February 

February, 2018 

In This Issue

Updates for the New WIPA.org

February Webinar

Wedding Industry Forms 


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Welcome 2018! 

We're excited to announce we've launched our new website WIPA.org with a sophisticated new logo and brand! 

Updates for the New WIPA.org 

Julie Roth Novack
PartySlate
WIPA International Membership Chairman
I want to thank everyone for their patience as we continue to upgrade the WIPA website. Our new logo and user experience went live in December and now we are focused on 3 things:

1. Improving the member directory
2. Simplifying and streamlining the Members Only section
3. Adding thought leadership and compelling member-driven content to the blog

We will need your help and feedback over the coming months for these 3 areas. But for right

NOW, we need your help to improve our DIRECTORY.

Please hep us by logging into your WIPA account and make sure you:

(1) Upload a profile pic (click on My Profile and then rollover the My Profile link and click “change photo”)
(2) Update your company information if needed (after you click on My Profile, click the “edit” box"
(3) Select ONE discipline that best describes your business (if you don’t select a discipline, you won’t show up in directory)

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Our mission is to provide industry-leading education for our members, produce inspirational networking events and advance the ethical standards of the wedding industry. Our founding board worked with a diverse group of WIPA members to develop the professional conduct and code of ethics to achieve the highest standards of excellence.

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Save the Date for #NACEEXP18

The 2018 NACE Experience conference will be held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa in Palm Springs, CA from July 22-25, 2018.

 

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   WIPA Webinar Series - Education on Demand

 This is a “members only” resource so you must be logged in at WIPA.org with your personal username and password to access these four previous webinars. Also listed are the upcoming webinars scheduled for the first Wednesday of each month. So plan to take advantage of the expert presenters that are available to you at no charge. When the registration link is emailed it only takes a moment to register.

The WIPA Programs and Education committee is always open to ideas for sessions you would like to suggest so if you have ideas, please email your suggestions to Chairman JP Reynolds, [email protected]

 

 Upcoming Webinars: 

                      Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 -  "The People Plan Lite" - Hiring, Training, Managing by Michelle Loretta of Sage Wedding Pros   

                        Wednesday, May 2nd, 2018 -  Creating Trust: The Skill That Makes the Best Pros Best           


 

Wedding Industry Forms 

 

 AVAILABLE FOR WIPA MEMBERS -- Log into your online WIPA account and download an array of Wedding Industry Forms

 Thanks to the WIPA Advisory Board, Immediate Past President Brit Bertino has completed an effort to provide standard forms for many of the Wedding industry disciplines, AND, here is the best part, as a member of WIPA there is no charge for accessing the forms and using them whenever you need to find one for your business use!  So please take a look at this valuable member benefit by logging in to the Members Only section of www.WIPA.org  with your email and password. There under the Resource tab you will scroll down to the Member Library and can download any of these forms for your use.

 Here is the list of forms:

 Band/DJ Checklist

 Wedding Stationery Checklist

 Day-Of-Wedding Party Sample Schedule

 Floral Checklist

 Hotel Room Block

 Videographer Checklist

 Photography Checklist

Wedding Day Production Schedule

 Wedding Day Don't Forget Checklist

 Wedding Guest RSVP

 


New Members

Atlanta

 Sandra Bridges

Bridges Cinema

[email protected] | www.bridgescinema.com | 954.529.5999

Luxury wedding and event cinematography

 

Joel Rabe

Lethal Rhythms Entertainment

[email protected] | www.lethalrhythms.com | 770.910.2063

Atlanta Wedding DJs / Corporate DJs are the leaders in the DJ Industry. Fun, memorable and amazingly personalized wedding experiences based on your personal style and taste are what we deliver!

 

Nicoleta Radu

Marriott International

[email protected] | 678.873.9093

Hospitality Provider/Hotel Company

Chicago

 Tracy Fisher

Tracy Fisher Events

[email protected] | tracyevents.com | 312.520.2686

 Wedding and Event Planning

 Mary Shedden

Chicago's First Lady

[email protected] | www.cruisechicago.com | 847.358.1330

 Boat Company

Colorado

 

Megan Amen

Jolly Events

[email protected] | www.ajollyevent.com

Jolly Events is an experienced and highly energetic team of design professionals based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our goal is to spoil our clients with personalized care and attention while artfully crafting a memorable event to their expectations. After years in the wedding and corporate event industry, Emily started Jolly Events because she wanted to get to know her customers better, personalize each occasion and make the planning a party in itself!

