I want to start by saying that this blog may not be the most exciting for a couple planning their wedding. It will be educational and possibly filled with some heavy topics, but this is an important one that I feel compelled to write about today. See, as a wedding planner, I see the behind-the-scenes of a lot of businesses in the area. Many of them claim to be “inclusive” to the LGBTQ+ community, but one look at some simple documents that they provide their couples can tell you they’re not. You cannot be “inclusive” if you still use the terms “bride” and “groom” on your intake forms or contracts. Simple as that. And that’s just the starting point of interactions that couples have with wedding professionals. I hope this blog will inspire you on how to change your everyday life and that it is a valuable tool for educating other business owners in the wedding industry.
Vesic Photography
Who Are You To Speak On This Topic?
Before you go asking, “Who are you to speak on this topic? Aren’t you a straight, cis-gendered wedding planner?” Yep, I am. And I would never say that I am the perfect person for this topic. I am just sharing my experiences and the education that I have received on the topic. Because even I had to make changes. See even though I have two moms, marched in LGBTQ+ parades and protests, volunteered for GLSEN for three years……I naturally had a heteronormative mindset. When I started my company, my business was established and written with the idea that I was “inclusive” when in actuality I was just “accessible”. But I knew I wanted to be different, so I asked questions and educated myself, and made the changes necessary. And you can too.
Polina Tankilevitch
What Is Heteronormativity?
So let’s go back to the main topic here, what is heteronormativity? By definition it is “of, relating to, or based on the attitude that heterosexuality is the only normal and natural expression of sexuality.” (Merriam-Webster) Heteronormativity is where it is assumed and promoted that heterosexuality is the normal sexual orientation and that people fall into male and female roles.
In the wedding industry, there is this “Bride” obsession. Take a few moments and just search the internet. Look at big wedding planning sites, look at local wedding pros, read some wedding blogs, pick up a wedding planning magazine. How many times do you see a Bride and Groom before you saw an LGBTQ+ couple? What about Bridal Shows, Bridal Suites, Bridal showers, etc. People are raised to believe that a “Bride” has been dreaming about her wedding since birth. It is assumed that “the bride” is the one planning the wedding while “the groom” just shows up. As a wedding planner, I get calls and emails from companies all the time boasting about how many “brides” they have in attendance at their shows, or how many “brides” utilize their website or service.
But SPOILER ALERT, not every wedding has a “Bride and Groom”. Some have two brides. Some have two grooms. Some have weddings where the couple doesn’t want to use any of those terms. So how do you think they feel when they go to a wedding professional’s website and don’t see themselves represented? And not just once, but over and over again. Wedding planning is a special time that is celebrated, but how can you feel special and celebrated when you don’t feel included? Heteronormativity harms LGBTQ+ couples because it makes them feel invalid and unrecognized. And they deserve to be recognized and celebrated. They need to see themselves in blogs, on websites, in magazines. They need to know a wedding business is inclusive and when they read your intake form…..they know right then if you are or aren’t.
Bobbi Frohman Imaging & Design
How Do We Change That?
The very first thing you should do as a wedding business is to take a look at your website, questionnaires, intake forms, welcome packet, etc. Look at how you refer to services or items you sell. Every time I go to a venue and they show me the “bridal suite”, I cringe. Look for heteronormative terms and change them. Right now. This would be the best first step in removing heteronormativity from your wedding business.
Second, never assume titles. Instead, ask your couples what they would prefer for their pronouns or title. Or if a couple presents them without asking, make a note of it and use it. When a couple goes to my website and fills in my lead form, they are asked their names and preferred pronouns. When we have our consultation, they are asked what they want to be called. And anything is an option in my book. Bride, groom, merrier, nearlywed, their name, goddess…whatever! Ask what they prefer and then to only refer to them as that throughout the rest of the wedding planning process. Also, add your pronouns EVERYWHERE! Your website, your email signature, your social media. Something as simple as that can show that you recognize and are open to any and all pronouns.
I also want to mention the wedding party. Notice how I didn’t say “bridal party”? Tradition is out the window and a lot of couples are doing mixed-gender wedding parties. There may be a Man of Honor or a Best Woman or a Person of Honor. Before you start asking people to line up for the ceremony or for the introductions into the reception, be sure to ask each member of the wedding party what they would like to be referred to as.
