MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants

WeddingJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Planner MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants

ABC WORLD OF WEDDINGS…PLANNING IN AN ERA OF NATURAL DISASTERS…ART OF THE TIMELINE…PLANNER - PHOTOGRAPHER RELATIONSHIPS…#BESTDAYEVER Sandals Emerald Bay

THE BEST CARIBBEAN ISLAND FOR EVERY PERSONALITY By: Cristina Jaramillo

More and more couples are For Relaxation Seekers setting their eyes on the BAHAMAS Caribbean as the perfect Calypso beats, crystalline waters, and rum-infused cocktails make this wedding destination to thrill exotic archipelago the ideal retreat for their hearts and wow their paradise seekers. guests. Deciding why to choose the Caribbean is easy! SANDALS EMERALD BAY An excellent choice for beachside Each island charms its visitors For the Family Focused For Movers & Shakers weddings, Sandals Emerald Bay is with exotic beauty and natural TURKS & CAICOS BARBADOS an indulging beachfront oasis that Complete with tall coconut palm Incredibly charming locals, wonders—ideal qualities for the features the utmost in comfort and trees, year-round sunny skies, and remarkable beaches, and an exciting ultimate celebration of love. luxury in an unhurried setting. The the region’s best snorkeling, Turks & nightlife—all add to this little island’s resort features personal butlers in Narrowing down the options to Caicos is a picture-perfect tropical magical appeal. top-tier suites, an award-wining For Luxury Lovers one island, however, requires a oasis for all ages. Red Lane® Spa, and a Greg-Norman JAMAICA SANDALS ROYAL BARBADOS little bit of help. designed championship golf course. Accompanied by tropical climate, BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS Sandals most exclusive all-inclusive, friendly locals, and lush natural Voted the World’s Leading Family ever, Sandals Royal Barbados For Adventurous Couples For Food Enthusiasts beauty, the spirited island offers the All-Inclusive, Beaches Turks & Caicos features the brand’s first 4-lane SAINT LUCIA GRENADA best of the Caribbean. has something for everyone— bowling alley and a rooftop pool. This From silky-sand beaches to miles Known as the Spice Island, Grenada from luxurious family-friendly one-of-a-kind resort features all-suite of unspoiled rainforest, pristine boasts Afro-Caribbean, European, and SANDALS SOUTH COAST accommodations to a thrilling accommodations and is conveniently waterfalls, and even an ancient drive- Sandals South Coast is the South East Asian influences—all found waterpark, and entertainment with located in the lively St. Lawrence Gap. thru volcano, Saint Lucia casts a spell in the island’s vibrant culture and leading destination for revelers of the colorful cast of Sesame Street®. sophistication. Here, couples can of romance and adventure. savory cuisine. say I do in a breathtaking Over-the- SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN SANDALS LASOURCE Water Wedding Chapel and indulge in Sandals Grande St. Lucian is home to A foodie’s paradise, Sandals LaSource luxury at the Caribbean’s most For Hopeless Romantics SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA a stunning Over-the-Water Wedding offers 5-Star Global GourmetTM cuisine spectacular Over-the-Water ANTIGUA Voted the World’s Most Romantic Resort, Sandals Chapel, breathtaking Over-the-Water featuring fine dining at ten specialty Butler Bungalows. A true lover’s paradise, Antigua is Grande Antigua is set along one of the best beaches in Butler Bungalows, and the island’s restaurants. From Caribbean fare and one of the most romantic places on the Eastern Caribbean. From a Mediterranean-inspired calmest waters. The fabulous resort the freshest sushi to French cuisine Earth with 365 beaches—one for village to a lush tropical setting and chic Caribbean vibe, offers a multitude of unlimited land and the island’s premier steakhouse, each day of the year. the resort offers romance at every turn. and water sports, plus free transfers guests embark on a daily epicurean and full access to the other two journey. Sandals Resorts on the island. Only Sandals® and Beaches® take couples Aisle to IsleTM with the perfect destination wedding location for every type of personality and lifestyle. Featuring inspirations that grant over a million beautiful mix For more information, contact Kim Sardo, and match décor options, your clients will easily plan an unforgettable, Sr. Director of Business Development at all-inclusive destination wedding at one of our 19 Luxury Included® (978) 281-1119 or [email protected] resorts—and you can earn a commission of 10% or more! For terms and conditions, visit: www.sandals.com/disclaimers/aisletoislepromotions Sandals Emerald Bay

THE BEST CARIBBEAN ISLAND FOR EVERY PERSONALITY By: Cristina Jaramillo

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FEATURES COLUMNS IN EVERY ISSUE 8 2017 ABC World of Weddings Annual 17 Business Basics: The Art of the Timeline 6 Letter Conference—a Fiesta of Fun! 23 Master Profile: Robyn Bruns, MWP™ 7 Contributors 12 Your 2018 Wedding Industry Conference 24 Seasoned Professionals: Inspiration—for 11 Industry Best Practices Guide 25 Years and Counting... 14 Ask the Experts 18 Are You Ready for Anything? Planning in 26 NACE: Celebrate in the Snow! 16 ABC News an Era of Natural Disasters 28 Industry Insight: What Photographers 20 #BestDayEver—The Knot's Tips for Wed- Could Do to Better Cultivate a Relation- ding Trends ship with You

REAL WEDDINGS 25 Philadelphia 27 Argentina 29 Louisiana

4 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE letter JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 6

PUBLISHERS Nancy Flottmeyer, PWP™, and David Wood There's something special about the beginning of a New Year. It's like opening a new journal EDITOR to find a crisp, clean page of possibilities, waiting only for you to get started. Beth Erickson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR The 2017 Association of Bridal Consultants World of Weddings Annual Conference is a little Nancy Flottmeyer, PWP™ like this feeling. Each year, the planning committee takes a fresh look at the industry and CONTRIBUTORS begins creating a conference reflective of the industry and the changes and trends forthcom- Frank Andonoplas, MWP™ ing. In this issue of Wedding Planner Magazine, you'll get to see what we mean in the feature Meghan Ely article that offers conference highlights from the November 2017 fiesta in Mexico! Find out Kim Grimm Kerry Hawk what happened at conference, see the gorgeous photos that recap the event, take a peek Alyssa Longobucco beind-the-scenes at the "by the numbers" feature—all beginning on page 8. Carrie McGuire Carmen Mesa, MWP™ Don't stop there. Turn to a new page to explore the other possibilities in this issue. Here, you'll Summer Snyder find information that might inspire you to new ways of thinking—like Summer Snyder's article PROOFREADER on "The Art of the Timeline" or Carrie McGuire's piece on how photographers might better Bonnie Pickett cultivate their relationships with planners. The Knot will inspire you with their top trends for the PHOTOGRAPHERS New Year as well. Seasoned Pro Frank Andonoplas, MWP™, shares how he has managed 5ive15ifteen Photography to stay inspired in his 25-year career. And Megan Ely helps prepare you for whatever 2018 Dream Art Photography George Weiss III brings with her article exploring the issues planners and pros face in creating events in an era Gus Hildebrandt where natural disasters are more prevalent. Katherine Gaiennie Fine Photography Longbrook Photography In addition, you will find a list of 2018 Industry Conferences, our fabulous Real Weddings Yellow Feather Photography feature—three in this issue—as well as all of the other features and columns you've come to ABC CORPORATE SALES Nicole DaSilva know and love.

TRAVEL/CVB SALES Happy New Year to each of you! May this year be one of inspiration, exploration, and David Wood harmony. Wedding Planner Magazine, 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: nancy@weddingplannermag.com. Visit: www.WeddingPlannerMag.com. Copyright 2017 Wedding Planner Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publishers. Wedding Planner Magazine does not necessarily endorse the claims or contents of advertising or editorial material. Printed in the U.S.A. Beth Erickson Nancy Flottmeyer, PWP™ David M. Wood, Editor Publisher/Creative Director Publisher/President, [email protected] [email protected] Association of Bridal Consultants

WeddingJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Planner MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants

ABC WORLD OF WEDDINGS…PLANNING IN AN ERA OF NATURAL DISASTERS…ART OF THE TIMELINE…PLANNER - PHOTOGRAPHER RELATIONSHIPS…#BESTDAYEVER UPCOMING ISSUE: ANNUAL COLOR TRENDS ISSUE! © Melanie Deurkopp Photography 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. WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE ADVISORY BOARD Advertising is accepted; corporate ABC members receive a Tonia Adleta, PWP™, Aribella Events - Frank J. Andonoplas, MWP™, Frank Event Design - Alan Berg, CSP®, discount on rates. Annual subscriptions are $36. Periodical www.AlanBerg.com - Donnie Brown, CWP™ Donnie Brown Weddings and Events - Merryl Brown, Merryl postage paid at La Crosse, WI and at Eau Claire, WI. Post- Brown Events - Mark Kingsdorf, MWP™, Mission Inn Resorts - Carmen Mesa, MWP™, Carmen Mesa Weddings master send changes to Wedding Planner Magazine, 400 and Events, Inc. - Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™, Exquisite Expressions and Events Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.

6 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE Following a 16-year career KERRY HAWK is the co-owner of CARMEN MESA, MWP™, is the in the banking and financial Blue Sky Events and Destina- owner, principal wedding field,FRANK ANDONOPLAS, tion Management in Stateline, planner, and designer at MWP™, began Frank Event De- Nev. Blue Sky Events designs Carmen Mesa Weddings and sign in 1993. Frank has been and manages diverse events— Events. She initially launched the recipient of multiple from corporate and commu- her event industry career as industry awards, including nity to destination weddings. a corporate event planner Special Events Magazine’s Kerry explores planning winter in New York City in the early Gala award and 18 Chicago Excellence Awards for weddings on page 26. 1980s. She is a long-standing member of the Associa- his work on weddings and corporate events. He was tion of Bridal Consultants (ABC), has earned the presti- named event planner of the year in 2014 by Event As the style and planning gious title of Master Wedding Planner™, serves as the Solutions/Catersource magazine and was inducted editor of The Knot, ALYSSA ABC Florida and Caribbean manager and director of into the Chicago Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in 2015. LONGOBUCCO’S job involves annual conference. She recaps the ABC 2017 annual He is the recipient of the Association of Bridal Consul- both the practical and the conference on page 8. tants Penner Award for passion and excellence in the pretty. She scours the industry wedding industry and is also an adjunct professor at for of-the-moment wedding SUMMER SNYDER, CWP™, is DePaul University’s School of Hospitality Leadership. trends in color, décor, florals, a lead wedding and event Frank shares a seasoned pro's advice on page 24. stationery, and more, and planner for Weddings by helps couples navigate the world of wedding plan- Nancy, based in La Crosse, MEGHAN ELY is the owner ning. She has a bit of a weakness for pretty paper Wis. She is also a proud of wedding PR and market- and loves to try her hand at floral design in her spare member of the Association of ing firm OFD Consulting in time (and okay, sometimes at work, too!). She lives Bridal Consultants. Summer Richmond, Va. She is a highly in New York City. She examines trends from The Knot came into wedding planning sought-after speaker, industry on page 20. with more than 10 years of food and beverage, venue writer, and adjunct professor in management, and bridal retail experience. Summer PR at Virginia Commonwealth CARRIE MCGUIRE is the owner talks timelines on page 17. University. She explores plan- and lead photographer for ning in an era of natural disasters on page 18. Carrie McGuire Photography in Winchester, Calif. She is also an email writer, blogger, and editor. She lives in Teme- cula wine country, but loves to travel. She and her partner, John, shoot 25-30 weddings annually. She tells us what photographers can do to better their relationship with planners on page 28.

Director of Ethnic Diversity, Lois Pearce, MWP™ Social Media WHO'S WHO [email protected] www.facebook.com/AssocBridalConsultants/ Director of Annual Conferences, Carmen Mesa, ABC CODE OF ETHICS MWP™ [email protected] IN THE ABC? Our ABC members agree to: Creative Director, Nancy Flottmeyer, PWP™ • represent each client fairly and honestly, ABC DIRECTOR LISTING [email protected] providing all agreed-to services in a timely and President, David M. Wood III cost-efficient manner. Member Services, Nicole DaSilva • establish reasonable and proper fees for services Director of State Managers, [email protected] Beverly Ann Bonner, APR, MWP™ and provide written estimates to each client. [email protected] Membership Services, Annemarie Steiner • use honest, factual advertising. [email protected] • deal with employees and clients fairly, in an Director of Operations, Elayne Anderson unbiased manner. [email protected] ABC Office • disclose to clients any payments received from Director of Outreach, Jacqueline Vazquez, MWP™ 1.860.355.7000, fax 1.203.775.0037, suppliers. Director of Education, Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™ www.BridalAssn.com, 632 Federal Road - Suite 2, • operate an establishment that is a credit to the [email protected] Brookfield, CT 06804. community.