 

Jordan Beckoff

Whimrove

[email protected] | 915.873.1989

 

Jill Chalfant

Snapdragon Celebrations

[email protected] | snapdrgoncelebrations.com | 970.376.5320

Wedding Planner, Manager and Coordinator in the Vail Valley but always happy to travel!

 

Brittany Chambers

Fluff

[email protected] | 720.295.3583

 

Tamara Gruner

Tamara Gruner Photography

[email protected] | www.tamaragruner.com | 312.509.3102

I am a fine art film photographer based in Denver. With a romantic approach, I love to capture a story by creating timeless, classic images for all of my couples. I use natural light to capture each love story. My work reflects my passion for weddings and my couples.

 

Emily Jolly

Jolly Events

[email protected] | www.ajollyevent.com | 970.420.1478

Jolly Events is an experienced and highly energetic team of design professionals based in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our goal is to spoil our clients with personalized care and attention while artfully crafting a memorable event to their expectations. After years in the wedding and corporate event industry, Emily started Jolly Events because she wanted to get to know her customers better, personalize each occasion and make the planning a party in itself!

 

Cassidy Jordan

bol Vail

[email protected] | bolvail.com | 970.476.5300

 High end bowling and dining in the heart of Vail, CO

 

Jolene Peterson

Laurel & Rose

[email protected] | www.laurelandrose.com | 760.408.4792

Laurel & Rose is a boutique wedding and event planning firm captivated by the magical moments in life. We are the tellers of tales, the makers of memories. We design events that turn into experiences by bringing vision to reality and concept to execution.

 

Jamee Pierzchala

Jamee Photography

[email protected] | www.jameephotography.com | 720.341.7021

My love for God's creation, as well as the unexpected, drives the organic quality of my work. I enjoy shooting the most natural, candid moments that unfold at a wedding to genuinely document the essence of the occasion and the backdrop.

 

Ashley Sawtelle

Ashley Sawtelle

[email protected] | 512.585.8898

 

Las Vegas

CiAnna Campbell

Bella Bridesmaids Las Vegas

[email protected] | 702.547.2355

Specialize in bridesmaid dresses

 

Paulina Clute

Paulina Clute Events, LLC

[email protected] | paulinacluteevents.com | 504.452.9976

Wedding Planner

 

Brittnee Rathjen

Bella Bridesmaids Las Vegas

[email protected] | 702.547.2355

Specialize in bridesmaid dresses 

 

New Orleans

 

Matthew Foster

Matthew Foster Photography

[email protected] | matthewfosterphotography.com | 504.237.9845

Wedding and Portrait photography

 

Liz King

Matthew Foster Photography

[email protected] | 504.237.9845

Wedding and portrait photography

  

Other / At Large

 

Lisa Anhaiser

LBL Event Rentals

[email protected] | www.lbleventrentals.com | 281.498.0021

Linen and Decor Event Services and Rentals 

 

Philadelphia

 

Nicole Smith

Own

[email protected] | 561.319.7549

Philadelphia

Kate Young

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

[email protected] | www.pafa.org | 215.972.1609

Historic and Modern Event space in Center City Philadelphia

  

Phoenix

 

Susie Alofs

Out of the Blue Events

[email protected] | www.outoftheblueeventsaz.com | 480.510.9566

Wedding Venue Rio Verde Ranch, Liberty Wildlife

 

Dawn Bejar

Benedict's Caterers

[email protected] | www.benedictscaterers.com | 602.992.3337

We specialize in events of any size and for any occasion. No matter what your vision may be, our experience and attention to detail can make it come to life. Our staff will ensure your event is as effortless as it is distinctive-managing every aspect from start to finish. We are happy to arrange everything from floral to custom menu design. Our fifteen years of experience providing excellent service and creating exceptional events has earned us our reputation as one of the best corporate and private caterers in the Valley.

