pyant, Events to Remember, Farmington Hills,
Mich.
R. Tyreon Robertson, Decatur, Ga.
Cindy Ross, Cynthia Ross Affairs, Park, N.Y.
Holly Schoenke, Simply Sweet Weddings, Fountain
Valley, Calif.
Keisha Scott, Infinite Bliss Events, Graham, N.C.
Dharmi Shah, Princeton Junction, N.J.
Charaya Wagner, Dayton, Ohio
Marianne Wallauz, Painesville, Ohio
Angela Wright, Party Crasher Events, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Professional Wedding Vendor™
Don Ho, Singapore
Association of Bridal Consultants Directorscode of ethics
David M. Wood III, President
Gerard J. Monaghan, Co-Founder
Eileen P. Monaghan, Co-Founder
Elise Enloe, MBC™, VP of North American Operations, Director of Education . ......................................... [email protected]
Elayne Anderson, Director of Operations.......................................................................................................................info@BridalAssn.com
Candice Benson, MBC™, Director of Social Media..................................................................candice@thefinishingtouchevents.com
Carol Carroll, Director of Membership Records.........................................................................................................mob@BridalAssn.com
Dena Davey, Director of Marketing.................................................................................................................................. [email protected]
Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™, Creative Director................................................................................................. [email protected]
Lois Pearce, MBC™, Director of Ethnic Diversity..........................................................................................lois@beautifuloccasions.com
Annemarie Steiner, Member Services........................................................................................................................mbrsvc@BridalAssn.com
ABC Office: 1.860.355.7000, fax 1.860.354.1404, www.BridalAssn.com,
56 Danbury Road, Ste. 11, New Milford, CT 06776.
Our ABC members agree to:
• represent each client fairly and honestly,
providing all agreed-to services in a timely and
cost-efficient manner.
• establish reasonable and proper fees for services
and provide written estimates to each client.
• use honest, factual advertising.
• deal with employees and clients fairly, in an
unbiased manner.
• disclose to clients any payments received from
suppliers.
• operate an establishment that is a credit to the
community.
17
ABC
Welcomes New State Coordinators
By Elise Enloe, MBC™, ABC VP of Operations, Director of Education
Illinois: Jane Skarosi, MBC™, MWV™,
replaces Judy Alden, MBC™. Skarosi is the
only member of the ABC carrying the dual
master’s designations, which has given her
influence on a wider range of membership.
The ABC is proud to announce several new state
coordinator transitions. We gratefully thank those who
have served for their contributions to ABC’s success and
acknowledge those who have accepted the opportunity
to help lead ABC membership to new heights:
Lucas
Gallegos
Goolsby
Bass
Arizona: Ginia Lucas, MWV™, succeeds
Kim Horn, MBC™, who was Arizona state
coordinator since 2003 and hosted ABC’s
HOTT conference in 2010. Lucas seeks
local members to serve as “authorities” in
their field at meetings and hopes to create
a renewed desire to increase designations
and leadership.
California/Nevada: Jean Picard, MBC™
has served as California state coordinator
since 1998. To meet the diverse needs
of our membership there, California and
Nevada will be served by a dynamic duo:
Mary Jo Gallegos, MBC™, as California
state education coordinator, is partnering
with John Goolsby as California state
membership coordinator. This team is
already working on several membership
and meeting initiatives as well as a state
meeting for February 2013.
Colorado: Char Hein, MBC™, will have
an extended turnover with Wendie
Bass, PBC™—passing the baton after
annual conference. In her new role, Bass
plans to host web-based meetings as an
educational tool for members.
Skarosi
Richard
McClellan
Flottmeyer
Foster
Indiana: Monica Richard, MBC™, will
succeed Gloria Boyden, MBC™, this
summer. Boyden has taken the lead on
development and implementation of
ABC’s new World of Wedding Planning
that is replacing New Horizons. Richard
plans to continue the leadership Boyden
established, citing a strong system of
quarterly meetings, and the Art of the
Table, now in its eighth year.
Dupont
Vazquez
Texas: Renee Grannis, MBC™, who
has graciously covered this massive
state for several years from Oklahoma
is stepping down. Tackling another
new ABC membership management
initiative, Angela Dupont, ABC™, will
be state coordinator for northern Texas
and Pablo Vazquez, PBC™, will be state
coordinator for southern Texas.
Canada: The vast territory will be split
between Milena Santoro, who will
cover the western territories, and Patti
Wallington, MBC™, who will continue
covering eastern Canada.
