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The Wedding Planning Institute

Instructor Spotlight: Heather Porcella at University of Akron

Heather Porcella considers it an honor to create a spectacular wedding that brings her client’s vision to life. As the owner of Truly Your Events (www.TrulyYourEvents.com), Heather was voted the “Best Wedding Planner for 2008” in the Akron/Canton Ohio area by the MyFoxCleveland.com Hot List. Her company has coordinated numerous events of various sizes, budgets, and styles.

After graduating from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Business Administration, Heather worked in Residential and Commercial Interior Design, as an art teacher, and as a floral designer. Her experience planning showers and weddings for friends combined with her education led her to create her own event planning business in 2003. Truly Your Events offers the latest in wedding planning trends including eco-friendly designs, full event coordination, and free initial consultation to provide clients complete planning services to help them save time, money, and alleviate stress.

After becoming a WPI Certified Wedding Planner in the spring of 2008, Heather agreed to share her knowledge and expertise with The Wedding Planning Institute’s (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com) certification course students at the University of Akron. Heather will be teaching aspiring students how to become successful wedding planners by bringing personalized attention and creativity to every client’s occasion.

“In today’s busy world, trying to plan a special event can be very stressful and time consuming. By providing solutions to the demanding needs of event design and coordination, you can allow the client to enjoy a stress free celebration,” Heather writes.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at the University of Akron can register by calling Cheryl Beckwith at 330-972-6460, Jennifer Redford at 330-972-7837 or by visiting their website at http://www.uakron.edu/ce/schedules/WeddingPlanCert.php. The Spring 2009 session is scheduled to start on February 11, 2009 and will meet Wednesdays from 6:00pm to 10:00pm for ten weeks. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Nancy Hoffmann-Allison at Austin Community College

Nancy Hoffmann-Allison has turned a lifelong love of art and cooking into a successful business that began as Hoffman & Company Catering and then evolved into Allison’s Events, a full service wedding and event consulting and design company that has won awards from The Knot Magazine, Austin Wedding Day Magazine, and the International Special Events Society of Austin, Texas. After studying Art and Art History at the University of Arkansas, Nancy began her career by learning banquet and club management while working for Hilton Hotels.

Turning that experience and her mother and grandmother’s cooking lessons into Hoffmann & Company Catering in 1989, Nancy spent most of the next two decades planning, designing, cooking, and presenting her catering menus at thousands of events. Along the way, she mentored students from local high schools and culinary arts schools. Many of her employees started their careers as her apprentices.

Currently enjoying her first term as an instructor for The Wedding Planning Institute’s How to Become a Wedding Planner Certification course at Austin Community College, Nancy has an impressive resume of experience and expertise in the special events industry. After joining ISES Austin in 2002, she served on the Board of Directors as the VP of Allied Partnerships, the VP of Education and Programs, and was recently elected President of the Austin chapter of ISES through 2010. Nancy is also a lifetime member of Leading Caterers of America, a Certified Professional Wedding Planner, and has continuously contributed to the community by donating her business’ services to several local charitable organizations.

Nancy continues her taste for giving back through her work with WPI classroom students as well as her articles and weblog in which she shares her knowledge as a caterer and event planner. She believes weddings are “an affirmation of love, caring, family, friends, and hope for the future. They are the perfect opportunity to show a couple’s love, affection, and gratitude by giving their friends and family a day they will never forget. It is a compliment to everyone who attends your wedding and reception to plan out a beautiful, fun, and interesting event.”

To brides and grooms considering whether to hire a Certified Wedding Planner, Nancy writes, “You will be faced with decisions you probably haven’t even thought of or anticipated yet. Many of these decisions may even come as a surprise to you. Today’s most sought after wedding planners know where to find answers, know where to find inspirations, and know who the vendors are that you need to turn to create your dream event. Most importantly, they know how to make the right decisions and that will make your wedding day a dream come true.”

The fall session at Austin Community College began on September 15, 2008 and meets each Monday and Wednesday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm over ten weeks. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance. Candidates for the upcoming Spring 2009 classroom session can learn more by calling 512-223-7813 or visiting the Austin Community College website at:

http://www.austincc.edu/ce/cp/wedding/

Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Kass at Foothill-De Anza Community College

In an ever changing and fast-paced world, Stephanie Kass is proof that good choices and thorough planning equal success. After a few years planning events for the United States Navy, America Online, and Hewlett-Packard, Stephanie created Aphrodite’s Event & Meeting Planning (www.AphroditesEventPlanning.com) in the San Jose, California area. As the owner of an independent event planning business, Stephanie has successfully coordinated corporate and private events ranging from intimate weddings, her specialty, to large speaker platforms for over 10,000 attendees.

Stephanie draws from the age-old tradition of exceeding expectations without exception while utilizing up-to-date procedures and strategies, cutting-edge technology, and current styles and trends for event planning that ensure maximum efficiency while minimizing the possibility of errors. Through consistent professionalism, Stephanie teaches her staff and her students to provide worry and hassle-free events at reasonable prices while giving clients the individual attention they deserve.

One piece of advice Stephanie would like to give her Wedding Planning Institute (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com) certification students is; “It is better to have time than need time. Time management is fundamental in this business. A certification course is an excellent avenue to take in order to learn this and many other helpful techniques.” Stephanie enjoys passing on the tools for managing amazing events to her students.

As a community business member and a certification instructor, Stephanie believes in a quality and service-oriented approach to her work with clients and students alike. She carries her business’ reputation for meeting deadlines and delivering creative, efficient event planning solutions into the Foothill-De Anza classroom to teach students how to become successful certified wedding planners.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at Foothill-De Anza Community College can register by calling 408-864-8817 or learn more by visiting the college website at:

http://www.shortcourses.fhda.edu/catalog/business/business.html#065

The fall session began on October 06, 2008 and will meet each Monday and Wednesday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm for ten weeks. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance. Registration is available through the third week of October.

