MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)

WeddingSUMMER 2019 Planner MAGAZINE Inspired by the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC)

TRANSFORMING SPACE WITH LIGHTING

EDUCATING YOUR CLIENTS

COAST TO COAST PLANNING

WEATHER BACK- UPS

EMAIL MARKETING Barceló Maya Beach Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Help your clients enjoy the Barcelo Maya Grande Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Home of the ABC Annual Conference in 2017 this property still offers 5 resorts in one with lots of choices for your clients and their wedding guests.

Contact the ABC main office at 860-355-7000 or [email protected] to learn how to register on the new, ABC Barcelo TA portal, for easy bookings. WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE Summer 2019 Issue

FEATURES REAL WEDDINGS IN EVERY ISSUE

16 ABC News 7 Dealing With Weather 9 Indiana 18 Industry Best Practices 12 Transforming Space With Lighting 21 Maine 27 Ask the Experts 14 Email Marketing 25 New Jersey 30 Master Profile 22 Photography Styles and Approaches 30 Arkansas 28 Puerto Rico Rebuilds

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 3 hen it comes to destination weddings Your clients can count on the expertise of our Wedding Entourage to and honeymoons, there is only one brand help them create an unforgettable custom wedding experience. They will you can trust to exceed your clients’ happily guide them through endless possibilities of color palettes, stunning expectations, Sandals® Resorts—the bouquets, and delectable cakes. And while our wedding team is taking care worldwide industry leader. Home to 16 luxurious of every last-minute detail, your clients can indulge in an utterly romantic all-inclusive resorts on seven breathtaking Caribbean Love Nest Butler Suite® featuring butler service, fine dining at up to 16 islands, Sandals Resorts offers brides and grooms restaurants per resort, the Caribbean’s best beaches, and unlimited land more choices and personalized attention than any and water sports—all included. other resorts on the planet.

Set up a marketing plan today! Contact Kim Sardo - Sr. Director of Business Development 978-281-1119 I [email protected]

Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., s in 5 the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. ce 19 5 letter from the staff PUBLISHER David Wood

"You must always be able to predict what's next and then have EDITOR the flexibility to evolve." Robyn Bruns, MWP™ Marc Benioff CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jessica English, CWP™ CONTRIBUTORS As we all know, the wedding business is not stagnant, Mallorie Davenport but ever changing. In this issue we examine pivots in business. Jason Freshly This change in direction can be for personal reasons, change Sarah Day in clientele or because of a catastrophe. We will hear from a Kevin Dennis wedding planner first-hand how she had to implement Plan B Jerome Pollos within hours of a wedding, how another planner balances her Lizzie Ibarra business and life working coast to coast and from a wedding PHOTOGRAPHERS professional that had to reinvent her business after a natural Taylor Rae Photography Nadra Photography disaster. Anya Albonetti Photography We also examine why an email marketing plan is a must Preston Smith Photography today, the trends in indoor weddings and we feature in our real Jenny DeMarco Photography Shaun Anthony, Clear Focus Photography weddings three stunning indoor weddings from Indiana, Maine, The Warmth Around You New Jersey, and Arkansas. In our Best Practices section we Donavin Seymour Photography have compiled advice from professionals all over the country Moongate Productions about how to balance a client’s pinterest dreams with reality. Alejandro Taveras As our busy Summer season approaches, we hope you Davis Tineo will take some time out for you, sit in the sun and read this issue Noel del Pilar and think about being open to change and flexible in your ABC CORPORATE SALES business. Nicole DaSilva

TRAVEL/CVB SALES David Wood

Wedding Planner Magazine is published quarterly by Wed- ding Planner Magazine LLC, 632 Federal Road, STE 2, Brook- field, CT 06804. Phone: 860-355-7000. Email: info@bridalassn.com. Visit: www.WeddingPlannerMag.com. Copyright

David M. Wood, Robyn Bruns, MWP™ Jessica English, CWP™ Publisher/President, Editor Creative Director Association of Bridal Consultants

Do you want to write for Wedding Planner Magazine? We are always looking for articles from wedding professionals. Please visit WeddingPlannerMag.com/submissions for more information, our editorial calendar and guidelines.

Wedding Planner Magazine ISSN 2160-3286 is published quarterly by Wedding Planner Magazine LLC, 632 Federal Road, STE 2, Brookfield, CT 06804. Circulation is 4,000. Advertising is accepted; corporate ABC members receive a discount on rates. Annual © TAYLOR RAE PHOTOGRAPHY subscriptions are $59.75. Periodical postage paid at La Crosse, WI and at Eau Claire, WI. Postmaster send changes to Wedding Planner Magazine, 632 Federal Road, STE 2, Brookfield, CT 06804.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 5 Jason Freshly is Sarah Day with Jerome Pol- a former wed- SAS Weddings los traveled the ding professional has been pub- world in the mili- disguised as a lished in over 18 tary as he found digital marketing countries and is his life's calling specialist. He has a proud member as a photojour- helped creative of Belief Interna- nalist. He now business owners tional Wedding documents wed- make sense of Planners. Founder dings around the marketing efforts and Principle world from his and design plans to enhance the Planner Sarah Day has been recog- base in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Je- customer experience and convert nized as one of the Top 10 Planners rome has been published in many more clients. Read his insight on in the World along with winning industry magazines and blogs, and email marketing on page 14. numerous regional, national and won awards for his candid-style, international awards throughout her storytelling wedding photography. career. Read her advice on coast to Read his expertise about educating coast planning on page 10. your clients on page 22. Mallorie Dav- Kevin Dennis is enport started Lizzie Ibarra, Enchanted De- the editor of Wed- a hair and ding IQ and the signs Weddings make-up artist and Events in owner of Fantasy licensed in Sound Event Ser- 2019. She had cosmetology spent the last vices, a full-service and aesthetics event company. 7 years as the in Puerto Rico. Catering and Dennis is the past With over 35 president for Sili- Event Director at The Boulder Coun- years in the try Club planning and running all con Valley NACE industry, her work has been featured and the current international presi- of their events. Read her insight on in traditional and social media out- weather backups on page 7. dent for WIPA. Read his advice on lets. Read about PR on page 28. using lighting on page 12.