Caribbean: During the past several years,
these islands were adopted by ABC
Florida when we realized that it was
easier for most of the islanders to travel
to south Florida than to other Caribbean islands. Carmen Mesa, ABC™, will
become Caribbean islands coordinator to
help grow ABC membership from south
Florida. With Puerto Rico growth and
an established LNG checked off the list,
she’s setting her sights on other islands:
Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados,
Mesa
Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Grenada, Grenadines, Haiti,
Jamaica, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Lucia, St. Martins,
Trinidad & Tobago, Turks & Caicos, United States and
United Kingdom Virgin Islands, and any we missed. ••
Michigan: Kate McClellan, PBC™ is
taking over from Laura Davis, ABC™.
ABC Michigan experienced phenomenal
growth in the last couple of years under
Santoro
Davis’ leadership. One of the McClellan’s
goals is to add value to members by
educating Michigan brides about the
benefit of hiring a consultant/vendor who
is an ABC member.
Minnesota: We’re still searching for a
replacement for Cheri Rice. Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™, ABC Wisconsin, will cover
Minnesota until a candidate is identified.
South Carolina: Veronica Foster, ABC™
North Carolina’s state coordinator,
will adopt this state as Leslie Ellison
steps down.
Wedding
Planner
Magazine
advisory board
International
Barbara Diez
Barbara Diez Event Planners
Master Bridal Consultant™
Mark Kingsdorf
The Queen of Hearts Wedding
Master Bridal Consultant™
Frank Andonoplas
Frank Event Design
Accredited Bridal Consultant™
Tamara Lin Waterman
2011 Miss Dorothy Heart Award Recipient
Special Moments
Master Wedding Vendor™
Edward L. Griffin
The Wedding DJs/Hardcastle
Entertainment, Inc..
Vendor
John Goolsby, MEI, CPV, MPV,
Godfather Films, Riverside, Calif.
Novice
Shelly Stone,
Signature Events by Shelly
Professional Bridal Consultant™
LaToya Parnell
Something Blue Weddings
18
b u siness basics
Business Basics
Seven Steps to SUCCESS
By David Brownlee, CEO, CashWeddingGift
As small business owners, we know how
important it is to find marketing strategies
that will grow our customer base. We also know
how challenging it is to find those new markets
and turn those new contacts into new customers. Finding new market opportunities boils
down to what I call the SUCCESS strategy. This
acronym can be broken down into seven easy
steps to help grow and market your business.
percent of their business. Referred clients
tend to be less demanding, more receptive to
your message, and are more willing to pay full
price because they’ve been personally told that
“You’re the best!” by someone they trust. So,
remind your friends, family, past clients, and
local merchants you do business with how good
you are. And remember to personally thank
them if they help you get new business. S – Start with a clear goal in mind
You had clear goals when you started your
business. Do the same for each new marketing
strategy. Decide how much new business you
would like it to generate. Your goal can be in
the actual number of new clients, target dollar
amount, or ROI. E – Email or Ezine
A monthly emailed newsletter or ezine about
your latest news is a great way to remind everyone about your service and its benefits. It’s easy
to set up an email marketing campaign through
companies like Constant Contact, Mail Chimp,
and others. Make sure that you’re emailing
relevant, helpful information and not just the
same old marketing line. You don’t want your
contacts sending your messages to the trash
bin before reading them.
U – Use a marketing budget
Create a marketing budget and stick to it! Examine your current situation carefully and
determine how many marketing dollars you
can realistically spend. Use those dollars on
strategies that will most effectively target your
prospective clients. Look for special offers from
various advertising resources, and always try to
negotiate a reasonable price. It doesn’t hurt to
ask for a discount. Getting a good deal may even
help you afford other marketing outlets.
C – Create a blog
A blog is a great marketing tool. It gives you a
platform to inform and interact with your current clients while attracting new ones. Blogs
can be set up and maintained free of charge or
for a relatively minimal fee. Your blog can even
become searchable on the Internet when you
use industry relevant keywords in your posts. Include interesting photos, current events
in your industry, and company news. Set up
Google Alerts on your industry to find interesting news that you can comment on in your
blog. This will keep it fresh and fun to read.
C – Contact your Circle of Influence
Your circle of influence is those people who
know how good you are and will refer others
who need your services. I have found this to
be one of the most effective ways to market
my businesses. For many professionals in the
wedding industry, referrals make up 70-90
S – Strategic Partnerships
Team up with professionals in other industries
that also serve your target market. Offer their
clients discounts and treat them like royalty. In the future, you may even be able to offer
complementary package deals. S Start with a clear goal in mind
U Use a marketing
budget
C Create a blog
C Contact your
Circle of Influence
E Email or Ezine
S Strategic
Partnerships
S Social media
S – Social media
Social media is quickly becoming one of the
most cost-effective marketing platforms. The
key to social media success is consistency. Update your profiles. Send tweets and messages
on a regular basis. Engage your audience with
thought provoking questions that will encourage them to continue a conversation with you
that will eventually turn them into customers. Use photos, coupons, discounts, and incentives
to keep your pages interesting. Be sure to
include your social media profiles on all marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc.).
