WPIC

NYC Destination Wedding Symposium 2011

By: Tracey Manailescu

This is our 4th time attending the Destination Weddings & Honeymoons Media and Market Event produced by Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Magazine (3x in NYC and 1x in LA). The reason we keep coming back to this event?

The answer is quite simple...Education on Destination Weddings!

 
The event was held in the Grand Ballroom at The Plaza Hotel.

27 companies were represented this year. We were happy to see some of our favourite Resorts in attendance. I personally have stayed at 3 of the resorts in attendance & loved my experiences at each of them. Palace Resorts, South Seas Island Resort and Boca Raton Resort & Club

The 2011 Reader Survey Executive Summary which was conducted by Walker Communications for Destination Weddings & Honeymoons states the following:

• Readers are older, educated and affluent
• Wedding size is down, but spending is up!
• Readers are actively engaged in the wedding planning process
• Destination couples are considering the world
• Cost takes the lead as most important factor in wedding locale, followed by weather
• Warm-weather locales still hold the most appeal
• Destination couples care about convenience
• Destiantion Couples spend more on their honeymoons
• International honeymoons hold the most appeal
• Destination couples turn to technology for wedding and honeymoon planning

A ton of facts and figures were given to each attendee in the Readers Survey. Thank you!

Palermo's Bakery

Palermo's Bakery








Flowers by: Laura Clare Design

Thank you for inviting us.

See you next year!

 

WPIC Certification Seminar in the Bahamas (#2)

International Wedding Coordinator Certification Seminar Details:

Why not get a little sun while getting certified?

For the second time, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada are holding our Wedding Coordinator Certification seminar in the beautiful Bahamas on May 27 & 28, 2011!

What's included?

• Our International Wedding Coordinator Certification Course

• 3-nights shared accommodation at the Sheraton Nassau (on the nights of May 26, 27,& 28, 2011)*

• Morning and afternoon breaks during class time (lunch is not included)

• Course Instruction, Course Manual, Lecture Notepaper, Pens, Examinations, Wedding Site tour and a Certificate of Achievement (if all requirements are met).

• After successful completion of the course, you will receive a FREE membership to the WPICAlumni Association!

Register

Barbados Bound

by Monica Hill, WPICC, DWC
Instructor at WPIC and Owner of Aisle Plan Your Day in Edmonton, AB

On April 12-15^TH, 2011, nine destination wedding planners from, The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada, travelled to the sunny island of Barbados. 

This beautiful little island is nestled against the Atlantic Ocean and the Carribean Sea, where the sparkling turquoise waters captivated us the moment our plane flew over the island. From the rolling hills, to the gorgeous beaches & stunning coastline; we truly found a special place in our hearts for the Island of Barbados.

Day 1

Upon arrival to the airport, our group disembarked the plane on the airport tarmac. [Which to me; signifies the true meaning of a Caribbean adventure!] Our group was then greeted by the fabulous, Amina Dawe, of Platinum Service. We were given VIP service through Customs at the airport and then escorted to a private limousine for our group transfer to Almond Casuarina Resort [Our Host resort while in Barbados].

We were then escorted to our gorgeous oceanfront rooms; after a very simple check-in process with the hotel; in which upon arrival to our room we were treated to fruit & cheese trays in the room along with a “swag-bag” full of exciting goodies for us to enjoy on the trip!

After familiarizing ourselves with the beach and enjoying some local cuisine; we then proceeded to the cocktail reception at Almond Casuarina Resort in which we were greeted by Sue of Soulmates Barbados. After some cocktails and appetizers, we then proceeded to dinner at Enid’s Restaurant for a delicious a' la Carte Menu.

Day 2

 We started off Day-2 in Barbados with a presentation by the Barbados Tourism Authority in which they outlined the specifics and legalities of weddings within Barbados. We then proceeded to a site tour of two Almond resorts: Almond Beach Club & Almond Beach Village. Both properties were very gorgeous with a limited number of room categories, while offering great pricing and amenities for guests. We even had the chance to visit with the local police authority and take some pictures through our tour.