Instructor Spotlight: Marissa Mortimer at Wagner College

Marissa Mortimer, creator of Lavish Occasions (www.LavishOccasions.com), is one of the most sought after event planners in the New York Metropolitan Area. Marissa realized her calling to plan outrageous and extraordinary events back in the early 90’s when she sang for wedding ceremonies. At the young age of 30, she is known for her commitment to surpass her clients' expectations and for creating intimate weddings and extravagant upscale affairs for a long list of clients, including many of Staten Island's elite.

Marissa’s experience as a wedding singer was what first exposed her to this industry and the love affair has continued ever since. She was named one of the ‘Top Ten Entrepreneurs under 35’ in Staten Island-Central New Jersey area by Industry magazine in 2005. A recent achievement was being selected to teach the Wedding Planning Institute’s How to Become a Wedding Planner course (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com) at the prestigious Wagner College to help current and aspiring wedding planners to gain industry certification.

“When I was young, my grandfather told me that no matter what I decided to do in life, to always aim high and I would be successful no matter what. I asked how I would know that it was really the best choice. He told me to ask myself two questions and I would know that I made the right decision. Ask yourself what you truly love to do and what would you do for free. If you have a matched answer, you know that you have made the right choice. That was the best advice I ever received,” Marissa states.

Always having a knack for detail and a flair for drama, Marissa began her journey by working with florists, photographers, and banquet facilities. Through college she planned pro-bono events and was involved with several charities.

Marissa founded and operates Lavish Occasions with the goal to work with each client to create a perfectly planned event for guests to continue talking about for months after the “Day Of”. She teaches her employees and WPI certification students to guide clients, making the process pain free, fun, and relaxing while giving innovative ideas that will amaze guests as well as save clients money.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at Wagner College can register by calling Sharon Guinta at 718-390-3221 or by visiting the Wagner College website at http://www.wagner.edu/external/weddingplanning. The fall session begins on October 15, 2008 and will meet each Monday and Wednesday from 7:30pm to 10:00pm for ten weeks. Tuition is $895 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Robert Meli at Saint Petersburg College

Robert Meli began his journey in the hospitality industry, and started doing event design simply by helping close friends and family plan the occasional dinner party and offering advice on home décor. From this came referrals and advice quickly became consulting. After years in the business, Rob still experiences great pleasure in transforming his client's dreams into reality. His originality along with his innate eye for color and design set the stage for what was destined to become his company Bella Rose (www.bellaroseevents.com), which is quickly becoming a recognized leader in the field of lifestyle design. Robert is acknowledged as an artistic visionary whose expertise, exceptional creative talents, and impeccable reputation have made him an extreme success throughout Florida.

Robert is sought after for his over the top original receptions and ceremonies which stray far from the average cookie cutter wedding. Robert has designed and produced weddings for clients who expect nothing less than perfection, including celebrities and high profile professional athletes. Bella Rose creates unforgettable weddings that allow couples to become honorary guests at their own wedding and creates a lifetime of blissful memories and cherished moments for them and their entire family. Regardless of whether a client wishes to create a black tie dinner at an exquisite hotel, steal away to an exotic destination for a wedding weekend, or gather friends and loved ones under a beautifully decorated canvas in a private backyard, Robert ensures that wedding dreams becomes reality.

“We work closely with our couples so they may enjoy the entire process of planning the wedding as well as the special day itself. Our clients receive the wedding that best reflects their true personality and style. From the wine to the music to the very last dance, every detail will be fine tuned to perfection,” says Robert.

Robert attended the University of Central Florida where he majored in Organizational Communications and Minored in Journalism/ Advertising. He believes in staying active in the wedding and event industry as well as giving back to the community.

Robert is the President of Wedding & Event Professionals of Tampa Bay, a Certified Consultant with the Association of Bridal Consultants, Active Dynamic Dad & PTA Board Member at Mc Mullen Booth Elementary School, an active Member of the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce, and holds a seat on the City of Safety Harbor Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Robert is also a certified instructor for The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of Lovegevity, which is taught at St. Petersburg College in Clearwater (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com). Robert lives in the Tampa Bay area with his wife and 2 beautiful children.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at Saint Petersburg College Center for Continuing Education can register by calling Jackie Addis at 727-341-3184 or by visiting their website at http://www.spcollege.edu/AC/lifelong/wedding.htm. The fall session begins on September 27, 2008 and will meet each Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm for eight weeks. Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Elaine Deluca at Bronx Community College

Elaine Deluca thrives on making people happy. After several years of planning social events, she established her company, Exquisite Events (www.ExquisiteEventsNewYork.com), in 2002 to provide a personal approach to wedding and social event planning. Located in the historic village of Roslyn, NY, Elaine and her staff provide consultation and planning services throughout the New York tri-state area, with a specialty in planning tented weddings at area vineyards and estates. Exquisite Events was awarded the title of "Best of Event Planners" in 2007 by TheKnot.com, a premier wedding website.

In recognition of her wedding planning proficiency, Elaine's advice and expertise has been sought out by publications including Manhattan Bride, Long Island Weddings of Distinction and Newsday and the company's events have been featured in New York Magazine and Wedding Bells Magazine. Exquisite Events recently expanded its services to offer a collection of fine stationery and favors to complement weddings and wedding-related events of all styles.

"There is no greater feeling than making someone else happy. I consider it a privilege that couples allow me to become a part of one of the most special moments in their lives, and I always treat it as such, ensuring that every last detail is as perfect as it can be," Elaine says.

This will be Elaine's third semester as a Wedding Planning Institute instructor (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com), and she very much looks forward to educating and developing a new group of stellar wedding planners. Having planned over 200 weddings and social events with her team, Elaine will provide students with real life, practical advice and knowledge that would otherwise take years to acquire.

“With all the detail that goes into planning a wedding, it is very easy to become confused and overwhelmed, causing unnecessary stress and anxiety, leaving the couple unable to enjoy what should be one of the happiest days of their lives,” Elaine explains. “It doesn't have to be that way. Planning a wedding should be as fun and exciting on the first day as it is on the big day.” Her goal is to help students develop the skills and tools necessary to ensure that when a client looks back on the memories of their wedding, they’re all great ones.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at Bronx Community College Continuing and Professional Studies can register by calling Wendell Joyner at 718-289-5174 or by visiting their website at http://www.bcc.cuny.edu/cps/index_registrationbanner.html and entering course number ACE 6019. The fall session begins on September 30, 2008 and will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 9:00pm for eight weeks. Tuition is $799 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Shafonne Myers at the University of Richmond

Shafonne Myers is living her dream by helping others realize their dreams. While attending Mary Baldwin College, she coordinated all social events on campus through her direction of the Baldwin Program Board. That experience helped her further develop the leadership, creative, and organizational skills she brings to her clients as well as to her classroom students.