Marketing strategies work when they are
carefully planned and efficiently executed. You
don’t need to spend a lot of money on marketing, but many low-cost strategies require
consistency. Try a number of different methods
but stick to the ones that work best. Above all,
have fun and keep providing your customers
with excellent service. ••
David Brownlee is the founder and CEO
of CashWeddingGift.com, an online cash
wedding registry where couples can receive
cash presents. David previously owned a
successful entertainment company focused
on creating multimedia productions for weddings, corporate events, and private parties.
He currently lives in San Diego with his wife.
19
New For Your Wedding Ceremony!
The Unity Cross® Assembled during your ceremony.
Use The Unity Cross® instead of, or in combination with a
unity candle or unity sand.
It’s Different. It’s Unique. It’s a forever Keepsake and a reminder of
your special day!
Watch the video at
www.unitycross.com
or call 877.970.5454
Groom’s Cross
Bride’s Cross
Check it out here!
20
master bridal c o ns u ltant ™
Master Profile
Stephen Stawicki, MBC™
The Wedding Connection, www.theweddingconnection.net, Huntington Woods, Mich.
Employees: 2 full-time
Revenue breakdown: 60% ceremonies, 15% consulting/coordinating, 15% counseling,
10% baby namings and funerals
Contact: 248.543.7396, [email protected], Facebook, LinkedIn
Stephen Stawicki, MBC™, has been designing and coordinating events for more than 50 years. His company, The Wedding Connection, offers consultation and coordination for weddings, same-sex ceremonies, and corporate events. Stawicki is also an officiant who conducts ceremonies for couples and individuals throughout their life
with wedding, baby namings, and funerals. These images highlight many Wedding Connection events. Photos courtesy of Stephen Stawicki, MBC™.
Family: I am married to Rabbi Miriam Jerris,
PhD, and we have five children, ranging in
age from the late 40s to middle 30s, and six
grandchildren.
Education: I am a graduate of the Cooper
School of Art, which used to be in Cleveland,
Ohio, and now no longer exists. I have also completed some college and technical school studies.
Past Career: I was in advertising for 30 years.
On the ABC: I’ve been a member since 1992. I
believe it’s important to belong to trade groups
and associations that contribute within my
chosen field.
MBC™ Status: I received my MBC™ in
2005. I felt it was important to be the most
knowledgeable and respected in my field to
be of better service to my clients. I was also
the guinea pig who volunteered to do the
first oral presentation to become a Master
Bridal Consultant™. It took place in front of
eight to 10 of my peers and the Monaghans
(ABC founders). What we learned in that
forum became the standard that others have
followed.
Other Memberships: The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE).
The Business: We started the business in
1990 when I was ready for a career shift. The
Wedding Connection is a full-service event
company. We offer total or partial involvement
in all life-cycle events: baby namings, corporate event planning, wedding ceremonies,
bridal consulting, same-day coordination,
same-sex ceremonies and events, couples
counseling, and funerals.
Goals: I’ve been doing events for 40-plus
years, and now that I’m over 71, I’ve pretty
much accomplished my goals. My wife, who is
younger, serves as the Rabbi for The Society of
Humanistic Judaism, a position that requires
a lot of her time, and also has duties with The
Wedding Connection.
Current trends: What happens on television, both good and bad.
Marketing Strategy: To continually evolve
with the times.
Staying Fresh: I love the people! And, more
importantly, I love the wedding professionals
with whom I work.
Ideal Client: All my clients are ideal. At my
age, I wouldn’t work with any client who gave
me grief.
Words of Wisdom: The wedding business is
24/7. Network and then network some more.
Recently read: The Lazarus Project by
Aleksandar Hemon.
Inspiration: I read the trades, watch shows
like David Tutera’s “My Fair Wedding,” and
attend many meetings for information.
On Giving Back: In the past, I volunteered
more. Now, I mostly give back by mentoring
others. ••
21
The “Miss Dorothy” Heart Award
Deadline is August 15, 2012
The Miss Dorothy Penner Heart Award for Passion
and Excellence to the Wedding Industry is the only
award presented by the Association of Bridal Consultants. It honors a member who has demonstrated
a “passion for the wedding industry.” Members are
nominated by their peers and are judged by the Miss
Dorothy committee.
The winner will be announced at the Business of
Brides Conference in Denver.
The “Miss Dorothy” Scholarship
Deadline is July 31, 2012
This scholarship is for Novice members only. It
allows them to attend the Business of Brides annual
conference. This year’s conference is in Denver.