 FYI – Interesting fact about Barbados: It is illegal to wear any form of camoflauge unless you are police or military. [An important tip to advise your clients about!]

After our site tours of the Almond properties; we then embarked on our next great adventure with “Cool Runnings” Catamaran Cruises. It was a fun filled day on the ocean; including swimming with sea turtles, snorkeling over a shipwreck and enjoying delectable food & dancing aboard the Catamaran boat.

Day 3

Day 3 was truly one of our favorite days! We started our guided tour of Barbados with visits to some local landmarks.

We had the opportunity to visit Codrington College which is located in The Parish of St. John. This location overlooks the magnificent Atlantic ocean and it is the oldest Theological College in the Western Hemisphere and very important the Heritage of Barbados.

We then proceeded to St. John Parish Church which is considered to be the most English of all Barbadian churches. This church is over 150 years old and is situated on the edge of an 800 foot cliff overlooking the east coast of Barbados.

Visiting some of these landmarks sure opened up the possibilities to some fantastic wedding venues for our destination wedding clients and allowed us the opportunity to experience some of the history in Barbados.

We then proceeded to view the Crane Resort. This resort originally opened in 1887 and has since then expanded to a premiere, luxury beachfront resort. This particular property holds the distinction of being the oldest operating hotel in the Caribbean.  Ground floor suites feature “infinity pools” while all two-bedroom residences on the upper floors feature individual plunge pools. This resort was nothing short of spectacular and is a true luxury oasis for guests.

We then proceeded to the Fairmont Royal Pavillion for a site tour and personalized WPIC menu sponsored lunch. This resort truly boasts an unrivalled beach-front presence with all rooms providing exquisite ocean views.  There are 72 guest rooms, including brand new beachfront Junior Suites. The rooms boast soft-toned interiors and have glass front balconies for an uninterrupted view of the ocean.

 

Our trip concluded with an A la Carte Farewell Dinner at our host resort Almond Casuarina Resort followed by on evening of enjoying the local night life on the St. Lawrence Gap.

 

Planning the wedding of your dreams, or the perfectly romantic honeymoon, can be easy as saying ‘I do’ as Barbados has a long tradition of hosting weddings and honeymoons. And with recent legislation eliminating advance notice requirements to marry on the island, this allows couples to marry as soon as a license is obtained. Whether you are looking to have a traditional ceremony in an old country church, on a beach at sunset… the choices of romantic settings in Barbados are endless.

south asian weddings: UNVEILED

WPIC's own, Jagdish Brar of My Big Day is the creator of an awesome opportunity for wedding professionals; an interactive seminar about Sikh, Hindu and Muslim weddings for today’s wedding professional. 

In the Greater Toronto Area
Date: Sunday May 15, 2011
Time: 8:30am to 5 pm
Location: Versailles Convention Centre

In Edmonton
Date: Sunday June 19, 2011 
Time: 8:30am to 5 pm 
Location: TBA

Some of the topics that will be covered in the seminar include: 

• Sikh Weddings : pre-engagement rituals, formal engagement rituals, pre-wedding ceremonies (i.e. maiyyan, akhand path, choora, etc.), ceremony, post-ceremony rituals
• Hindu Weddings: pre-wedding ceremonies (i.e. vara satkararah, madhuparka, etc.), ceremony, post-ceremony rituals
• Muslim Weddings: pre-wedding ceremonies (i.e. istikhara, imam-zamin, manjha, etc.), ceremony, post-ceremony rituals
• Wedding Attire – there will be a fashion show featuring models showcasing various wedding outfits for both brides and grooms. You will also be taught about each clothing item that composes a wedding outfit. You will also be taught how to tie a saree.
• Make-up Artist – a make-up artist will apply bridal make-up on a model and show how a bride’s outfit is put together and how her jewelry and chunni is to be placed.
• You will be provided with a sample itinerary
• Budgets – who pays for what?
• Trends – such as destination weddings
• Gurdwara Tour – each participant will be given a tour of a Gurdwara (transportation included)
• And many, many more topics!

