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All Things Weddings
Happy New Year Everyone!
When I first got into the event industry I saw no future for myself in it. It seemed vapid and superficial. I told one of my early celebrity brides that I was reconsidering my profession. She grabbed my arm and said, “You are creating memories for me that I will reflect upon my whole life, I likely will remember my wedding on my death bed.” These words changed my future. It allowed me to take pride in what I do beyond creating beautiful spaces. I realized what events really mean to us as humans.
Events are the talismans of human history. We are entrusted to create memories, and share in the most memorable moments in people’s lives. A wedding is perhaps the most memorable event in a couple’s lives before the birth of a child. This is how I drive my passion- it's not only art, but it is also life.
I have been blessed to be part of this amazing organization, WIPA, since its inception. Although I am not a founding member, the first WIPA event was held in my showroom. It has been an amazing journey.
I have been blessed to know all of the founding members and the presidents. I have seen them all give up themselves for an industry whose core is the love of couples. For the last three years, working with Brit, and Kevin I have seen people working, debating, giving, and forging new paths in an industry so needing of a strong nonprofit organization to help raise the level not only of all of our talents but of the experience for all of our couples.
I have served for 5 Years now on the National, and now International Board, and have been blessed to receive the guidance and knowledge of founding members such as Therese, Nahid, and Pauline. I am thrilled that Paula will be rejoining our International Board as Treasurer this year.
This Board is truly a team effort, and a bunch of truly wonderful and hard working people; not to mention a wonderful resource for the wedding industry.
As the ball has been passed to me to be the captain of this team for a year, I look to the past for guidance and forward for inspiration. This year, I am sure my team will inspire new ideas in the organization, solidify good ethics and help educate the industry in new and innovative ways.
2017 is a time for continued growth for our wonderful organization, and this allows us to include more cities in our family and hold more educational meetings throughout the US and beyond.
In the stressful and sleepless moments and nights, we often ask ourselves why???? Why do we do this? For me, there are three real answers….. 1 I love making people happy, 2 I love to be creative, and 3……. I LOVE the people who are drawn to this mad stressful world. They are so dynamic, smart, creative and hard-working.
I look forward to meeting more of you throughout the WIPA family this year, and to being inspired by your creativity, talents, and style.
So, Cheers to those past board members and a HUGE thank you for setting us on such a great path, Salud to those who will make WIPA amazing in 2017, and may all of your businesses thrive and evolve in the next year. We hope you share this knowledge with the WIPA family.
~Rrivre
Your Free Exhibit Hall Pass to The Special Event 2017:
200+ exhibits
Opening General Session
5,000+ event profs
Gala Awards
TSE Live Theater
Gala Boards
Design Gallery Showcase
Use Discount Code: WIPA for your Free Exhibit Hall pass or Take Advantage of Discounted Pricing on the Full Education Package! Save over 30% by Registering Now!
Catersource, the Show for Catering and Event Professionals, is heading to New Orleans March 12 - 15, 2017 for an industry experience like never before! Discover new trends, ideas, business concepts, products and services in this lively, culture-filled city as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this industry-leading event.
Visit conference.catersource.com for more details about this year's education, events, networking, and more and
save $50 with code 17WIPA on the Catersource Connect or Catersource Conference & Tradeshow packages.
We'll see you in New Orleans!
Did you know, the average HoneyBook member saves 3 weeks a year on administrative tasks? We are excited to partner with HoneyBook to give you less work, more life. HoneyBook is 100% customizable, easy and complete online business management software. It’s designed just for creatives to easily create, send and store electronic proposals, contracts and invoices in one place - keeping you more organized and giving your clients a digital experience.
WIPA members can save $100 off a Founding Membership or 20% off monthly membership*, plus complimentary account set-up. It has never been easier, than now. Click below to schedule a personalized demo and get a free 14 day trial.
https://calendly.com/greatdane
*Offer is only for current WIPA member
WIPA is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Where Will They Stay?, a unique service offering custom hotel room block procurement for wedding and event planners. Their free service means that you, or your clients, save the time and hassle of reaching out to hotels for a discounted room block, and their shared revenue model means that their industry partners earn commissions on every referral.
We're thrilled to share that WIPA members will exclusively receive a 20% commission for every referred block.Visit www.wherewilltheystay.com or e-mail Amy Green at [email protected] to learn more about their services today!
WIPA would like to welcome & thank our newest members for joining and supporting our organization as we continue to expand across the nation! Please be sure to reach out and welcome these new members.
New York Chapter New Members
Urvashi Mishra
Electric Karma International- East Coast
[email protected]
www.electric-karma.com
201.725.8222
Event planner for South Asian weddings
Phoenix Chapter New Members
Nicole McCall
Desert Botanical Garden
[email protected]
www.dbg.org/hold-event
480.481.8159
Non-profit Organization
Laurie Stricklin
Two Hearts and a Planner
[email protected]
www.twoheartsandaplanner.com
602.418.1845
Wedding and Event Planning
Diane Ursprunger
Arizona's Finest Wedding Sites and Services/ Twin Publishing Inc
[email protected]
finestweddingsites.com
480.970.1948
Wedding Publication
San Francisco Chapter New Members
Alexis Garhammer
Claremont Club & Spa, A Fairmont Hotel
[email protected]
www.fairmont.com
510.549.8564
Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, Claremont Club & Spa sets new heights in services, amenities and accommodations. Conveniently located in the heart of Berkeley, its 276 beautifully appointed rooms offer a mix of old world charm and California comfort, many boasting breathtaking views of San Francisco.