The winner will be notified on Sept. 1, 2012,
and will be announced at the Business of Brides
conference. The award must be used for the 2012
conference.
Download both applications today
at www.BridalAssn.com.
Get noticed in the wedding industry!
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22
A B C member insi g ht
Pond Full? Don’t Jump Out—Stand Out!
How to Distinguish Yourself
in a Saturated Market
By Rebecca Richman, PBC™, The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants
Bringing in over $40 billion dollars a year,
the wedding industry is naturally attractive to
entrepreneurs, but now, the market is arguably oversaturated. With the pond so full and
the competition steep, it’s more important
now than ever to distinguish yourself and set
yourself apart from the rest.
Know your specialties and
make it personal
Our personalities make us stand apart. Do
some self-reflection and think about what
makes you different from the rest. “It might
sound cliché, but relationships are hugely
important to me, as a person, and really drive
my business. I’m a people person, if I can’t see
myself setting aside time to get coffee with a
bride a month after her honeymoon simply
because we want to reconnect as people, I’m
less likely to want to work with her and her fiancé. I think it is that relationship building that
makes me stand out,” says Tonia Adleta, PBC™,
Aribella Events in West Grove, Pa. Brides, too,
will be less likely to want to work with us if
they don’t feel that connection.
A perfect example of a niche business is 14
Stories, with offices in New York and Boston,
founded by Bernadette Coveney Smith. “I was
living in Massachusetts when the law was changing on gay marriage. I saw an opportunity to
be an advocate for these couples who had been
together for years and years. For me, though, it’s
not just about being a gay wedding planner; it’s
about being an advocate for my clients and helping them navigate this industry and the political
climate. Being an activist wedding planner really
differentiates us because we take it that one step
further. This is so important for how we market
ourselves to our couples,” she says.
After identifying your niche, you need to own
it—become so skilled in that niche that no one
in your region can execute it as well as you.
That makes hiring you an even easier decision
for your target bride.
Change with the times
As the industry grows and changes, you must,
too. Consider branching out and offering a
creative new service that fills a unique void.
“Before this year, I relied on our professionalism,
experience, and ability to put brides at ease to
Understanding your past and the steps you’ve
taken along the way can sometimes drive the
set us apart, but as things became more and
direction of your business and put a uniquely
more competitive, and the market became more
personal touch to it, making you feel more
saturated with those willing to be paid less,
committed. “I named my company Aribella
we decided to take a new approach to planEvents after a love letter that was written to
ning,” says Kerri Hatter, PBC™, by Kerri Hatter
my grandmother’s great-grandmother in 1815.
Weddings and Events in Ladera Ranch, Calif. We
‘The legacy of a love story’ is not just a cute little added a series of workshops called The Wedding
tagline; it’s our approach to everything. Where
Workshop to their list of services. The workshops
is the love story? And how can we help create
allow brides who can’t afford full-service wedding
that legacy?” she asks. When you know who you planners to learn tips and techniques as well as
are as a planner, it becomes much easier to com- vendors that will help them have the wedding of
municate those unique traits to your clients.
their dreams. “Many brides want to be hands-on
to save money these days, so this is the perfect
Find customers by finding your niche program that no one else is offering,” she says.
Wedding planners typically offer the same
services: a day-of package, a partial-planning
Get in the public eye—and stay there
package, a full-service package, etc. In many
Communicating your unique traits, niche, or
cases, price becomes the hiring factor. Howbrand is often the hardest part. Staying visible
ever, if you develop a specialized niche for your allows you to be heard. Offer to speak on planbusiness, then you’ll attract the kind of bride
ning tips at your local bridal show, or consider
and the type of customers you want—those
showcasing your work with a photo shoot. “Be
that sync with your style. Don’t assume you can unique with the design. Make it something outserve all couples well; you can’t be everything
of-the-box to show off your creativity and eye
to everyone. Every bride and groom has unique for style,” says Felicia Gantar, Felicia’s Events in
needs, it’s important to hone in on what you do Gardnerville, Nev. Remember, networking and
best so you can focus and target your marketkeeping your brand in the public eye keeps your
ing efforts more effectively.
business top of mind. ••
Rebecca Richman, PBC™, earned her planning
certification at Temple University before
working as a lead consultant with Queen of
Hearts Wedding Consultants in Philadelphia. She also serves as a founding board
member for her local Wish Upon A Wedding
Chapter and is a co-director of the ABC Local
Networking Group in Philadelphia.
23
kent u cky
Real Wedding
ABC Member Planner: Jeannie Smith, PBC™, with
assistants Ashley McDonal and Teaque Smith, AshBy
Wedding & Event Planning, Elizabethtown, Ky.,
270.300.7879, [email protected],
www.ashbyweddingevents.com.