Examples Of Inclusive Language
Here are just a few other options of ways to change your language to be inclusive:
Bride/Groom: Partner, Merrier, Nearlywed, Celebrant, or Client
Bride and Groom: The Couple, Clients, Nearlyweds, Merriers, Celebrants, Partners, The Brides (if there are two women), The Grooms (if there are two men)
Bachelor & Bachelorette: Bach Party or Pre-Wedding Party
Bridal Party: Wedding Party, Wedding Squad, Entourage, or Honor Attendants
Bridal Suite: Wedding Suite, Green Room, Getting Ready Suite, Couple’s Suite, or Honeymoon Suite
Bridal Portraits: Wedding Portraits, Pre-Wedding Portraits, or Formal Portraits
Bridal Shower: Wedding Shower or Pre-wedding Party
Bridal Show: Wedding Show
Bridal Gown: Wedding Gown
Bridal Bouquet: Bouquet
Flower Girl: Flower Child, Flower Attendant
Menswear: Formalwear, Attire, or Suits
Agustina Tapia
Any Change Is A Change In The Right Direction
As I said before, when I started my company, I was not as inclusive as I thought I was. But I learned what I needed to change and you can too. You have been raised in a culture where heteronormativity was, well, the norm, so you have a lot to unpack and reverse. That is not something that happens overnight. But there are so many resources out there that can help. If I was to recommend any it would be Equally Wed Pro. They have a fantastic certification course for becoming LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Remember, as long as you are taking consistent steps to move away from heteronormative thinking, then you are taking steps in the right direction.
This year in review post is going to be SO different than years pasts. Normally I open with something inspirational about the past year, my hopes for the future, and touch on all the amazing events and happenings I was lucky to be a part of. This year my couples faced planning during a pandemic, postponing their event to 2021, or making the extremely hard choice of canceling. It’s a lot to talk about and so I will keep that for a separate post.
Brooklyn Media
With that in mind, I think I’ve sat down to write this blog at least 4 times and I just don’t know how to lay it all out. I will start first by saying that I am happy to be alive and healthy. I am lucky that my family and friends have escaped Covid thus far or have had mild cases (if even a mild case really is a mild case). My heart pours out to those friends and strangers who have lost someone to Covid or just frankly have been impacted by this whole situation. Which is really everyone, even you dear reader.
My Personal Life
I was having to manage my business as well as my role as Mom and Wife. It started with virtual school for my preschooler, a summer of going nowhere (canceling our Disney trip even), making the hard decision to send my daughter into kindergarten, and then back to virtual school again. Plus everything else in between. Let me first say, I am not a teacher and although being a wedding planner is a Top 10 Most Stressful Job, I cannot share my love for teachers enough. Teachers are everything to kids right now. So if you are a teacher reading this…..thank you!
I also had two surgeries which were scary in themselves. My knee was planned but my gallbladder was not. And frankly, I would rather have another child then experience a gallbladder attack again. Add on Covid and my recovery time stuck at home with a 5-year-old. This year has taught me a lot of patience…..and also not.
Wedding Planner Life
One Red Door Photography
I can say for certain that the wedding industry was rocked hard this year and still has not recovered. Frankly, I feel it will be a long time before weddings return to what used to be “normal”. That doesn’t mean weddings won’t happen, but just as we see them will be a little different for some time.
I have had friends close their businesses or come reeeeally close. I have spent countless hours chatting with other wedding professionals and just listening to their frustrations and giving them the best advice I can. I myself have leaned on my colleagues for advice and information. When the regulations on live events first went into place, I was glued to my computer for information and to make sure that the local industry Facebook group I run was civil and the correct information was given out. I also had to postpone the wedding show I was organizing that was supposed to be in just two weeks.
There was also supporting my couples with whatever decisions they had to make and assuring them they were making the right decisions for themselves. When I started wedding planning, postponements and cancellations happened once in a blue moon. This was new territory and with my ability to think on my feet, knowledge of weddings and how they work, and capacity to be exceptionally organized, I was able to assist my couples in whatever they needed while still keeping my company afloat.
The Silver Linings
In a nutshell, 2020 sucked….hardcore. But there were some positives that came out of it as well.
My daughter and I got to spend a lot of time together. Not only because we couldn’t go anywhere, but when a child starts kindergarten it’s a shock. I went from her being home all but a few hours a day for preschool, to being gone for more than half the day at kindergarten. It was great for many reasons but my heart missed her so much. So although zoom for young kids is a complete joke (I wish I had a mute button) and my daughter has probably consumed way too much TV, I was able to be with her.
My car mileage and gas consumption has gone WAY down and I have saved a lot of money.