Statement of ownership, management, and circulation 10. Owners: Nancy Flottmeyer, 2120 S 32nd Street, 15d. (3) Free / nominal rate mailed at other classes: 0 1. Publication title: Wedding Planner Magazine La Crosse, WI 54601; David Wood, 10 Mountain View, 15d. (4) Free / nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 0 2. Publication number: ISSN 2160-3286 Ridgefield, CT 06677 15e. Total free/nominal: 0 3. Filing date: October 10, 2017 11. Known bondholders: none 15f. Total distribution: 2200 4. Issue frequency: Bi-monthy 12. Tax status: N/A 15g. Copies not distributed: 0 5. Issues published annually: 6 13. Wedding Planner Magazine 15h. Total: 2200 6. Annual subscription rate: $36 14. Issue date of circulation data: September/October, 2017 15i. Percent paid: 64% 7. Complete mailing address: Wedding Planner Magazine, 15a. Total number of copies: 2200 16a. Paid Electronic Copies: 0 400 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 15b. (1) Mailed outside-county Paid: 1800 16b. Total paid print copies: 2200 8. Complete mailing address of Known Office of Publication: 15b. (2) Mailed in-county paid: 0 same 15b. (3) Paid distribution outside: 0 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and 9. Full names and complete mailing addresses: Publisher: 15b. (4) Paid distribution by other class: 800 complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or Wedding Planner Magazine, same address; Editor: Beth 15c. Total paid distribution: 2200 misleading information on this form or who omits material of Erickson (dba Jobe Communications, LLC) 3502 Meadow Lane 15d. (1) Free / nominal rate outside county: 0 information on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions. Place, La Crosse, WI 54601 15d. (2) Free / nominal rate in-county: 0 Wedding Planner Magazine, Publisher

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 7 ABC ANNUAL CONFERENCE | CARMEN MESA, MWP™

2017 ABC WORLD OF WEDDINGS ANNUAL CONFERENCE—A FIESTA OF FUN! Dancing, dining, adventure, networking, and learning—what's not to love about attending the Annual Conference? Photos © Dream Art Photography

he 2017 Association of Bridal Consultants speaker, David Caruso of Dynamic Events, Fla.; Ginia Lucas, MWV™, Y-Knot Party & T(ABC) Annual Conference and resort Milwaukee, Wis. Caruso spoke about “The Rentals, Mesa, Ariz.; Allison Kline-Weichelt getaway was held in the Riviera Maya, Secrets of Success—12 Lessons to Enhance your MWP™, sash&bow, Little Suamico, Wis.; Mexico, at the beautiful Barcelo Maya Grand Career.” His outgoing personality and humble Cathy MacRae, PWP™, Creative Weddings Palace in the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort, nature were a huge hit with attendees. Planning & Décor, Canada; Tracey Fricke, Nov. 6 – 8. MWP™, Occasion Designed, Omaha, Neb.; General session presentations were given by and Dannie Fountain, marketing strategist, Attendees from the United States, Canada, Kate Patay on “Selling your Brand,” Meryl Snow Aurora, Ill. Attendees also enjoyed visiting Mexico, and the Caribbean arrived on Sat- on “There is No Money in Sales for 2nd Place,” with trade show exhibitors and building re- urday, Nov. 4, to a private registration area and Danielle Tate on "The Expertise Factor—Us- lationships and contacts for future wedding decorated in the colors of Mexico, where they ing What You Know to Grow.” business in Mexico. enjoyed beverages, snacks, and hotel check-in. At the ABC registration desk, they had the Breakout session topics on interfaith wed- AND THE AWARD GOES TO… opportunity to select a hand-woven conference dings, social media, marketing, sales, and The Miss Dorothy Penner Heart Award for Pas- bag from Ixtapa, adorned with a handmade professional development meant there sion and Excellence to the Wedding Industry charm from Chiapas. Cultural elements like was something for everyone, regardless of was presented to Sari Skalnik, MWP™, Tropi- these and others were interspersed throughout whether they were a seasoned pro or new cal Weddings, Puerto Rico. She joins 20 other the week. to the industry. Speakers who shared their Miss Dorothy Penner Heart award winners knowledge were: Camelu Millan Vargas, since 1997. LET THE LEARNING COMMENCE MWP™, Diseñno Nupcial, Mexico; Debbi Education began on Monday, Nov. 6, with Ballard, Jewish and Interfaith Wedding Insti- Also this year at the ABC conference, five wed- opening remarks by ABC President David tute, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Mari del Carmen ding industry professionals were named Master Wood in the Monte Alban Theater. The Obregon Franco, Efecto Wow, Mexico; Ann Wedding Planners™— the highest designation education portion was kicked off with keynote Taylor, CWV™, A Chair Affair, Inc., Sanford, in the association. The new masters are: Tammy

8 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE CONFERENCE BY THE NUMBERS: 186 ABC member attendees 80 Spouses/guests 10 First Time Attendees 19 Masters in Attendance (+ 5 new masters) 16 Sponsors of product or services

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 9 ABC ANNUAL CONFERENCE | CARMEN MESA, MWP™

Lee-Papia, MWP™, Heavenlee Weddings, Lockport, N.Y.; Veronica Foster, MWP™, Behind the Scenes, Inc., Gibsonville, N.C.; Robyn Bruns, MWP™, Red Letter Event Planning, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Melanie Ramone, MWP™, Luxur Weddings & Events, Mexico; and Jennifer Ball, MWP™, Knot Your Average Events, Whitsett, N.C. To date, the ABC has 67 active Master Wedding Planners™ and seven active Master Wedding Vendors™ worldwide.

GET THE PARTY STARTED The Sunday, Nov. 5, opening cocktail reception and dinner was held at Coco’s Beach. The evening involved a fabulous buffet, live entertainment, networking, dancing, and fun. Keynote speaker David Caruso’s birthday was this day, so the group surprised him with a birthday cake and a mariachi band singing him the Mexican version of “Happy Birthday.”

On Monday evening, attendees could explore on their own and dine at any of the 11 restaurants on the resort, enjoy the sports club and bowling alley, and visit the casino or shops—and they could get there by riding on the complimentary, red double-decker buses that shuttle guests between resorts. For Tuesday’s farewell reception and dinner, the group enjoyed cocktails on the beach and a plated dinner at Captain Morgan, along with live entertainment and dancing.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! It’s time to book next year’s ABC 2018 World of Weddings Annual Conference in your calendar. In 2018, it will be held in Tampa Bay, Fla. Nov. 11-13, at the Grand Hyatt. For information, follow us on Facebook at http://www. facebook.com/ABCconference and http:// www.ABCAnnualConference.com. WPM __ Carmen Mesa, MWP™, Director of Annual Conference/ ABC Florida State and Caribbean Manager/Carmen Mesa Weddings and Events, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. IT TAKES A VILLAGE The Association of Bridal Consultants President David Wood and Director of Annual Confer- ence Carmen Mesa, MWP™, wish to extend their gratitude and sincere thanks to the ABC conference team: Mexico—Camelu Millan, MWP™, ABC Director of Latin America; Brenda Fernandez, MWP™, ABC Director of Cancun and Baja California; Viviana Salgada, ABC Co-Director Cancun Corporate—Nicole DaSilva, Elayne Anderson, AnnMarie Steiner Host resort—Barcelo Maya Grand Palace at the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort Event Sponsors—Dream Art Photography, Godfather Films, Mexico Tourism Board, Cozumel & Riviera Maya Tourism Board, JSAV Mexico, Zuniga Production & Events, PW Events Cancun, Rosy Valdez Productions, Blossom Events & Weddings Design, Eventio, Historias en Papel, Photobooth Riviera Maya, Papeliux Party Studio, Ixtapa Visitors Bureau, and Sandals and Beaches Resorts

10 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES

WHAT DO YOU SEE CHANGING OR INFLUENCING THE WEDDING INDUSTRY IN 2018?

“As a destination planner, I see the economy and the age that “[I’m] Seeing more [couples] specifically not inviting children to people marry being a driving force. A more independent mental- their celebrations.” ity where couples are paying for more of their wedding is a key - VONDA R. PARKER, BELLA FAIRE, LEESBURG, FLA. factor in designing their perfect day. Smaller, more intimate weddings are becoming the norm, and we adore this trend!” “One of the latest trends I have seen is the move away from - MICHELLE MARQUIS, WEDDINGS BY MICHELLE MARQUIS, the friend or family officiant. By this point, most couples have U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS seen the challenges of having a nonprofessional inserted into a professional environment. Many wedding planners are advis- “I see the trend for weddings using mixed metals— gold and ing couples to choose a professional rather than a friend. Many silver. Gold is the strongest element. More weddings are using venues are now requiring all vendors, including the officiant, greenery in their centerpieces, instead of a ball of flowers. to have liability insurance. The bottom line is [that] it’s the Both trends will continue into the new year." reputation of the planner and the venue that is at stake. If a GLORIA BOYDEN, MWP™, EVENTS BY DESIGN, INC., CARMEL, IND. non-professional vendor of any type enters the scene and does not provide top-notch service it can reflect badly on the other “I am noticing more couples interested in dark, saturated vendors. If a nonprofessional officiant messes up the wedding tones. This is not only affecting color palette, floral, and décor ceremony, it can always be done again right? Not! So recom- choices but also their preferences in photographer and cinema- mend that your clients choose a professional in every aspect of tographer styles.” their wedding. Don’t let them hire someone they can’t fire.” - KATHERINE HOGGARD, PWP™, EVENTS BY KATHERINE, IRVINE, CALIF. - ALAN KATZ, GREAT OFFICIANTS, LONG BEACH, CALIF.

“I’ve seen a few changes in the wedding industry. It seems “We see couples [focusing] on creating amazing and interactive that people are getting married outdoors more often, rather experiences rather than putting so much effort into too many than in a traditional church. More often than not, if the recep- décor details. Couples will want to make their wedding fun tion is at a place that does not have a hotel nearby, brides and and interactive through creative food stations or conversation- grooms are booking shuttles to get guests back and forth safely al family-style meals instead of the standard buffet or plated after a night of partying. It seems the trend lately is [also] to catering experience. Paper is out; couples want easy and quick have a second wave of food midway through the night. Photo electronic methods for contract signings and payments.” booths have been around for a few years, but lately, I’ve seen - ABIGAIL OLAYA, VENUE AT THE GROVE, PHOENIX, ARIZ. an uptick in photo booths at weddings [too].” - ALAN REED, TOTAL MUSIC DJ SYSTEMS, ROCHESTER, MINN. “Today’s couples are no longer meeting in the town [in which] they grew up. Instead, they met at college or, possibly, at their “For 2018, I see a huge emphasis on DJ. Music is finally be- job in a state other than the one they grew up in. The days of coming important again to couples. It’s not just about spending receiving a wedding invitation with only directions to the house money on floral and décor, couples want to spend money on of worship and celebration are long gone. Today, the couple will entertainment to ensure guests have the overall enjoyable ex- include at least one to three hotel blocks for their guests. They perience. They want someone who knows how to interact with will include verbiage regarding shuttle transportation, a break- their guests and not just play a list of songs.” fast post-wedding day, and now many will offer an after party. - DESI WOJTOWICZ, DESIRABLE EVENTS BY DESI, LAS VEGAS This has been a tremendous shift in the hotel industry. What I

believe has had great influence on the industry and will contin- “Our industry will be more influenced by tech in 2018 than ue in 2018 is networks like the Food Network or the Cooking ever before. From a business perspective, mobile apps are Channel, which educate couples regarding food and beverage. growing more collaborative and all-inclusive, allowing for We are living in a society with many people who I believe are easier event organization, and individual businesses are em- ‘foodies’ more than the couples of past days where what was phasizing strong online/social media presences. Also, given the offered from caterers/venues was never questioned.” current popularity of a personalized guest experience, more - DEBRA THOMPSON, WEDDINGS BY DEBRA THOMPSON LLC, NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. media entertainment and unique tech features, like image mapping, will continue to be in high demand.” “What I see influencing the industry in 2018 is the apprecia- - NICOLE CHAVEZ, EVSUITE, SAN CARLOS, CALIF. tion of all things technological and tech savvy. Simple wedding “The trend in weddings is aimed at the ecological—the desire enhancements, such as photo booths, are becoming more state- of the couple to make their wedding an event [that is] friendly of-the-art, lighting of all kinds has become intrinsic, food isn’t to the environment.” a basic necessity but the main attraction. The more unique and - MÓNICA ARTEAGA, VILLA MONICA, PACHACAMAC, LIMA, PÉRU ‘exclusive,’ the more alluring those details have become.” - DALIA ATISHA, CWP™, THE EVENT PLANNER, INC., WEST BLOOMFIELD, MICH.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 11 CLIP-AND-SAVE | BETH ERICKSON

YOUR 2018 WEDDING INDUSTRY CONFERENCE GUIDE If you make (and keep) one New Year’s Resolution this year, let it be this: Attend at least one national conference. Why? To keep up with the latest industry trends, stay on top of your game, share your knowledge, and network with other pros. Use this handy chart as a guide to make your 2018 continuing education plans. And don’t forget to sign up early to get the best deal with early-bird discounts!