ABC DIRECTOR LISTING President, David M. Wood III ABC Office 1.860.355.7000, fax 1.203.775.0037, WHO'S WHO Director of State Managers, www.BridalAssn.com, 632 Federal Road - Suite 2, Beverly Ann Bonner, APR, MWP™ Brookfield, CT 06804. IN THE ABC? [email protected] Director of Operations, Elayne Anderson Social Media [email protected] www.facebook.com/AssocBridalConsultants/

Director of Outreach, Jacqueline Vazquez, MWP™ ABC CODE OF ETHICS Director of Education, Shelby Tuck-Horton, MWP™ Our ABC members agree to: [email protected] • represent each client fairly and honestly, Director of Ethnic Diversity, Lois Pearce, MWP™ providing all agreed-to services in a timely and [email protected] cost-efficient manner. • establish reasonable and proper fees for services Director of Annual Conferences, and provide written estimates to each client. Carmen Mesa, MWP™ • use honest, factual advertising. [email protected] • deal with employees and clients fairly, in an Member Services, Nicole DaSilva unbiased manner. [email protected] • disclose to clients any payments received from suppliers. Membership Services, Annemarie Steiner • operate an establishment that is a credit to the [email protected] community.

6 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE FEATURED |DEALING WITH WEATHER WHEN BAD WEATHER MEANS YOU RESORT TO PLAN B to go in order at each table I had a great team around me Colorado weather can and we needed the seating to get that part done quick. I either be your best friend or chart to do so. To say it was a couldn’t even begin to say how your biggest nightmare! It bit stressful would be an under- helpful it was to have an assis- could be bright and sunny, statement. tant day of. Through all of the pouring rain or even snowing. By 4pm, we still didn’t stress and the running around, And all these could happen in have the items from the printer having someone to direct one day. When you are a cou- and I had vendors arriving to other details was a huge relief! ple getting married in Colora- set up at the ceremony. The Somehow in the last minute we do, you know the risks of hav- couple were taking photos and got it done and the ceremony ing an outdoor ceremony. That no one involved wanted to inside looked beautiful. being said, on the day of the make a call to be inside. Final- While being one of the wedding, it can be very tough ly, during their photos, I had to most stressful experiences I to make a call. go to the couple and tell them have had at a wedding, it still In September of last year that our vendors could not all went off with out a hitch. I had an extravagant wedding do the ceremony outside as To prepare for the ceremony I planned at a country club. The it would ruin their equipment moved some décor to create a outdoor space was gorgeous, and it was impossible to cover backdrop. After the ceremony, large open lawn with trees all anything in the downpour. I we got everything back into over the property. I had been know my bride was stressed, place and the space was just working with the bride for some it is a call I hate to make, but as it was intended. While there time, going over her vision and unfortunately had to be done. is always a chance of having dream for the wedding. Inside, the staff begin to move indoors, getting a The day of the wedding moving chairs to set the cere- couple to give you the decision it started off a bit overcast, but mony on the dance floor. We on the day of is tough. You go nothing to worry about. She had to move many tables out through all of the emotions on was adamant about having of the space to make room your wedding day and when it the ceremony outside, so the as well. While moving every- doesn’t go the way you en- team went out and set up. It thing for the ceremony, the visioned it can be difficult to was a large reception indoors placecards and the seating change that vision. that took all day to set up. chart arrived. Unfortunately It As planners we have to The tables and chairs took took me 5 seconds to realize know when the time to make up the majority of the space. nothing was in order, and the a decision is and I will say, I let Throughout the afternoon, the placecards did not have table that choice be made too late clouds started to really come numbers or meal selections on in the day. While it all worked in and then it was a downpour. them. All this was being dealt out in the best way possible, it I spoke with my bride about with as we moved the cere- was more stress than needed making a call, but she still mony indoors. As I was going to get there. All in all, it was a wanted to be outside. through a spreadsheet I had great day and the couple was While we were setting up been given to order the place so thrilled! I couldn’t ask for indoors, it was brought to my cards and mark meal selec- any more than that. attention that the seating chart tion, guests began arriving. I ----- believe I had broken out in a and placecards were still at the Mallorie Davenport, printer and were promised to full sweat at this point! All of be at the venue by the after- the indoor chairs moved into Enchanted Designs Weddings noon. The placecards needed place for the ceremony, luckily, and Events

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 7 FEATURED |MEET THE MASTERS

The Spring 2019 issue of Wedding Planner Magazine featured the Master Wedding Planners in the Association of Bridal Consultants. Unfortunately, these master members were not included in that article. We apologize for the oversight.

Mary Charmoli, MWP™, Joyce Smith, MWP™, Melanie Ramone, MWP™, Emeritus member, Emeritus member, Luxur Weddings & Events, Webster, WI Cincinnati OH Netherlands

Best Day Ever Welcome to the Hilton - Orange County, Costa Mesa relax and let us show you how easy it is to be a guest at your own wedding... An ideal location in Southern California’s Orange County near John Wayne Airport & countless attractions, shopping centers, & sunny beaches! Be assured that your wedding will be smoothly orchestrated & a memorable event for you, your family, & friends.

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LUXE, WINTER WEDDING WITH GLAMOROUS FLORALS IN INDIANA

PLANNER: Gloria Boyden, BUDGET: $75,000+ were placed in a crystal and MWP™, Events by Design, gold frame, that Events by De- Carmel, IN sign sourced. Personal brand- TIME SPENT PLANNING: 6 ing for everything, crystals and months gold, pillar candles. TIME IN INDUSTRY: 31 years THE COUPLE: Family has a SET UP/STRIKE: 3 different PHOTOGRAPHER: Anya professional athlete so we tried venues to decorate, 20 people to work around his schedule, Albonetti Photography to set up, 6 for strike, all while but then decided the couple dealing with extreme cold wanted to marry earlier than weather of 21 degrees. OTHER BUSINESSES IN- his schedule would allow. VOLVED: Elite Management, LGi Linens, Laura Mahan, WHAT WOULD YOU DO UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: DIFFERENTLY: For this size Evans Audiovisual, Antique The menu card and place Limo of Indy, Indiana Carriage, wedding, I would stick with the cards were in matte black and design plan, but hire or out- Marie Gabrielle Couture, Pen- gold to match the invitation, dragon Ink source another company to do with the names in gold callig- the floral as we did it in house. raphy. The last piece for the GUEST COUNT: 230 guests was a table number done in hand calligraphy by Pendragon Ink. The numbers COLOR PALETTE: Red, gold were embellished in a callig- and black raphy red rose. The numbers

