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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