Member News – February 2021

Member News - February 2021

As always, a big shout out to our members that have made the news. Below you’ll find members that have been highlighted or otherwise recognized. Thank you to those that submitted news this month and thank you to our members that continue to push the outside of the envelope in some way.

Tanya Pushkine aka The Vow Whisperer and Marcy Blum were the featured guest panelists on a Very Cherry Bombe Friendsgiving webinar all about giving toasts sponsored by Pellegrino.

Tanya shared her tips on changing careers and breaking into the wedding industry on the podcast Tea with Jaine

All the Best Moments by Kaitlyn Donaldson featured Tanya on her blog.

Tanya was also interviewed by Jillicious Foods & Events.

Tanya won both Wedding Wire and The Knot Couples Awards for 2021 and Tanya has joined the WIPA New York board as part of the Membership Committee.

Vacasa Vail, Colorado acquires 85+ new rental units by acquiring Gore Creek Properties.  Check out the New Vail Inventory (marked with a “New” banner).

Christie Osborne of Mountainside Media gave insight on ‘3 Things to Consider When Refining Your Marketing Strategy for 2021’ on Catersource. Christie was also featured in print inside Special Event’s Magazine Winter Edition on ‘Myths Behind Google Analytics.’

Elizabeth Sheils of Rock Paper Coin gave advice on Special Events on ‘Why You Need to Perform a Digital Audit before 2021 (and How to Start) and was included in a roundup of experts on Elizabeth Anne Designs’ ‘12 Things to Do When You’re Freshly Engaged.’ Elizabeth also contributed to ‘What Creatives Learned While Evaluating Their Business Processes’ on NACE.

Michelle Loretta, the founder of Be Sage Consulting, has launched the Sage Coaches platform. The coaching program matches highly vetted wedding industry experts with small business owners so that they will thrive in specialized areas. Success comes with one-on-one attention, offered one hour at a time, with the goal of providing clarity, validation, and accessibility. Be Sage is thrilled to collaborate with Roxanne Bellamy, Gretchen Culver, Kate Franzen, Michelle Gainey, and Kelly Marie Thompson on this momentous launch!

Henry Chen of Wedding Chat Marketing recently spoke to Alabama Wedding Professionals on a panel for the topic ‘Business Wedding Trends in the New Year.’ He was also featured on Allseated’s ‘4 Wedding Tech Trends on the Radar This Year.’

Kevin Dennis of WeddingIQ shared on his own blog ‘New Tech Apps And Programs You Need For 2021.’ He also contributed twice to Special Events – ‘The Self-Care Tips That Will Motivate You for 2021’ and in the Winter Edition for ‘The Positive Predictions for 2021.’

Jennifer Taylor of Jennifer Taylor Consulting revealed ‘Staff Training Techniques That Will Ensure Your Team Stays’ on Special Events and how to build a network of brand ambassadors within your community on Nace.

Dixie Bagley of The Farm was featured on Wedding Chicks where she shared her expertise on ‘3 Things Your Vendors Can Be Flexible On and 3 Things They Can’t.’

Renée Dalo of Moxie Bright Events gave insight on the Confetti Hour Podcast on how to ‘Ditch the Labels: Custom Proposals and How They Can Work for Your Biz’. She also shared ‘How Experiences Can Shape the Future’ on Law Chat with Girjia Podcast.

Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting shined a light on ‘Pantone’s 2021 Colors of the Year: Ultimate Gray + Illuminating’ for Special Events and Catersource. Meghan also revealed to Rent My Wedding ‘How To Get Your Wedding Published’ and was interviewed by Ellwed Talks and printed in their Ellwed Bridal Magazine’s newest issue.

Magnificent Events and Entertainment based out of Chicago has now expanded to the Scottsdale / Phoenix, AZ area.  Their offerings with Magnificent DJs as well their National Award-Winning band Maggie Speaks are now available in the Arizona market.  For more information, reach out to Chicago WIPA Board Member Dave Calzaretta.