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 9 FEATURED |COAST TO COAST PLANNING Separated By 2000 Miles-- How One Wedding Planner Handles Working Coast To Coast Yes, I whole heartily love love love me and why I wanted to work for them. what I do! Do you? I think it’s a requirement Despite my fears, they hired me on the to work in this industry! And I really must spot and I joined the private events team. love what I do to also keep traveling coast We did over 300 events that year, which to coast for all my weddings. included board meetings, golf events, and 75 weddings. It was a whirlwind for sure. I Let’s start from the beginning. I start- joined all the networking groups and went ed planning events way back before it was to every open house or meeting I could get really a thing, especially in the small town in my calendar. I didn't sleep much, but I where I am from. Where people would look had much to learn and much to do. at me cross eyed and say “you get paid to plan parties?!“ and I was like "well, sort of." About 18 months later I became an I knew from the beginning that I had found independent contractor and jumped back my calling in life. Always pushing the en- into being a self-employed planner. velope back then with something different Photo credit Preston Smith Photogaphy and bold and out of the box. In 2010, I decided to move to Atlanta from the rural Pacific Northwest to see how event planning was done in a large city. I know the timing wasn’t great for those of you that remember back then, but the timing was great for me. I figured if I failed I could always move home and live in my mom’s basement. Thankfully that never happened, but it was a good back up plan. In all honestly I was so scared, but I really just wanted to learn. I didn’t know how my experience in a small town was going So here we are almost a decade later to translate into a bigger market but I was and I am on a plane every few weeks. I re- ready to try. ally don’t think I would trade it for the world. In fact, I know I wouldn’t. Moving to Atlanta was truly the best decision I made both professionally and First of all, the Atlanta events commu- personally. The events community there nity is AMAZING. My career flourished and took me under their wings and let me soar. I found myself a self-proclaimed Georgia Did I mention I moved to Atlanta without a peach, so there will always be a very spe- job? I know, don’t judge me yet! I put to- cial place in my heart for that city. More gether my resume and sent it out to 3 plac- than that, they taught me how to be a part es on a Friday. Saturday, a general manag- of a team. er called me from a country club and I had We are all in the trenches together an interview that Wednesday. I don’t think and we are stronger together. When I start- I’ve ever been so scared in my life to sit in ed my career in the Pacific Northwest I was room with important people talking about very much alone. I didn’t feel alone, but

10 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE FEATURED |COAST TO COAST PLANNING there wasn’t anyone else like me or anyone a styled shoot and you don’t get a do-over. else doing what I was doing. So I never You have one day to pull it all together and really experienced the team mentality until I walk through the room in your high heels moved to Atlanta. like that was effortless. When producing a 4,000 person No one will ever know the sleepless New Year’s Eve party or a 750 person wed- nights or 3 am cold sweat wake-ups we all ding the list of vendors is enormous, not to have in the middle of the night. I am my mention the logistics. We all have to work harshest critic. No one will ever scrutinize together as a team and get along. my events the way that I do. I constantly ask Second, I love my family and I love myself how I could have done better. I ask my home in the rural Pacific Northwest. So myself could I have been nicer or more di- how do I give up one or the other? Well, rect, hired a different vendor or been more I don’t. What I have gained from the last prepared? I look at ways the next event can decade of my career is the ability to “come be more polished, move faster or slower. home”. Not because I am the most amaz- This is the case whether I am on a farm in ing planner in the world, but because I have rural Washington or a ballroom in down- a true love of events. I have learned, some- town Atlanta. times the hard way, to take care of my cli- So there you have it. A day in the life ents from a distance, manage their expec- of Sarah Day. Where my TSA Pre-Check tations, and recognize the difference in their and Clear Membership mean the world to locations. me. Even more than that, my clients on both This was challenge #1. When I moved sides of the country are grateful and happy home to the PNW, I really thought I would at the end of the day knowing they couldn’t manage everything just like I had in the have achieved their wedding dreams with- Southeast. I was very wrong. I have two out me by their side. locations that are not only 3 hours apart in time zones but feel like they are in different ------solar systems sometimes. I might have a client that lives in Texas that’s getting married Sarah Day, SAS Weddings, in Atlanta, or a client that lives in Chicago Atlanta, Georgia & Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and is getting married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The expectations and needs are different for them all and I have to be able to balance it all. Out of the challenges, though, are unexpected benefits. I learn what is trend- ing and important to clients throughout the country. Trends can originate from the East or West coast and I can share it all with my clients. Challenge #2 is that planners are only as good as their vendors. You can create the most amazing vision, story board, and timeline. But if your team can’t pull it off then you are all sunk. A wedding day is not

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 11 FEATURED |TRANSFORMING SPACES TRANSFORMING SPACES WITH LIGHTING

Wedding professionals know that one of lights or even faux-wax luminaries that can be the trickiest parts about wedding planning is switched on as the dinner concludes and the securing a venue that not only meets the cou- evening reception begins. ple’s budget, but has the power to pull off the Elaborate displays amongst the guest aesthetic of their dream day. One of the many tables can even eliminate the need for your issues that couples struggle with continues to venue’s lighting entirely. be not wanting to settle for a venue that has décor restrictions, or even one that’s somewhat lackluster otherwise. So, what are some updat- Out-of-this-world video mapping ed ways to transform any indoor event space You may have previously seen video with lighting to achieve the romantic style they mapping used for more luxury celebrations, or deserve? even in art installations in museums. However, recent technology has made this incredibly Intimate ambient lighting accessible, making the move toward weddings. Projection methods can entirely alter It’s a common misconception that indoor the venue, using blank walls and dance floors venues are nothing but harsh fluorescent lights, to cast patterns or distort reality. 3D textures yellow-cast bulbs, and no in-between. I’m ex- and shapes can both illuminate the space and tremely happy to share that this simply isn’t the provide virtual décor all-in-one. We’ve even case, and couples will never have to settle for encountered couples that wish to project their the venue’s provided lighting. Instead, opt for own décor onto a plain white wedding cake as intimate ambient lighting that’s soft and a bit a budget-friendly option that also makes for an more forgiving for the wedding photographer unforgettable photo op. to work with. Rather than renting expensive equip- Photo credit Jenny DeMarco Photography ment, these designs can easily be projected with affordable projectors and software. Not only would this take your indoor lighting to the next level, but these video mapping techniques can double as entertainment for guests, sans the bulky virtual reality googles.