Since graduating from MBC, Shafonne founded and is president of Making Your Event Special (www.MakingYourEventSpecial.com), a top wedding and event consulting firm in Richmond. Continuing her tradition of bringing people together, she organizes bride and groom socials and workshops, as well as hosts Virginia’s first wedding and event planning radio talk show (Wednesdays at 7pm - www.makingyoureventspeciallive.com).

As a graduate Certified Wedding Planner and Instructor for the Wedding Planning Institute (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com), Shafonne tells her students and future planners to “Just get out there and live your dream”. In addition to her expertise, warm and bubbly personality, and meticulous attention to detail, she also offers internship programs to graduates of the program and helps in any way to ensure their success.

“So often students come through the program and doubt themselves, not thinking that they can make it. But I reassure them that if they got this far, then it is meant to be,” she says.

Shafonne and her staff at Making Your Event Special pride themselves on providing superb customer service as well as helping the community and future wedding planners to achieve their goals. She is the author of several articles on wedding planning featured in many local and national wedding industry publications and loves sharing her knowledge as well as providing real life experience with her classroom students.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at the University Of Richmond School Of Continuing Studies can register by calling 804-289-8133 or by visiting their website at http://deans.richmond.edu/scs/thinkagain and clicking on Career Development. The fall session begins in September and will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Tuition is $759 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Sherry Lopez at the University of New Mexico

Sherry Lopez has a passion for creating distinct events. She developed her attention to detail, grace, and style working on the event staff while attending Azusa Pacific University and discovered her love for the details that create events ranging from intimate luncheons to high profile weddings and events.

In 2003, Sherry opened her own company, Your Wedding Planner (www.YourWeddingPlanner.com), utilizing her keen understanding of what makes an event special: paying special attention to the flow, timing and execution of every detail, and the deep knowledge and vast resources of vendors to make each event a success.

Since then, Your Wedding Planner has become the company of choice for savvy, stylish clients in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Dedicated to continuing education, Sherry has continued her education through many outstanding organizations such as International Special Events Society, The Association of Bridal Consultants, New Mexico Wedding Professionals, and The Wedding Personalities of New Mexico as well as instructing wedding planning certification students for The Wedding Planning Institute (www.WeddingPlanningInstitute.com).

As a wedding planning business owner and instructor, Sherry teaches students to “pay close attention to all details so an event is stress-free and filled with the memories a client deserves. Every event is tailor-made to fit the look and style of its clients, making it not ‘just another event’ but a memory.”

Sherry advises her students to work closely with clients throughout the entire planning process, utilizing an eye for aesthetics and a knack for creativity to design events that are tailored to the client’s tastes and preferences. Her ultimate goal with her clients and her students is to create events that are unique, organized, flawless down to the last detail, and unforgettable.

Candidates for the wedding planning certification course at the University of New Mexico can register by calling 505-277-0077 or by visiting their website at www.dce.unm.edu. The fall session begins on September 16, 2008 and will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Tuition is $995 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Instructor Spotlight: Juanita Hozey at Piedmont Technical College

Juanita Hozey has always lived to help others. For two decades of her life, Nita dedicated herself to nurturing over ninety foster children in her home and shares that level of care and commitment with her wedding planning clients and her students at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC. Beginning with her own wedding, then her siblings, and eventually her foster children, she developed her love of wedding planning without the thought of opening her own business.

After her husband retired, Nita was initially content with raising their adopted son, loving their many grandchildren, and continuing their work with foster children. Her interest in wedding planning also continued as she noticed the lack of resources for brides in her small South Carolina town. She started her own business, Praise Unlimited Weddings (www.PraiseUnlimitedWeddings.com), by acquiring several florists. She quickly grew her wedding planning inventory of candelabras and floral supplies to include stores of linens, centerpieces, columns, tables, chairs, and tents.

Soon, Nita’s business was planning over twenty weddings each month during the wedding season. Harkening back to her love of helping others, Praise Unlimited Weddings also assists other wedding planners’ success with wedding rental supplies and vendor recommendations.
Nita brings many years of experience and her love of wedding planning to certification students this fall at Piedmont Tech (www.ptc.edu).

“Planning a wedding can be stressful, tedious, and sometimes overwhelming. Many Brides-To-Be do not realize a wedding planner can actually alleviate some of this stress - as well as help them to keep the cost of their dream wedding affordable,” Nita says.

Three years ago, Nita hosted her first Bridal Expo in her area. Since then, her bi-annual events have been such a success for vendors, brides, and wedding planners that other event locations have begun asking for her expertise planning their shows.

Understanding the importance of networking, Nita has helped develop her area’s reputation as being home to top of the line wedding vendors in catering, cake design, photography, wedding attire, and wedding planning. She looks forward to sharing her client and business building knowledge as well as providing real life experience with her classroom students.

Candidates for the Wedding Planning Institute certification course at Piedmont Technical College can register by calling Jeanne Hughston at 864-941-8400. The fall session begins on September 23, 2008 and will meet each Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (except Thanksgiving week). Tuition is $795 and includes classroom instruction, textbook, six months online curriculum and support access, and post-graduate job placement assistance.

Attention: Wedding Industry Experts

Attention: Wedding Industry Experts! The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of Lovegevity, Inc. is currently accepting proposals from industry professionals who can communicate their expertise in the form of an online course. Industry experts will need to develop their course utilizing the latest trends, industry best practices, and time-honored traditions to provide instruction and valuable information to our students.

The Wedding Planning Institute is partnered with an extended network of over 1800 accredited colleges and universities worldwide. Industry Expert courses will be offered through our partner colleges as online training programs and the Industry Expert will provide training, advice, and feedback to students through our online curriculum system.