Hester Parks of Park Avenue Events shared her expert advice on ‘Everything You Need to Know About Planning the Menu for Your Micro Wedding’ on Brides.com.

Laurel & Rose was featured in The Knot for the 4-Day Multicultural Wedding they planned in the countryside of San Sebastian, Spain.

Lisa Anhaiser of Creating the Map for Success was featured in the January guide for Rising Tide Society sharing her keys to “Creating a Goal Map for Personal and Professional Goals”. Lisa also shared her insight on “Selling your Business: Transitioning from Owner to President of your Company” with Special Events.

Loren Petrowski of Marry You in Hawaii shared her advice on Brides on “How to Ask Your Flower Girl or Ring Bearer to Be in the Wedding. She was also quoted on Go Banking Rates on How to Effectively Start Planning Your Wedding Now, Risk Free, and, and gave her favorite podcast on Wedding Wire, The 13 Best Podcasts to Listen to for Relationship Advice.

Keith Willard of Keith Willard Events has been busy bee over the last couple months.  Starting with an article in Parade Magazine about the 30 Biggest Wedding Trends Happening Right Now.  This was quickly followed by two separate articles in the NY Times.  The first was about The New Rules of Virtual Wedding Gifting.  The second about Getting Creative For Office Holiday Party.  And then rounding out the big three with an article in U.S. News & World Report about Engagement Ring Cost Considerations.  The PR whirl wind didn’t stop there with an additional article in Travel Weekly about Planning For The Big Day, But Thinking Smaller.  Keith’s weekly podcast, Behind The Veil was also named one of the top Wedding Podcasts by Player FM. Here is a sampling of some of the other articles Keith has been included in: SheFinds.com – 9 Things you Don’t Need For Your Virtual WeddingYahooNews.com – Renting Hotels for Big Events is Dirt Cheap…For NowSouthWestWed.com – Do’s and Don’ts For Outdoor WeddingsBrides.com – How To Ask Your Flower Girl or Ring Bearer to Be In Your WeddingBrides.com – Who Pays For The Bridal Shower?; And Authority Magazine – Keith Willard Of Keith Willard Events

NAPA VALLEY LINENS has moved their operations to Napa. Their stunning new facility is located at 620 Airpark Road, Napa. They can be reached at 707-266-3181 or by email at info@nvlinens.com  Hours are Monday through Friday 9-5.  They have been getting many inquiries for 2021 and have been busy working on their new 2021 collection. Their new swatch books will be available this month. The future is looking bright!

Friar Tux recently launched the 2021 Stylist Magazine, one of the most inspirational and informative guides to help couples find the perfect suit or tuxedo for life’s most photographed moments. Engaged couples and wedding industry experts turn to The Stylist to see the latest fashion trends across a range of styles, fabrics, colors, sizes and accessories. Friar Tux is thrilled to be a recipient of both The Knot Best of Weddings 2021 and Wedding Wire’s 2021 Couples’ Choice Awards. Friar Tux is excited to announce their Vice President of Sales Eric Acuña is now serving as the Director of Diversity + Inclusion for WIPA SoCal 2021 – 2022. This role oversees all WIPA chapter activity pertaining to diversity and inclusion and will provide support to promoting diversity and inclusion at all levels. Friar Tux was recently featured in this colorful, garden romance blog from Whimsically Wed, and in this incredible Pocahontas-inspired elopement by Tacari Weddings infused with earth and gem tones. Know of someone who wants to meet with an expert stylist? Click here to book an appointment at a Friar Tux store or schedule a virtual style session at FriarTux.com/virtual or StitchandTie.com/virtual.

Jenny Chahoud with EBJ was featured in Fig & Willows Top 10 Wedding Planners in Las Vegas blog as well as Wedding Rules Top 10 LV Planners. She recently moved from Arizona 2 years ago and is building her brand in the LV market. She received the Best of 2020 and 2021 couple’s choice award with The Knot & Wedding Wire