Photographer: Alicia Fierro, Aesthetiica
Photography.
Non-member business: Cakes by Jeanne, The
Castle Post (venue), Events with Design (tent
rental), Kudmani (band), Sammy Kudmani (acoustic
guitarist), Memories Preserved (videographer),
Caroline Petrik (violinist), Teresa Wolford (florist/
tent design).
Couple: Raina and Dustin were married on Oct. 22,
2011. Raina drips with southern charm. Dustin was a
calm, easygoing and patient groom. Together, they
prayed about every aspect of this wedding to ensure they felt God was honored in their ceremony.
They were inspirational in their kindness and their
dedication to God and one another.
Inspiration: The wedding was held at the Castle
Post, a luxury inn and castle sitting on a hill. It is a
style inspiration.
Color Palette: Red, purple, gold.
Most unique elements: Florist Teresa Wolford
placed a moss-covered cross, complemented with
fabric draping, along the front of the castle. It was
visually stunning. Plus, Mark Clodfelter, associate
professor of trumpet for the University of Kentucky,
performed a fanfare when the bride appeared at the
entrance for the ceremony. At the end, when the
pastor pronounced the couple, we orchestrated the
“Call to the Post” and “La Cucaracha” by trumpet.
Biggest challenge: The most difficult part was
coordinating over 300 people to all areas of the
property. The wedding was held in front of the
castle. Cocktail hour was on the third level rooftop
with a live acoustic guitar and violin duo performance by Sammy Kudmani and Caroline Petrik
followed by the cake cutting on the mezzanine in
the entrance foyer. Then, everyone moved back
outside to the tent for dinner and back inside for
ballroom dancing.
Hindsight: The sound company assured us that
they didn’t need to be at the rehearsal because
they were professionals, but they were wrong.
I now know to make sure the sound person is
present at rehearsal. ••
24
fl o rida
Real Wedding
ABC member planner: Christine Terezakis,
ABC™, Dreamday Couture Wedding Planning &
Event Design, Palm City, Fla., 772.426.9954. info@
dreamdaycelebrations.com, www.dreamdaycelebrations.com.
Non-member businesses involved: A Piece of
Cake, Chantals par Avion (catering), Cassidy’s Ice (ice
sculpture luge), Eventmakers International (rentals &
lighting), Focused on Forever Studios, Harbour Bay
Florist, Traxx Entertainment (DJ).
The couple: Candice and Michael are a Maryland
couple who chose Michael’s grandfather’s Stuart,
Fla., vacation home, nestled on a lush tropical location overlooking the river, for their wedding.
INSPIRATION: The theme was “tropical elegance”—
inspired by the bride’s favorite orchid and the
couple’s love of the tropical outdoors. Colored up
lighting in green and yellow was installed throughout the landscape to enhance the beautiful foliage.
Color palette: Pale yellow, green, and white with
gold accents.
Approximate budget: $60,000.
Guest count: 60.
MOST UNIQUE ELEMENTs: Orchids were everywhere. They were inserted into chair-back hangers;
floated on the pool in up-lit glass bowls; incorporated into the centerpieces, place settings, and
stationery pieces; and hung with crystals over the
cake, which was displayed under its own gazebo
and adorned with sugar orchids. The grand finale
of the evening was when all of the guests were
invited onto the lawn to release lighted lanterns
into the night sky.
Biggest challenge: Bad weather was our
challenge. The couple wanted an open-air event because the grounds were so beautiful. After watching
weather projections, I convinced them that we
needed to tent the entire area. High winds and rain
forced us to use the house interior for cocktail hour
instead of the riverside lawn as originally planned.
The winds eventually died down, and the guests
enjoyed a beautiful setting, amazing food, and a fun
night of dancing.
Hindsight: The large tent shielded us from the rain,
but unexpected wind gusts created difficulties during
ceremony to reception conversion. Since the couple
wanted the area as open as possible, the decision
was made not to order sidewall flaps for the tent. In
the future, we’ll always order side flaps that can be
rolled down and secured for protection from the
elements, especially if an event is near water. ••
25
2012 Business of Brides:
The Wit and Wisdom of Donnie Brown
By Beth Erickson
Attendees at this year’s Business of
Brides will be in for a treat when keynote
speaker, celebrity wedding planner, and
Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)
member Donnie Brown takes the stage for
“Kick Up Your Heels—And Your Events: Taking
Weddings to a Whole New Level” on Nov. 12 in
Denver. Texas-based Brown has a personality
as big as the state from which he hails and
decades of industry knowledge having planned
more than 2,600 weddings, authored a successful book, and become a popular television
personality on the Style Network’s “Whose
Wedding Is It Anyway?” and “Married Away.”
