First comes love, then comes marriage The Association for Wedding Professionals International forms a fruitful union with the Inland Empire
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any times it’s been said that the one business that will never go out of business is the wedding industry. And despite the current economic climate, the average cost of weddings in 2009 was at $28,385, which was only a 5% decrease from 2008, according to a recent survey conducted by The Knot Inc. “As the economy continues to affect consumer spending, brides remain committed to planning a memorable event and are thoughtfully cutting back,” said Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot Inc. With positivity like that in mind, it made sense that the Association for Wedding Professionals International move forward with an Inland Empire chapter. After all, we like weddings in these parts. On February 18, 2010, the Association held their inaugural event at Eagle Glen Golf Club in Corona. Award winning industry professionals gathered amidst the Mardi Gras themed ballroom. Over 60 wedding professionals along with five wedding establishments in the region--John Goolsby of Godfather Films, Vision to Mission Entertainment,
Loving Images Photography, and Koyal Wholesale were all at the unprecedented event. The AFWPI Inland Empire Chapter, which is headed up by Cristina Barragan, owner and event producer of Unforgettable Events, and Leslie Velazquez, owner of wedding planning company Veils and Fairytales, is a worldwide organization for wedding professionals including everyone from florists and caterers, to venues, planners and unique odds and ends. Both Cristina and Leslie noticed the absence of such an organization in the Inland Empire, and with the region’s popularity among the soon-to-be wed, it was obvious it was for more than a luxury, but a necessity. According to the two women, “It’s important for those in the industry to get together to exchange ideas in an effort to innovate, grow and provide promising job opportunities and economic development for the IE.” From the vineyards of Temecula, the historic Mission Inn, the pristine landscapes of Palm Desert and Palm Springs and the myriad of country clubs in between, there is no shortage of wedding bliss. Moreover, there is no shortage of resources in the area. With many of the attendees having been awarded the 2010 Bride’s Choice Award from WeddingWire / Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., it’s no question there is an insurmountable level of talent and greatness close to home. By Candace S. Abbott
ieStyle April/May 2010
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