 

Jackie Hibbard

Wild One Events

[email protected] | www.wildoneevents.com | 602.377.9122

Wild One Events is a full-service wedding planning and floral design company based in Phoenix, Arizona.

 

Karen Pond

Benedict's Caterers

[email protected] | www.benedictscaterers.com | 602.992.3337

We specialize in events of any size and for any occasion. No matter what your vision may be, our experience and attention to detail can make it come to life. Our staff will ensure your event is as effortless as it is distinctive-managing every aspect from start to finish. We are happy to arrange everything from floral to custom menu design. Our fifteen years of experience providing excellent service and creating exceptional events has earned us our reputation as one of the best corporate and private caterers in the Valley.

 

Southern California

 

Jason Davis

Signature Party Rentals

[email protected] | www.signatureparty.com | 714.954.2639

Full-Service Event Rental & Tent Provider

Taylor Gallegos

Live Wedding Art

[email protected] | 855.619.6196

Corie Lovelace

Signature Party Rentals

[email protected] | www.Signatureparty.Com | 714.545.6777

Luxury event and design rental company with over 30 years experience

 

Meredith Oritt

Schaffer

[email protected] | www.schafferla.com | 310.452.2255

Catering and Event Hospitality

 

Jami Pennings

Wolfgang Puck Catering

[email protected] | 323.491.1269

Catering

  

Melody Ponce

Winner Circle

[email protected] | www.winnercircleevents.com | 562.360.2192

Wedding planning, coordination and nutrition counseling

 

Jason Rhee

Rheefined Company

[email protected] | www.rheefined.com | 424.274.1261

Wedding & Event Production - Planning & Event Design

 

David Tutera

David Tutera Inc

[email protected] | www.davidtutera.com | 310.909.9033

Design and Fashion

 

Tony Watters

Live Wedding Art

[email protected] | www.liveweddingart.com

Live painter

 

Isaac White

IMW Boudoir Photography

[email protected] | www.IMWphotography.com | 323.252.7770

IMW Boudoir Photography creates stunning photographs and handcrafted photo book for brides to gift their husbands. We provide everything to help you look and feel your best from the planning stage to the shoot. We provide magazine quality retouching so that we make you look like the best version of you. After the shoot, we customize each luxury photo book and presentation case with our clients. You can add a personal message, family crest, or initials. You can choose from a wide selection of colors and fine materials that express who you are, and craft something that is unique, personal and intimate.

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                                                  Chapter Events

Colorado 

A little preview of our Q1 event. It was amazing. Hope to see you at the next one! Save the date for our Q2 event Tuesday, May 15! 

 

 

 

A little preview of our Q1 event. It was amazing. Hope to see you at the next one! Save the date for our Q2 event Tuesday, May 15! 

Venue: Le Méridien Denver Downtown  | Planning & Design: First Look  | Place Settings: Adalia Hughes Ceramics | Tables/Chairs/Settings: EventRents Inc | Photographer: Sara Lynn, Photographer | Flowers: Plum Sage Flowers | Stationery: Whimsy Design Studio | Video: Love Story Films | Rentals: Eclectic Hive Event Design | Caligraphy: Handsome Love Calligraphy | Cake: Intricate Icings
Lighting and Decor: Elite Entertainment | Entertainment: DTP Events - Dance Trax Productions | Hair: Beauty on Location Studio | Makeup: Liz Wegrzyn- Makeup Artist  | Linens: Linen Hero by Chair Covers and Linens | Bridal Gowns: Little White Dress

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Southern California Chapter

The WIPA SoCal 2017 and 2018 Board would like to thank all of our amazing attendees who joined us this week at our beautiful WIPA SoCal City of Stars Gala. We hope you all had an amazing time and look forward to seeing you at our next event.