CONFERENCE DATE LOCATION PRICE AUDIENCE TRADESHOW

Premium pkg - $1,395; Education Courses and Continuing Education, ILEA & http://www.thespecialeventshow.com/tse18/Public/ The Special Event Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 New Orleans Event Professionals Yes 1x/year additional rates available Tradeshow Certification, Networking NACE Enter.aspx Tradeshow, Roundtables, https://www.halloweenpartyexpo.com/16/hallow- Halloween Party & Expo Jan. 12 -15 New Orleans not listed Party Planners Yes Tradeshow 1x/year Panels, and Demos een-party-expo-home.htm Event Education Courses and Continuing Education, CaterSource Feb. 18 - 21 Las Vegas $999 Caterers Yes Solu- 1x/year http://conference.catersource.com/ Tradeshow Certification, Networking tions Planners, Designers, Pho- Hands-on workshops with Workshops, Networking, Get Swanky Experience March 4 - 7 Austin, Texas $2,800 tographers, Stationery No 1x/year www.getswankyexperience.com curated professionals All-Inclusive Designers March 18 - 20; Sept. National Bridal Market Chicago Unavailable at press time Buyers, Designers No Bridal fashion shows/trends Trend Watching 2x/year www.nationalbridalmarket.com 15 - 17

QNA Destination Wedding Education Courses, Tradeshow, Continuting Education, April 10 -12 Los Cabos, Mexico Unavailable at press time Event professionals Yes Interna- 1x/year http://www.destinationweddingcongress.com Planners Congress and Gala Networking tional

Education sessions, morning David Tutera's Event Planners, Designers, yoga, some meals, welcome David Tutera Hosts, Network- April 23 - 25 Santa Monica, Calif. $3,250 No 1x/year https://www.davidtuterasymposium.com Planning Symposium Event Professionals cocktail, special dinner, final ing, Continuing Education event Exotic Wedding Planning April 29 -30; July Education Courses and Continuing Education, Dubai; Goa, India; Europe Invitation only Planners, Designers Yes 3x/year http://www.weddingplanningconference.com Conference 5 - 6; TBA Tradeshow Networking Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; Los Angeles; New York - additional Education Courses and Varies, Depending Upon BizBash Live: The Expo May 16, July 18, Fall $49 - $525 Event Professionals Yes Various https://www.bizbash.com/bizbash-events/ events TBA in Chicago, Toronto, Tradeshow Package Chosen & Washington, D.C. National Stationery Show May 20 -23 New York, NY Free for qualified buyers Designers, Retail Yes Tradeshow Trend Watching 1x/year http://nationalstationeryshow.com/ Event Professionals Education Courses, Meals, engage! Spring & Fall various not yet released working with high value No Continuing Education 2x/year http://engagesummits.com/ Gala couples Education, Black Diamond Limited to 75 Attendees, Let's Plan Conference July 18 -19 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. $1,199 - $1,999 Event Professionals No Yacht Party, Perks Vary Depend- 1x/year https://www.letsplanconference.com Education, Networking ing Upon Package Chosen Education Courses and Continuing Education, Experience! 2014 July 22 - 25 Palm Springs, Calif. not yet released Caterers, event professionals Yes NACE 1x/year http://www.nace.net/experience2018 Tradeshow Certification, Networking Continuing Education, ILEA Live August 16 - 18 Denver not yet released Event Professionals No Education Courses ILEA 1x/year http://www.ilealive.com Certification, Networking Education Courses, Some WeddingWire World TBA TBA $449 Event Professionals No Continuing Education 1x/year http://www.weddingwireworld.com/ Meals The Event Planner Expo Oct. 3 New York, NY $39 - $69 Event Professionals Yes Tradeshow & Education 150 Exhibitors, Education 1x/year www.theeventplannerexpo.com Continuing Education, Wedding MBA Nov. 6 - 8 Las Vegas, NV $399 Event Professionals Yes Education Courses AFWPI 1x/year http://www.weddingmba.com/ Networking Be Sage Conference TBA TBA $1,800 Event Professionals No Education Courses Continuing Education http://www.besageconference.com Education Courses, Tradeshow, Continuing Education, ABC Annual Conference Nov. 11 -13 Tampa, Fla. Unavailable at press time Event Professionals Yes ABC 1x/year http://www.abcannualconference.com/ Some Meals Certification, Networking

12 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE

WHAT'S REASON INCLUDED TO ATTEND ASSOCIATION FREQUENCY WEBSITE Premium pkg - $1,395; Education Courses and Continuing Education, ILEA & http://www.thespecialeventshow.com/tse18/Public/ The Special Event Jan. 30 - Feb. 1 New Orleans Event Professionals Yes 1x/year additional rates available Tradeshow Certification, Networking NACE Enter.aspx Tradeshow, Roundtables, https://www.halloweenpartyexpo.com/16/hallow- Halloween Party & Expo Jan. 12 -15 New Orleans not listed Party Planners Yes Tradeshow 1x/year Panels, and Demos een-party-expo-home.htm Event Education Courses and Continuing Education, CaterSource Feb. 18 - 21 Las Vegas $999 Caterers Yes Solu- 1x/year http://conference.catersource.com/ Tradeshow Certification, Networking tions Planners, Designers, Pho- Hands-on workshops with Workshops, Networking, Get Swanky Experience March 4 - 7 Austin, Texas $2,800 tographers, Stationery No 1x/year www.getswankyexperience.com curated professionals All-Inclusive Designers March 18 - 20; Sept. National Bridal Market Chicago Unavailable at press time Buyers, Designers No Bridal fashion shows/trends Trend Watching 2x/year www.nationalbridalmarket.com 15 - 17

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 13 ASK THE EXPERTS

Tonia Adleta Frank J. Andonoplas, MWP™ Merryl Brown Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™ Aribella Events Frank Event Design Merryl Brown Events Exquisite Expressions and Events

Q: STYLING FLOWERS AND DECORATION HIRE ARE A SIGNIFICANT Q: I’M WONDERING IF VENUES ADD A GRATUITY TO THEIR IN- INCOME STREAM FOR SOME WEDDING PLANNING AGENCIES; VOICE. HOW ARE GRATUITIES HANDLED FOR THEIR STAFF? HOW DO YOU CONVINCE CLIENTS NOT TO BYO DECORATIONS - Donna Justin, Justin Trails Resort, Sparta, Wis. AND FLOWERS? WE SHARE STORIES OF EXPLODING CANDLE- HOLDERS, LEAKING VASES, AND WAX DAMAGES TO HISTORICAL “The best way to find out is to read the contract, line by line. In my PROTECTED VENUES, BUT THIS DOESN’T SEEM TO DETER COUPLES area, we have a number of different types of properties and types WHO THINK THEY CAN SAVE MONEY THROUGH BYO. of contracts—some historical venues that are managed solely by an - Melina Nicholson, Cinque Terre Wedding, Monterosso, Italy exclusive catering company, some that are managed by a township that owns the property and has no catering ties, some that have a “Honestly? Sometimes you can’t. As Michael Port says, ‘There are ‘preferred’ list (that is actually exclusive), and some that are truly just those you’re meant to serve, and others? Not so much.’ There’s only preferred. Become well versed in the various combinations to under- so much that we, as the trusted advisors and wedding experts can stand who is responsible for what, especially when it comes to staffing do, and convincing our clients to act as we’d like isn’t always in our and the corresponding gratuity.” control. In this instance, I’d highly recommend having the clients sign - Tonia a waiver, or include a similar clause in your contract, that states that they are making a choice against your professional advice. Especially “None of the venues that we work with add a gratuity to their invoice. for décor matters; if something goes wrong, it’s often the planner that Our clients typically give cash to the Captain, the bartenders, and a would need to fix it. Decide—before anything happens—what the plan lump amount to the Captain to disburse amongst the team.” of action will be, who is responsible for what, financially, practically, - Merryl etc. (For example, are you approved to replace a broken décor item and then be reimbursed?)” “Hotels will always add on a ‘service charge,’ which is gratuity for the - Tonia staff. Some caterers do as well. Most clients ask about tipping, so I put together a suggestion sheet.” “There are several ways to avoid the BYO or DIY client. One way is to - Frank establish a minimum event budget for your company that would allow your team of professionals to do the job. When you explain to poten- “Some venues may add a mandatory gratuity to their contract. tial clients what you can do for them, let them know your minimum However, in most cases, I find that there is a service charge—usually budget and what they will get. If a budget is too small, many clients based on a percentage—but providing a gratuity is usually based on are left with limited options and this is why they want to cut costs by exceptional service. Be sure to read the contract carefully to know if doing things themselves. Leave those events for planners who don’t the venue requires a mandatory gratuity to be added to the invoice.” mind the BYO clients. Another way to avoid this is to interview clients - Shelby when they interview you. If they say that they intend to do this, believe them. If you offer alternative solutions, and they don’t seem interested, pass on those events.” - Merryl

"It's part of my contract. They need to hire vendors that I recommend and trust." - Frank

“I find that many couples get excited about their wedding-planning process and may start to make purchases, because they think it will save money. I find it helpful to educate couples on how to make the most effective and cost-saving purchases for their weddings. This can be done through your newsletter, blog, social media posts, or in your Do you have a question? Ask our experts by emailing your ques- client meetings. I also point out how making some of these pur- tion, along with your name, designation, business name, city, and chases—without an overall design plan or without adhering to safety state to [email protected]. Be sure to put "Ask codes—could cost them more money than it could save money.” the Experts" in the subject line. - Shelby

14 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE MAGAZINE WeddingSEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 PlannerInspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants

WeddingJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Planner MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants Q: WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST LIFE-CHANGING CONFERENCE (BUSINESS-RELATED) OF YOUR CAREER? Sonia Hernandez, CWP™, Clarity and Class, Upper Marlboro, Md. WeddingNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 PlannerMAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants “All of them. I am a huge advocate of personal and professional development. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it all day long—you are the glue that holds your world together. Regardless of which role you WeddingJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 Planner MAGAZINE happen to play in that moment, you, as a whole, are strengthened Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants from both personal and professional development. If you ‘show BREAKING DOWN THE BUDGET...CLOSING THE DEAL.. THE BUSINESS OF TASTINGS...PUTTING PRIDE IN PERSPECTIVE up’ and engage in the event and are willing to be vulnerable and intentional with your time and energy, it’s impossible to stay the same as when you arrived. My favorite conferences and events tend to be those where true friendship is found and strengthened, with a mix of ABC ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP...2017 NATIONAL CONFERENCE GUIDE... HOLIDAY DÉCOR PLANNING...OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO SUCCESS... personal and professional takeaways, and in which the community THE DETAILS OF USING DRONES...TRANSITION FROM WEDDINGS TO EVENTS creates a momentum of energy, connection, and collaboration. (And full disclosure, I’m getting ready to release the Well Lived Life dates for

2018 and 2019 soon, so I’m a little biased about these kinds of things! TRENDING WEDDING DESIGNERS...CLIENT WELCOME GIFTS... THE LATEST DESIGN TRENDS...SUCCESSION PLANNING... Find out more at www.toniaadleta.com.)” SELECTING A VENDOR TEAM...COMMUNICATING COMPANY CHANGES - Tonia

“When I first started my company, I went to the International Live ABC WORLD OF WEDDINGS…PLANNING IN AN ERA OF NATURAL DISASTERS…ART Events Association conferences annually. They were truly life-chang- OF THE TIMELINE…PLANNER - PHOTOGRAPHER RELATIONSHIPS…#BESTDAYEVER ing! I made great contacts and got so much out of them. They are excellent in terms of education and have several tracks depending on your level of experience and area of interest.” Wedding Planner Magazine is an - Merryl industry-wide magazine —reaching more “The Special Event when I won the Gala Award for Best Wedding.” than 3,000 wedding industry professionals - Frank every other month. “Throughout my career, I have attended many conferences. I find that I enjoy the smaller, more intimate conferences, such as the INCLUDE US IN YOUR MEDIA MIX AS YOU Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference. It was the first conference I ever attended as a wedding professional. It is easy to PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE interact with the speakers after their presentations, to ask any addi- TO THE WEDDING INDUSTRY! tional questions. It’s also great for building meaningful relationships with other attendees. I know some of my associates prefer larger conferences, i.e. Wedding MBA and WeddingWire World, where CALL OR EMAIL TODAY!! there are more speakers and attendees. I have also attended local conferences with less than 100 attendees and about 15 speakers that included both wedding and business professionals that proved REQUEST A MEDIA KIT to be very beneficial to my business growth.” INQUIRIES: NANCY FLOTTMEYER, PWP™ - Shelby 1.608.796.2257 or [email protected]

CELEBRATING NEARLY 7 YEARS!

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 15 ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEMBER NEWS

ABC News Achievements Donna Brian, MWP™, Love in Bloom, Shreveport, La., won "Best Wed- ding Planner" by SB Magazine and was voted "Locals Love Us—Best Wedding Planner" in the Shreveport Bossier.

Tracy Dapp, PWP™, and Inked Events, Salem, N.H., were nominat- ed for the third straight year for the 2017 New Hampshire A-List Best Wedding Planner.

Melissa Fife, PWP™, Events by Missy & Company, White Plains, N.Y., launched an online course for the savvy couple. The course is an alternative to hiring a wedding planner and offers key principals to planning a wedding at an affordable cost.

JoAnn Moore, MWP™, CWC, CGWP, CSS, Mountains and Meadows DBA JoAnn Moore Weddings & Events, Vail, Colo., has been se- lected to be a speaker at The Special Event in New Orleans in January and at the Wedding Designations MBA in Las Vegas in 2018. MASTER WEDDING PLANNERS (ABOVE L TO R) Melanie Ramone, Luxur Weddings & Events, Mexico Chezelle Rodriguez, CD Weddings, Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, a destina- Robyn Bruns, Red Letter Event Planning, Coeur d’Alene, ID tion wedding specialist and event designer, will be speaking at The Jennifer Ball, Knot Your Average Events, Whitsett, N.C. Special Event conference on Tuesday, Jan. 30, at the Ernest N. Morial Tammy Lee-Papia, Heavenlee Weddings, Lockport, N.Y. Convention Center in New Orleans. Veronica Foster, Behind the Scenes, Inc., Gibsonville, N.C.

In the Media PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNER™ Gail Johnson, MWP™, Gail Johnson Weddings & Events, Decatur, Ga., Paula Abreu Carrasco, Paula Abreu Weddings & Events, Mexico was featured in an article called, “Progressive Rehearsal Dinner: What Is Lynn D’Ascanio, D’Asigner Events, LLC, Marathon, Fla. It & How to Host One,” published in Brides Magazine on Oct. 9. Find it Robin Gardner-Jones, About the Details, Bronz, N.Y. online at https://www.brides.com/story/progressive-rehearsal-dinner. New Book Tells Planner Secrets Have ABC news to share? Sherece S. Fullerton, Sincerely Rece, LLC, Silver Spring, Md., is the co-author of the re- Tell your peers! cently published, first-ever planners antholo- Email [email protected] gy called Planners Unplugged: Secrets of the World’s Greatest Event Planners.

ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEMBER NEWS

Triniweddings has been named “Wedding - Achievements Specialist of the Year 2017” by the Luxu Alan Katz, Great Officiants, Long ry Travel Guide (LTG), which recognizes Beach, Calif., is excited to announce excellence across all sectors of the travel and - Eighteen industry pros spill secrets from both that his company has set a new mile tourism industry in Europe, The Americas, stone in their number of reviews with Asia, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. 700 reviews on WeddingWire, 400 Triniweddings is owned by Marilyn Duncan Reviews on The Knot, and 400 reviews Wiltshire, CWP™, who is also a certified San- on Yelp. Katz is affectionately called dals Specialist. their personal and professional obstacles. the “King of Reviews.” He also spoke at Wedding MBA 2017 in October on this very topic. Picture by happy photos. Designations JoAnn Moore, CWC, MWP™, CGWP, ASSOCIATED WEDDING PLANNER™ CSS, Mountains and Meadows, Wed- Jennifer Ball, Knot Your Average Events, Whitsett, N.C. “Owning their power and ignoring their dings and Events DBA JoAnn Moore Victoria Lawson, Simply Divine Weddings and Events, District Heights, Md. Weddings, Vail, Colo., and Lake Celia Bezares Matus, Col Concepcion la Cruz, San Andrés Cholula, Tahoe, Calif., will be a guest speaker Puebla, Mexico at The Special Event conference in Twelve lucky Association of Bridal Consultant (ABC) Virginia and New Orleans on Jan. 31, 2018. She will Maryland attendees had the time of their lives at the 2017 Mid-Atlan- PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PLANNER™ ABC Japan Conference Focused on Social be part of the Wedding Track series. tic ABC Sandals FAM from July 26 - August 1. They toured the seven fears, these women share how they’ve Susanne Marsidi, Magic Moments Weddings & Events, Union City, Tenn. Networking Services Her topic is, “Rehearsal Dinners, Tips, Kevin Yoshi Kohara, MWV™, director of Asian Markets for the Asso- Sandals, two Beaches, one Grand Pineapple, and the Sandals Golf Tricks and Etiquette.” ciation of Bridal Consultants (ABC), arranged the 16th Annual ABC Course in Jamaica, and took their annual Certified Sandals Specialist Trendsetters Conference is March 23-25 certification or re-certification. ABC Virginia state managerConnie The Southeastern states of the Association of Bridal Conference (ABC) Japan Conference on August 29 in Tokyo. The theme of the Confer- Amos-Parsons also developed a workshop that she taught there, “Fo- are proud to announce the upcoming regional conference: Trendset- ence was a “New Generation Who Enjoy SNS (Social Networking cus—Learning To Achieve Your Objective.” Ryan Stinchcomb, Virginia overcome life’s not-so-pleasant moments to ters, organized by me, the Louisiana state manager, in collaboration Services).” and West Virginia business development manager, accompanied. with state managers from Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, The group learned much and some attendees have already booked Love in Bloom, Shreveport, La., won a Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The conference will be held Kohara knows the Japan market will be soon influenced by new several Sandals and Beaches events within weeks of attending. The double category with www.LocalsLoveUs. on the weekend of March 23 to March 25, 2018, at Renaissance Pere generations who enjoy Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., like the photo was submitted by At Your Service Events Planner LLC, a wed- com in both Wedding/Event Planners Marquette in New Orleans. U.S. market. With this expectation, he invited several speakers who ding and events planner. regain harmony and balance in their lives,” says Fullerton. and Wedding Supplies and Services. are key people in the trending SNS world. He also invited successful We invite you to celebrate local favorites and featured speakers who Japanese blogger brides so industry people could learn how those brides prepared their weddings using the Internet and social media. An Indoor Sidewalk Sale for Your Brides this are setting the tone for wedding trends across the world. Our regional November conference will focus on captivating presentations, catering trends, and One presenter focused on an online business model reflecting social The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, The Knot, Wedding- most importantly, what’s happening around you. The weekend will be media and also instructed what kind of photos are favored and what Wire, and several other groups are supporting something new from full of wedding industry speakers, certifications, delicious New Orleans kind of Facebook comments are more interesting for recent brides. locally-owned independent bridal retailers—an indoor sidewalk sale. cuisine, and better yet, jazz music! David Cole Snook, CWP™, owner Kohara introduced recent American wedding trends and introduced Just in time for Thanksgiving, the beginning of the engagement and lead planner of Mx2 Event season, brides can shop for designer wedding gowns and wedding If you missed the ABC’s International Conference in 2016, then you several American successful blogger brides, such as Whitney Bischoff, Design, Harrisburg, Pa., is pleased to party dresses at substantial savings at hundreds of locally-owned are in in for a treat! You may remember him from “Whose Wedding a blogger at Style Me Pretty and former contestant on “The Bachelor” announce his company was recently independent bridal retailers throughout the United States, Canada, is it Anyway” on the Style Network, which he starred in for 11 seasons, TV program. Another main speaker was David M. Wood, president of recognized and awarded “Reader’s and Mexico. Contributing co-authors include Jamesa Adams, Tortica Anderson, so mark your calendar and get ready because Donnie Brown is our the ABC. His last visit to Japan Annual Conference was in 2013. Wood Choice 2017” Best Wedding Planner/ keynote speaker! Brown is one of the leading wedding and event plan- appreciated to Kohara’s continuous efforts for the ABC and all staff Designer by the readers of Harris- “Each participating store will offer something different in terms of ners in the industry today. He has been in the industry for more than who works at ABC Japan office. Kohara says, “David’s introduction of burg Magazine. Mx2 Event Design’s merchandise, selection, and price,” says event coordinator Sue three decades, helping transform how we see weddings. ABC was significant for all ABC members, and I hope his appearance achievement was published in the at conference gave our members much to be proud of.” Maslowski, owner of Jay West Bridal in Haddonfield, N.J., “but brides August edition of Harrisburg Mag- everywhere benefit. They will be buying from a reputable, full-service In addition, if you’re ready to sell honeymoons and/or destination Jennifer Lloyd Ball, Shaun Cox, Candice Denise, Athena DeVonne, azine as well as announced at the salon where they can see and touch exactly what they are getting. weddings, Sunday morning we will share the inside scoop and help No unpleasant surprises from counterfeit gowns purchased online. annual “Simply The Best” Gala on August 31. Pictured: Mx2 Event De- you gain certification/recertification through Sandals’ All Inclusive Brides take home the dress of their dreams that very day, no waiting sign’s Team: Wedding Coordinator Maria Achenbach and Owner/ Resorts. Register for Trendsetters at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ or delays!” Lead Planner David Cole Snook, CWP™. abc-southeastern-regional-conference-tickets-34858296102. For further questions regarding the event, please contact me at kayla@moon- Sherece Fullerton, Shanae Hall, Marian Hilliard, Ashley Johnson, Can- For more information and links to participating retailers, brides can go lightandlace.us. to www.IndoorSidewalkSale.com. By November, the list, which grows __ daily, will include nearly 500 stores. Interested retailers register for the , Moonlight & Lace Weddings and Events, LLC, Mansfield, La. Kayla Jackson, AWP™ event at www.IndoorSidewalkSale.com/register. An AWGS coupon good towards gown cleaning and preservation is available at www. IndoorSidewalkSale.com/special-offer. dace Joy, Ivori Lipscomb-Warren, Crystal Marie, Gail Prescott, Allison 16 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE WPM Smith, Irene Tyndale, and and Elana Walker. WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 17

16 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE BUSINESS BASICS | SUMMER SNYDER, CWP™

THE ART OF THE TIMELINE How can you anticipate and prevent snafus during your weddings and events? Create a solid timeline with a strong foundation and collaborative efforts.

he bride’s immediate family shows up 45 Waters, owner of the Renaissance, Richmond, 3. ADD THE FINAL TOUCHES Tminutes late to the ceremony, dinner service Va., encourages planners to “be transparent Find a system for organizing the timeline is running twice as long as expected, and one with the timeline from the very beginning— that is useful to the team. Dee Gaubert, No vendor didn’t seem to read your timeline—these and share it with your vendors!” This strategy Worries Event Planning, Los Angeles, says, “A are among the countless scenarios that throw places the team on the same page from the mistake in the beginning, for me, was includ- off the wedding-day timeline. What should be start. As new vendors are added to the team, ing too much information. Find a working tem- focused on in the process to prevent these mis- they are introduced immediately to the flow plate that is concise and readable. Consider haps and guarantee your hard work is useful of the wedding day and will begin to work keeping your team's production separate.” and utilized by the vendor team? through how this translates to their center of focus. Emphasize the need for preliminary In addition to a production schedule and 1. ESTABLISH THE FOUNDATION and ongoing feedback. timeline, treat the document as a general While building the shell of the timeline, there reference sheet for the vendor team by are key components to consider. Brit Bertino, Utilize the key vendors as a resource in devel- including other key elements. Gaubert Brit Bertino Event Excellence, Las Vegas, says oping the preliminary schedule by asking as suggests, including a call sheet—with vendor the most efficient way to build the timeline many questions as possible: contact information and roles. Eppolito is to “start with the ceremony time and work • What will make their load-in difficult or suggests keeping “a photo of the couple and backwards into building the setup, arrivals, time-consuming? vendor social media handles. The photos and elements leading up to the ceremony.” • Does the caterer have the appropriate help partners and their employees identify Once the ceremony time has been estab- amount of time allotted for dinner service? the couple, while the social media handles lished, reinforce to all involved—including the • How does this change if courses or wine help ensure that everyone is credited when couple—that this will be the actual start time. pours are added? the work is shared.” WPM Reverend Clint Hufft, a celebrity officiant in Los • What does the florist need to set up success- __ Angeles, says, “A trend recently has been the fully and efficiently? Summer Snyder, CWP™, Weddings by Nancy, notion of the start time of the ceremony being • Does the photographer have a special time La Crosse, Wis. 30 minutes or so later than the time listed of day they like to capture photos, such as on the invitation.” Why? The couple may be sunset or golden hour? DIGITAL TIMELINE TOOLS worried a close relative or important guest is • It may be even as simple as asking, “How The following tools may be useful resources likely to be late and is trying to avoid starting do you normally operate?” for establishing your timelines: the ceremony late or in their absence. Timeline Genius (www.timelinegenius.com): If the planner is able to figure out what the Has customizable timeline templates and While a faux start time may seem like a perfect preference is first, then she or he can help re- vendor contact “Rolodex”, pay per timeline solution, Hufft offers a useful approach to maneu- vise as needed, and the vendor may be more or annual unlimited subscription, web-based ver around potential late guests while maintaining likely to stick to the timeline since the vendor with client access options. the integrity of the day—advise the couple to was part of its development. reach out to those guests and say, “You mean Aisle Planner (www.aisleplanner.com): Full the world to me, I am so honored you will be Andrea Eppolito, of Andrea Eppolito Events planning features including checklists, bud- there for my wedding day. I was wondering if in Las Vegas, finds that each vendor likely gets, timelines, guest list management, design you could be there early to help with ….” By has his or her own agenda and initially may boards, and more; business Management/ honoring the guests and giving them a task, not see the big picture or your expectations. CRM tools; subscription; based packages; they have a reason to be there early and the “Don’t assume everyone will know what you web-based with client and vendor access ceremony is much more likely to start as noted. want based on your perception of industry options. standards. If you have an expectation, note 2. COLLABORATE AND LISTEN it clearly, and review your timeline with your All Seated (www.allseated.com): 3D custom Many planners require the vendor team to ac- team,” she says. In sharing the timeline early floor plans, design tools, guest list manage- knowledge and approve the timeline prior to and collaboratively, everyone is on the same ment and timelines, and custom reports; free execution. What is the best way to guarantee page, while potential mishaps may be caught under 10 events/year or subscription-based this? Begin building the shell of the timeline and avoided, allowing less need to put out packages; web-based with client and vendor immediately in the planning process. Tommy fires on the wedding day. access options. WPM

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 17 FEATURE

ARE YOU READY FOR ANYTHING? PLANNING IN AN ERA OF NATURAL DISASTERS Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria made big headlines in 2017. What is it like to be planning and running events in communities with such natural disasters? Find out and learn how to prepare.

f you’ve been in the wedding industry for more than a moment, you lost, and after the initial human impact is addressed, there are real Iknow that natural disasters are major threats to your event business. consequences that follow to the businesses in that region. Resorts that This wedding season, in particular, has been marked by catastrophes relied on the destination wedding industry have had to close, leaving completely outside of our control. The wildfires in Napa, flooded employees without livelihoods—and clients potentially without a venue streets of Houston, and hurricane devastation in Puerto Rico, among and possible financial losses if deposits can’t be returned or tickets re- others, couldn’t be predicted with enough accuracy to allow couples main non-refundable. How you help manage the situation can have to avoid them completely. However, seasoned wedding pros and a real impact on your bottom line. even well-prepared newcomers can take early actions to mitigate the damage and minimize the impact of future crises like these on their THE EFFECT IN REAL LIFE SITUATIONS couples’ big days. Emily Sullivan, Emily Sullivan Events, New Orleans, most frequently faces the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms. “A good percentage of my WHAT’S THE IMPACT? events are associated with indoor/outdoor space, so many times being The impact of natural disasters on the wedding industry can range from prepared involves moving the ceremony location and coming up with a minor irritations to total upheaval. On the “manageable” side, outdoor backup plan. Recently, however, we were faced with a city curfew, which events may need to be moved indoors during hurricanes or lightning meant that all of our events had to be moved to earlier times,” says Sulli- strikes, or completely relocated to a nearby venue or town if an area van. For multiple events, she and her team had to coordinate the logistics has lost power and generators are unavailable or impractical. of rescheduling all vendors and notifying both clients and guests about the changes to ensure that everything ultimately ran smoothly. Often, extreme weather is a considerable inconvenience to out-of- town guests who may not be able to travel to an area when airports Lisa Anhaiser, owner of LBL Event Rentals in Houston, Texas, encoun- or roads are closed. This effect is magnified by true, disaster-level tered a situation that is generally unique to weddings when her bride interference when even a couple may not be able to reach their simply refused to believe that a severe weather situation was a threat. wedding destination. “The closer we got to the wedding, the more obstinate the bride became,” says Anhaiser. She attempted to reason with her client, and Of course, situations like the hurricanes that decimated Puerto Rico required the couple to accept full financial responsibility and liability this year are far worse than inconveniences. Whole communities are if the safety of her team was jeopardized. The couple ultimately de-

18 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE cided to marry at home. On the wedding day, Hurricane Ike caused ples again. Thankfully, because we had spoken with all of them prior billions of dollars worth of damage to the Houston area and nearly to the storm, most were just concerned for our well being and had no wiped out nearby Galveston. plans to cancel their events (although some did).”