Jackie Young is the founder and owner of Every Little Detail, and a Wedding Planning Institute graduate. Jackie is a great example of a Wedding Industry Expert. As a professional in Project Management, Jackie created the Wedding Budget Calculator & Tracker, a professional tool that helps organize a client's timeline and budget. Through The Wedding Planning Institute, Jackie's Wedding Budget Calculator and Tracker is available to students around the world.

Teach with Us.

Wedding Industry Expert Course Developers gain the benefits of shared tuition revenue, enhanced awareness of the expert's core business, as well as networking opportunities throughout the WPI system.

The Wedding Planning Institute will also help make your course successful with various marketing efforts, such as press releases, advertisements, direct mail, and college course catalogs. WPI Instructor Courses will give your online class national and international exposure.

Click here to learn more or to submit a proposal.

Wedding Planning Certification Course Offered at Edison College

Fort Myers, Fla., August 21, 2008 – The Wedding Planning Institute is offering a Wedding Planning Certification course on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. starting Aug. 26 at Edison College Lee Campus, where students will have the opportunity to become Certified Wedding Planners in only ten weeks.

The Center for Professional Development at Edison College has partnered with the Wedding Planning Institute, the nationally recognized industry leader in providing certification and training for wedding professionals, to offer the Wedding Planning Certification course for students looking to break into an exciting and profitable wedding planning career.

Karen Scott, proud owner of the Bridal Antique Boutique and Elegant Weddings, will provide textbook and real life experience instruction drawing on years of planning events. Full of enthusiasm and energy, Ms. Scott brings today’s wedding industry to life in the classroom with easy to understand practical lessons and examples.

Students may also have the opportunity to gain hands on experience at real weddings, meet with local vendors, and participate in class trips to tour venue sites and facilities.

Ms. Scott is eager to teach the Wedding Planning Institute’s certification course, as it will “give students a better idea of what to expect in real life in a fun and hands-on way, not just a classroom perspective.” She adds, “It’s going to be real stories, real people.”

Edison College’s Center for Professional Development offers courses for credit and non-credit programs designed to provide high quality education opportunities to members of the community.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc®, a national event planning agency whose mission is to present busy couples with the best resources and tools to help plan their wedding and strengthen their marriage through relationship education.

To enroll in Edison College’s upcoming class, contact Wendy Thompson at 239-489-9235.

DeGeneres and de Rossi Wedding Transcends Controversy

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, America’s favorite television personality, Ellen DeGeneres married her long-time partner, actress Portia de Rossi, in an intimate ceremony at their Los Angeles home. Their wedding, the most celebrated same-sex union in California since the landmark state Supreme Court ruling that guaranteed gay and lesbian couples the same fundamental “right to marry” as other citizens, was attended by nineteen guests, including the couple’s mothers and several Hollywood celebrities.

Eleven years after proclaiming her sexual orientation to the world, DeGeneres and her new spouse are gracing an upcoming People Magazine cover detailing their highly anticipated ceremony. "What can I say? I'm the luckiest girl in the world," says DeGeneres. "She's officially off the market. No one else gets her. And now she'll cook and clean for me."

The plans for their dream wedding, after announcing their intentions once the gay marriage ban was overturned, were “very stressful” and “crazy” and initially included a Presidential Family venue offer as well as a customized celebrity wedding song proposal.

According to The Wedding Report, Inc., upwards of 50,000 previously banned couples are beginning to generate over $1.5 billion for the California wedding industry. Because of the influx of business, state and wedding industry businesses have been gearing up with training and services designed especially for the emerging new market.

Four years after Massachusetts became the first state to allow legal same-sex marriage; California has followed the same pattern of large numbers of gay and lesbian couples tying the knot in the first year. Although California does not have a residency requirement for marriage, same-sex couples marrying in the Golden State and returning to their resident states are not guaranteed their unions, and subsequent rights, will be upheld.

Currently, a large, but declining, majority of states have adopted the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) language defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. While many states have also voted for constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriages, gay and lesbian rights advocates point to the California and Massachusetts rulings, favorable polling and similar legislation in other states, and the proclamation by Governor David Patterson that New York State will recognize legal same-sex marriages from other states and countries as a reason for optimism and renewed civil rights activism.

Among the first same-sex couples to announce wedding plans, Emmy-winning talk show host and comedian DeGeneres and former “Ally McBeal” star de Rossi set the tone for open discussion and planning of a high-profile celebrity lesbian dream wedding. Some opponents of same-sex marriage have even decried the lack of controversy in mainstream media reporting of the high profile nuptials.

On November 4, 2008, one of the potential roadblocks predicted for California’s gay marriage ruling will be decided by voters in the form of Proposition 8. Originally summarized by state Attorney General Jerry Brown as “Amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized” in the state, the wording has since been changed to “Eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.” In a closely contested battle between both sides of the same-sex marriage issue, many believe the change in language will tip the balance toward defeat for the amendment.

If passed, Proposition 8 would add a single line to the state Constitution between the Equal Protection clause and nondiscrimination in business and the professions section that reads, “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This would overturn the high court’s ruling and again ban gay and lesbian marriages in the state.

As the election nears, opponents and proponents of gay marriage have raised millions of dollars to support or defeat Proposition 8. Even this year’s Presidential candidates have weighed in on the subject. Joan Hollinger, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, believes that should the initiative proposed by ProtectMarriage.com pass, “Constitutional scholars agree that the amendment cannot be effective retroactively, so anyone married before November would be protected."

That may be good news for DeGeneres and de Rossi, as well as the thousands of other same-sex couples who have exercised their Constitutional right to marriage since June. Civil rights groups such as Equality California are working to ensure the hopes and dreams of millions of other citizens continue to be protected.

One World, One Dream, Much Planning By Ana Torres

Beginning this week, Beijing will host the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. Of the 125 million tourists that will visit the Chinese capitol city this year, about 7 million will be present at the athletic events. The rest of the world will watch from home as the world’s athletes compete. But, how does this massive event come together?