Venue : The Moderne Planning: LVL Weddings & Events Catering: K'Syrah Catering and Events Beverages : Cocktail Concierge Floral : The Bloom Of Time Rentals : Classic Party Rentals Entertainment: VIPs Entertainment Lighting: Premier Lighting & Production Linens: BBJ Linen Stationary: Feel Good Paper Co. Dessert : Sweet Lady Jane Coffee : Urban Espresso Photo : Garrett Richardson Photography Video: Fisheye Studio Photo Booth : Smile Lounge Photo Booth Beauty : faceitsugar

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 Phoenix Chapter 

Thank you Something New Video for this lovely recap 

WIPA Event 12.05.2017 {Something New Media} from Something New Media on Vimeo.

An absolutely stunning event today at Chateau Luxe! Thank you to all the vendors involved and a big thank you to Cara Morrison of A Day to Cherish Weddings for coordinating this cozy event!

Rentals: Event Rentals AZ and  Prim Rentals  | Florals: Lux Florist  | Photography: Rachel Solomon Photo  | Video: Something New Media  | Lighting: Karma Even Llighting  | Linens: Lluxe Linen  | Cookies: P J Cakes AZ  | Stationary: Celebrations in Paper  | Makeup: Baby Doll Weddings  | Speaker: Melissa DeLay

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Presidents Retreat and National Board Meeting

Our Chapter Presidents had a blast and learned a lot a the annual  WIPA Presidents' Retreat in New Orleans! Presidents of all 13 chapters attended as well as the WIPA National Board. Cheers to a fabulous year of educating and networking with the wedding industry's best and brightest stars! 

WIPA San Francisco

Thank you for all that attended and sponsored our January event at Solage, an Auberge Resort with Presentation by Sean Low, The Business Of Being Creative. Big shout out to Design & Planning - Bella Notte Events who planned our  "Scandinavian Dream" meeting!

 

Venue & Catering - Solage, an Auberge Resort Design & Planning - Bella Notte Events Speaker - Sean Low, The Business Of Being Creative Rentals - Theoni Collection Linens - Napa Valley Linens Florals - Marion Moss Floral Design Beverages - Kenefick Ranch Winery Dessert - Crisp Bake Shop Printing - DreamMaker Designs Transportation - Black Tie Transportation Photography - Emily Jean Images Photo booth - Scribble Wall DJ - Verducci Event Productions Marketing - Today's Bride SF

 

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Member News 

Jonathan and Kaye won the “Best Videographer” award at the Modern Luxury Wedding’s Second annual Diamond Awards, on January 25th, 2018.

The Moxie band hired Keyboardist / Vocalist Tom Grose

A Bespoke Edge tuxedo was featured in the latest issue of Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine. It was an incredible styled shoot organized by Calluna Events at the Born Hotel in Denver.

Curate Plan Style and Jennifer Kathryn Photography were featured on Every Last Detail for a romantic and mood jewel-toned wedding inspiration shoot at The Thompson Hotel.

Jennifer Kathryn Photography was also featured in Chicago Splash for a classic and elegant same-sex wedding at Milwaukee Art Museum.

Jessica Lauren Events was featured in California Wedding Day for their lavender inspired wedding at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. Jessica was also honored with the Rising Star Award at the WIPA SoCal Gala. 

Paper Daisies was featured in a stunning eight-page spread in Modern Luxury Wedding Magazine! They were also presented with the “Best Wedding Invitation of the Year” award by Modern Luxury Magazine! 

Renee Dalo of Moxie Bright Events will be speaking at Wedding MBA this November 5 - 8th in Las Vegas. Renee will be speaking in the Wedding Planner track on the "Myth of Day-Of Coordination". 

Jay’s Catering is proud to announce the expansion of our partnership with Hangar 21 Venues. Construction is underway for Orange County’s newest venue, Hangar 21 South! The venue will include indoor and outdoor entertaining areas, a bridal suite, a second story mezzanine overlooking the hangar, and much more.  

Arcis Golf would like to announce that Toni Mennuti, Director of Private Events at Superstition Springs Golf Club, has been promoted to Regional Private Events Director, and will be managing Sales and Events at both Superstitions Springs Golf Club in Mesa, Arizona and The Raven Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.  Toni brings with her to this position 25 years of Wedding/Private Event experience.  Congratulations Toni!