Photo credit Jenny DeMarco Photography

Most lighting can be controlled through apps at the touch of a button and can be dimmed accordingly, which is especially romantic as the evening reception goes on. To take it even further, consider using candles in various shapes and sizes to incorporate in the centerpieces. A more cost-effective alterna- tive to candles would be battery-operated tea

12 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE Chic neon signage less of whether you are aiming for an edgy, Neon signs aren’t only for celebrities any- industrial feel, or your clients are looking for more! At one time, neon signs seemed too far something a little more formal and luxe, install- out of budget to use, but now you can create ing chandeliers as a secondary light source is unique customization for a cost-friendly price. also extremely successful in adding drama and Make a statement with this event lighting, or character to any venue. even use the neon element in the photo booth Our only suggestion is that we recom- backdrop. mend keeping in mind any logistical restrictions We’re seeing every color of the rain- that the venue may have. Luckily, hanging bow popping up in events, whether it’s to displays won’t directly interfere with existing complement your couple’s color palette or as décor. However, it’s important to account for a stand-alone element for an awe-inducing installation costs as well as un-installation of the accent. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your fixture, and make sure that you aren’t breaking personalized sign, whether it’s using a wed- any property rules by not asking for permis- ding hashtag, initials, or shared last name for sion first. Before installation, you should also your clients. Bonus points if you place it by the be coordinating with other creative partners to sweetheart table to draw the eye to the focal ensure that you aren’t overlapping with their point of the room! setup schedule(s). Beyond customization, your clients can Remember, these displays also don’t also opt for playful neon art or phrasing with necessarily require a florist, and they remain the popular availability of smaller neon accents just as chic with faux florals or greenery if your in craft stores and larger retail chains if they client is looking to save. choose the DIY route. As wedding industry professionals, we understand that it can be hard to secure a venue that checks all of your client’s boxes. How- ever, technology advancements and lighting trends can transform an ordinary event space to an extraordinary night for your couple.

---- Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services

Photo credit Jenny DeMarco Photography Floating light installations There’s no better way to enhance an indoor venue than with a floating light installation. These installations can range from a subtle setup of Edison bulbs to a full-blown hanging fixture with geometric-shaped light bulbs and florals woven throughout the display. Regard-

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 13 FEATURED |EMAIL MARKETING AN EMAIL ADDRESS-- YOUR BUSINESS' BEST FRIEND

There’s one rule you need to know For example, you might send the sec- about digital marketing - the end result is to ond email 1 day later thanking them again collect email addresses. If you aren’t getting and sharing something unique about your that, you’re only attracting attention without business or a testimonial from a past cli- an ROI (return on investment). ent. 2 days later (if you haven’t heard from them) a simple is there one question I can answer for you? Another day or two and Having an email address is the per- ask if they’d like to schedule an initial no mission you need to reach out to that poten- obligation meeting to talk. tial client. Let’s go over what you need to do to set up email marketing to help your business grow. You’ll have to trial and error what works for your business, but the key is to build your credibility and willingness to sim- Collecting Emails ply help. What’s the first thing I see when I go to your site? How soon are you asking for my email? What’s the incentive to give up Starting an Automated Email Sequence my email address? Your email marketing platform should have an automation tool available. If you don’t currently use one, I recommend As a wedding planner, you might offer MailChimp (which I use for my own needs). someone a tip sheet for what to do after getting engaged. As a caterer, offer to share a tip sheet on how much alcohol to pur- As soon as someone signs up, they chase. Something small to answer a ques- should get an email immediately after sign- tion they likely have. They’ll gladly hand ing up. This might include the free offer, con- over their email in exchange for something firmation, thank you, welcome, next steps, useful. This is to your advantage, you have social media, the list is endless. Find what the opportunity to continue the relationship works best for your business. in a number of ways. This first email is a huge opportunity Automation Mechanics for small businesses that is often overlooked. If emails are at the beginning of the The call to action(s) should be short and relationship (before they have booked), direct. Be thankful and quick, because you make sure you showcase your business now can send more detailed information to thoughtfully and grow the relationship. You them in future emails. cannot hard sell or soft sell with the first couple of emails, it’s about sharing your talents Start building out additional email and expertise first. Credibility matters at this templates where you showcase your exper- point. tise, help them with additional questions, and/or get them on the phone to book.

14 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE FEATURED |EMAIL MARKETING Sales take multiple touch points. Why not Set goals and targets to monitor. automate a portion with answers to the Track all of your changes and the life of questions you know they are already going your email campaigns on a simple docu- to ask? ment. You might set a goal of waiting for 10 emails before looking at data and making a change. You might try and experiment with What are you saying? A/B testing if that’s available on your email As it relates to your business, what platforms. Find the message that works best can you share, giveaway, offer, talk about, for your audience. etc. that a prospective client is curious to know more about? Be informative, up front and anticipate their needs. This builds trust. Making Sense This all seems like a big project and a lot to tackle, but it’s not! You can have a BONUS: These questions and answers campaign started in the next hour. Email tie into your keyword and SEO strategy. The automation lends itself to build as you go. questions couples are asking happen to be To get started, create a basic outline struc- what they google. Write blogs and share ture and have a goal. Create the first email the link to individual blogs in your email and wait for someone to bite, then build the series. If you’re stuck on questions, you can next step(s). use a tool at answerthepublic.com for key- words and google search phrases. For each automation sequence, you only build out what’s required. Don’t forget You might also use email automation to remember what the end goal is to attract after a client is booked. Do you have paper- and retain clients. If you follow these steps, work, questionnaires, information that get email marketing campaigns will become a sent out throughout the planning process? natural extension of your sales and market- Create the content once and incorporate ing efforts. into your email communications with couples. ------Data and Making Adjustments As you start building your first (and Jason Freshly subsequent) automation, remember to collect data to know what’s working and what’s not. Most email marketing platforms will have key metrics to show you open rates, clicks, etc. and this information will be helpful in knowing where you can make improvements.

The big data point here is clicks. Are they clicking links and your call-to-action? If no one clicks, something needs to be reviewed and adjusted. The great thing about digital marketing is having data to make fast changes.

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 15 ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEMBER NEWS

The Westminster Hotel in Livingston, NJ is In The Media and ABC News pleased to announce the hiring of their new Director of Catering, Elizabeth Winship, and the redesigned ballroom and meeting spaces. The Sandals and ABC team prepping for ABC property also has renovations planned for the Annual Conference 2019. From left to right, Kit- lobby and standard rooms. anya Mirander, Vanessa Lerouge, Tonya Haw- ryluk, David Wood, Kim Sardo (testing water temperature!), Carmen Mesa, and Samaria JoAnn Moore, MWP™, has been asked to Cooper, all look forward to welcoming you to speak this year at the Wedding MBA, 2019 in the Bahamas! Las Vegas, October 14-17.