We actually met a lot of our neighbors we had never met before. Seriously, we have lived in this house for 15 years and we actively talked to two people that lived near us. This summer my daughter made 5 new friends that all live within 3 houses of us. One is right across the street, where we basically spent our summer in their little pool. The even bigger silver lining is I made friends with her mom. Like sitting on the couch, enjoying a drink together, letting the girls play all while we talk about life friend. That is priceless to me.
I became moderately better at sewing. I got a lot of practice helping to make masks for frontline workers (over 450 of them!)
CLE Weddings
So there you go. A short rundown of my year that shall not be named. I am putting it behind me as best as I can because we are still really in the thick of it. I’m trying my best to look forward to the positives and projects in the future.
To my couples that have postponed, we will meet again and put together an amazing celebration that everyone will be beyond ready to have. To the new couples that have found their way to me, I am feeling very lucky that you have put your trust in me and that no matter what happens we will get through it together. To my fellow wedding professionals, congratulations on making it here and surviving what is probably the most unique and hardest season to date. To my friends and family, I cannot wait for the Christmases in July and bonfire cookouts this summer. We will get to hang out and hug and be with each other again. Cheers to 2021, I am ready for it. May it bring peace, happiness, closure, or anything else you need it to bring. You deserve it.
I’m not going to sugar coat it. Wedding planning can be overwhelming. Along with all the decisions you have to make, there are all those parts you have to keep organized to make sure everything is covered and nothing is forgotten. Keeping your wedding planning process as streamlined as possible is so important to me. What better way to do that than with an online planning portal that both you and I can collaborate on together. It is completely customized based on your needs and is user friendly. It will help keep everything together and easier to manage as you plan your wedding day. This planning tool is included when you book with me no matter your planning package. Whatever I can do to help you will make my job easier, and make the entire day seamless.
YOUR WEDDING PLANNING CHECKLIST
Whether you have a year to plan your wedding or only 6 months, this customizable checklist will help keep your wedding planning moving forward. With assignments and comment capabilities, all communication can be focused on the task at hand. Check things off as you go and watch as your completed percentage increases with every checkmark. It’s quite satisfying.
YOUR CALENDAR
As you plan your wedding you will have tastings, meetings, fittings, and so many other appointments to make. Keeping track of your schedule is easy with this calendar. You can see your appointments, assignments, and even when payments are due. Plus it is easy to sync to your mobile device for easy access.
DESIGNING YOUR WEDDING
Keep track of and share your inspiration, sketches, and favorite images for your wedding. You can even create your own color pallet to help guide your choices. This is something that can easily be shared with important people that are helping with wedding planning. It’s also an option to add your wedding day team members to your project and work together there to bring it all together.
WEDDING GUEST MANAGEMENT
The Guest List tool helps you to keep track of each invitation, all guests information, RSVPs, meal choices, allergies and special requirements, gifts, thank you notes sent….phew. Everything and anything you need to make sure that your guest list is organized. It also correlates directly with the Seating Tool, but more on that in a second.
COLLECTING ONLINE RSVPS
If you’re looking to be economical, you can email RSVP requests to all or specific guests and have them automatically updated on your guest list. This means less work for you! You can also use this tool to send general messages and information to your guests. It’s simple to use and helps take your event to the next level of organization.
WEDDING GUEST SEATING TOOL
I know a lot of people hate the idea of having to make a seating chart. But it really is SO essential to your guest’s enjoyment. And making a seating chart has never been easier. Just type in a name to each table and it marks them off on the right, that way you know who has been seated and who hasn’t. You can also use the groups feature to see relations and friendships, this helps ensure each table works for each guest.
FLOORPLAN CREATION
This is the tool that I use to easily create a floorplan of your entire event. It will include all tables and areas for guest enjoyment. It makes sure that you not only have enough space but ensures the room flows well. And as you seat guests in the seating tool you will be able to visually see where your guests will be seated.
WEDDING DAY TEAM MANAGEMENT
Keep track of all of your hired wedding professionals, their contact information, and important documents. You can also enter invoices and payments that automatically update your budget. With reminders as well as when things are due so you are never late on a payment. This is also where I will share with you my recommendations for professionals that I feel will do a fantastic job on your wedding day.
WEDDING PLANNING BUDGET MANAGEMENT
One of the first things you should do, besides creating your guest list, is to create your wedding budget. It is so important to set that early and stick to it, and the budgeting tool helps you do just that. Keep track of the money spent and what you have left. It comes preloaded for you with recommended ranges for each category and easily adjusts as you plan so that you can reallocate funds to different ones.
