Member News - April 2021

As always, a big shout out to our members that have made the news. Below you'll find members that have been highlighted or otherwise recognized. Thank you to those that submitted news this month and thank you to our members that continue to push the outside of the envelope in some way. 

Ideaction Consulting brought Stephanie Buttell onto their growing copywriting team of five. She’ll contribute brand communication strategies, website copy, proposal writing and blog content. Stephanie brings with her nine years at Four Seasons in weddings and events, as well as a background in marketing and communication.

Kristen Seaholm, of The KS Experience, was featured in Martha Stewart Weddings for a stunning micro-wedding hosted at a private estate she managed. Per MSW, this couple's celebration was full of personal details that honored many family legacies.  

Loren Petrowski, Owner of Marry You in Hawaii was quoted in an article for WeddingWire, 9 Signs You Need a Wedding-Planning Pause, Bridal Guide, New Ways to Embrace Technology in Your Wedding, and The Knot, 50 Fresh Beach Wedding Ideas for a Seaside Event You’ll Love.

Alan Katz of Great Officiants is excited to be able to reopen his indoor Cute Little Wedding Chapel in mid-April. All his staff will be fully vaccinated by then. They will be able to have7 guests inside and their Outdoor Terrace will be able to accommodate 15 guests. Take the Tour.

Sure, thanks for asking. Napa Valley Linens just introduced their new 2021 collection of linens. “We thought it was important to introduce a new collection in 2021 in order to give our clients something to look forward to. As restrictions ease throughout California, we expect a surge of events due to pent up demand. There’s nothing like a fresh collection of linens to get people’s creative juices flowing,” said CEO Sharon Dexmier.

Newly married couple Katherine and Demetrius gave Leland Mosley of Boogie Entertainment an awesome review on Weddingwire.  “DJ Boogie was A M A Z I N G ! And the out most professional.The reception was bumpin! Both sides of the families were very pleased with the music selection. Our night was MAGICAL & PERFECT!”

Christie Osborne of Mountainside Media gave insight on ‘The Three Metrics To Track To Evaluate Your Business’ on WeddingIQ. Christie was featured on Special Events for ‘Rebuilding Confidence in Your Market through Effective Marketing.’ She also spoke to Catersource on ‘No Blog, No Worries: How to Earn Qualified Web Traffic Without a Blog.’

Elizabeth Sheils of Rock Paper Coin  made an appearance on Wedding Industry Insider Podcast  and gave the ‘Tech Hacks You Don’t Want to Miss.’ Elizabeth also discussed ‘How To Keep Up With Networking In An Era Of Social Distancing’ on WeddingIQ and shared ‘3 Tips To Spring Clean Your Inbox’ on NACE

Michelle Loretta of Be Sage Consulting (formerly Sage Wedding Pros) has launched Be Sage Intensive, an immersive learning experience where wedding professionals will write a marketing plan alongside 15 marketing experts. The program will take place April 26 through June 4 and registration is open through April 19.

Henry Chen of Wedding Chat Marketing recently presented a webinar for the NACE Facebook Live Series on the topic ‘How to Generate Wedding and Event Leads on Autopilot Using Chat Marketing.’ He is also set to present an upcoming webinar on April 28 for Allseated on the topic ‘Chatbots and Messenger Marketing: The Recipe for Success You Didn't Know You Needed’ where he’ll be sharing his expertise. 

Kevin Dennis of WeddingIQ was included in two Special Events articles this past month. He was part of a roundup of experts on ‘Streamlining a (Hopefully) Busy 2021’ and revealed ‘Your Guide to Client Communication During Engagement Season.’

Jennifer Taylor of Jen Taylor Consulting gave advice on ‘Great Ideas, No Direction? How To Bring Your Wedding Business Vision To Life’ on The Wedding Academy.

Dixie Bagley of The Farm sat down and spoke with the Wedding Bossness Podcast on ‘Business Tips from a Wedding Venue Owner’ and shared the ‘Best Practices For Successfully Managing Multiple Brands’ on WeddingIQ.

Renée Dalo of Moxie Bright Events was featured on both Catersource and Special Events for ‘A Guide to Clubhouse for Wedding Pros.’ 

Lisa Anhaiser of Creating the Map for Success contributed her expert advice on how to ‘Leverage Your Event Photos for Increased Web Traffic’ on GoodShuffle and the ‘2021 Wedding Trends You Need To Know’ on Allseated.

Meghan Ely of  OFD Consulting rounded up experts for her article on Special Events on how to ‘Streamline a (Hopefully) Busy 2021’ and ‘How to Incorporate a Theme Without Going Over the Top’ on So This Is Love. Meghan also shared ‘Managing Couples with your Real Wedding Submissions’ on Catersource

Tanya Pushkine aka The Vow Whisperer was featured in a recent Marie Claire article describing the added importance of doing you own vows in a micro wedding.

Tanya  also appeared on the podcasts on Bridal Business Bootcamp and Runaway Bride. She was also written about in LoveStoriesTV on how to plan a Lesbian wedding

We have a lot of great news at Vacasa:

Ireland's Gloster House was recently featured in Wedding Chicks and One Fab Day for two small, intimate weddings. The former of these was written by WIPA Ireland President Tara Fay. These two stunning weddings show just what is possible with a small guest list. Gloster House has also recently created a detailed virtual tour

Katie Fischer Design has launched a new, ready-to-order online stationery shop called The KFD Collection. This chic and affordable collection includes our popular Vintage Travel Poster Save the Date and The Jewel Toned Botanical Suite (which was recently featured on Style Me Pretty). 