ABC México created new Regional Directors in different states, the directors have been select- ed for their passion and leadership shown in their State and the Wedding Industry. With this decision ABC México bets on Professionaliza- tion of the Romance industry in Mexico.

The New Directors are: • Alicia Torres - ABC Guanajuato • Celia Bezares Matus - ABC Puebla • Isela Alcántara - ABC Jalisco • Marcela Villaseñor - ABC Oaxaca • María José Vázquez - ABC Michoacán Maya Devassy Tarach and Preoccupied Bride was featured in Chi Thee Wed for a beautiful • María Campos - ABC Morelos outdoor wedding they coordinated at the Mer- • Óscar Mejía - ABC Mexico City rick Rose Garden in Evanston, Illinois.

16 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEMBER NEWS

ABC Designations

Pearlice Diggs, AWP™, P3 Weddings & Events Fort Lee, VA AmeliaHernandez Avila, AWP™, Amelia Avila "Colonia Bella Vista, Xalapa" Veracruz, Mexico Sarah Agee, PWP™, Plum & Poppy, Zionsville, IN Marilu Mercedes Rodriguez Galvez, PWP™, Elite Wedding Planner, Lima, Peru María José Vázquez Castañeda, PWP™, Majo Vazquez Wedding & Event Planner, Micho- Photo credit Shaun Anthony acán, Mexico Yamileth Martinez Cruz, PWV™, Grupo Musical Ilene White, AWP™, White Wedd & Events in Otro Rollo, Veracruz, Mexico Accokeek, Maryland won 1st place in 2 catego- Francisco JavierSoto Galvez, PWV™, ries in the tabletop contest at the Annual States Meeting. Alfa y Omega, Guatamala HeaJoung Kim, PBC, Japan Emi Kanda, PBC, Japan INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES

HOW DO YOU MAKE A CLIENT HAPPY WHEN THEIR WEDDING VISION OR PINTEREST DREAMS DON'T MATCH THEIR BUDGET? "Clients fall in love with Pinterest images lation is a common way to heighten the when they start planning but of course look of bouquets, arrangements, and have no way of knowing how much those statement pieces. Tea candles in various Pinterest-weddings cost, so our initial task sizes are another excellent low cost op- is education. We start by evaluating their tion that makes any evening tablescape style, guest count, and budget to create enchanting." a realistic budget for their goals. We -Melissa Buffaloe, Blue Moon Event Plan- encourage selecting a few priority areas ning, Long Beach, California to splurge and identifying lower priority areas to save. A Pinterest-worthy wedding is entirely possible, it's all about balance!" "Unfortunately in our line of work it is not uncommon. I am honest with them from -Meghan Cox, Mil Besos, Playa Tamarin- the beginning and let them know what do, Guanacaste, Costa Rica the realistic price is for the pictures they are showing me. During the consultation, "The best way to make your Pinterest I find out what are the most important dreams come true is to find creative ven- items to them when it comes to the floral dors to work with the budget and use af- and decor, ask them what it is they love fordable materials to fabricate the vision. about the pictures they are showing me Floral/greenery substitution and manipu- so then I am able to talk to them about

18 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE INDUSTRY BEST PRACTICES how to create pieces that go along with the Bahamas. Either way we ensure that their vision and feel but will be within we meet the vision as closely as possi- their actual budget. Once the client is ble." educated about the real cost and what -Sabrina Nelson, Vows & Roses we are able to create for them they are usually very thankful and understand- Idlewild, Michigan ing and sometimes they are willing to increase their budget some to help them "When a couple comes in with a small get more. " budget and big expectations you make -Chrissy Hudacin, Special Occasion De- it work. First, I get their must haves and signs, Indianapolis, Indiana go from there. A lot of the time we will make something or create it from scratch to make the client happy. As long as it’s "One of the first questions I ask every in conjunction with their vision it usually couple even before we sign, “what three works out for the best." things do you want at your wedding?” And “what three things do you not want -Andrea Testa, The Bernards Inn, at your wedding?” Not every response Bernardsville, New Jersey is that they want certain decorations or specific lighting, but most times it’s ‘no "I always start out with a good heart drama; I want people to have fun; I real- to heart with my client. I let them know ly like [these] flowers’. I determine what before they contract me that I will show styles catch their eye and move from them which options will keep them in there. It is easier to say “this will work in budget first, but make sure they under- place of that and costs less” rather than stand that this will only work if they can just flat out saying “no, you can’t afford keep their expectations in check. I am that”." always prepared to provide multiple -Paige Robertson, Front Paige Events, options at various other price points, so Glendale, Arizona they can see very clearly what each price point will allow, but it’s up to them to make the hard decisions in choosing less, "Making our clients happy is our top more, or something entirely different to priority. It's our job to find a way to fit our keep to the budget that they determined. clients wedding vision into their budget. If the decor seems too important for them This may mean we search for items in to let go of, I help them figure out how unique places in an effort to meet the we can rob Peter to pay Paul, in order to couple’s vision. For example, If a couple make room for the decor upgrades, by wants a tropical wedding but can't afford either scaling down or eliminating some- the Bahamas, it’s our job to find a similar thing else." venue and decor that give you a tropical feel and look without actually being in -Aviva Samuels, Kiss the Planner, Palm Beach, Florida

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 19 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. IMPORTED BY FREDERICK WILDMAN AND SONS, LTD., NEW YORK, NY REAL WEDDING | MAINE

INDUSTRIAL CHIC WAREHOUSE WEDDING IN MAINE

PLANNER: Fausto Pifferrer, Blue Elephant SET UP/STRIKE: Setup ran from Tuesday morn- Events and Catering, Saco, Maine ing through Friday evening, taking approximately 48 hours. Strike took place the following Monday, taking approximately 18 hours. The TIME IN INDUSTRY: 33 years addition of extensive draping, lighting, and decor at the last minute was a logistical chal- PHOTOGRAPHER: Nadra Photography lenge, but the team rallied around to make it all happen in time. OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Laurie An- drews Design, A Plus Party Rentals, Savvy Event BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The venue was new Rentals, Headlight Audio Visual and under extensive renovations when the clients booked it for their wedding. The construction schedule, although reasonable, ran BUDGET: $350,000 far over, the venue was not finished in time for the wedding. Things unfinished included the floor, the kitchen, the bathrooms, the HVAC sys- COLOR PALETTE: Whites, pinks, mint tem. In the month leading up to the wedding we had to bring in décor and equipment to GUEST COUNT: 225 disguise the fact that nothing was finished, and transform a warehouse under construction into the dream venue that the client had booked. TIME SPENT PLANNING: 9 months The installation took 4 full days and we brought in everything from a temporary heating system and bathroom trailers to a field kitchen and STAFF ON SITE: 22 miles of draping to hide what was essentially still a 27,000 square foot construction site. The UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: Creative drap- end result was a very over budget but very ing and lighting that hid the warehouse con- happy client and successful day. struction areas. This also allowed us to create service access halls so that the staff was able KEY LEARNINGS: Never take a construction to move around without being seen by the schedule on its word! Even good plans can go guests. off the rails. Communication is key!