Fee: $349 CDN.

Register now!

This will give you the following:

• A full day of learning about Sikh, Hindu and Muslim weddings
• Coffee/tea and snacks throughout the day
• A hot lunch provided by one of the best caterers in Indian Cuisine (allowing each participant to try Indian cuisine first hand)
• A reference guide detailing everything you will learn in the seminar
• Directory of top vendors who specialize in South Asian weddings
• A tour of a Gurdwara (transportation included)
• Certificate of completion

Lunch Menu:

- Mixed Garden Green Salad
- Aloo Gobhi (potato and cauliflower)
- Butter Chicken
- Peas Pulao (rice with green peas)
- Tomato and Cucumber Raita (yogurt)
- Freshly Baked Tandoori Naan
- Hot Gulab Jamun

Shobana Lakkavally, founder and lead make-up artist for Amplified Soul Make-Up and Hair Couture at the upcoming south asian weddings: UNVEILED seminar on May 15, 2011.

She will be speaking about South Asian bridal hair and make-up and will demonstrate a make-up application on one lucky seminar participant. She will also demonstrate how a bride should be properly dressed for the ceremony re: her head dress (dupatta), jewelry, and attire.

G+H Photography (specializing in weddings and destination weddings) will be capturing all of the excitement and wonderful moments that will be enfolding at the upcoming south asian weddings: UNVEILED seminar on May 15, 2011.

More South Asian couples are opting to hire a wedding planner. This market is only going to increase. To reach this lucrative, emerging market, you need to be ready. The best starting point would be to gain as much knowledge as you can about the different cultures along with all of the traditions and rituals that are included in the wedding.

Why lose your business to someone else? Come learn from an expert in the field! 

 

WPIC’s Tour, Tasting and Networking at The Estates of Sunnybrook

by Kim Choy

On April 20, WPIC had the pleasure of attending a networking night hosted by The Estates of Sunnybrook. 

We had such a great turn out - 64 WPIC Alumni attended this free event in Toronto!

The property offers three different buildings to hold any function.  The Coach House, the McLean House (built in 1928) and the Vaughan Estate (built in 1931).

The evening started out in the McLean house, guests were greeted at the door by Darren Bryant, Director of Sales and Marketing (who is so helpful and fabulous!) and Diane Forrester, Social Sales Manager (who is sweet and friendly and full of information). 

 

Upon entering, we were able to see the beauty of the house.  The fireplace, the chandeliers, the details.   We were greeted with plates of appetizers such as jerk chicken with a mango salsa, lobster bisque shots, delicious scallops, spring rolls, lamb shanks and many more.   A raspberry flavoured champagne drink was passed while we were invited to enjoy the various food stations.  The food stations included baked brie wrapped in a phillo pastry, venison served ontop of potatoes with an au jus and an oyster bar! 

 

Our networking commenced in the conservatory, which was simply decorated, and offered a fresh and clean look with an Estates of Sunnybrook Package at each place setting.  Darren & Diane were introduced by Danielle Andrews Sunkel and Tracey Manailescu of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada. 

Darren and Diane spoke about the history of the property and the family who used to reside on it.  They briefly spoke about how their on-site coordinator works with an independent wedding coordinator on the day of the wedding or event. 

After, the group was split into two so we could tour the different buildings.

Here are some pictures of the McLean House:

 

The Coach House is a perfect venue for smaller weddings, Jack & Jill's, Bridal Showers or small engagement parties!

 
The Vaughan Estate is the largest of the three properties.  This is where we saw the indoor ceremony venues and the main ballroom. 