Emily Sullivan Events, President of Emily Sullivan Events will be presenting Surprise & Delight Catering at Catersource in Las Vegas this month. She was also interviewed in the latest issue of Wedding Business Magazine

 Kevin Dennis of WeddingIQ will be speaking at Catersource in Las Vegas this month on the topic of Creating Symbiosis Between Caterers and Venues. He was also recently featured on InStyle.com for an article about how to make a venue space your own. 


Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Event Design recently spoke at The Special Event in New Orleans. She was also featured on Style Me Pretty in an article sharing tips for regional wedding traditions. 

Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting will be speaking at Catersource in Las Vegas this month on the topic of award submissions. She was also recently announced as a speaker for this year's Engage! summit in Banff, Canada. 

Friar Tux has expanded their 30+ retail/rental store footprint to also do 100% online rentals through their Stitch & Tie division. This is part of the owner operated family’s vision is to evolve based on customer demands for the last 40+ years.  They received the 2017 Trendsetter Award from the Orange County Association of Bridal Consultants as well as the Best of the Knot in menswear.

After a stellar 2017; capped off by a wedding in Germany and the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame induction for Founder & CEO Tony Conway, 2018 is gearing up to be Legendary Events’ best year yet. With three weddings in Italy in the planning stages, the company is becoming a favorite amongst discerning international Brides looking to benefit from Conway’s flair for the spectacular, and eye for detail. Both of these enviable traits will be on full display in Tony Conway|Legendary Events, a first edition fine art photography book due to hit the shelves in May. More exclusive news on Tony Conway’s one-of-a-kind book, coming soon!

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in Philadelphia, PA has hired Kate Young as their new Venue Sales Manager. They were recently featured as a top national venue to host a Creative Event, and made a splash on Martha Stewart Weddings.

 Emily Campbell, president of the Colorado chapter and founder and creative director of Bella Event Design & Planning, will be speaking to the Chicago chapter in March about “The Humanitarian Power of the Wedding Industry.” 

LUXE Linen is proud to be featured in the latest issues of Ceremony Magazine and California Wedding Day. LUXE Linen also had two gorgeous Los Angeles weddings featured in Style Me Pretty and Strictly Weddings.

LUXE Linen's Director of Sales, Cindy Celis, received the Rising Star Award for The WIPA SoCal chapter. The honor was presented at the WIPA Gala earlier in the month that took place at The Modern.

Proof of the Pudding has recently hired Hannah Baber as Senior Sales Manager to manage a new exclusive venue opening in 2019. Proof of the Pudding  also promoted Brian Sokol from Event Captain to Assistant Operations Manager and recently hired an Off-Site Executive Pastry Chef,  Rob Porter. Chef Rob has competed on the Food Network twice and prides himself on flavor pairings and innovative desserts.  

Proof of the Pudding was featured in Modern Luxury Magazine as one of Atlanta’s TOP TEN CATERERS in their 10th Anniversary issue.

Green Valley Ranch was awarded the 2018 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award for Venues.

Corporate Executive Chef Jimmy Olang of 24 Carrots was awarded Chef of the Year by the International Caterers Association (ICA). 24 Carrots is also nominated for Caterer of the Year by the ICA. 

24 Carrots is also a nominee for the Catersource Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Award, which recognizes companies that have shown noteworthy achievement in the catering industry through culinary, business, community and professional development. 24 Carrots is the proud recipient of this award for three years (2012, 2015, 2017) and is honored to be nominated again. 24 Carrots was awarded the honor of Elevation of Industry at the Association of Bridal Consultant’s Trendsetter Gala. 24 Carrots have opened their doors to their new corporate headquarters in Costa Mesa. Affectionately referred to by the team as The Patch, this state-of-the-art facility boasts 40,000 square feet of a California Green Building. Our doors are always open to our WIPA friends who want a tour!

The Bently Reserve introduced a brand new couples lounge, designed by Blueprint Studios, that was created to give couples more personal, memorable moments during a busy wedding. The glamorous space provided couples a private space to use as a resource center to help with the planning stages of their wedding, get ready for their wedding parties, and relax before the big event. 

