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November Training Course Recap
Ceremonies, Receptions and Budgets, Oh My!
The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners completed another our wedding planner training courses November 27-30, 2017. The courses were facilitated by one of AACWP's founding members, Laura DeBow, Certified Wedding Planner. Laura did an outstanding job keeping the course on track day-to-day, as well as being an anchor for the students when questions arose. Our facilitators strive to be that go to person for our students and create a positive learning environment for all involved. One of our students had this to say about Laura: "Laura was excellent! She was excited everyday to present new people to teach us, and to teach us and answer questions herself!"
The students spent four days at the Laurel, a beautiful event venue in Grapevine, Texas, where they learned everything from beginning a business as a wedding planner to creating budgets for their clients. The students displayed practical knowledge through group scenarios and class participation, which we always encourage. They really enjoyed the mock ceremony and reception portion of the course. And let's not forget about the guest speakers from other parts of the wedding industry! Students learned how to cut cake and fix a small blemish. They learned about invitations, working with a DJ and musicians, and much more.
Julie Blakey, CWP, and DJ Brian Prescott with LeForce Entertainment demonstrating with a mock reception.
Brooke Millis, CWP, walking students through a mock rehearsal.
Students gave glowing feedback as to how well the course was executed and how informative the instructors were. Here's what one of them had to say: "My favorite part about the course was the professionals who came to speak to us each day. They were so prepared, so open, so knowledgeable. They were incredibly engaged and it was obvious how much they care about AACWP and our success."
Another student had this to say: "My favorite part of the course was the reception planning. I do not handle receptions but really enjoyed learning ALL the details it takes to even BEGIN planning the reception. I liked the "behind the scene" tips that Julie gave us, always remaining in the background and always giving GREAT instruction but avoiding the camera!!! Also, about the event order, pricing and catering aspects!! Also, all the communication that the wedding coordinator does with the DJ or MC PRIOR to the reception." All attendees felt that they learned a lot and were definitely more prepared to go back into the wedding industry, or in some cases, begin their wedding planning career in the industry.
Once these students have wrapped up their homework and grades are in, they will have the opportunity to join AACWP as Trained Wedding Planners and begin their path towards achieving Certified Wedding Planner status. The students were excited to have the opportunity to join this outstanding organization that prides itself on providing pertinent continuing education, a vast networking group of their peers, a fun and beautiful industry wide event (the Vendis) and an event to Celebrate our members at the end of the year. One student commented "Honestly, everyone's enthusiasm for AACWP who is currently a member was so motivating and exciting." It is truly the wedding planner's organization!
Top left to right: Brooke Chung, Edith Ibarra, Tarek Hamdan, Cynthia Stillar-Wang, Larrah Jackson; Bottom left to right: Teresa Rosado, Laura DeBow (Facilitator), Sheri Lowry, Carly Suhr, Shannon Lepard (Training Course Director)
Thank you to each of our instructors and sponsors for our November 2017 courses:
- Laura DeBow, CWP, Watermark Community Church
- Shannon Lepard, CWP, The Laurel
- Megan Rountree with Legacy Cakes
- Rachel Burrow, TWP, Sarabeth Events
- Lauren Twichell, TWP, Wolfgang Puck Catering
- Caroline Fair, CWP, Caroline Events
- Wendy Kidd, CMWP, Each & Every Detail
- Brooke Millis, CWP, Each & Every Detail
- Laura Druck, LaneLove Paper Co
- Julie Blakey, TWP, Refined Romance
- Brian Prescott, LeForce Entertainment