  

Inside the main ballroom there were three inspiration tables.  The linens were supplied by Susan Murray and florals by Jackie O.  They were all stunning!

 
 
 

After our tasting, tour and being absolutely spoiled by The Estates of Sunnybrook, we had the pleasure of hearing Claudia Kent, our very own WPIC Alumni speak about her job as an in house coordinator.   Claudia shared her trials, struggles and successes of owning her own Wedding Planning Business, and then becoming an in house coordinator for a venue.

 

All in all it was a fabulous night with a great turn out!

Thanks to Darren and Diane at The Estates of Sunnybrook and every WPIC Alumni who came out to make that night such a great success! 

WPIC Goes to BIZBash Expo & Awards – Florida 2011

By: April Cortez, WPIC Intern

On Tuesday April 12^th, 2011 Tracey Manailescu, Kim Choy and I attended the BizBash Florida Expo & Awards held at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Centre in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This conference was the first conference I went to that was outside of Toronto, so you can only imagine how excited I was to see what South Florida had to offer.

BizBash Expo & Awards ensured each attendee that we would all walk away “fired-up and ready to create incredible events as we emerge from what has been a challenging economy”. This expo consisted of education sessions, keynote presentations, a luncheon, a very busy tradeshow, a tabletop competition, awards and plenty of entertainment all around.

To greet us when we first entered the convention centre was Mix On Wheels to get the crowd excited.

We first went to the morning general session which started off with a welcome by David Adler, C.E.O and founder of BizBash Media. This led to a keynote presentation by America’s Sassiest Lifestyle Guru Steve Kemble who spoke about the Sassiest Secrets from the Red Carpet from Kim Kardashian to Nicole Kidman and how to work with celebs to sell your event.

 
The opening act was a group called Sing! By T.Skorman Productions, Inc. that sing “Glee-style” songs.

  There was a luncheon sponsored by MPI South Florida that featured Dallas Diggs, Executive Consultant of Diggs Group L.L.C. who spoke about the Fast-Changing Face of Multigenerational Marketing Strategies.

  The afternoon keynote presentation we attended was with Lee Brian Schrager, Vice-President, Corporate Communications and National Events, Southern Wine & Spirits of America Inc. He spoke about his book “Behind the Scenes at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival: Thrills and Spills in Crafting Some of the World’s Tastiest Events!” From Mario Batali to Alice Waters and many Food Network favourite receipes, this book should be interesting.

 
The opening act for Lee Schrager was an amazing acapella group 42Five by Day Entertainment & Events. They blew the crowd away!

  ISES held a tabletop competition for local decor companies with the theme of “Holidays”. The holidays portrayed were Halloween, 4^th of July, Earth Day, Easter, Valentine’s Day and my favourite that won, Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A hands-on design lab gave conference goers a taste of what it is to design a tabletop and all of its details from start to finish. The instructor was Donald Braun, President of Donald Braun Events L.L.C

 

 

The best part of the whole conference was seeing and meeting the different vendors at the tradeshow.

 

  

  

 

 

 

I thought the best vendor there was Donut Divas & Fun Foods. Mainly because we got to eat deep fried Oreos! Yum!! All photos courtesy of: Kim Choy & April Cortez

The BizBash Expo & Awards South Florida was awesome and I think I’ve caught the Florida bug (we didn’t want to leave)! I’m hoping I can go back and see what’s new in 2012!

 

 

What does your Relationship Resume look like?

By: Guest blogger, Jessica West

 
 
What does your Relationship Resume look like?

 I think that it can be safely said that any good resume takes a lot of work.  The same can also be said of the extensive preparation that goes into readying one’s self for an interview.  We create (and most times) re-create the ideal resume.  One meant to attract and engage the potential employer just long enough to consider you for the position.  We take resume “classes”, job readiness courses (aimed at making you the ideal candidate), we do mock interviews, we state our extensive education and/or experience, and we line up our most glowing references.  We get the fresh haircut and buy the new outfit…..and we prep and we prep and we prep, (well, you get the idea!)  In any event, people, everyday in places ALL over the world are going to painstaking measures to “ready” themselves for that dream position.