CHECK OUT WIPA'S RECENT EVENTS!
Southern California Chapter
WIPA SoCal wrapped up 2016 with our 3rd Annual Winter Gala, "A Gem of a Night" at the Hotel Irvine. Our planning committee and sponsors created a spectacular evening filled with beautiful and unexpected touches inspired by this year's biggest decorative trends. Thank you to all our attendees, sponsors, and planning committee for creating a memorable evening in celebration of another year of excellence!
A special thank you to this year's gala sponsor for their generosity and support: Venue - Hotel Irvine, Planning Chairs - de Luxe Events & Sweetest Love Events, Photography - Christopher Todd Studios, Video - Amari Productions, Stationery - AmpersandInk Designs, Rentals - Baker Party Rentals, Desserts - Beverly’s Bakery, Wine - Chloe Wine Collection, Beauty - Design Visage, Florals - Flower Duet, DJ - Krieger, Entertainment - LA Follies, Donut & Dessert - Lavish Candy, Draping - NFP Productions, Rentals - Rrivre Works, Photobooth - SocialLight, Live Music - The Society Band, Custom Dance Floor - TMMPRO, Espresso Bar - Urban Espresso, Linens - Wildflower Linens, Lighting - 3J Events, Take Away - Sweet Traders
Proof of the Pudding is proud to announce a major move of their corporate headquarters to the west midtown facility named COMPLEX, operated by Third & Urban, an Atlanta-based real estate development and investment firm. Proof of the Pudding will occupy 31,000 square feet and become operational by mid-year 2017. They are also welcoming Josalyn Holmes, Executive Sous Chef!! Josalyn has 12 years of experience working with some of Atlanta's top restaurants and best-known chefs. Passionate about cooking, she's been known to enter and win cooking competitions as well as recipe writing contests. In her spare time, she's a volunteer at the Atlanta Community Food Bank, loves spending time with family, enjoys working out, and working in her garden.
Scheme Events landed a three-page feature in The Knot California Magazine for their Las Vegas destination wedding featuring some of the best vendors in Las Vegas.
Amy Green of Where Will They Stay? will be at The Special Event in Long Beach, CA as a panelist on the topic of Work Smarter, Not Harder: Creating New Revenue Streams for Your Event Business on Wednesday, January 11 at 2:45 pm.
Kathy A. Newby, CERP, Sales Manager for Abbey Party Rents - SF will be speaking at The Special Event 2017 in Long Beach on Thursday, January 12th at 4:30 pm. Her co-presenter is Gwen Helbush, CWC, Owner of Where to Start Wedding Management, their presentation is titled “Are You Ignoring an Important Asset to Your Business?”
JP Reynolds has published the 2nd edition of his popular book: How To Officiate A Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony revised and expanded with 7 new chapters that help the guest officiant deliver an awesome ceremony!
Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services will be speaking at The Special Event on the topic of The Latest and Greatest in Lighting and Decor Trends. He will also be a member of the A Technophile, An App Enthusiast, A Skeptic and a Luddite, panel. He recently had his article, Essential Apps for Event Companies, published on Honeybook, along with having his Catersource article, Roundup: Outdoor Wedding Lighting Inspiration, featured.
Fairy Tale Photography has been featured in the Winter 2016 edition of Gay Weddings & Marriage Magazine. They have recently opened a location in the Bay Area and service all of California!
Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting was recently published on Special Events with her article Wedding Disruptors: Who to Watch in 2017. She was also a featured guest blogger on SocialTables speaking on the benefits of partnership marketing. See the full article here.
Good Gracious! Events is very proud of its founder, Pauline Parry, for being honored and inducted into the WIPA Hall of Fame. This in on the heels of the nomination from The Special Event (TSE) Show for Best Catered Event for 2016 as well as being featured in California Wedding Day.
Stephanie Uchima Events was featured on California Wedding Day's real weddings for a romantic Parisian inspired wedding in Santa Monica. They were also featured on the Offbeat Bride for an intimate same-sex beach wedding in Playa del Rey.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Atlanta Chapter
Save the Day! Legendary Events presents Cindy Novotny at Flourish on January 17, 2017. Kick off the new year with a great day of learning!
Colorado Chapter
Please save the date for January 17th as we host our 2nd Member Only round table for current Colorado WIPA members at the Four Seasons Vail!
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
One Vail Road
Vail, CO 81657
Please arrive at 3:30pm to grab a drink
4:00pm – 5:30pm: Bubbles, Snacks & Round Table Meeting in Meadows
5:30pm – 6:30pm: Cocktails & Bites in Remedy Lounge
*Special Room Rate of $295.00 for WIPA members who want to stay over night
For overnight lodging please contact Rebecca Steffen Catering & Conference Service Manager at 970.477.8813 or [email protected]
Current members will enjoy networking and a roundtable discussion with your colleagues and peers. We plan to grab a drink and talk business! Topics could include common industry challenges & individual company successes shared around
a table of like minds.
The meeting is complimentary to members only!
We hope to see all current WIPA Colorado members on January 17th!
To RSVP and provide suggestions on topics you'd like to discuss during the round table please email [email protected]. We look forward to making this an informative, educational and inspiring discussion on wedding industry in Colorado!
Las Vegas Chapter
We are looking forward to our Installation/Celebration event which will take place on Feb. 1st 2017 from 6-9pm at the SLS Hotel & Casino.
 
Philadelphia Chapter
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