“The scope of the Olympics is staggering, with so many moving parts that it would make even the most experienced event planner start wheezing with anxiety,” wrote Elizabeth Millard in Baseline Magazine. Event planners are crucial to arranging all aspects of the Games, including everything from transportation and accommodations to VIP seating and catered meals.

When an event planner has received the proper education, including business, sales, and public relations strategies, planning an event as detailed and expansive as the 29th Olympics becomes possible. The Wedding Planning Institute, while specializing in weddings, teaches industry essentials such as planning, budgeting, vendor contracts, and signature event production. WPI’s A6 Event Production (Anticipation, Arrival, Atmosphere, Appetite, Amusement, and Appreciation) teaches the six aspects of planning any size event through premeditating the guest experience.

Anticipation
Invitations, announcements, and parties generate anticipation for a wedding ceremony. For the Olympics, tickets, advertisements, and other forms of media titillation are used to stir the imagination of millions. This year’s Olympic theme, “One World, One Dream” has inundated worldwide media since soon after the 28th Olympics four years ago.

Arrival
The arrival experience includes accommodations and transportation, as well as making guests feel welcome. A major priority for athletes at the Olympics is making sure they are provided safe and timely transportation. The Olympic Village is greeting all guests with a welcome letter from the head of the village, Chen Zhili. Mr. Zhili understands that details such as these make participants feel comfortable and happy to be a part of the big event.

Atmosphere
Atmosphere encompasses the five senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Beijing is working diligently to create the best atmosphere possible for the world and its athletes. The city wants to be perceived as modern, healthy, and capable of hosting such an extraordinary event. To that end, they have begun a beautification campaign, which includes planting trees and flowers as well as instituting measures against the heavy smog that usually lingers over the city.

To insure the city is aromatically pleasing, steps have been taken to remove or reduce problems that have long plagued residents. The sense of smell can create powerful memories and associations with an event and city officials are working diligently to make those memories positive.

Appetite
Beijing has taken measures to ensure athletes and visitors that its food is safe to eat. At the Olympic Village, one hundred foreign and twenty-three hundred Chinese chefs and waiters will offer an around-the-clock catering service. However, due to safety concerns and perceived cultural differences, some athletes are opting to hire personal caterers.

Amusement
Elaborate plans have been made to present the world with extraordinary sights and sounds to surround the spectacle of athletic competition. From the venues to the opening and closing ceremonies, no expense or preparation has been spared to create Beijing’s vision of a spectacular Olympic Games.

Appreciation
In order to depoliticize the Games and show their appreciation for the opportunity to showcase their country, Beijing’s residents have embarked on the largest “Olympic Education” campaign in history. Despite recent questions regarding Internet access for visiting athletes and press, the host city is touting a wide selection of amenities for journalists, competitors, and spectators.

The fundamentals of event planning do not change with the size of the event. The skills and resources needed to plan a dream wedding are congruent with those used to plan events as prodigious as the Olympic Games. Certified Wedding Planner graduates of the Wedding Planning Institute are trained experts in the essentials of wedding and event planning for today’s demanding world.

Love Resists Recession

Part One: Financial Experts Debate Recession, Wedding Industry Finds Love

We didn’t need the world’s richest person, Warren Buffet, to tell us that “people are already feeling the effects (of a recession).” We feel it every time we fill a gas tank or buy groceries. But when he continued with “It will be deeper and last longer than many think," he had our rapt attention.

While economists and politicians may stand by statistical measures to deter or promote recession talk, the National Bureau of Economic Research's (NBER) Business Cycle Dating Committee assigned with raising the recession flag has declared the undeclared U.S. recession should end by September 2008.

An awfully pale recession may be good news for people in the unemployment lines and at the gas pumps finding job hunting to be a financial chess game. The combination of recent record jumps in the unemployment rate and crude oil prices is leading more and more Americans to seek employment solutions that offer more than just a paycheck.

A changing economy brings opportunities not previously available to large numbers of wage earners. In an effort to improve employability and avoid added time and transportation costs, millions of people are using distance learning to obtain the skills and education needed to reenter today’s job market. Many are electing to turn an unemployment situation into the start of a new business.

One industry standing defiant in the face of recession is the wedding industry. The Wedding Report, Inc. estimates nearly 2.2 million U.S. couples will exchange vows in 2008, spending an average of over $28,000 each to celebrate and share their nuptials. Wedding industry experts predict that both the number of weddings and the average money spent will continue to increase over the next several years.

The Wedding Planning Institute is the industry standard for wedding planning certification. The How to Start a Wedding Planning Business course is offered through online distance learning as well as in college and university classrooms across the country. WPI Certified Wedding Planner graduates enjoy the benefits of post-graduate intern/apprentice, continuing education, and employment programs as well as working in an industry long considered resistant to the effects of economic recession.

In part two of Love Resists Recession, we will examine the difficulties brides and grooms have planning a wedding during a recession as well as The Wedding Planning Institute’s solution to the problem.

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Instructor Spotlight: Lisa Gorman at Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis

Lisa Gorman has a passion for creating distinctive events. Her attention to detail, style and quality, always tailored to the client’s vision, is her professional trademark.

Before launching Memory Makers Events in 1999, Ms. Gorman spent over five years coordinating special events for non-profit groups and community theatre.

She has planned dinners for 15 to 1,500 guests, coordinated high-end weddings, arranged store and restaurant openings in Indianapolis and planned corporate events as well. Along the way she has acquired a keen understanding of what makes an event special: persistent attention to detail coupled with creativity, sensitivity to the needs and wishes of the client, and an insider’s knowledge of available venues and resources.

A graduate of the University of Toledo, Ms. Gorman lives in Indianapolis. “My education and experiences opened doors and presented opportunities in many different directions, but my love for making the ordinary memorable always led me back to this chosen career.” At Memory Makers Events (http://www.memorymakersindy.com/), she focuses all her creativity and effectiveness on planning unique occasions for her clients.

“Our mission is to provide the most memorable occasions by ensuring each event will be special and unique while supplying the best services and value to every client,” says Ms. Gorman. She has brought her passion for event planning to the classroom to instruct Wedding Planning Institute certification students at Indiana University-Purdue University in Indianapolis.