Do you think that it could be said that we go to the same lengths (jump through the hoops, if you will) to “ready” ourselves for our “relationships” (of any kind)???  We read articles and watch programs about “ideal” relationships and long to partake.  There are countless people, everywhere, currently “submitting resumes” to apply for “positions” (relationships) that they are not quite qualified to fill. When we look at potential mates and enter the dating ritual, you are putting your skills and experience to work.  Are they strong? Can you fill this position and carry out the necessary requirements?  Would you apply for a job/career that you were not qualified to do? Why would you with a relationship then?

Remember all the steps involved in preparing us for employment? Steps designed to set us up for success. Would it not stand to reason that as much preparation, thought and time should be put into potentially the most important “position” of your life?  You would think so anyways.

Companies when reviewing your application, would like to know what training, skills, and assets you possess, that would contribute to the continued growth of their company. How can you contribute to success?

Do you have exceptional communication skills?

Are you a team player?

Do you deal well with change (adaptable)?

Are you skilled in conflict resolution?

Valid questions, all of them. And in an interview you would sell it (yourself). Could you in a relationship?

 

Prior to, or following an interview an employer will contact your references to seek out their opinion of what kind of employee they perceived you to be. Reasonable.  What do your relationship “references” look like? (If realistic) would you want “potential partners” contacting your previous partners?  Would you get a glowing review? What do you think they would say?  Would they ‘highly recommend? (Food for Thought).

As a different spin, let’s talk about the research we do in preparation for an interview.  We find what information we can; to as best we can, determine if the company is a good fit for us…..and us for them.  If someone “researched” your “company” would they even want to apply? What does your benefit package look like?  “Applicants” would like to know that their time with the “company” will be fairly compensated and that they are valued and treated with respect.  They intend to offer their best to the company and would like the security of knowing the company can do the same for them.

No doubt, that any individuals success is first of all determined by their personal measure of success and secondly, the level of effort that they put into their “growth”.  However, when participating in any partnership, individuals would like to feel understood, appreciated and supported.  This ensures optimum growth for all.

People all over the world are preparing, applying and working in the job of their dreams.  Yet, they are feeling confused, disappointed and down right frustrated at unfulfilled dreams of that relationship we all yearn for.  But is it really a mystery? Does the solution REALLY elude us? Not really.  Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.  If we put half as much effort and preparation into our personal relationships as we did getting “job ready”….Imagine the Possibilities!!

 

 

    

TSE 2011

By: Tracey Manailescu

WARNING! A ton of photos :)

On January 25-28th, 2011, Danielle and I attended The Special Event (TSE) in Phoenix, Arizona. It is the largest tradeshow and conference in the world for event professionals. This was by far, one of the very best Conference I have ever attended.

The Special Event offered attendees invaluable connections with thousands of key event industry notables and colleagues, and we chose from over 100 Conference Sessions and Training Workshops taught by hand-selected speakers, and checked out thousands of event products and services at the Tradeshow.  (It took us over an hour to select the seminars we wanted!)

I took pages and pages of notes in quite a few of the seminars. I plan on attending TSE if not every year, then every other year. Totally worth the investment!

We added to our experience by buying the "Social Package" which gave us access to "The Welcome Event" at Arizona Grand Resort which was co-sponsored by NACE. There were food stations set up all over the private function space of the resort. A live band, Club 90 rocked the night away and various booths were set up to experience the best of Phoenix.