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 21 FEATURE | PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE AND APPROACH-- Educating clients comes style, don’t ask them to change and more approaches and with the territory of being a up the way they edit their styles have come onto the wedding planner. Often times images. The contrast, tone, scene, traditional wedding they don’t know the terminol- colors are all part of their style photographers have become ogy, best practices, or even brand which they’ve taken a varied and tend to offer a bit what they want. This is very while to develop. If they don’t more versatility. common with wedding pho- like the final look of the imag- If the budget is tight, tography. es as it pertains to the editing, and this approach suits the A couple may say, we they need to keep looking. couple, this may be the most just want great portraits, but If they’ve given themselves cost-effective wedding pho- then show you a photographer enough time (at least nine tographer because they don’t with more moment-based months), they’ll find a pho- require a lot of time to capture photography. Or they say they tographer that checks all the the images. boxes on their list. like the light and airy look, Pros — very straightfor- but send you links to photog- ward approach and uses a raphers who are a little more Approach shot list so the couple know dark and moody. what they’re getting. The best way to help a Traditional AKA Classical Con — doesn’t specialize couple in defining their pho- in capturing candids or cre- tography preference is to have With the traditional ap- ative/artistic portraits. them understand two very dif- proach, the focus is on people ferent terms when it comes to and places. Everyone is much photography — approach and more camera aware of the Fine Art AKA Contemporary, style. images. Its wedding photog- Editorial These are two very dif- raphy just as it was when your These photographers fo- ferent artistic criteria you have parents were married. The cus on making magazine-wor- to consider when searching for photographer shows up for the thy images. Think of the bridal a wedding photographer. ceremony and then portraits. blogs and magazine images Nothing fancy, but that’s not Approach — how a photogra- you see, and that’s what a fine necessarily a bad thing. If a art photographer’s goal is. pher goes about photograph- couple simply wants images of ing your wedding the ceremony, important peo- A key term for this type Style — the look and feel of the ple in the wedding, and high- of photography is perfection. images light some of the areas where There’s a lot of styling and pos- they were married, this is the ing to make sure everything The approach is the looks just right in the image. overall way a photographer approach for them. goes about photographing a The photographer will Most fine art wedding wedding. This will determine more than likely work from a photographers like to have how much time they need, “shot list” of the details, people more time for the details and what their objective is (we’ll get and moments that are import- portraits. Some photographers into that below). ant to the couple. With a tradi- will even bring styling products tional wedding photographer like fabrics and boards for the couples have to be specific on invitations and rings, and even Keep in mind, if they’re their expectations, wants and artisan hangers for the dresses. selecting a photographer with needs. If a couple is wanting a particular approach and Over the years as more their wedding images to look

22 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE FEATURE | PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATING YOUR CLIENTS like they belong in Vanity Fair Styles who shoots film. These pho- magazine, this is the way to tographers tend to charge a go. Make sure they know the bit more because of the costs photographer's expectations Natural Light — The photogra- for film and developing. Some when it comes to the amount pher relies solely on the light film photographers shoot in of time they need for specific that’s available. This could a hybrid style where they’ll parts of their day like the de- be a perfect fit if a couple is also have a digital camera for tails (dress, shoes, ring, statio- getting married earlier in the receptions. day and their reception will still nery, ceremony and reception Vintage — Filters, editing pre- detail items) and portraits. have some natural light available. Some natural light pho- sets, and the early days of Pros — they’ll get fash- tographers will bring out one Pinterest have brought this style ion/bridal magazine quality light or two when the reception back. Colors and tones tend to imagery comes along if the area is too be faded and there may be an Con — may need to dark. Be sure the couple asks overall color tone to the imag- schedule more time for por- about reception lighting during es (think old west sepia-toned traits and details the consultation. cowboy images). Cinematic — Epic, big scene Documentary AKA setter portraits and moments, As you dive into the as well as layers of activities in photographer search with your Photojournalistic, Candid a single image. Think of a post- couples, it’s important to first In the early 2000s, as card scene with a couple in it, determine the approach they newspapers were laying off or emotion-evoking moments. appreciate the most. Once you photojournalists, these talent- Bright and airy — Think soft, helped them determine that, ed photographers were look- bright, romantic, and elegant start finding photographers ing for areas where they could images. with that approach and see put their moment-capturing which styles they connect with skills to good use. Weddings High fashion — This is the Van- more. Once you have a selec- were a perfect fit for these ity Fair type portraits. Every tion of photographers whose photographers. portrait has a very intentional approach and style are a fit for pose and the lighting may your couple, then you’re onto With a documentary tend to be a little more dramat- photographer, their goal on the next step of making sure ic. For someone who doesn’t they’re within your couple’s a wedding day is to capture mind spending more time on moments and to tell a story. If budget, reading reviews and portraits due to the amount of testimonials and having your having candid images of the posing and lighting involved. guests enjoying themselves, client’s choose the right pho- seeing laughter and tears, as Dark and moody — Images tographer for their approach well as images of the bridal with some drama due to the and style. party, this is the photographer darker editing style. ---- for your couple. Artsy — There’s a lot of use of Jerome Pollos, Jerome Pollos Pros — will have an lights, mirrors, colors, and tex- Photography emotion-moment based story ture (and perhaps Photoshop) highlighting your wedding. to get a certain look that is graphically appealing. Con — portraits won’t be as posed, details won’t feel as Film Photographer — It’s just magazine-styled quality. as it says. A photographer