Claudia De Velasco, owner of Houston-based A Day to Remember, ANTICIPATE LINGERING EFFECTS recently had a client whose venue ended up completely underwater Many of our pros experienced psychologically driven consumer after Hurricane Harvey—with only a two-and-a-half month lead time effects long after their region’s major disaster. They cited couples' until the event. “We moved quickly to get our couple into another fears of committing too early to a wedding date, hoping to wait until venue of equal or greater quality,” says De Velasco. Another of her weather predictions could be made more accurately. Susan South- Harvey-timed weddings had delivery issues over a week after the hur- erland, president of Just Events! Group in Florida, says she “definitely ricane passed, but “we pulled through, almost seamlessly,” she adds. notices a reduction in bookings the first year after a hurricane. After the one-year anniversary, things tend to go back to normal. We also ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN notice that we get a lot more questions about our contingency plans The first line of defense against the impact of natural disasters is a in case of a hurricane.” solid Plan B. As you monitor conditions, make sure that you have every aspect of an alternative plan mapped out, and be prepared to THE UPSIDE OF DOWNTIMES communicate changes to every vendor, client, and guest, so no one is Not everything that comes out of adversity is bad. Many industry left out of the loop. pros have faced great challenges only to find that they are part of a strong, supportive global community. Sullivan, for example, saw a Sari Skalnik, MWP™, and owner of Tropical Weddings in Puerto Rico, bright side after one of the worst recent natural disasters to hit New recently faced two Category 5 hurricanes within two weeks of each Orleans. “Following Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans saw a great other. “Communication with our couples was key,” says Skalnik. “We wedding boom from people who really wanted to celebrate our city spoke with couples prior to and after Hurricane Irma. Before Hurri- and give back to our economy.” Not a bad takeaway for an industry cane Maria, we reached out to each couple to let them know that we made possible by love! would be in touch as soon as we could after the storm. Little did we __ Cocoon Events know that it would take us three weeks to begin to contact our cou- Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, Richmond, Va.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 19 FEATURE

#BESTDAYEVER— THE KNOT’S TIPS FOR WEDDING TRENDS

t The Knot, we spend a lot of time watching what trends and the evening before the wedding and get a bit more face time in with Amoments are clicking with couples and looking for what’s next on guests. This serves as a natural icebreaker for guests whom they may the horizon. Here are the so-right-now trends we’re loving, along with have not met before the big event. our tips for how to help your couples score their #BestDayEver. SERVE UP A FRESH FEAST HIRE EXCEPTIONAL ENTERTAINMENT The main meal is coming centerstage, so work with a catering team to Encourage guests to engage with their surroundings throughout energize your clients’ wedding menus with favorite new foodie trends. the wedding night by hiring a few standout vendors to interact with Wow-worthy food displays (think Peter Callahan’s take on an edible the group while they’re serving, feeding, or pouring for them. A pick-your-own caramel apple tree) give partygoers something to feast flair bartender is always a great option (guests will love the flaming their eyes on, while specialty bars focused on just the couple’s favorite cocktails and high-flying glass tricks), while more off-beat ideas like a brew or spirit take the signature cocktail to the next level. Another roaming ice cream cart or oyster-shucking station can feel playful and big hit? The roaming dinner. Instead of a seated meal, offer guests a personalized to your couple. Food carts are another great way to get plethora of passed apps, filling small plates and interactive stations guests moving around, so consider a four-wheeling dessert display with everything from oyster-shucking to mozzarella pulling on-the-go. or cocktail hour. Is your couple more low key? Everyone loves a good party game, so plan a few for the cocktail hour and reception. Lawn CREATE ALTERNATIVE SEATING FOR THE CEREMONY games like horseshoes, cornhole, and oversized-Jenga are great for Savvy couples are moving beyond the traditional, two-sided aisle set- outdoor ceremonies, while ‘90’s classics like a photobooth, piñata, or up and onto layouts that feel a bit more intimate. Just because they caricature artist will be a hit indoors. come from two distinct families doesn’t mean they need guests to sit on separate sides of the aisle. Instead, encourage couples to foster TRY OUT GUEST GIFT LOUNGES mixing and mingling by arranging seating in an arch or semi circle, Take the idea of a welcome bag up a notch by transforming the with the altar in the middle. It’s an easy way to create more “front concept into an over-the-top welcome lounge for wedding guests. row” seating and a warm, close-knit environment that will leave your Instead of stuffing and delivering gifts for your couple’s guests, set up a couple feeling enveloped in love. Or, have guests stand for the dura- room full of goodies (like snacks, drinks, and favorite local treats), and tion of the ceremony (note: this only works if they’re doing something allow guests to choose their favorite things. The wedding party can be short-and-sweet—15 minutes or less!), and surround the couple both inside a hotel room suite or outside at a tent to greet friends and family for a casual, city hall-vibe.

20 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE © 5ive15ifteen Photography © Yellow Feather Photography "bring their personalities forward, and add creative flair to their days so they can have the #BestDayEver"

INVITE A FEW FURRY FRIENDS TRY A TRANSLUCENT CAKE The hottest wedding guests of the year have four legs and super-soft The new take on the naked cake is the translucent cake. Instead coats. Having a beloved pup join the festivities is nothing new, but of totally bare tiers, translucent cakes have a thin veil of frosting more couples are now looking to hire everything from sweet bun- with just a bit of the cake showing. Typically iced in buttercream, nies and donkeys to dressed-up llamas to roam the grounds of their these sweet delights are topped with flowers or in-season fruits outdoor reception and entertain guests. We’ve even seen a slew of that hint at the flavors of the cake filling. You can suggest the use rescue puppies walk down the aisle with the bridesmaids in place of of a fresh type of topper, too—cute, mini party animals pay tribute bouquets—don’t worry, they were up for adoption afterwards! to a couple’s mutual love of dinosaurs, while a laser-cut phrase gives couples a chance to incorporate a favorite quote or sweet THINK BEYOND THE LIMO sentiment on top. Transportation is practical, sure—but it can also add a layer of per- sonalization. Think of it as a fun opportunity to nod to the wedding INSTALL IMAGE-MAPPING TECHNOLOGY theme or the couple’s love story. Was their first date a pedi-cab ride Want to turn your indoor venue into a lush garden, but don’t around New York City’s Central Park? Find a charming rickshaw have the budget for thousands of flowers and potted trees? Try to take them from the ceremony to the reception. Helping them a new projection technology called image mapping that allows throw a boho backyard bash? Rent a VW van for a wow-worthy you to transform a space with lighting and moving pictures. Give entrance—then, keep it on premises to double as a fun photo back- the ceremony and reception their own special vibes by changing drop. With so many out-of-the-box options, there’s no need to settle scenes from one to the next. You can even use this technology on for a traditional choice. the wedding cake. Not only is this trend tech-forward, it benefits the environment and will save couples money on flowers and décor. FOCUS ON CONSCIOUS CONSUMERISM Hosting an incredible wedding, while reducing the carbon footprint is top- Whatever you and your couples choose, be sure to bring their person- of-mind for many couples. From selecting in-season and locally sourced alities forward, and add creative flair to their days so they can have food and flowers, to sending Earth-friendly invitations made from soy- the #BestDayEver. WPM based inks on recycled paper, to-be-weds are becoming more and more __ conscious of what—and how—they’re consuming. Work to present local or Alyssa Longobucco, The Knot, New York, N.Y. sustainable options when it comes to vendors and resources.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 21

MASTER PROFILE FAMILY: I am married and a pet parent to Snickers. EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and a Masters in public administration from the University of Illinois—Chicago. STARTING THE BUSINESS: I worked at a PR firm and thought, when I started my business, I would be doing primarily corporate events. However, people started contacting me about planning their weddings. I did not feel I had the education to plan weddings, so I took the Penn Foster course, to give me the foundation to be a good wedding planner. After finishing the course, I realized the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) membership was very valuable for con- tinued education and networking. I started my business 13 years ago, MASTER WEDDING PLANNER: ROBYN BRUNS, MWP™, and I have been a member of ABC that whole time. Red Letter Event Planning, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho BUSINESS CHANGES: For our wedding management, we added on three hours of consultation time that can be used anytime after the contract is signed. The result is the client gets more than wedding-day management, which allows us to charge more. It has also improved relationships with our coordination clients; we get to know them throughout the planning process. Even if they are still doing the majority of planning on their own, this leads to more trust on their wedding day. EVALUATING SUCCESS: Success is when a client says, “This is exactly what I wanted. You made my wedding day enjoyable and went above and beyond what I expected.” Success is being known in your industry as a leader and having others want to learn from you. ON BECOMING A MASTER: I proudly became a Master in November 2017. I presented for my Masters twice. The first time, I did not receive the designation. It was devastating, as I do not like to fail. However, from that failure, I learned quite a bit. One of the criticisms from the master panel was that they didn’t get to know me as a planner and person. I realized that I am like that in my business as well. In the year between presenting for my Masters, I made an effort to be more open about who I am as a planner and person, and the response from clients and potential clients has been amazing! The lesson I learned is that failure is not a stopping point, it is an arrow in a new direction to your goal. INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS: I am and will always be a Martha Stewart fan. She is the first woman entrepreneur to present entertaining, event planning, and wedding planning as a career option to many. Our industry benefits when it has professionals at all levels doing what we love but also making a profit. Photos courtesy of Robyn Bruns INSPIRATION: Cooking and entertaining. ON STAYING FRESH: As the wedding season in North Idaho is short— READING NOW: I am currently reading Fantasyland: How America Memorial Day to Labor Day, the late fall and winter is the time I use Went Haywire, a 500-Year History. The political science geek in me to focus, working on the business and updates for the new year. I also loves books like this. make a point of taking a vacation at least once a year and, because WORDS OF WISDOM: Listen to your gut. If a situation, client, or idea I have a great employee, I am able to even do this during wedding doesn’t seem right, it probably is not. Also, we all love what we do, but season. Having a reliable employee is important to avoid burnout in make sure you are getting paid what you deserve and are running your this industry. business as a business, not a hobby. It is easy to get caught up in the IDEAL CLIENT: My ideal client is one that is coming to the Inland glamour of wedding planning, but at the end of the day, you have to Northwest for a destination wedding. The majority of our clients live in pay bills and make sure you are running a profitable business. a state other than Idaho. I love working with clients that want to show LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I love to sing—pretty much anywhere that is off the natural beauty of our area to their guests. Outdoor weddings private—in the car, the kitchen while cooking, and at my desk, but I where the mountains and lakes are the background are hard to beat. would be terrified to do so in public on a stage. My favorite thing to FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK: I highly recommend Own It by Sallie Krawcheck. sing is ‘90s pop (please don’t judge). WPM information ABC MEMBER SINCE: 2004 REVENUE: 80% consulting, 10% day-of coordination, 10% corporate EMPLOYEES: 1 part-time, 2 contractors CONTACT: [email protected], www.RedLetterEventPlanning.com SOCIAL MEDIA: Instagram.com/Redletterevent, Facebook.com/Redlettereventplanning

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 23 SEASONED PROFESSIONALS INSPIRATION—FOR 25 YEARS AND COUNTING…. How do seasoned professionals stay inspired after years in the industry? 25-year industry veteran Frank Andonoplas, MWP™, shares his secrets.