EXTRA HANDY NOTES
Within your notes, you will find places to put all of the finer details, like music lists and packing lists. I always put in here the important documents for working with me and tips and tricks that can help you along the way with your wedding planning.
This was a year of growth for me as a wedding planner in many ways. I’m slowly working on growing Eventistry into the company I see it becoming. See, I’m on a 15-year-plan….when my daughter is 15 and doesn’t want anything to do with me anymore, I want to be doing this full time. (I’m kidding…..but also, not really.)
This year included helping 7 of my own clients walk down the aisle, being featured on a CBS Sunday Morning News, assisting another wedding planner on 3 of her weddings, a business trip to Las Vegas, a creation of a local wedding planner mastermind, growing my local facebook group for professionals to almost 700 members, a change in my second company We Thee Wed, 2 wedding shows completed and one in the works, beginning the process of my first styled shoot for early next year and discussing wedding shows for 2021. All while trying to maintain my personal relationships and raise my daughter as a stay-at-home mom. Wowza. So here we go, my year in review for 2019!
January
It was just a few days into the New Year when I met with Val (Perfectly Planned) for tea and we discussed bringing together wedding planners in the area to form a mastermind. It turned into a monthly meeting with about 8 planners and we have big plans for the future for wedding planners in the area. Even more importantly, this was the first time I actually sat down with Val for more than 5 minutes, actually learned about her and gained a new friend.
L to R: Diana, Erin, Karen, Val and Lindsey
February – March
Then I began to really focus on both of the wedding shows I had organized with my second company We Thee Wed. The first was in North Olmsted, on the windiest day of the year. The power went out and was out for the entire setup (lit only by the wireless LED uplights provided by the amazing Mo of Lime Lights Entertainment). It turned back on 5 minutes before the doors were to open and I broke down in tears of joy…..seriously. The second show is the one I do annually with Villa Croatia in Eastlake where we had 65+ vendors – my biggest show to date.
This was the month that my wedding season started to really take off. Client meetings were beginning, and just as awesome was the shoot I took part in. Back in February, I was talking with a producer at CBS Sunday Morning about surprise weddings. And I was currently planning one with a couple and they were looking to feature one. Well, they picked us!! They came out this month to do some interviews and planned to come back for the big day later. None of my interview made the cut, but we got pictures of it at least and I was shown in the segment as their wedding planner. A complete success for me.
My first wedding of 2019 was the surprise wedding with Alisha and Tyler at Claridon Woodlands. They had sent invitations to their guests for an engagement party, but they were actually getting married. I also officiated my first wedding. Nothing like being filmed for national television while officiating your first wedding. We set everything up the day before so the day of things would run smoothly and we wouldn’t have any hiccups. Alisha’s mom almost caught us during setup, but luckily nothing for the ceremony was set up yet. Phew. It all went swimmingly and I would totally do another surprise wedding again! You can learn more about their wedding here.
Next up was Kristen and Brandon’s wedding day at Makakiki Golf Club and Pine Ridge Banquet Center. This one was one for the books, I never thought I would be talking to Subway Corporate to coordinate a subway cookie tower, but I did. A beautiful day, amazing flowers and a FANTASTIC wedding party. So glad I was able to be a part of it all. You can learn more about their wedding day here.
Caitlin & Jake’s wedding had arrived at St. Noel’s Banquet Center. Not only did I get to work with Christine (Rising Ashes Designs), who I loved working with last year. I got to help create a day for an amazing couple who was great fun to be around. You can learn a little more about their day here.
The other two were my own beautiful couples. First up was Jenna & Adam at Sapphire Creek Winery. This evening was so amazing with such beautiful weather which was perfect for the setting. Jenna and Adam were so great to work with and I have never had a family so appreciative of me and my team. It was so amazing being able to be a part of their day and get to know the family too.
Then came time for Katalyn and Ben’s big day at Lakewood Country Club. A wedding on the greens and a dance party in the club, complete with an amazing selection of desserts from The Faithful Little Cupcake. Some of the best sweets this season for me. You can read more about their wedding here.