Lisa Gorman is a married mother of two grown children (Robert and Cecily) and one little one, 4-year old son, Colin. She and Mark have been married for 14 years and live in Indianapolis. Go Colts! They share their home with their loveable and lazy dog, Elroy.

Instructor Spotlight: Vicky Johnson at Chesapeake College and Carroll Community College in Maryland

Vicky Johnson is owner and creative director of holy matrimony (http://holymatrimonyonline.com), a social event planning firm specializing in large scale weddings and founded in 2001. The firm, with primary offices in Washington, DC, produces extraordinary events both large and small and has been featured with Vicky in local, regional, and national industry publications including Essence, Brides Noir, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Knot, The Hill, Express and many others. She is also the latest planner to debut on the Style Network’s hit television show Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Her reputation for logistically flawless events has her firm requested by society's finest, has taken her team across the country, and led her to share her experiences and expertise with Wedding Planning Institute certification classroom students. To enroll in one of her classes go to www.weddingplanninginstitute.com.

Vicky is the creator of the widely popular and award winning wedding blog DC Nearlyweds (www.dcnearlyweds.com). Keeping an eye out for the industry’s hottest trends while assisting the planning process of several area brides, the blog has received nationwide acclaim for its informative and witty content. Vicky has worked in the event planning industry since 1987 and her diverse career includes past employment in the fields of Special Product Development, Advertising and Marketing with Gannett Suburban Newspapers, Inc., USA Today, The AFRO American Newspapers and The Shapiro Negotiations Institute.

Named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003 for the astounding strides her firm made in the special events industry, Vicky has received numerous accolades and recognition since. She serves as moderator for the annual Wedding Week sponsored by The Washington Post's interactive website (www.washingtonpost.com). She is also the contributing style editor for the nationally distributed Brides Noir magazine. Vicky instructs wedding planner certification students at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, MD (Eastern Shore) and at Carroll Community College also in Maryland. Her most recent accomplishments include holy matrimony being named to the Grace Ormonde Wedding Style Platinum List for 2008 citing excellence in her field and being a reoccurring featured planner on Season 7 of the Style Network’s nationally syndicated television show Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?

“It's not enough to have a passion for weddings when you are responsible for the realization of a couple's vision. It is imperative that you have a clear understanding of all of the aspects of your event and the logistics proficiency to see those aspects through to fruition. You are the team leader: if they look good, you look great! Always remember, you are only as good as your last event."

Planning lavish events is the hallmark of Vicky’s career. Past clients have included NFL Atlanta Falcon tight end Alge Crumpler and his lovely wife Jennifer, the family of Blair and Desiree Underwood, and numerous other politicians and leaders in the fields of medicine, law, society, and entertainment. Whether working domestically or internationally, Vicky is most content designing lavish affairs while meeting the wildest expectations of her clients.

Vicky is an active volunteer and graduate of Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore and oversees the wedding ministry team and all weddings performed at the 7,000 member New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD. She is a proud wife and mom and currently resides in suburban Maryland.

In June 2008, the Style Networks will be running three weeks of wedding programming. Check your local listings for episodes featuring Vicky titled “Office and a Wedding Planner”, “Love, Marriage and a Baby Carriage”, and “Everyone Loves a Challenge”.

Instructor Spotlight: Marlo Green at Delaware Technical College

Marlo Green is living her dream as the owner and principal event planner for Regina Lesley Event Artistry (www.reginalesley.com). Marlo has a business degree in Human Resources from Peirce College and has spent many years in the human resources field interacting with a diverse group of people. While working for FLAVIA Beverage Systems, the gourmet beverage division of M&M/Mars, she gained invaluable experience planning regional and national meetings. This corporate experience, coupled with her own extensive wedding planning experience, helped to create Marlo's dream of owning her own event planning business.

As an event planner, Marlo provides a high level of organization, attention to detail, integrity, personal care, and interest in her clients and is at ease in arranging and planning any type of event. She believes every wedding – from the most intimate to the most elaborate – should be a personal expression of love and happiness and is bringing her business and customer service philosophies to Wedding Planning Institute students attending her class at Delaware Technical College.

As a successful small business owner, Marlo offers some advice for those just getting started. “Well you’ve gone and done it! After months of planning and brain storming, you’ve got the license, the snazzy new name, and said ‘I do’…to starting your wedding planning business! Now what? Get out there and promote your business!” she says. “Network, network, network; you are your business’ greatest asset. Meet with vendors in your area, attend local networking events and distribute your brochures and business cards. Review competitors’ packages and offer incentives they don’t. Remember, if you don’t promote yourself, no one will know about you. You’ll be that business with the catchy name and no customers. Good luck and happy planning.”

Marlo and her entire staff know that the day a couple says "I do" should be the most beautiful and romantic day of their lives together. Her dedication is to helping create memorable events to share with the couple, their family and their guests; regardless of event size or budget. Her expertise ranges from simple elegant weddings, including just a few family and friends, to elaborate ceremonies with magnificent receptions with hundreds of guests. Marlo leads her business and her WPI classroom with the belief that a client’s memories are opportunities to create masterpieces.

The Wedding Planning Institute's Instructor Spotlight - Chad Wandel at University of Texas

The Wedding Planning Institute's Instructor Spotlight:
Chad Wandel at University of Texas at Arlington

Chad Wandel has been involved in weddings since his teenage years. His experience began with a classical education on the violin and his involvement as a soloist and wedding musician. While in music school at the University of Texas at Arlington, Chad began to entertain at private functions for the University, fundraising events, and even more weddings.

In 1997 Chad began making business plans to start his own wedding production company. After three years of developing his own style and loyal client base, it became official and Artistic Image Weddings (http://www.aiweddings.com/) was born. Since then, Chad has taken an active role in expanding his understanding, knowledge, and skills as an extremely versatile wedding professional by participating in national educational opportunities not only in the fields of entertainment but also as a published professional Photographer, an award winning Videographer, and a Certified Wedding Planner through the Wedding Planning Institute.
“Three out of five businesses fail in the first few years. So how can you be in the two that make it long term?” asks Chad. “It is definitely a case of easier said than done, but the biggest piece of advice I can offer to those who are perched and ready to spread their wings is simple. Get your business finances in order. I have witnessed many talented professionals lose it all because they didn’t have a financial plan for their business. I’m not just talking about a business operating budget, I am also talking about what you do with your business profits. How will you reinvest, what will you save, and how are you planning for retirement? Think long term with your profits and keep business finances separate and you will weather any stormy seasons.”