 Rachel Dalton was featured in Brides discussing:  “How to Get a Celebrity to Come to Your Wedding”

AllSeated is thrilled to share that they were a part of Michael Cerbelli's Hot List 2018, which was announced at The Special Event 2018. You can also find Sandy Hammer and the AllSeated team February 20-21 in Las Vegas for the Catersource Tradeshow as part of the inaugural "Find my Favorite Things" event. Attendees will be able to test out the next level of Virtual Reality at the AllSeated Booth with Facebook's billion dollar investment OCULUS, giving you the opportunity to be transported into the virtually world of venues. 
Georgia’s award-winning Barnsley Resort will debut the Inn at Barnsley Resort and all new Georgian Hall on March 1, 2018, adding 55 new rooms and more than 9,000 square feet of indoor space to meet the increasing demand from the group, meeting and wedding segments. The property has been highlighted in Southern Bride and in the 2018 February/March issue of Brides.  

Gillian Marto, Events of a Lifetime is pleased to introduce the addition of Debra A. Hull, as an Event Specialist and Marketing Strategist who has joined EOAL to coordinate the expansion of the company’s services in the Corporate/Charitable/Retail/ and Medical markets.  Ms. Hull brings more than 20 years of experience in PR and Event Planning with specialties in custom events for corporations, developers, medical practices and charities. The new, EAOL division has already been nominated for two Allie Awards for over-the-top successful, branded events for JetSmarter and the Intercontinental Hotel Group.

Additionally, Events of a Lifetime’s luxury wedding division continues to enjoy success and recognition with an additional 6 Allie Award nominations.

 Events of A Lifetime was also recently honored with a Diamond award from Modern Luxury Weddings for the romantic horse and carriage “ 2017’s Best Wedding Get Away.”

Premiere Party Rents is featured on California Wedding Day for this floral-filled Saddlerock Ranch weddingPremiere Party Rents is also featured on Women Getting Married for this rustic San Pedro reception

Good Gracious! Events founder, Pauline Parry is on the latest episode of The Wedding Biz podcast. Good Gracious! Events, Vice President Joanne Purnell will be hosting a class at Catersouce titled, "You are going to want to eat your veggies! Plant-based perfection."
 
Balloonzilla was recognized internationally by UK magazine You & Your Wedding for their stunning balloon cloud in the 'Concrete Thoughts' styled shoot. They were also nominated for a Family-Owned Business Award, The 23rd Annual Women in Business Award, and 2017 ABC OC Trendsetter Award. Their work has also appeared in  Qulatex, Strictly Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes Bespoke Bride, and Inspired By This. 2017 was a year of growth for Balloonzilla. They have moved to a larger location nearby and continue to expand their team size.
Electric Karma was honored to win Best Wedding - Budget Over $1,000 per guest at The Special Events Conference Gala Awards January 30 - February 2
Larkspur Events & Dining  was featured in Vail Daily for their slopeside après ski. They were also highlighted in Mile High Gay Guy and Electric Power News for their culinary courses.  
Sweet Lady Jane was featured on a segment of the Hallmark Channel's Home & Family show making an exclusive Triple Layer Cheesecake, entitled "Home & Family" Cheesecake.

Las Vegas Chapter Director of Sponsorship, Ashley Thompson, has pursued her lifelong dream in becoming an entrepreneur.  Ashley is now the Owner, Lead Designer and Planner of her very own company, Ashley Creative Events!  Ashley may now be reached at[email protected] or (702) 994-9957.

Vibiana was featured on California Wedding Day for a beautiful Hindu Ceremony and on Belle The Magazine for a glamorous South Asian wedding. On January 28th Vibiana hosted the seventh annual I Do! Bridal event. The showcase, produced by Fancy That! Events featured 125 exhibitors and awe-inspiring designs by Los Angeles’ most talented creatives.

Rayce PR recently attended The Special Event 2018 in New Orleans where founder, Rhonda Couchigian, had the opportunity to speak on a panel of Marketing All Stars. 

 

 

Upcoming Events  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding International Professionals Association
8711 E Pinnacle Peak Rd #227
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
United States
844 - 444 - 9300