t’s hard to believe that this year I will have Since we’re talking fashion, it’s important and you can explore Catersource, WIPA, and Ibeen in business 25 years. It seems time to know what is going on in the bridal WeddingWire to name a few. really does fly when you’re having fun! While fashion scene. In addition to reading local, we wedding professionals know our jobs national, and international bridal fashion EXPLORE TRADE SHOWS can be fun, there are also many moments of magazines, attend the wedding and bridal Not only are these a great way to be on top of frustration and stress. This can make staying markets. While I don’t sell wedding gowns, trends, but trade shows can be a great way to inspired difficult. which is most of these types of show’s add income to your bottom line. You can sell attendees, I sit in on several days of fashion veils, headpieces, favors, wedding accessories, Throughout the years, colleagues ask how I shows. Usually, each designer will have in- jewelry, etc. But to do this, you must have a stay inspired after years in the business when formal modeling or even their own runway resale number to get into any trade show. the wedding and event market changes show. This way, we know what the trends You would need to apply for this in your state. so quickly. This is why it’s important to stay will be for next year. Then (in addition to Bridal Market) head to the on top of trends. Here are the top ways I’ve National Gift Market, Jewel and Gem Show, learned to stay inspired as time passes: FEAST ON ALL THINGS FOOD National Stationery Show, and The Party Show This is a vital part to any event. Read food just to name a few. Keep in mind, these shows PERUSE MAGAZINES magazines, follow food blogs, and watch are large, and you might need more than a Believe it or not, some of us still subscribe and the Food Network and Cooking Channel. day just to walk the show floor. Wear comfort- buy actual printed magazines! I don’t want Additionally, try new restaurants—something able shoes, bring a note pad, and a bag for to say I read each, but I do page through I love to do when I travel. Not only do I look information from the vendors. more than 24 magazines a month. From at the taste of the food, but more importantly, interior design to lifestyle, from food to fashion I see how it’s presented, because, let’s face When I first started planning weddings, there and, yes, obviously all of the wedding, event, it, we eat with our eyes. If there is a new, hot were only a handful of wedding planners. and trade publications, I see ideas that I can restaurant in your local area, get there right Now, they are a dime a dozen. Many who tweak to fit events I’m planning. Make sure after it opens. Clients love to know that you’re call themselves the wedding planner/con- you are reading not only national maga- on top of these things. If you cannot afford to sultant/coordinators really are not. They zines but local and international. Some of eat at the more expensive ones, go in for a have not done any training, they don’t know my favorite, not-obvious periodicals are Real cocktail and an appetizer at the bar. It will at trends, and they don’t understand events. Simple, Victoria, and Travel and Leisure. This least give you a good flavor of what this new Many think because they were in a wed- is a great thing to do when you have your eatery is all about. ding and are on Pinterest that makes them morning coffee or after-work cocktail. a planner. It does not. Do your homework ATTEND CONFERENCES before hanging out your shingle. Make sure STAY UP-TO-DATE ON FASHION TRENDS When I first started, there were only a few you train, do continuing education, and stay The fashion industry dictates so much. See what wedding and/or event conferences. Now, they on top of current trends. Research as many styles designers are showing, and you will see are numerous. Find the one that works for you. vendors in your area as possible. Make this carried forward into the event world. These I get so much out of Wedding MBA and the these things all part of an ongoing process colors and styles show up in floral and linen, Special Event. I try to attend at least one every to stay inspired, so one day you, too, can and their style (simple, diagonal lines, tight fits year. The Association of Bridal Consultants say you’ve had 25 years in the industry and etc.) will then show up in event décor. offers meetings and an annual conference, still love what you do! WPM

24 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE REAL WEDDING | PHILADELPHIA

PLANNER: Lynda Barness, MWP™, I DO Wed- ding Consulting, [email protected], Time in industry: 13 years PHOTOGRAPHER: George Weiss III BUSINESSES INVOLVED: airbnb, Carlos Rey Sebastian (DJ), The Sculpture Courtyard, Kensington/Philadelphia (venue), Feast Your Eyes Catering (catering, rentals, cake), Anderson deLone (lighting), Front Street Café (after-party), Meta Floral NYC WEDDING DATE: June 3, 2017 GUEST COUNT: 95 THE COUPLE: The couple was married, with immediate family in attendance, at City Hall the day before this reception. The bride is Rus- sian and special touches throughout the day honored her heritage. Guests were gifted with shot glasses that had the bride’s and groom’s names written in Russian. These were used for a toast. Russian candies and a Russian cake Rustic laced with urban with many layers (made with a recipe the bride provided) were offered at the end of the meal that included cold borscht. Eli’s Lemon Cake was also served, honoring the groom’s deceased father. INVOLVEMENT: Consulting and wedding-day INSPIRATION: We were inspired by a rustic/ urban combination. “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: The venue is spectacular and inspiring! It is so unusual and unexpected, and the tables, chairs, and centerpieces complemented the space. MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The venue is called The Sculpture Courtyard, and it is a rustic barn tucked off Mascher Street in Phila- delphia. It was a gorgeous day, and cocktails were in the garden, loggia, and an additional room in the barn. Dinner and dancing were in the “barn.” The pizza oven by Feast Your Eyes Catering was the centerpiece of the fun cocktail hour. COLOR PALETTE: Natural tones with major pops of red flowers BUDGET: Private PLANNING TIME: 6 months REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 100% planning BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The bride and groom knew exactly what they wanted for this wedding, and they knew it wouldn’t be traditional. As soon as they saw this venue, that was it! The venue was new to weddings, and we worked closely with the caterer to make sure that all the details were covered. WPM

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 25 NACE COLUMN

Photos courtesy of NACE CELEBRATE IN THE SNOW! Now is the time to plan those winter weddings magine a romantic, candle-lit ceremony at the end of a chilly, active day with rosy may mean providing them with lodging. Iwith a cozy fireplace backdrop, outlined cheeks and tired legs—sharing stories around with white birch tree branches and twinkle the fireplace, while sipping on hot toddies. DÉCOR AND THEMES lights as your couple exchanges vows. Or Surprisingly, it’s often the guests who are not Winter weddings are so much fun when it think of them standing at nature’s altar used to winter weather that are the most comes to choosing colors and décor. Start with as guests, wrapped in warm blankets excited to take home these fun memories! the save-the-dates. Think miniature cable knit and sipping hot cocoa as snowflakes fall sweaters in small boxes with attached tags overhead, eagerly waiting for the officiant HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN that explain the location and date, or send to say those five words, “You may kiss It’s important to be flexible and decide on small, corked bottle with fake snow inside. the bride.” After the ceremony guests are an alternative plan far in advance if the escorted to a sunset, horse-drawn sleigh- weather doesn’t cooperate. For instance, if Velvet is the latest craze in table linens, and ride before dinner and dancing. Winter you are planning a mountaintop wedding when better to use this than at a winter wed- weddings, whether in Wisconsin or Lake and the transportation is a ski lift, you’ll need ding! Colors can vary from deep red tones Tahoe, can be fabulous affairs! to prepare in case the lifts close due to snow to whites, ivory, or golds. Be sure to create a or wind. Be sure to have a back-up venue, cozy lounge setting with a warm fire, blan- If your couples are planning a wedding and advise your vendors of the changes if it kets, and displayed in wood boxes, wedding in the chilly winter months, hopefully, they happens last minute. To alleviate stress on the favors—cable knit mittens and scarves or love the snow and the chill. Yet we all wedding day, plan far in advance so wedding matching beanies. Candlelight may be the know these types of weddings bring other vendors will know how you want to move best part of a winter wedding. The sun sets challenges. Planning a winter wedding can forward. And look at the bright side; if you are early, after all, so candlelight can be used seem risky, especially in the mountains, but planning a winter wedding, because your cou- for all aspects of the wedding—from a cere- if you plan accordingly, the weddings can ple loves to ski or snowboard, they can look mony aisle lined with different-sized candles, be magical events that satisfy the dreams forward to fun in the snow the next day! to hanging lanterns on shepherd hooks to of your clients. light a pathway, or to using tall, tapered PLAN IN ADVANCE candles for centerpieces. GET YOUR GROUP ACTIVITIES SET UP Recommend your couples work with you With winter travel, there may be travel delays. to plan a winter wedding at least a year in Winter weddings are magical, especially when Planning a couple days of activities leading advance. This means there will be less com- planned with thought and care. Be sure to up to the big day will entice guests to stay petition and more options to choose from for work with your couple on staying flexible and longer and give guests’ buffer time to make it venues. Hire local vendors, especially in the understanding that weather may shift some of to the wedding day. Be sure to plan activi- winter months, to ensure they are familiar the plans. If they know this, then winter wed- ties for all ages and abilities, from sledding with winter weather and travel. If you are hir- dings may be the perfect way to say “I do!” and tubing to snowmobiling and skiing. It’s ing someone from outside of the area, con- __ always fun for friends and family to meet sider bringing them in the day before, which Kerry Hawk, Blue Sky Events, Stateline, Nev.

26 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE REAL WEDDING | ARGENTINA

PLANNERS: Barbara Diez Event Planners, www.BarbaraDiez.com, [email protected] TIME IN INDUSTRY: 17 years PHOTOGRAPHER: Gus Hildebrandt BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Gerardo Acevedo (décor), Sarapura DJs, EAT catering, M2 (video) WEDDING DATE: May 27, 2017 GUEST COUNT: 370 THE COUPLE: Natali and Javier exchanged telephone numbers in 2013. He lived in Mar del Plata, Argentina, while she lived in Miami. They saw each other on and off for a year, and Javier decided to move to Miami so they could have a closer relationship. Eventually, they decided to wed, and their day was more than they imagined. INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting INSPIRATION: A “haunted woods” “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: The whole dance floor was crowned by a huge chandelier that was different from any other, because it was made of mirror tubes that wound around themselves causing a unique, Haunted woods, and golden hues. magical light effect. MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The chandelier was unique and fragile due to its design. It was definitely our most unique element, enabling us to illustrate our theme more fully. COLOR PALETTE: Golden hues BUDGET: Private STAFF HOURS: 3 full days, 10 hours per day PLANNING TIME: 14 months CLIENT MEETINGS: Since the couple who was getting married was living abroad, we held four face-to-face meetings and several video conferences. It was an average of one per week for the first several months and two per week during the last two months. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge was the installation and security involved during the installation of the chandelier—and the guarantee that it would work and be safe for as long as was required. WPM

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 27 INDUSTRY INSIGHT | CARRIE MCGUIRE

WHAT PHOTOGRAPHERS COULD DO TO BETTER CULTIVATE A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU Developing great business relationships takes creativity and ingenuity. Sometimes the most dramatic difference comes from the simplest concept—help those who help you! et’s face it, we live in a fast-moving, im- either made by someone or put in place by ready for viewing and sharing. Next, all of the Lage-heavy world and have been for quite someone. Decorations were placed, florals were blog images (plus more) are uploaded to a some time. There’s never been a time in history designed and beautifully showcased, chairs private online gallery for vendors and the email where images and content were shared and were delivered and set up, the cake was made, goes out that your images are ready! This is a spread globally as much as they are today. and the list goes on. It’s all there, perfectly set up password-protected gallery, and the images are Just look at a few statistics: and positioned for the photographer to capture. high resolution and free of watermarks. These • 95 million photos and videos are shared on Most of the time, the venue is so beautiful it’s an are your images to download and use for your Instagram per day (source: Wordstream). absolute joy to photograph. However, the most marketing and promotional needs. Our ultimate • Facebook sees 300 million photo uploads per important thing that can’t be forgotten or taken goal is to have the blog posted and the vendor day (source: Gizmoto). for granted is the fact that none of it would be images delivered by Tuesday or Wednesday possible without the amazing team of individual immediately following a weekend ceremony. Images are everywhere, and they’re abso- creatives that made it happen. That fact is not lutely critical in attracting new customers to lost on us. We’re so incredibly grateful for the BUSINESS HELPING BUSINESS COMES your business. The challenge is developing hard work that’s gone into making things run FULL CIRCLE a high-quality, relevant, and current image smoothly and look beautiful, that it’s incredibly It’s such a simple concept—help those who library you can use to promote your business important that we deliver images to these ven- help you! We’re fortunate to have the oppor- or service. dors within 48-72 hours. tunity to work with many amazingly talented wedding professionals who allow us to create PHOTOGRAPHERS HOLD THE KEY OUR 48-HOUR PROCESS beautiful images for our clients and ourselves. It’s true; photographers are holding the keys We’re constantly hearing complaints from If it weren't for everyone involved, our imag- when it comes to the valuable image content wedding professionals that they’re waiting es might not have the same impact. These you need. How else are you able to share that for images from events that occurred two to wedding pros are the reason our images have amazing wedding or event you were part of three months ago. Here’s the deal; 48-hours the impact they do, so it only makes sense to last weekend? Cell phone images should be is the “golden window of impact,” and here’s provide them with images within just a few the last resort, but unfortunately, they've be- how we’ve tailored our process to help benefit days while the excitement is still high. come the norm instead of the exception. Why? everyone involved, not just us: The day following Two reasons; Photographers either take too a wedding is spent culling the entire wedding How thankful would you be to have images long to deliver images to vendors, or sadly do and editing the select 50-75 images that from Saturday’s wedding by Tuesday? Would not deliver them at all. This helps no one. will be used in the blog. In our business, my you talk about that and recommend that partner John is usually writing the blog copy, photographer? We’ve handed the keys over to IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HOMEWORK finding links for the vendors and preparing the you, and we’re happy to share. We’re grateful Everyone works hard during and leading up to back-end of the blog site for the post. Once the for the hard work of wedding pros, and we’re the wedding day. Everything has been planned blog images are edited and complete, they’re showing it by making sure they get the images down to the last detail and set up beautifully editorially paired and uploaded to our blog they need in order to grow their brand. WPM for the wedding. The photographers’ role is to along with the couple’s story and how their __ capture the emotion and surrounding environ- day unfolded. We then send an email to the Carrie McGuire, Carrie McGuire Photography, Win- ment to tell a story. Most of the details were wedding couple announcing that their blog is chester, Calif.