It is in Chad’s in-depth understanding and knowledge of this industry that his clients and students have come to trust his advice and guidance when planning their events and careers, but more importantly it is this same trust which allows such a unique understanding and personal relationship with his clients in which they build together some of the most amazing and personal weddings and events in Texas.

Artistic Image Weddings is a member of many professional associations such as the Professional Photographers of America, Wedding and Event Videographers Association, The American Disc Jockey Association where Chad currently serves as the President of the Dallas - Fort Worth Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association. Chad is Certified by The Wedding Planning Institute as a Certified Professional Wedding Planner and is currently teaching the Wedding Planning Institute’s Wedding Planner Certification Course at his alma mater, UTA.

How to Become a Wedding Planner Course Offered at St. Petersburg College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jackie Addis Program Director
Lifelong Learning Department
St. Petersburg College
727-341-3184
Addis.Jackie@spcollege.edu

How to Become a Wedding Planner Course Offered at St. Petersburg College
Clearwater, FL – February 7, 2008 – The Lifelong Learning Department of St. Petersburg College at Clearwater has partnered with The Wedding Planning Institute, a nationally recognized training program for the wedding industry, to offer a How to Become a Wedding Planner course for students looking to break into the number one career choice for 2008. Classes will be held on campus March 1, 2008 through April 26, 2008 on Saturdays from 9am – 2 pm. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at real weddings, meet with local vendors and participate in class trips to tour venue sites and facilities.

Robert Meli, veteran event planner and founder of lifestyle design firm Bella Rose, will provide textbook and real life experience instruction bringing the artistic vision and creative talents he has gained from years of transforming his client’s dreams into reality. Sought after for his over the top original receptions and ceremonies which stray far from the average cookie cutter wedding, Mr. Meli will teach students to design and produce weddings that create a lifetime of blissful memories and cherished moments for the client and their entire family.

“The How to Become a Wedding Planner certificate offered at St. Petersburg College is perfect for the individual looking to get started in the wedding planning business right away. In partnership with The Wedding Planning Institute, St. Petersburg College's Lifelong Learning Department is offering this 40-hour hands-on program which covers everything a wedding planner needs to know! This is a wonderful opportunity to gain the knowledge and expertise to work as an event planner or to start your own business,” states Jackie Addis, Program Director, St. Petersburg College.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc®, a national event planning agency. Founded in Omaha, NE in 1997 by Cho Phillips, Lovegevity has administrative offices located in Roseville, CA. Lovegevity, Inc. helps thousands of couples each year plan for their wedding through Lovegevity’s national network of professional Certified Wedding Planners in an estimated 600 markets. The company’s mission is to provide busy couples with the best resources and tools to help plan their wedding and strengthen their marriage through relationship education. As an established leader in the wedding industry, Lovegevity is also helping to improve the success of wedding event planners through education, certification, and professional opportunities for those looking for a full-time career in the wedding planning industry.For more information, contact Jackie Addis, at 727-341-3184 or Addis.Jackie@spcollege.edu.

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How to Become a Wedding Planner Course Offered at St. Petersburg College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jackie Addis Program Director
Lifelong Learning Department
St. Petersburg College
727-341-3184
Addis.Jackie@spcollege.edu
How to Become a Wedding Planner Course Offered at St. Petersburg College

Clearwater, FL – February 7, 2008 – The Lifelong Learning Department of St. Petersburg College at Clearwater has partnered with The Wedding Planning Institute, a nationally recognized training program for the wedding industry, to offer a How to Become a Wedding Planner course for students looking to break into the number one career choice for 2008. Classes will be held on campus March 1, 2008 through April 26, 2008 on Saturdays from 9am – 2 pm. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at real weddings, meet with local vendors and participate in class trips to tour venue sites and facilities.

Robert Meli, veteran event planner and founder of lifestyle design firm Bella Rose, will provide textbook and real life experience instruction bringing the artistic vision and creative talents he has gained from years of transforming his client’s dreams into reality. Sought after for his over the top original receptions and ceremonies which stray far from the average cookie cutter wedding, Mr. Meli will teach students to design and produce weddings that create a lifetime of blissful memories and cherished moments for the client and their entire family.

“The How to Become a Wedding Planner certificate offered at St. Petersburg College is perfect for the individual looking to get started in the wedding planning business right away. In partnership with The Wedding Planning Institute, St. Petersburg College's Lifelong Learning Department is offering this 40-hour hands-on program which covers everything a wedding planner needs to know! This is a wonderful opportunity to gain the knowledge and expertise to work as an event planner or to start your own business,” states Jackie Addis, Program Director, St. Petersburg College.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc®, a national event planning agency. Founded in Omaha, NE in 1997 by Cho Phillips, Lovegevity has administrative offices located in Roseville, CA. Lovegevity, Inc. helps thousands of couples each year plan for their wedding through Lovegevity’s national network of professional Certified Wedding Planners in an estimated 600 markets. The company’s mission is to provide busy couples with the best resources and tools to help plan their wedding and strengthen their marriage through relationship education. As an established leader in the wedding industry, Lovegevity is also helping to improve the success of wedding event planners through education, certification, and professional opportunities for those looking for a full-time career in the wedding planning industry.


For more information, contact Jackie Addis, at 727-341-3184 or Addis.Jackie@spcollege.edu.


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The Wedding Planning Institute Announces Certified Bridal Apprentice Program

Sacramento, CA – January 29, 2008 – The Wedding Planning Institute has launched its Certified Bridal Apprentice Program to teach how to become a wedding planner and how to assist a bride on the day of her wedding. Designed to train and certify students in the art and trade of wedding planning, this course is perfect for the wedding planning hobbyist and the career minded novice.