Wedding Planner Magazine caught up with
Brown for a one-on-one interview.
WPM: You’re known for your larger-than-life
personality and sense of humor. How necessary
is humor in your work?
Brown: It’s incredibly important. If I see
things spiraling downhill, if I see a bride getting stressed out, if I see tears starting to flow,
I find a way to lighten up the mood, every
single time—throwing something out that
shocks them and gets them to stop thinking
about what caused them to get upset. Then,
when they go back and start thinking about
it again, it’s not as stressful as it was before.
Ninety-nine percent of the time, I can get
people out of that chaotic moment. Humor
is what I’m built on. I’d rather throw myself
under the bus with humor, to make somebody
else happy, than to see someone else spiral out
of control. One of the first things you learn in
this business is to be self-deprecating. For me,
it’s all about my bride!
derful touch. And making a wedding reception
look like an art gallery can be really lovely.
WPM: What associations do you belong to, and
what value do you see in them?
Brown: I’m a member of June Weddings, ABC,
and NACE. My affiliation with associations
is critical. It’s how you build your business.
It’s how you network. You could spend all day
long calling people and going place to place,
but why do that when you can see everybody
in one location?...There are certain regions of
the country where you find people have less
camaraderie and less willingness to get along
because competition is too important to them.
To me, there’s enough business out there for all
of us. Competition is healthy, and networking
can make a better environment for everybody,
most importantly, our clients.
WPM: What’s the secret to breaking into
television?
Brown: It’s the hardest thing in the world. I
was very fortunate. Do you know how I did
end, that doesn’t always make them happy. It
it? I became very well known in the local
often stresses them more. To me, the planner
needs to be honest. You must level with them. industry. And when the network came to
town, they were interviewing wedding planThat’s what they are paying us for. And, that’s
ners, and they kept saying, “We’re looking for
what they’re always going to get from me.
big personalities.” Everybody in town said,
WPM: How do you handle client requests, when “Go see Donnie Brown.” It was putting myself
out there that caused everybody to know who
you know, from experience, that they have a
I was. Everybody used to tell me, “You put so
really bad idea?
Brown: I’ll look them right in the eye and say, much of yourself into these networking as“I don’t think this is going to come off like you sociations, I don’t understand why you do so
think.” I have actually told a client before, when much for free.” I always said, “I’m giving back
to the place that I take from and, one of these
they blatantly refused my advice and went
down a terrible path, “Do not tell anybody I had days, it’s going to pay off. I don’t know how
or when but I’m certain it will.” And it did for
anything to do with this wedding.” Because,
WPM: How have you made your business stand you know, I have a reputation to uphold. In the me. If you’re going to go after television, it’s
much more difficult. You have to be willing to
end, it’s their money and their wedding, but
apart from the competition?
accept rejection.
you certainly have to be honest with them. If
Brown: I will tell you the truth—no matter
what it is. I’ve put a lot of brides on nutritional you’re honest from the beginning, and they
programs. I’ve talked brides into having breast know you’re going to be honest, it makes telling WPM: How do you stay on top?
them something that’s critical to the well-being Brown: They put me on the show, and I put
augmentation. I’ve talked a bride into having
everything I had into it. Every time I was cast
of their event so much easier.
rhinoplasty. I tell them their wedding is like a
for an episode, I helped them arrange for hotel
great Broadway play or musical. The venue is
rooms for crew. I helped do anything they
WPM: Where do you find inspiration?
the stage, and they are the stars of the show,
needed done. And what that did for me was
Brown: We’ve been doing a lot of personalizwith their guests as the audience. If you were
ing. Where I picked that up was in Architectural that, as they weeded through cast members
on the Broadway stage, what would you want
to do? You’d want to look your very best. You’re Digest from celebrities putting lots of personal along the way, I was the one they always kept
touches in when they have an interior designer because they knew I was going to give them
smack in the middle of the most important
what they wanted, and would help the cast
do their home. I also watch movies, and go
time of your life. You’re probably going to do
and the crew in any way I could along the way.