Some of my favourite Seminars were:

• "Is Shmoozing Relevant? The Art of Relationship Building" 
• "Looking at Sales and Business Development as an Event Will Turn Your Business Model Upside Down!" 
• "The Science and Art of the Making a Gala" 
• "Showing Your Pretty Parties: Showcase Your Hard Work With Stunning Imagery.  Details, Details!!!" (This was with our favourites, Sasha Souza and Damion Hamilton)

We also went to the huge Tradeshow that had more then 300 vendors:

Then there was the Gala:

See you for TSE 2012 in Tampa Florida :)

 *I did not include "The Wedding Luncheon" with Sasha Souza, as Danielle already wrote a Blog post about this awesome seminar.

Jane Dayus-Hinch Speaks to WPIC Alumni

By: Kim Choy, WPIC Office Manager

On January 25, WPIC Alumni in Toronto were invited to the Hilton Garden Inn Airport to attend a special seminar coordinated by Jennifer Maxwell of WiseBride. 

Jane Dayus-Hinch, host of the Canadian reality TV show “Wedding SOS” shared her exciting and hilarious experiences she has come across in her wedding planning career.  Jane, a UK wedding planner, has been planning weddings for more than twenty five years. 

The seminar room of the Hilton was transformed into a stunning array of beautifully designed table tops. Linens were provided by Caryn Lim of A Timeless Celebration, a stationary and linen company based out of Montreal, Quebec.  The gorgeous centerpieces were created by Sheryl Hammond of Bella Chic Events. 

  
Erin Bosak of Red Thread Paper provided the stationary for the evening, containing a list of all the vendors participating in the seminar.

Robin Wight, owner of Lottie and Lil supplied each themed table with an assortment of her delicious cake pops!  The cake pops were even decorated to match each table theme!

Mike Coombs of Prodigy Entertainment provided the entertainment for us playing a mix of everyone’s favourites. 

Kimberly, owner of Kimberly Tiessen Photography was the photographer for the evening.  She did a fantastic job of capturing every moment.  All the photos in this blog are courtesy of Kimberly.

Overall, it was a great night that everyone enjoyed.  Jane has a personality like no other and is able to tell her stories and experiences with humour and passion. 

Customer service..Where Has it Gone?

By: Tracey Manailescu

Having been in the wedding industry for well over a decade, I have seen and experienced quite a bit. Most of it has been positive, however, there are always those days where you want to bang your head against a wall and yell! 

These instances and what you do about them, are what can make or break your company's reputation in the industry. 

• If you make a mistake, stop making excuses and own up to it.  Apologize and try to make it right. No one is perfect.
• Give the client the services they hired you for.  If you have something in your contract, you legally must follow through with it. If it was a verbal agreement, fulfill it! 
• If you can go the extra mile or kilometre, to make someone's wedding exceptional, then do it.  Really, how hard is it to give that little bit extra?
• Dress appropriately. You are not a guest at the wedding.  You are working.
• Speak and act like a professional. Your behaviour speaks volumes. (If you are a smoker, go off in private, away from the guests, no matter how nice they are.)
• Swearing & gossiping are NEVER appropriate! This is what your husband/wife, sister, best friend, boyfriend/girlfriend are for.  Keep your opinions and comments to yourself.
• Give respect to guests and all vendors (no matter how difficult).  You are a team and you should all have the same goal in mind...To create the best wedding possible for the Bride & Groom.
• If schedules change and problems arise, keep all of the Vendors involved in the loop. ie. Photoshoot is running a bit late, then notify the Catering Manager at the venue so the staff are aware and the food will not get overcooked. 

   

Guests or vendors that become unruly, intoxicated etc. may set your defenses into overload but you are hired to be a level-headed professional.  Therefore you need to suck it up and act like one. Step out of the room for a few moments to gather your bearings, or ask another vendor to step in to run interferance for you, if it is just too much to handle.

Remember that the wedding industry is a small and tight-knit community.  It is also FULL of jealousy and competition. Some people out there are just waiting for you to fail. Keep your morals and professionalism about you at all times, and you will persevere!

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  ~Franklin D. Roosevelt