Kirsten Palladino of Equally Wed and Equally Wed Pro has launched a new mini course titled "How to produce an authentically inclusive LGBTQ+ styled shoot." Kirsten was also featured in The New York Times for How to Use Instagram to Plan Your Wedding, and her book, Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding, was named as one of the 10 Best Wedding Planner Books to Buy Now by Woman Getting Married (with a generous shoutout from WIPA vice president Mara Mazdzer).

Gloria Schulz, Owner & Lead Planner of Gloria Schulz Events, and WIPA Atlanta Board Member, Secretary, has been featured on Hey Wedding Lady  Gloria planned The Earth Toned Rustic Details meet Avant-Garde Style editorial photoshoot which was photographed at The Carlyle Venue in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Earth-toned rustic details meet Avant-Garde style were the theme of this editorial photoshoot featured on Hey Wedding Lady The focus of the photoshoot was on a vibrant color scheme. Using golden yellow and rich green accents similar to those elements found in nature. This editorial photoshoot was planned by Gloria Schulz, Owner and Lead Planner at Gloria Schulz Events, and WIPA Atlanta Board member, Secretary, and was photographed at The Carlyle Venue in Atlanta, Georgia.

Leah Weinberg of Color Pop Events is launching her new book, The Wedding Roller Coaster, on April 6th. She was also featured in Woman Getting Married, sharing about the book in ‘The 10 Best Wedding Planner Books to Buy Now’.

On April 14, Rosewood Miramar Beach will introduce The Revere Room, a new all-day eatery helmed by the resort’s Executive Chef Massimo Falsini. The restaurant will celebrate the best of the American Riviera with a heavy emphasis on hyper-locality, sourcing primarily from nearby farms and purveyors and bringing to life a truly sustainable concept set against the unparalleled backdrop of Miramar Beach. Named in a subtle nod to one of Los Angeles’ most prolific architects Paul Revere Williams, whose work influenced several of the resort’s most distinguished design details, The Revere Room will bring to Montecito an elegant yet lively dining experience, ideal for all occasions. The seasonally-driven menu incorporates the freshest ingredients from local farmers, fisherman and ranchers, as well as the resort's own garden, to offer an array of health-conscious cuisine good for people and planet alike. Highlights range from plant-based bowls to regenerative elixirs.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Southern California’s most luxurious oceanfront resort, announces the appointments of four new members to its food and beverage team: Justin Sanford as director of outlets; Devin Kennedy as director of bars; Shibani Mone as chef de cuisine and Yannick Dumonceau as executive pastry chef. With experience at globally recognized establishments in North America and Europe, together the four new additions reinforce the resort as a premier culinary destination.

The Whitlock Inn hires Lauren Trapp as Director of Weddings and Events. Lauren was formally at Barnsley Resort where she served as Special Events and Wedding Sales Manager. Lauren has over six years of experience in Sales, Servicing, Day of Coordination and Design. Lauren will oversee the weddings and events at the Whitlock Inn where her talent and attention to detail will enhance and elevate the overall experience for guests. Her artistic ability and marketing background will allow her to develop customized specialty items to create a one of kind event. The Whitlock Inn continues to grow and flourish with the addition of Lauren to their team! Lauren will also assist with events at their sister property, Sanctuary Estate.

 

The Whitlock Inn is excited to be named 2021’s Best Wedding Venue in Cobb County! After a very challenging 2020 for everyone, it is with a deep appreciation that they were able to turn a difficult year into one of growth. Since many events had to move dates, the Whitlock Inn moved forward with a total interior redesign. Staying true to the historic charm and architecture, the Whitlock Inn has restored it’s beauty and vibrance. They are grateful for the overwhelming response to the new interior and for the support in being voted Best Wedding Venue in Cobb County. They are honored to be part of the beautiful Marietta square where they can further offer activities and shopping as a total weekend experience for anyone booking their event at the Whitlock Inn.

Sip, sip, hooray! Friar Tux had the honor of featuring their burgundy tuxedo in this Chandon Winery Wedding in Napa Valley from Green Wedding Shoes last month. Speaking of incredible settings, this green suit by Friar Tux was a stunner in this flower-filled, open air greenhouse wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes.

Friar Tux’s tan suit and floral tie can be seen in Hey Wedding Lady’s breathtaking, Provence-inspired wedding shoot.  Wedding industry professionals interested in working with Friar Tux through their preferred vendor referral program or on an upcoming styled shoot may click here to learn more. Friar Tux invites industry professionals and engaged couples to join @friartux on Instagram Live on Friday, April 9th at 11am PST as Eric Acuña, Vice President of Sales, provides tips about planning suits and tuxedos for out of town groomsmen.

Chef Martin Deardorf and his wife Dawn Deardorf of Aurora Catering are pleased to have moved their commercial kitchen to the Farm-Acy Food Hub in San Leandro, California.   The Food Hub is operated by the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff's Activities League.  ACDSAL offers dozens of food programs to those in need in Alameda County.  Aurora Catering is proud to have been chosen in March and April to cook and deliver 5,880 meals to two local homeless shelters - First Presbyterian Church of Hayward and the South Hayward Parish Shelter.  Chef Marty and Dawn are so happy to be able to give back to the community in this way, especially at this time of great need.

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