Amanda & Jeremy’s wedding was my biggest of the season. Not in the sense of guest count or budget, but in scope of work. I mean I walked over 25K steps this day. It was a BIG day for Eventistry. The wedding was held at The Madison, which is an amazing blank space that you can do so much with. We started with a ceremony space, sent the guests outside for a cocktail hour and then proceeded to do a 45-minute room flip to their reception. My team was there to lead the way but it could not have been accomplished without the help of The Madison crew and the fantastic staff from Thyme Catering. You can read more about their wedding here.
Right after Amanda & Jeremy tied the knot, I flew off to Las Vegas for a whole week. It started with a few days alone with my husband to celebrate our 10-year anniversary. Then he went home and I stayed to attend Wedding MBA. The biggest wedding industry conference in the US. I had such a fantastic time last year and learned so much, I went back again. I got to see friends that I only talk to online, build new relationships and learn even more. Plus this year a few friends from Cleveland went with me.
As soon as I got back from Vegas I got to help my friend Val one more time at a wedding at the Lake Erie Building.
November
The wedding to end this season was with Candace & Josh. I absolutely LOVED working with these two. We clicked so easily when we first met and I was thrilled to learn they were doing a Day of the Dead themed wedding at Manakiki Golf Course and Pine Ridge Banquet Center. Seeing all the bright colors and every little detail they had for their guests, it truly brought the entire day together.
In the past few weeks, I have had a few meetings all about wedding shows. My focus has turned to the big one at Villa Croatia while also talking with others for shows later in 2020 and even 2021. With that, I am in the beginning phase of my first styled shoot and working on ways to elevate the local wedding professional group I run. I love helping other business owners and I want to be able to give them a great platform to communicate and learn from each other.
This past year was a big one for the growth of my personal network for me as well. I met a lot of new people at networking events. I went from hiding in the corner to walking in and having people looking for me. It’s a great feeling. But in the end, I look back at this year with a lot of gratitude for the support from family, friends and fellow professionals. Without my support system, I wouldn’t have those to vent to, learn from or lean on. As a business owner, it is essential to have those systems in place to be able to survive and grow. So a very special thank you to them. Now on to 2020, a year meant to be the best one yet!
Wedding planner, wedding coordinator….two very different and distinct jobs. Both performing tasks throughout your planning and wedding day to some scale. But what they are not doing is “day-of coordination”. I’m not a person to sugar coat things. As I was trying to think of a good title for this blog, andI couldn’t think of a better one. It’s plain and simple and the TRUTH. Day-of Coordination is a unicorn, it does not exist.
Now, of course, your thinking, but The Knot……Wedding Wire…..they can’t be wrong! Oh, but they are and here’s why. No one, and I mean NO ONE, can walk in on the day of your wedding and execute it to your vision. Even though there are coordinators that still call it “day-of coordination”, they are not only selling themselves short but they are doing more work than just one day’s worth.
First, let me talk on what a coordinator who offers this service generally does. They will meet with you at least once to go over everything. This meeting can last anywhere from one to four hours. Then when they get home they take their chicken scratch notes and formulate it into what they need to run the day. They are generally there for your rehearsal and then on the day itself they work between eight to twelve hours. That’s the basics. It does not include other services they might perform like reaching out to all of your vendors, which they should be doing. On average a true day-of coordinator works a MINIMUM of 16 hours for every wedding, but that’s honestly really low. It takes hours of behind the scenes work to make sure that things are going to run correctly, and so really I can’t even believe how someone could even perform “day-of coordination” with just the basics listed above. Which brings me to the change in the industry to Wedding Management.
What is Wedding Management?
Wedding Management is what I do, I manage your wedding starting two months before your big day. I help with all of the last minute details, create your timeline for the day and help with your floor plan. We have a minimum of two meetings that are between two and four hours each. I contact all of your vendors before the day to make sure that they have everything that they need. I review your contracts to make sure they are upheld on both ends, no one wants to breach a contract. I’m there for the rehearsal and between ten to twelve hours (with an assistant) on the wedding day. I spend on average of thirty-five hours on every one of my Wedding Management clients. That is the way it should be and it truly is what is necessary to make a wedding run flawlessly.
With all coordinators (be it ones who offer day-of or management), they offer something that no one else can. They are there by your side through it. They are a voice of reason and an advocate for you. Someone who will put out a fire before you even know what’s happening. Someone who will make sure that your wedding day is just how you want it to be without you even having to think about it. And that my friends is worth so much. You may not see it now, but on the day itself, you will be thankful you have a planner or coordinator by your side.
