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.