The Certified Bridal Apprentice Program provides the knowledge, advice, and techniques needed to direct and deliver a wedding day plan as it is intended to unfold. A Certified Bridal Apprentice works with the wedding planner to keep wedding day activities and timelines on schedule and assists with delays or unexpected events while learning how to assist a bride and her family.

“The Certified Bridal Apprentice is the project manager, director, and crisis control administrator during an actual wedding. Their value to the wedding planner and the bride and groom is immeasurable. Their expertise and quick thinking is often what determines a successful wedding and a happy client,” says Cho Phillips, founder and CEO of Lovegevity and the Wedding Planning Institute.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc®, a national event planning agency. Founded in Omaha, NE in 1997 by Cho Phillips, Lovegevity has administrative offices located in Roseville, CA. Lovegevity, Inc. helps thousands of couples each year plan for their wedding through Lovegevity’s national network of professional Certified Wedding Planners in an estimated 600 markets. The company’s mission is to provide busy couples with the best resources and tools to help plan their wedding and strengthen their marriage through relationship education. As an established leader in the wedding industry, Lovegevity is also helping to improve the success of wedding event planners through education, certification, and professional opportunities for those looking for a full-time career in the wedding planning industry.

For more information, contact Robin Kilwine, at (888) 221-9988 ext. 9000 or pr@lovegevity.com

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How to Become a Wedding Planner Course Offered at Pensacola Junior College

Pensacola, FL - January 30, 2008 - The Continuing Education Office of Pensacola Junior College has partnered with The Wedding Planning Institute, a nationally recognized training program for the wedding industry, to offer wedding and event planning courses for students looking to break into the number one career choice for 2008. "How to Become a Wedding Planner" classes will be held on campus February 5, 2008 through April 3, 2008 on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 - 9 pm. Students will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at real weddings, meet with local vendors, and participate in class trips to tour venue sites and facilities.

Danielle Flowers, Lead Event Producer and Partner for the Bliss Event Group, will provide classroom and real experience instruction bringing a touch of New York and Los Angeles style she has gained from years traveling, studying, and enhancing the wedding and event planning business one amazed and pleased client after another. In constant demand as a successful wedding and event planner, Ms. Flowers brings cutting edge, latest trend ideas and techniques that students would not find elsewhere.

Ms. Flowers earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion from Auburn University. Danielle has worked with creative figures such as Grace Ormond, Preston Bailey, Martha Stewart, Kay Unger, and has been featured in national industry publications such as The Knot. She is currently an editor for Southern Wedding Style Magazine, the South’s hottest new industry publication.

PJC’s “Continuing Education is very pleased to have partnered with the Wedding Planning Institute to provide a high quality course for those interested in wedding and event planning. This course is very beneficial to those planning their own wedding as well as those interested in a new and exciting career,” says Edith Finley, Coordinator of the Continuing Education Office at PJC. The Continuing Education Office at Pensacola Junior College offers non-credit recreation and leisure courses designed to provide high quality education opportunities to members of the community. For more information contact Edith Finley, Coordinator, at 850-848-1797 or email efinley@pjc.edu.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc® a national event-planning agency. Founded in Omaha, NE in 1997 by Cho Phillips, Lovegevity has administrative offices located in Roseville, CA. Lovegevity, Inc. helps thousands of couples each year plan for their wedding through Lovegevity’s national network of Certified Professional Wedding Planners in an estimated 600 markets. The company’s mission is to provide busy couples with the best wedding resources available, along with the tools to help build stronger marriages such as relationship education during the wedding planning process. As an established leader in the wedding industry, Lovegevity is also helping to improve the success of wedding event planners through education, certification, and professional opportunities for those looking for a full-time career in the wedding planning industry.For more information, contact Cheryl Kurowski, at (888) 221-9988 x.903 or pr@lovegevity.com.

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WEDDING PLANNING EXPLODES IN 2008

Roseville, CA – January 2, 2008 – To meet the growing demand from brides- and grooms-to-be, the Wedding Planning Institute (WPI), a division of Lovegevity, Inc. is partnered with hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States and in other countries to offer hands-on training and certification for wedding planners.

The program is designed to assist both aspiring and existing wedding planners with starting or building their wedding planning careers. The Wedding Planning Institute’s Certification is internationally recognized by The Association for Wedding Professionals International and is offered through hundreds of colleges both as a classroom and online course. Students have the opportunity to assist at real weddings, as well as tour venues and meet with professional wedding vendors. “I'm very excited to be able to offer The Wedding Planning Institute's Certification. I believe that it will attract individuals who desire information for their personal use, as well as those setting their sights on this new and exciting career”, states Rhonda Marcontell, Coordinator of Continuing Education for Lamar University.

Colleges and universities across the U.S. are supporting the growing demand for wedding planners by offering 10-week classroom sessions for spring, summer and fall of 2008. Students can attend evening classes and receive their professional certification at the end of the 10 weeks. All graduates of the program can participate in job placement assistance and bridal referral leads from WPI. “The ability to offer hands-on training in addition to our classroom and online sessions has proven to be extremely helpful for newcomers to this career. Hands-on training puts what is text book into actuality and teaches students what cannot be taught in a classroom…such as, thinking on your feet.” says Cho Phillips, Executive Director of The Wedding Planning Institute. Students can enroll directly through The Wedding Planning Institute (www.weddingplanninginstitute.com) or through their local college’s continuing education department.

The Wedding Planning Institute is a division of Lovegevity, Inc® a national event-planning agency. Founded in Omaha, NE in 1997 by Cho Phillips; Lovegevity has administrative offices located in Roseville, CA. Lovegevity, Inc. helps thousands of couples each year plan for their wedding through Lovegevity’s national network of Certified Professional Wedding Planners in an estimated 600 markets. The company’s mission is to provide busy couples with the best wedding resources available, along with the tools to help build stronger marriages such as relationship education during the wedding planning process. As an established leader in the wedding industry, Lovegevity is also helping to improve the skills of wedding event planners through education, certification, and provides professional opportunities for those looking for a full-time career in the wedding planning industry. For more information, contact Jacqueline Logan, at (877) 597-8166, ext. 912 or pr@lovegevity.com.

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