to art shows. I’ll look at a piece of art and see
everything in your power—spend the money,
Beyond that, it’s all history. I work every day as
make the effort—to look, feel, and be the best something in an abstract piece that captures
hard as I can to stay current and relevant and
my attention, and I’ll try to incorporate that
you can be. Truth telling helps them achieve
to use what I have learned along the way to stay
feeling into my work. I love hanging abstract
that goal. A lot of people in the industry will
true to myself and my brand. ••
art in a wedding reception. That can be a wontell them what they want to hear, but in the
26
UK National Wedding Show 2012
VintageStyle Reigns Supreme
By Rachel Cripps-Gervais, PBC™, An English Rose, Luxury Lifestyle Weddings
Photos courtesy of Rachel Cripps-Gervais, PBC™
Something old was definitely in the air
at the UK National Wedding Show 2012,
held in February in London. In fact, everywhere in London, whether the local High Street
store or Liberty’s on Oxford Street featured
vintage, vintage, and more vintage with 1940’s
and 1950’s looks. Here’s how that trend played
out in the show:
Dresses draped in the past
Thankfully, there was nary a meringue in sight,
but there were two strong styles that really
stood out. First, the very vintage sweetheart
neckline with the mermaid body shape covered
in lace and touches of sparkling diamantes.
Second, a surprising trend, were the glamorous
1920’s Hollywood-style dresses in soft, shimmering silks with low-hanging, draped backs (a
Pippa Middleton touch) with feathered accessories—whether in the bride’s hair, shoulder
wrap, or on the dress.
• Luxury tents
There’s often never enough room for guests
when brides and grooms host a barn or country
house wedding. But one way to creatively,
and romantically, solve that dilemma is with
individual, luxury tents that can be installed
on the property. The tents have full futon
beds, draping, roses, and even a bottle of your
favorite champagne to set the mood. Imagine
six of these on the property, all around the
campfire, for guests to return to at the end of
the night. It inspires guests to continue talking
up a wedding long after the last note from the
band has played.
• Candy topiaries and bouquets
We all love chocolate, and candies, macaroons,
and cupcakes remain popular, but what are some
other fun ways to incorporate these into weddings? One booth that stood out had amazing
chocolate and candy topiaries and centerpieces.
These were not simple displays, but masterpieces
that would certainly set any guest table talking.
The “Wow” Factor
And for those brides crazy about chocolate and
For those looking for that extra special touch
at their wedding, here were three top trends on candy, she can even make her bridal bouquet to
match for tossing or, maybe, eating in private.
display at the show.
• Candy campers
Remember the old VW camper vans? Well, one
lady has taken that 1950’s trend and turned her
VW van into a traveling Candy Camper filled
with a mini Sweet Shop, and a hostess with a
uniform to match the era!
The flashbacks to the 40s and 50s continued
throughout the show, with crystal floral centerpieces to amazing wedding cakes, old-fashioned
ice cream carts, creative table plans, and so much
more! For those wanting to get a glimpse of
European trends themselves, find out more about
the show at www.nationalweddingshow.co.uk. ••
27
28
Tips to Make Business Sizzle
ENGAGE
- Sally Lorensen Conant, Ph.D., MWV™,
Association of Wedding Gown Specialists,
Orange, Conn.
“Set up Facebook
correctly. Have your
page linked to your
website and email
signature. Couples
are most likely to find
you on Facebook after
they’ve viewed your
website.”
- Natalie Vishny, PBC™,
Swellegant, Irvine, Calif.
A B C member best practices
Social Media:
“Today’s brides look for you
online, and if you want brides
to find you, growing your website traffic is critical. Google
recently changed its algorithm,
and its search engines now take
your social media activity into
account when calculating the
“The hottest and best social media tip is to
. So ofimportance of your website.
ten, people set their social media outlets up but don’t do anything
That means posting videos at
with them, or they don’t do the right things. You can’t just put out
YouTube.com and maintaining
tweets or Facebook posts and expect people to pay attention.
an active Facebook page as well
You have to ask questions, have discussions, and interact with
as an active blog, are essential
to your website’s position. From
your followers and fans. That’s what makes social media work.”
- Shafonne Myers, CWEP, Making Your Event Special and Pretty Pear Bride, Avon, Ind.
time to time, include your full
website address in the body of
your post. It’s a good way to attract more traffic to your site.” “Pinterest.com is all the rage now. It’s a great on-
line site to get your visual likes out to your brides in a
fun and inviting way. Pinterest makes it possible to place
photos on boards that can express, in color and subject matter, your interests or show wedding ideas that
would take much longer to do on a blog.”
- Tobey Dodge, CSEP, The Wedding Connection by Tobey Dodge, Woodland Hills, Calif.
“I use social media, especially Facebook, as
a way for my clients and colleagues to get
to know me as a person beyond the planning.”
- Holly Schoenke, MA, PBC™, Simply Sweet Weddings, Fountain Valley, Calif.
“We retweet or share others’ valuable information on our feeds via Twitter and Facebook. We want there to be a reason why people are following us
and listening to us. We don’t want to just say, ‘Look what I did! Look what I
did!’ That’s why we include other professionals in our posts, because it’s not all
about us—it becomes a little more like, ‘Look what WE did! Look what WE did!’”