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 23 MASTER PROFILE

photo cred itMoongate Productions

photo credit Donovin photo credit Donovin Seymour Photography Seymour Photography MASTER WEDDING PLANNER™ Yolanda Furbert MWP™, To Have and To Hold Wedding & Event Planning, Warwick, Bermuda FAMILY: I am married to Michal STARTING BUSINESS: I started my but give me sound advice or just (Mike) and we have just celebrat- company, To Have and To Hold allow me to use them as a sounding ed our 19th wedding anniversary. I Wedding & Event Planning, in 1996 board. have one daughter Maegan, who while holding a full time manage- is 32 years old and is married to ment position with a private firm ADVICE: Do not be afraid to ask ALL Bernie, and they have a son Taylor through the week and doing wed- kinds of questions! No question is who will be 7 in July. We also have dings and events on the weekend wrong. Get a mentor or 6! I have a 2 turtles. until I was made redundant in few mentors, they are from different September 2010. sectors in the business world from EDUCATION: The Bermuda Col- weddings, finance, legal and faith lege: Degree in Human Resources ON BECOMING A MASTER: I went leaders. You would be surprised Managment. Penn Foster (USA): back to school to become a certified what you can learn from them. Certification in Wedding Planning. wedding planner and in the process The Blackford Centre (UK): Diploma found out that I could go further as FREE TIME: There is free time?! in Event Management. I also be- a member of ABC. I believe in edu- Please tell me where I sign up for long to the Bermuda Association of cating ourselves so that we can help that! I have to work on that a little Wedding & Event Planners, Business ourselves and each other so after I more, but when I do have some free & Professional Women International had my 2nd degree in event man- time I like to read, listen to good jazz Bermuda Chapter (BPW), Coterie/ agement I decided to apply for the music, or just sit and do absolutely Munaluchi, MPI, ILEA, Toastmasters. MWP, yes I jumped right from novice nothing. to MWP!! However, Elise Enloe who LITTLE KNOWN FACT: In Bermu- was education director at the time GIVING BACK: I have always tried da years ago I used to model and called and said that I should first ap- to assist and/or mentor anyone that there was a woman picked every ply for Accredited Wedding Planner wants to be a wedding or event week to be the "covergirl of the and then wait a year to apply for planner as I didn’t have that and week" and on August 9, 1981, I was MWP. I also felt that by getting the I feel that when pursuing this busi- Bermuda's covergirl of the week! MWP I would also be able to teach ness you need to have a mentor, the class here in Bermuda. It took a person that you can go to when BUSINESS MISTAKE: My first year in me 3 tries over a 6 year period to you need advice etc., and being a business I wanted to be super suc- get my Masters. member of ABC has been a huge cessful and would adjust my price part of my progress personally and just to get the client. This was not MENTORS: If I named them all it professionally. a good move because in the end I would take up the entire magazine, would have to come out of pocket however, I have a few ABC mem- FAVORITE TV SHOWS: Four Wed- to compensate for the shortfall. I bers that I consider my mentors dings and Say Yes To The Dress. learned that not everyone is going and there are a few people here on to like your services and that is ok island (Bermuda) as well. They listen FAVORITE BOOK: "Put Your Dream because you cannot cater to every- to me without judging and they to the Test" by John C. Maxwell one. don't tell me what I want to hear information ABC MEMBER SINCE: I have been a member of ABC since 2009. REVENUE: 70% weddings, 20% coordination & 10% corporate events EM- PLOYEES: 6 employees CONTACT: www.ththbda.com TIME IN INDUSTRY: 30 years MARKETING: I advertise through all social media platforms. This year, I have partnered with Fairmont Hotels to advertise through their publications. CONTINUOUS LEARNING: I try to attend one or two seminars every year.

24 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE REAL WEDDING | NEW JERSEY

GLAMOROUS, LUSH JEWISH WEDDING IN NEW JERSEY

PLANNER: Erin Luurtsema, One Atlantic Events with greenery elements to bring it to life. The escort wall also was an amazing touch that wowed the guest as soon as they entered. TIME IN INDUSTRY: 3 years DESIGN INSPIRATION: We pulled a lot of our BUDGET: $65,000 inspiration from the couples experiences and past, like the bride's Bat Mitzvah. The couple COLOR PALETTE: lavender and gray also were very aware of our space and wanted to play on the elements naturally in the space, they used the different levels of gray in PHOTOGRAPHER: Taylor Rae Photography the space.

OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Manic Botan- BIGGEST CHALLENGE: How we got so lucky ic, EBE with the couple is beyond us, the planning process was great and they kept lines of communication open with us through the whole THE COUPLE: The bride wanted to use laven- time. There was a little snag day of with the der in her wedding to honor the purple theme flower/escort wall. The escort cards were mis- she had for her Bat Mitzvah, so we worked with counted and left us with an extra row with no elements to create a soft modern theme. room, about 10 minutes before guests arrived we had to take it all down and realign the UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: By far the Chup- cards to create a seamless look. pah, it took over 5 hours to construct on site

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Heather Canada, MWP™ Tracey Fricke, CSEP, MWP™, CMP First Coast Weddings Occasion Designed and Events, Inc. What is the best way to Networking is the number grees in December to subfreez- charge--fixed fee, percentage one tool you can use to grow fee, what about commissions? ing in January. Since contracts your business! Before investing are entered into about a year -Eliana Terrazas, PWP™, Mia money on any paid market- prior, what's the best way to Boda, Bolivia ing efforts, you need to know handle a wedding that ends who your ideal client is and up being on a dangerously then study them. Social media cold day? The short answer is whichev- advertising is relatively inex- er is best for your business! pensive, and your region may -Kara Vargo, Ohio Every business is unique, and have smaller publications/ you shouldn’t feel locked in to directories that may be less doing it “the way it’s always Those of us in Florida have than the national options. Does learned about our force ma- been done” or “the way ev- your business target couples eryone else does it.” I also jeure clauses and what they do that live out of the area? Then and do not mean in regards think that just as pricing varies a nationwide directory may be based on the city, state, region to hurricanes. Your contract a good choice. Do you offer (reviewed/written by a law- or country where you work, the a unique product or service method of determining those yer) should clearly spell out a that may be best showcased time frame for postponement fees may vary too. For me, I in person? Try a local/regional find the fixed fee works best. or cancellation of the event wedding expo. Whatever you due to extreme weather, and To determine which is best for choose, keep your brand mes- you, study your target demo- what your policy is regarding sage consistent and track your refunds. This is also a good graphic, your market, and your results so you know what works business goals. reminder to tell your clients and what doesn’t for your spe- about wedding insurance to –Heather cific business. protect their investment in case -Heather of cancellation/postponement! I charge a flat fee based upon –Heather which package my client Quite a few of my clients find selects. This way they can me on The Knot. This is the I also live in the Midwest and budget accordingly for my main forum I use for clients to have experienced -50 degree services. share reviews. It seems many windchills at times. We still -Tracey future/potential couples ap- march on and do not cancel preciate that honest, genuine the events. However, if you perspective from previous feel like it might be an issue Besides word of mouth, what couples as they consider my for your area, you can ask is your most successful form services. your vendors about how they of marketing to attract new -Tracey might handle cancellations clients? in case of particular weather -Albriana Youyoute, Unseen situations and ask them to add Events, Florida I live in the Midwest and our that clause into their contracts. weather ranges from 50 de- -Tracey