28 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE REAL WEDDING | LOUISIANA

PLANNER: Donna Brian, MWP™, Love in Bloom, LLC, www.Donnabrianevents.com, [email protected] TIME IN INDUSTRY: 19 years PHOTOGRAPHER: Katherine Gaiennie Fine Photography BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Sweetie Cakes, Duvall and Perch Rentals, First United Methodist Church, 601 Spring, Corey Carlson Caricature, IShuttle, Squires, Bella Bridesmaid Silver Star, Wine Country, Shreveport Limo WEDDING DATE: March 25, 2017 GUEST COUNT: 500 THE COUPLE: Colby proposed to Grace on New Year’s Eve. Family and friends were surprised with the big news as the midnight Southern style with glitz hour occurred. This couple enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and relaxing at the lake. INVOLVEMENT: Full-service consulting INSPIRATION: Southern style with glitz. Smilax, magnolia flowers, and candles were hung on suspending frames over the dance floor and guest tables. Concrete columns were strung with twinkle lights and smilax. Grace carried a bouquet of botanical flowers with southern blooms. The groom’s cake was a tiered, round chocolate butter cream cake. Colby loves to hunt, so it was decorated with a traditional hunting décor. A duck was designed as the topper surrounded by icing grass. “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: I wanted the event to be high energy with great entertainment. We created a great lounge area with beautiful furniture, communal tables, candles, and ghost chairs. This allowed guests to relax, take a break, or get away. The touches of gold and blush were carried out in the décor. MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: Hanging wooden frames were decorated with greenery, magnolias, and battery-operated candles. COLOR PALETTE: Navy, blush, white, cream, green and gold. BUDGET: $150,000 STAFF HOURS: 75 hours PLANNING TIME: 14 months CLIENT MEETINGS: 5 SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: Setup/strike took 20 hours of staff time. REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 72% planning, 20% rentals, 8% gifts LEARNINGS: I would confirm the carver would deliver the ice sculpture. This would lead to less chaos on the set up for the catering company. WPM

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 29 DO YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLE REAL WEDDING TO SHARE? The weddings that grace our pages are submitted by you, our readers. Join the industry leaders who have shared their ups and downs and creative insights by submitting yours today.

REAL WEDDING | PANAMA REAL WEDDING | ARGENTINA REAL WEDDING | CANCUN

romantic and chic and an explosion of flower petals inspired by formal city weddings with rustic accents

PLANNERS: Barbara Diez Event Planners, www.BarbaraDiez.com, [email protected] TIME IN INDUSTRY: 17 years PHOTOGRAPHER: Gus Hildebrandt BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Gerardo Acevedo (décor), Sarapura DJs, EAT PLANNER: Jen Kasten, My Event by Jen Kasten, Chicago, COLOR PALETTE: Blush, white, gold, and deep blue catering, M2 (video) www.my1event.com, [email protected] BUDGET: $30,000 YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 8 WEDDING DATE: May 27, 2017 STAFF HOURS: Due to the nature of destination weddings, we typically PHOTOGRAPHY: Alyssa McElheny Photography hire staff locally—in this case, in Mexico. Our services include three- GUEST COUNT: 370 BUSINESSES: Claudia Vazquez/LatinAsia Destination Wedding Décor, day coordination; approximately two extra staff members—besides THE COUPLE: Natali and Javier exchanged telephone numbers in 2013. Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort the head planner—for 16-18 total hours for each staff. PLANNER: Gabriela Abraham, Stylo Panama, Panama City, Panama, mantic design. When they danced their first dance, we included an He lived in Mar del Plata, Argentina, while she lived in Miami. They www.stylopanama.com, [email protected], gabrielaabra- explosion of flower petals. WEDDING DATE: Nov. 6, 2015 PLANNING TIME: 10 months saw each other on and off for a year, and Javier decided to move to [email protected] MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: There are thousands of species of or- GUEST COUNT: 84 CLIENT MEETINGS: 10 Miami so they could have a closer relationship. Eventually, they decid- YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 7 chids in Panama, so our centerpieces highlighted the Panama orchids. INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 40% planning, 10% outside supplier commis- ed to wed, and their day was more than they imagined. PHOTOGRAPHY: Lizzie Photography COLOR PALETTE: Navy blue, yellow, and white THE COUPLE: From the first time I met Alexis and Chris, they had a clear sion(s), 50% hotel commission(s) BUSINESSES: Intercontinental Miramar Hotel Panama, Los Rabanes, BUDGET: $30,000 INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting vision of their wedding. While interested in a destination wedding, the BIGGEST CHALLENGE: By far, the biggest challenge for this wedding Joker Animation, Dragon Rojo Fireworks, Belle Invites, Blue Mango STAFF HOURS: Working at the wedding, from the ceremony to recep- INSPIRATION: A “haunted woods” bride didn’t want the typical beach-casual approach. Instead, she was facing adversity. Within the last week of planning, the hotel no- Music band tion, was eight hours. Set up was about 16 hours. “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: The whole dance floor was crowned by a huge wanted a black-tie, formal wedding with rustic accents. Chris wanted tified me that the venue where the ceremony was to take place had WEDDING DATE: Oct. 10, 2015 PLANNING TIME: Six months chandelier that was different from any other, because it was made to make sure that the fun factor was present. A small, all-inclusive hotel suffered some damage and was no longer available. This, unfortu- with great amenities and fantastic venues was the ideal solution. My GUEST COUNT: 200 CLIENT MEETINGS: Around 17 of mirror tubes that wound around themselves causing a unique, nately, is common, and sometimes hotels don’t disclose the reality Haunted woods, and golden hues. challenge was to find an ocean-view venue that was secluded enough INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting BUDGET BREAKDOWN: 30% venue, 22% decoration and planning, magical light effect. until it is too late. Luckily, I was able to protect my clients’ interests to guarantee privacy for the ceremony and reception. Within the first and negotiate concessions and benefits for the inconvenience. Then, THE COUPLE: Paula and Ernesto say they met by “error.” The couple met 20% show artist (Grammy Award-winning Los Rabanes), 7% pho- MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The chandelier was unique and fragile few meetings, Alexis and I developed a friendly collaboration, where 48 hours before the wedding, extreme bad weather conditions five years ago by accident online. At that time, both were in a rela- tographer, 5% music, 4% drinks, 3% rentals, 3% stationery, 3% due to its design. It was definitely our most unique element, enabling tionship, so it was not until some time later, when they spoke again as dessert, 3% entertainment. creativity was possible but hard decisions could also be made. A food caused damage to the rehearsal dinner venue to the point that us to illustrate our theme more fully. and fashion blogger, Alexis trusted my knowledge and style enough to singles, that romantic feelings emerged. One night, they went to dinner BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Dealing with the budget and making the magic safety was a concern. As an alternative, we were able to close a COLOR PALETTE: Golden hues in a spot with a view of the sea and cool breeze. Unexpectedly, the po- happen within the price range is always a challenge. Also, coor- listen to my suggestions. Together, we created the perfect layout for her local restaurant for a private rehearsal dinner. Finally, with rain and lice arrived and asked if a car, parked in a particular place, was theirs dinating a 53-member wedding party was not without difficulty. In BUDGET: Private and Chris’ wedding. wind blowing over 18 knots, the reception venue had to be moved because a window was broken. Indeed, it was Ernesto’s. The police total, there were six couples between the groom, the groom’s par- STAFF HOURS: 3 full days, 10 hours per day INSPIRATION: Alexis was inspired by formal city weddings that includ- to a dark, dated ballroom; which we brought to life with the help of warned them to be cautious. This scary moment was transformed into ents and godparents, plus 17 pairs of groomsmen and bridesmaids, PLANNING TIME: 14 months ed rustic accents. additional decorations and impressive architectural lighting. a funny story and the beginning of their tale. Ernesto proposed on a along with the ring bearers, arras, rose petals, and rosary, and the CLIENT MEETINGS: Since the couple who was getting married was living “AHA” MOMENT: The “aha” moment was converting a sterile-looking LEARNINGS: When planning a wedding, couples are on the hunt for Valentine’s Day date. At first, they wanted to get married in Las Vegas, bride with her father. We had to coordinate everything to be on time abroad, we held four face-to-face meetings and several video confer- ballroom into a dream wedding location utilizing architectural illumi- a perfect wedding planner and finding the right fit is vital for their but in the end, they realized that they wanted families and friends to and perfect. They had to remember the order and remember their ences. It was an average of one per week for the first several months nation and a great floor plan. sanity. However, I learned that it is equally important for wedding MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: Personal touches provided the unique share their special day with them. partners and other details. We did hold a rehearsal, but everyone and two per week during the last two months. professionals to select business opportunities based on mutual trust elements. These included: a tequila and cigar bar; a memory altar and respect. As wedding professionals, we work with our couples for INSPIRATION: Romantic and chic was so filled with excitement that it was hard for each to focus on BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The greatest challenge was the installation and for lost loved ones; a high-tech dance floor; and romantic, lush, eight or more months, so choosing whom you want to work with is “AHA” MOMENT: Witnessing this couple’s love and affection for one the details. Then, the day of, we had 15 minutes to organize and security involved during the installation of the chandelier—and the guar- rustic flowers and decorations. crucial for a successful journey from both sides. WPM another and their love for their friends and family inspired the ro- start the ceremony. But everything was on time. WPM antee that it would work and be safe for as long as was required. WPM WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 11 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 27 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 27