- Ryan Koral, Epic Motion, Royal Oak, Mich.
“Best social tip: You always
want your Facebook page
to reflect your character and high moral values. If someone places an
offensive statement on my
page, I immediately delete it
from my correspondence.”
- AnnaMarie Wintercorn, MBC™, Elegant
Weddings and Events, Stuart, Fla.
“Social media is really about creating a dialog and sharing news beyond your business. Repost interesting stories
and pictures. Ask your community’s opinion about choices
you are making in your business or current wedding trends.
Create unique content featuring your favorite bloggers and
Facebook fans, and tag them when you post the story!”
- Kate L. Harrison, Green Bride Guide, New Haven, Conn.
“Offer incentives for people to ‘like’ you on Facebook or retweet your business name—for example, $50 or 5 percent off of
package prices when they sign a contract. This increases your
visibility and popularity and allows you to track new clients.”
“Post Sandals specials as they
become available, and share them
- Laura Lim, Eventfull Planning, Carmel, Ind. with Facebook friends. I have
booked a few trips from high
school friends who were celebrat“I hired a PR company. They’re in the know about
ing anniversaries.”
- Cindy Morley, PBC™, Eventful Moments,
Port St. Lucie, Fla.
what’s going on around town, and they know
the latest in social marketing, so they keep me up
with the latest social media.”
- Jill Watson, The Pampered Bride, Save the Veil, San Clemente, Calif.
29
Ad Index
marketplace
Accessories
Carlson Craft…………………………………………… 4
Quick Candles… ……………………………………… 4
Weddingstar… ……………………………………… 12
Awards
Cele Lalli Award… ………………………………… 22
“Miss Dorothy” Heart Award…………………… 22
“Miss Dorothy” Scholarship… ………………… 22
Destination Weddings
Los Cabos… ………………………………………… 28
Mexican Tourism Board… ………………………… 3
Palm Beach County Florida………………………… 2
Sandals…………………………………………… 14, 31
Simply Yours Barbados…………………………… 30
Software Solutions for the
Event and Wedding Industry
Get Organized—Work Smart—Succeed
(619) 441-9664
MurphysCreativity.com
Educational Programs/Conferences
Business of Brides… ……………………………… 32
Gift Registries
CashWeddingGift… ……………………………… 30
Invitations
Carlson Craft…………………………………………… 4
Keepsakes
Art Vows……………………………………………… 18
Ketubah… …………………………………………… 22
The Unity Cross… ………………………………… 20
Resorts & Hotels
Sandals…………………………………………… 14, 31
Software
Murphys Creativity Software…………………… 30
Tents/Rentals
Karl’s Event Services……………………………… 13
Tourism/Travel
Los Cabos… ………………………………………… 28
Mexican Tourism Board… …………………… 3, 28
Palm Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau…… 2
Wedding Agencies
Simply Yours Barbados…………………………… 30
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30
The luxury is included.
So is the fun.
At Sandals ® everything you could possibly imagine
h a s b e e n t h o u g h t o f, i n c l u d i n g a l l t h e l u x u r y
of a five-star resort. The difference is that our
luxury is included and so is the fun. After all the
pressure of your wedding, now’s the moment to
let loose and have the time of your life. Experience
more unlimited land and water sports—including
scuba diving and golf *—than any other resorts
on the planet. Savor gourmet dining at up to 15
restaurants per resort. Enjoy unlimited premium
brand drinks including Beringer ® Wines at up to
1 0 b a r s . Re l a x i n t h e m o st u n i q u e h o n ey m o o n
suites in the Caribbean. Making Sandals the
perfect choice for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon.
Set Up A Marketing Plan Today
Contact Kim Sardo,
Sr. Director/Business Development
978-281-1119 or [email protected]
®
The Luxury Included Honeymoon
®
JAMAICA • ANTIGUA • SAINT LUCIA • BAHAMAS
THE LUXU RY I NC LUDED® DIFFER ENCE MAKES ALL THE D I FFE R E NCE IN THE WO R LD.
*Scuba diving included for certified divers. Resort dive course and night dives additional. Greens fees additional in the Bahamas and Antigua. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc., is the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts.
Periodical
400 Main Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
donnie brown
rebecca grinnals
Mark your calendar!
Business of Brides Annual Conference
november 11-13, 2012
For complete information, sessions, details
and to register visit www.BridalAssn.com,
www.businessofbrides.com, or call
check your mail for
the brochure in June!
1.860.355.7000
$685* through September 15, 2012
* Price includes Sunday opening reception, and Monday
and Tuesday day sessions and meals!

Wedding Planner Magazine 05062012

Transcription

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