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 27 FEATURE | PUERTO RICO

WHEN LIFE THROWS YOU A HURRICANE NAMED MARIA

Puerto Rico, “La Isla del Encanto”, rebuild and get back on track. I volun- is an important destination for weddings teered helping my neighbors to clean with a crystal blue ocean, great music our building, the streets, businesses and and wonderful food. As a wedding hair houses around my neighborhood. and makeup artist, I usually have all my weekdays and weekends booked for weddings, engagements and elope- Fortunately, my building has a wa- ments. My workload usually is 4-5+ ter tank and generator which were avail- events per week. able off and on and I was able to work with some clients. However, the situation was dire, and this affected my business. Eventually, I received 11+ wedding cancellations from couples that planned to marry between Sept 2017- Jan 2018. In some cases, I had to return deposits.

As a result, I made the hard decision to temporarily relocate to Miami and work with Telemundo’s “Master Chef Latino” and to assist clients that also were photo credit Alejandro Taveras forced to relocate their weddings from & Davis Tineo Puerto Rico. By the end of November, The hurricane and wedding sea- the power came on, and I moved back sons run simultaneously (late-spring to to Puerto Rico. Most of my local clients early-fall). Luckily, before September 2017 didn’t have water or electricity and they we hadn’t been hit by a major hurricane. were so thankful that I could do their hair. However, on September 6, 2017, we Business was not as strong as before, but were hit by hurricane Irma, then by Ma- I was working. By mid-2018, I was called ria, a category 5 hurricane that caused to work on the TV series THE OATH and a historical and unimaginable amount START-UP. I was also receiving calls to of damage to Puerto Rico. I contacted book clients for events, especially wed- clients to let them know that there was dings. Most of the brides that cancelled a possibility that we may be temporari- their weddings months before, wanted ly out of business as this hurricane was to marry in PR and they re-booked. I was threatening. back on track.

No one was fully prepared for Ma- ria-- after its landfall on September 21, the electricity was down, there was no water, no communication, no internet, limited food, gas and destruction everywhere. The hotels were damaged, some closed indefinitely, others temporarily, airlines cancelled flights. There were no basic supplies, all we could think was how to photo credit Noel del Pilar

28 WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE FEATURE | PUERTO RICO

PUERTO RICO WORKS TO REBUILD AND MOVE FORWARD island. Then came a major highlight, Lin-Manuel Miranda. He brought the This huge exposure boosted the Broadway musical “HAMILTON” to the tourism. Hotels have been re-built, the island and employed around 300 Puer- wedding planning community got closer to-Ricans. I was one of them hired as and weddings are booming, stronger Lin-Manuel’s personal stylist. than ever. Couples from around the world come to celebrate their wedding in PR. The Puerto-Rican strength and resilience as a united community, eager to work to re-build the island was shown worldwide. I learned many lessons through this experience. I now have insurance for protection in the future and I will continue being active related to the rebuilding of PR particularly in the recovery efforts. WE ARE OPEN FOR BUSINESS! This was a unique first-hand experience. I got to meet wonderful people like ----- the play’s cast/crew, the Clintons, Jimmy Lizzie Ibarra, Puerto Rico Fallon and David Begnaud. Lin-Manu- el’s organization, Flamboyan Arts Fund, raised $15 million to re-build the arts in PR and supported the renovation of the University of PR theater. The island was featured on Jimmy Fallon’s Tonight Show’s special and later, actors like Rus- sell Crowe and Adam Sandler came to vacation in PR-- this helped people around the world to come back to our photo credit Alejandra Sofia

WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE 29 REAL WEDDING | ARKANSAS

ELEGANT, SENTIMENTAL SOUTHERN WEDDING IN LITTLE ROCK PLANNER: Meredith Corning, Meredith Events elegant, modern barnyard. We created a cool hand-made paper flower wall to serve as our photo backdrop for pictures as well and it was TIME IN INDUSTRY: 5 years such a unique hit that all our guests seemed to enjoy. We also added a tiny southern/rustic BUDGET: $30,000-35,000 spin to some of the food choices and by giving all our guests a little tiny succulent plant as a party favor.” COLOR PALETTE: Silver, light blue and peach UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The hand-crafted GUEST COUNT: 250 floral photo wall made by the bride and her sisters. PHOTOGRAPHER: The Warmth Around You DESIGN INSPIRATION: Elegant, feminine, OTHER BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Angelo's southern, pastel palette, and mountainside Garden, Vase and Vine, Central Arkansas En- backdrop. tertainment, Vibrant Occasions Catering, Last Call Bartending Service, PattiCakes Bakery, BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The couple wanted to John Myers Photography & Videography, Par- have a Vietnamese-American fusion style din- ty Time Rentals, Betty Fernau Wedding Offici- ner to suit everyone's tastes and also to share ant, LLC, Beauty & Style By Kakki, Minted, The their culture. The catering was the biggest Bridal Cottage, Bella Bridesmaids expense and we reworked the quote several times as well as visited other catering compa- THE COUPLE: The bride said, “I would de- nies. scribe my wedding design and style as traditional and romantic yet modern with just a SET UP/STRIKE: 8 hours. slight touch of southern rustic. I definitely wanted my wedding to include a lot of soft and pastel hues, plenty of florals, hanging lights/ KEY LEARNING: I will insist the officiant at- chandeliers, and airy drapery. It was really tends the rehearsal. My couple did not do this hard to find a venue in Arkansas that was not to save on budget, but by not practicing with super country and barnyard, simply because it the officiant the night before, she completely was not my style, but we really liked the ven- did not realize the bride and groom had writ- ue that we chose because it was more of an ten their own vows!

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