REAL WEDDING | CALIFORNIA REAL WEDDING | MICHIGAN REAL WEDDING | VIRGIN ISLANDS

Elegant, romantic, feminine, garden, light, airy, natural, and organic

PLANNER: Merryl Brown, MA, CWP™, Merryl Brown Events, Montecito, tucked into a fully hedged and verdant garden. Everything else built Calif., www.merrylbrownevents.com, [email protected] off of this, and in the end, it was a stunning and magical spot. YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 8 MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The wedding arbor was an old, architectur- PHOTOGRAPHY: Corbin Gurkin Photography al feature on the property. It was covered in vines and set before a love- BUSINESSES: The Food Matters (catering/staffing), Christine Dahl ly koi pond. We covered it with more lush vines, greenery, and garden roses, so it looked as if they were always there, profusely growing and (dessert), Classic Party Rentals, Rivre Works (specialty rentals), Mindy Organic meets industrial Rice (floral), Star Power (generators), Karizma – deBois (band), Santa delicately fragrant. It created a space that felt enveloped and sacred. Barbara String Quartet (ceremony music), Executive Limo, BlueStar COLOR PALETTE: Muted whites, dusty gray/blue, light blush, natural PLANNER: Alison Laesser-Keck, VLD Events, of Edison bulbs dangling above created a truly second. When we started planning, the venue a rustic, elegant, tented reception was desired Parking (valet), Design Sound, Images by Lighting, Hoo Films, Briana BUDGET: $300,000 Ann Arbor, Mich., www.vldevents.com, hello@ unforgettable atmosphere. director was someone we’d worked with on a Stuart (hair), Tomiko Taft (makeup), Lazaro Press & Design (collateral STAFF HOURS: 286 vldevents.com INSPIRATION: Organic meets industrial prior event, and we were accustomed to her PLANNER: Michelle Marquis, Weddings by Michelle Marquis, St. get to the location, we found an old pickup truck in a salvage yard, materials), La Tavola Linens, BB Rodeo (dance floor), ThoughtBox PLANNING TIME: 14 months YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 15 for events, 8 for wed- “AHA” MOMENT: We usually focus on décor, but rules and regulations. About halfway through, Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, www.weddingsbymichellemarquis.com, cut off the bed, painted it, added shelving, and attached it to a lo- Photobooth, Marborg (restrooms/trash) CLIENT MEETINGS: We held monthly sit-down meetings and numerous dings this event was heavily about guest entertain- she left and someone else came in with a [email protected] cal mahogany-crafted pedestal for a "Food Truck Fun Food" station. WEDDING DATE: Oct. 10, 2015 phone meetings to discuss details as they came up during the plan- PHOTOGRAPHY: Justine Montigny ment and enjoyment. There was great food different set of rules. The museum’s priority is YEARS IN INDUSTRY: 20 COLOR PALETTE: Pinks, creams, green GUEST COUNT: 220 ning process. BUSINESSES: Forte Belanger (catering), The and beverage presentation a la mini tacos to protect the vehicles, which we understand; PHOTOGRAPHER: Kelly Greer Photographer BUDGET: $40,000 BUSINESSES: Red Couch Café, Antilles Lilies Florist, Kiki and The Flam- STAFF HOURS: 60 INVOLVEMENT: Full production and design SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: We had a six-day build out for set up and a four- Lighting Guy, Katie Wachowiak (floral), DJ with Patrón pairings, etc. It was just so fun! however, it was challenging for several rea- ing Gypsies, The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, the Randy PLANNING TIME: Three months THE COUPLE: Blake and Teddy met seven years prior to the day of day strike with valet and at least one member of our staff present to Graffiti, Special Events Rental, Sweet Heather MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The installation sons. First, they couldn’t say for sure where the Mason Trio, Unlimited Sounds DJ, Frank Robinson Cocktails and CLIENT MEETINGS: This was a destination wedding, so we emailed a direct vendors/oversee for about eight hours each day that anyone was Anne (dessert) of Edison bulbs over the head table, sand- Model Ts would be located the day of the event. their wedding. Though both grew up in Santa Barbara, it wasn’t until Culinary Experience lot, talked on the phone twice, and met once the day before the on the property. Set up started Monday during the week of the wedding, WEDDING DATE: Sept. 19, 2015 being secretly set up at a Stanford University football game that they wiched next to vintage Model T cars added Translation: There could be a car exactly where WEDDING DATE: Nov. 20, 2015 wedding. crossed paths. Falling in love almost immediately, the pair has been with removal of all existing furniture on the property followed by subfloor GUEST COUNT: 200 an industrial, yet historic element. your head table or bar was planned to be, and GUEST COUNT: 48 SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: I secretly asked the maid of honor to bring inseparable since that weekend in October. They share a love of installation on the tennis court, tent infrastructure, carpet, draping, lighting INVOLVEMENT: Consulting and day-of direction COLOR PALETTE: Green, white, marsala you wouldn’t know until you got in to set up. Sec- INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting, design, and execution some of the bride’s horse reigns to use as aisle markers along the family and friends, are extremely active, love to walk on the beach, and AV, rentals, two kitchen installations, green room installation, all THE COUPLE: Kate and Pat’s main priority was BUDGET: Private ond, since this is an old building, it doesn’t have THE COUPLE: The bride is a world-champion equestrian, Olympiad, insides of the outdoor ceremony “pews.” I also found an old horse catch up on favorite shows, and enjoy good meals together. They restroom and recycling delivery, and generators, and then final ceremo- creating an intimate and romantic fête for their STAFF HOURS: 60 heating, cooling, or elevators that properly work. and Pan Am Games participant/medalist. Having the wedding trough that we turned upside down to use as a beverage station are a t-shirt and jeans kind of couple. Blake is a tennis coach at the ny, cocktail, and reception-area rentals and floral/other details up until closest family and friends. They wanted a day PLANNING TIME: 10 months The elevators often break down at the end of ocean-front meant that only one theme would be appropriate—sea at the ceremony. We also surprised the bride and groom as well University of California—Santa Barbara, so the wedding reception tent the day of event. Strike began immediately after the reception ended on that was about more than the two of them. It CLIENT MEETINGS: 12 the night, forcing vendors to carry everything horses. The groom was happy to oblige. as the entire party with fire dancers and local cultural stilt walkers was built on the bride’s father’s tennis court. Saturday evening and lasted until Wednesday of the next week. was to be a celebration of their parents, family, SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: We had to do a day-be- they brought in—from the forks to furniture—down WEDDING PLANNING/STYLE INSPIRATION: At our recommendation, the who bring good luck and protection. There was also a fire pit over a wedding ceremony and reception took place on a private estate, the round area rug with lovely chairs and pillows encircling it. INSPIRATION: Elegant, romantic, feminine, garden, light, airy, natural, BUDGET BREAKDOWN: 11% catering, 7% alcohol, 29% rentals/tenting/ and friends who helped form who they are fore set up to pull this one off. three flights of stairs. Third, there is no kitchen on Pyramid House, overlooking the ocean. The estate has graced the cov- REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 20% planning, 15% rentals, 20% labor, 10% and organic were among the words the couple used to narrow down carpeting, 5% draping, 16% floral, 3% set up/strike labor, 5% pho- today. The evening was a stunning juxtaposi- REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 10% venue; 10% site, candles are not allowed, cars drip oil next to er of Architectural Digest and boasts beautiful lawns, sugar mills, and special ordered inventory, and 35% vendors tography, 3% sound, 5% lighting, 12% other. tion. The Piquette Plant’s weathered walls, ex- planning; 30% food, beverage, staffing; 25% the tables, the floors turn whatever touches them the inspiration. This “Audrey Hepburn meets Gone with the Wind” stunning stone work. A rustic, elegant, tented reception was desired. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The short, three-month planning period and an posed brick, and raw floors, coupled with rich wedding was full of soft, romantic, floral, linens, and lighting. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The heat. The only thing that I would have done décor; 10% photography; 10% videography; black because it’s impossible to keep plank “AHA” MOMENT: Most definitely, it was honing in on the bride’s love for extremely windy day were our biggest challenges. Fighting the wind “AHA” MOMENT: The couple wanted their tent to feel as though it was differently was to invest in fans and A/C as it was a very warm marsala blooms, gold scripture and accents, 5% entertainment wood floors clean, and there is zero ability to horses. on the wedding day was taxing, but everyone worked together to in a garden when, in fact, it was on a tennis court. We masked the evening. Also, in the future, when there are vendors, whom I don’t elegant and natural beaded dresses paired BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge with hang anything. This is a super idea for an event MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: I had custom wooden tables and reinforce everything. And we had to put the napkins in the cham- fencing with faux hedging and then used drapes to hide the space know, that the family has chosen on their own, I will take the time in with black-tie tuxedos, a divine menu, flowing this event was working in an old warehouse space, but aesthetically and logistically challeng- benches built to enhance the rustic, elegant vibe the couple wanted. pagne glasses, which ended up looking really great, to keep them © The McCartneys Photography between the hedging, creating the illusion of the tent being perfectly advance to get to know them personally and not just via email. WPM champagne, and long tables with hundreds at a venue that is a museum first and a venue ing nonetheless. WPM A late-night food truck was desired, but since that wasn't possible to from blowing away. WPM

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REAL WEDDING | MEXICO REAL WEDDING | PANAMA REAL WEDDING | NEW JERSEY

FLORIST: Gabriela Abraham, Stylo Panama, www.stylopanama.com, [email protected] TIME IN INDUSTRY: 8 years PHOTOGRAPHER: Grey Diaz and Max Art Digital BUSINESSES INVOLVED: My cute cake, Eventos y Eventos, Pro Lights and Show Panama, Kryste- la Vidal, La Cocina de Monsi WEDDING DATE: Feb. 4, 2017 GUEST COUNT: 200 THE COUPLE: This is a beautiful couple. Each one completes the other. They met at the University, and their friends organized a date Romance, lighting, and the beauty of Mexico so they could meet. After 11 years, they gave a “Yes!” in front of God! INVOLVEMENT: Full consulting PLANNER: Marcela Villaseñor Saavedra, AWP™, Bodas Huatulco, www. Historical ruins, navy, white, and silver INSPIRATION: The venue was declared a World bodashuatulco.com, [email protected] Heritage Site by UNESCO. We drew inspira- TIME IN INDUSTRY: 9 years tion from its beauty and history to give the PHOTOGRAPHER: Pawel Bogdal-Freestyle Photo wedding an elegant touch. BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Las Palmas Resort Huatulco (venue), Ikal Noil “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: The wedding venue Hair Studio, La Botica de las Flores, Bodas Oaxaca (favors), Tommy was the ruins of the first European settlement DJ, Chef Nestor Román (catering), La Reliquia (mezcal tasting), Quin- on the Pacific Coast of the Americas. In 1671, ta Real Huatulco (rehearsal dinner venue) the city was destroyed by an attack led by WEDDING DATE: Jan. 7, 2017 the English pirate Henry Morgan, and it was GUEST COUNT: 45 never rebuilt. The remains of the old city were THE COUPLE: Every couple is different, and it is important to click with abandoned for more than two centuries. Cur- them so you can make their dream wedding come true—giving them rently, the Panama Viejo Historical Monument confidence and helping them trust your expertise. With Lucas and Complex covers around 28 hectares that in- Pauline, everything went well. They are a romantic couple and super clude the ruins of some of the most important chic, which came through in the event. buildings of the Colonial period, as well as INVOLVEMENT: Design and full planning the archaeological traces of the pre-Hispanic INSPIRATION: Romance and class met in a combination of beautiful de- and Colonial periods. The history of this site tails. Lucas and Pauline also were inspired by the location and wanted inspired our “aha”moment. to include the Mexican elements of food and beverage to the event. MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: We used over- “AHA” DESIGN MOMENT: This couple wanted to give their guests the best. sized initials of the bride and groom to person- Getting married in a different country wasn’t an impediment to their alize the wedding; the letters lit up at night. goal. They embraced México and gave guests an incredible journey COLOR PALETTE: Navy, white, and silver from start to finish from the rehearsal dinner, held in another hotel, BUDGET: $30,000 followed by a tour that included mezcal tasting, and launching sky STAFF HOURS: 40 plus lanterns right to the wedding itself. PLANNING TIME: Five months grown to become a 42-acre arboretum and park with 270 sculptures dancing were held in the East Gallery. Guests who arrived early were MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The lights on the roof and the floral CLIENT MEETINGS: Four meetings and placed throughout, including life-sized bronze figurative sculptures invited to wander the gardens. elements gave a romantic and elegant touch. numerous calls by Johnson himself. There are indoor exhibition galleries as well, and REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 100% planning COLOR PALETTE: Purple, lilac, and pink SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: There was roughly 12 this wedding embraced the indoor and outdoor spaces and used a BIGGEST CHALLENGE: While we certainly didn’t see all of the grounds on BUDGET: $60,000 hours of setup for the floral. variety of locations for its celebrations. the wedding day, we had to navigate a much larger area than at our STAFF HOURS: 22 hours REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 100% full floral designer COLOR PALETTE: Bright coral and white, along with peacock blue, with usual venues. Also, we were not aware that the vendors and regular PLANNING TIME: Nine months BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge in several shades of bright and deep pinks visitors had to enter through the same admission line, and the day CLIENT MEETINGS: Six meetings via Skype and one site inspection making an outdoor wedding is the weather. At BUDGET: Private was glorious, which meant the lines were long. We remedied this with SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: The ceiling set up in the wedding venue was a bit the time of the wedding, it was summer and the STAFF HOURS: 45 plus a call to our contact, who opened another line. In addition, although difficult, the Palapa is high, and it was the first time we did this set up, temperature was around 95 degrees Fahren- PLANNING TIME: Nine-and-half months the grounds are gorgeous, buildings and locations are deliberately setting and programing the twinkle lights. It took our team almost 12 heit. Rain can always be a surprise factor. CLIENT MEETINGS: Two in-person, along with numerous phone meetings hidden, making them hard to find. We did a pre-wedding tour, but hours to do it and leave it perfect. LEARNINGS: With outdoor weddings, and SET UP/STRIKE DETAILS: Set up in this venue was a challenge as the the maps list the sculptures not other landmarks, so it takes a while REVENUE BREAKDOWN: 50% rentals, 30% food and beverages, 20% for the humid climate of the city, refreshing grounds are large and the locations many. We set up for the ketu- to get oriented. Again, we called our contact and she guided us. I planning, 10% details WPM cocktails and fans must be offered to guests bah signing in the Bamboo Courtyard, the ceremony at a sculpture have already been in contact with the venue and have requested a so they can enjoy the day. WPM called Nine Muses, cocktails were in the West Gallery, and dinner and different map for our next wedding there. WPM

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 27 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 29 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 29 To submit a real wedding, visit www.weddingplannermag.com and click "submission guidelines."

30 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE rom a beautiful oceanfront ceremony The required paperwork for a marriage Los overlooking the Arch to a sophisticated Cabos is similar to that required in the U.S., soiree on the terrace of a luxury resort. As with the dierence being that the nearest one of the most popular locations for Mexican consulate must validate all destination weddings in Mexico, Los documents (your hotel or wedding coordinator Cabos can cater to any couple’s unique can assist with this process). tastes and personalities. With a long list There are two forms of weddings performed in of award-wining hotels, no shortage of Mexico. professional services or wedding planners ready to accommodate any budget or group One is the Civil Wedding which changes your size and a dramatic backdrop, brides and marital status from single to married and is grooms can rest assured that no detail will be recognized as legal throughout the world; and overlooked at Land’s End. the other ceremony is the religious, this kind ceremony does not change your marital status Apart from luxurious resort oerings, couples in Mexico or anywhere in the world. It is are urged to experience some of the natural possible to have both the civil and wonders of Los Cabos. Lover's Beach, named non-denominational ceremony completing the after the point where two seas unite, is legalities in the Judge’s chambers and renowned for its notably calm waters having the minister for your sunset when compared to other surrounding wedding at a location of your beaches. Lover's Beach is also home choice. to internationally acclaimed For those couples wanting a landmark, Al Arco, a structure church wedding, several Los completely unique to Los Cabos. Cabos resorts oer unique Water transportation is necessary chapels for the ceremony, a to visit the picturesque beach, few of which are listed: which creates a remote and exclusive escape for couples to enjoy .

Hacienda del mar chapel Palmilla chapel El corazon Sunset chapel

With its cobblestone lanes, The One and Only Palmilla is an One of the newest chapels in An elegant, newly constructed winding paths, quaint fountains, unparalleled setting for romance. the destination, El Corazon is chapel at Pueblo Bonito Sunset restaurants and shops, The Romantic and picturesque, the the open-air, five story wedding Beach Resort & Spa, is set Sheraton Hacienda del Mar One and Only Palmilla's chapel chapel at Cabo Azul Resort in adjacent to the Salón Resort & Spa, captures the feel has been an enchanting and San Jose del Cabo. With the Monasterio and oers seating of Old Mexico - despite its status favored place for bridal couples Sea of Cortes as your backdrop for 140 guests with superb as one of Baja California's to exchange their nuptial vows and candlelit waterfalls setting views of the Pacific Ocean. This newest destinations. Whether since 1956. The quaint chapel sits the mood, this is considered stunning hillside resort is the couple is looking for an high on a hill overlooking the one of the most romantic renown for its optimum intimate ceremony for two or a ocean, surrounded by swaying locations for exchanging vows. location from which to observe gala wedding celebration, the palms and vibrant bougainvillea. Los Cabos oers to couples the Baja’s magnificent sunsets. Sheraton Hacienda del Mar’s Guests can also stage their most secluded and romantic unique Capilla (Chapel) room is wedding ceremony on the retreats that will make this day the perfect place for the wedding pristine white sand beach with unforgettable. ceremony. the Sea of Cortés as a backdrop. WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE Periodical 400 Main Street La Crosse, WI 54601

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