Lastly, those who still offer “day-of coordination” put in more time than that title gives them credit for. So please try to keep that in mind when you look at the pricing of a good coordinator and think they’re too expensive. What they do is so much more than just the day. And if you are one of those planners who still offer day-of coordination, reach out to me so we can chat. It’s time to take your business and your couples experience to the next level with Wedding Management.
The end of 2018 is here and it’s bittersweet for me. This past year was a big step in setting myself up for success and I am already seeing the results as my 2019 season is starting to get lined up. See this year I pushed myself a little more, took more steps outside of my comfort zone and proved to myself that I am capable and deserving of success.
My year started off with a bang when I sat down with Ivan who runs Villa Croatia Party Center in Eastlake. See I had this idea that my business partner and I could take our small wedding shows that we do as We Thee Wed, and could turn them into larger shows all over Northeast Ohio. My first step in that direction was doing a larger show then we had ever done before, and my sights were on Villa Croatia. Luckily that relationship blossomed and we had an amazing wedding show there in April. (So amazing that we are doing it again in March of 2019.)
I went to so many networking events this year to be able to meet other wedding professionals in the area. I am not the type of person to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but I took that plunge and it paid off big time. I actually know quite a few people at those networking events now and I am always meeting more. My little circle of friends is growing and with that I am able to find even more professionals that are better for my couples.
In May, We Thee Wed organized a small wedding resale event at Concord Township Community Center. It was a great way to stretch our abilities and see what other wedding events we can host in the area.
At the end of June is when my wedding season started off with Joanne & Ryan’s big day. The ceremony was at Communion of Saints Parish and their reception at the fantastic Music Box Supper Club. I can’t say enough about the amazing vendors they brought on for their big day, including their photographer David Corey.
It was a pleasure working with Nikki on setting up her beautiful wedding at Noah’s Event Venue in Mentor. I love being given a beautiful canvas and being told to make it pretty. We were set up for success and everything looked elegant.
I absolutely loved being able to help Rachel & Jeff with their wedding at Lantern Court. Rachel is an artist and she had a vision in her head that turned out very earthy and delightful. They were a pleasure to work with and it was even better when we found out we actually went to school together too!
In September we had our third wedding show for the year at The Gage House. A little boutique styled show that brought in the couples despite the rainy weather. It is a quaint little venue perfect for those pre-wedding events.
Then it was time for the biggest wedding of the season at Perry Community Center for Kim & Jim. Such a fun and laid back couple, with a large and amazing group of friends and family. With a picture perfect first look, gorgeous flowers and a fantastic DJ (aka McGill Entertainment), this was such a fun wedding to be a part of!
Off to Ahern Catering & Banquet Center to help Laura with the setup of her wedding reception. She spent so much time creating and bringing together all the little elements of her décor, my team and I had a great time bringing it all together for her.
October 6th marked the last wedding for my season and it was an amazing reminder that I am so lucky to be able to do what I do. Leiana and Stephanie got married at Steele Mansion in Painesville and then hosted their reception at Legend Lake Golf Club. Over the nearly two years that we worked together on their big day, we got to know each other very well. At the end of it all I gained two new friends. This was the perfect wedding to end my season with.
My attention then turned to the last two wedding shows of the year. The first at the brand new venue called LaPlace Events in Akron. A fan-freaking-tastic show with an awesome turnout.
The biggest step I took this year was in November when I took a week-long trip to Las Vegas for Wedding MBA. It is the largest wedding tradeshow in the states and it was so worth the two weeks it took me to recover. So much information on how to make my business and client experience better. And the creation of many new friendships, some started online and meeting there for the first time. It was an investment of my time and money, and it was worth it all. I bought my ticket for next year before I left and I am bringing some of my friends next year. #communityovercompetition
The last wedding show of the year was hosted by Sun Valley Banquet & Party Center in Chagrin Falls. It is a hidden gem for the area. We were blessed with dry weather when it called for a blizzard, but that’s Ohio for you. So in turn we had a great turnout with an amazing group of wedding professionals at that show too.
The last thing I did this year was to co-host a wedding professionals Christmas party with my friends Weddings by Matthew and Ben Ricci DJs. Matt has a fantastic space to entertain and Ben puts on a great show. There was food, drink and laughing. What more could you ask for?
When I look at it on paper it really doesn’t seem like much, but my year was filled with networking events, meetings, consultations and events. It was a fast paced year that just slowed down for the last two weeks of 2018. After the New Year it will be back to the grindstone with our first two wedding shows. I have enjoyed these two weeks of rest, but I am much looking forward to seeing what next year has in store for me.
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