Pure, Unadulterated Exuberance: The 2011 Wedding MBA Features Luxury, Greatness, and a 1.4 Billion Dollar Supermodel-Mogul

After presenting at last year’s Wedding MBA conference and seeing the amount of content and connections assembled under one roof, returning this year to the Las Vegas Convention Center as an attendee hungry for more was a no-brainer.   (Already bought my pass for 2012.)

The 2011 Wedding Merchant Business Academy, produced by the Hegarty family, once again featured the A-listers of the wedding professional community.

Seminars were presented and private events were hosted by industry notables like Carley Roney, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Knot;  Sonny Ganguly, SMO of WeddingWire; Tammy Elliot, President of The Perfect Wedding Guide, Sasha Souza, celebrity wedding planner and founder of Wish Upon A Wedding;  Amy Wilkens, publisher of Martha Stewart Weddings; Peter Merry, author of The Best Wedding Reception Ever and director of the The W.E.D Guild; Susan Southerland, celebrity wedding planner and author of The Susan Southerland Secret; Andy Ebon, The Wedding Marketing Authority; Alan Berg, producer of the Wedding Industry Leaders Conference; and Kathy Ireland, CEO and chief designer from Weddings by 2be and Kathy Ireland Worldwide.

Among the 10 new wedding trends that Carley Roney revealed was “a return to luxury and classic elegance.” She sees a lot more black-tie events on the horizon but was quick to add that “formal can still have personality.” Roney said that brides are seeking “pure, unadulterated exuberance” on their wedding day.  They want pleasant “surprises” and “ways to wow” their guests like a having bakery-styled food truck outside the venue so family and friends can enjoy a late-night snack on the way home from the reception or an early treat with the morning paper the next day. Another trend that Carley mentioned was something my wife and I did for our Wedding back in 2005.  For the non-traditional couples who don’t mind seeing each other before the ceremony, Roney presented the option of taking your portraits and family photos before the ceremony.  This allows newlyweds to enjoy and not miss any of the cocktail hour festivities (typically one of the best parts of the entire celebration due the abundance of cuisine and mixology, visiting opportunities and relaxed atmosphere).  As a Wedding Entertainment Director and Event Producer, I can help facilitate the timing of this desirable alternative with the planner, executive chef, venue principal, photographer, cinematographer and of course, your preferred sources of entertainment.

Andy Ebon, in his usual forthright-reality check-way reminded everyone that “just because you are unique, it doesn’t mean that you are useful.” And, “Don’t idolize, become inspired.”  And,  “You need to have 360 degree awareness.” He also reminded business owners that in a complimentary fashion to facebook and twitter, “blogging is still one of the most important things you can do for your business” to allow clients to discover the ‘online soul’ of your product or service.   Ebon, who helped me create the MMP Blog back in 2008, featured  photographer Jazmine Star and Marilla Cupcakes as stellar blogs.  He subscribes to the same philosophy of Sonny Ganguly who said that “social media allows you to humanize your business.” Speaking of Sonny, I really loved what he had to say in reference to Wayne Gretsky’s famous quote about being “where the puck is.” He said, “I’m not a huge fan of hockey, but I am a huge fan of greatness.” Well said, sir.  As always, the Wedding Wire guys entertained the crowd and encouraged us to go further with mobile technology.  They even offered a free QR code for their clients.

Susan Southerland, who is one of the most dialed-in wedding professionals I know, shared her knowledge about how to manage client expectations of the personality-driven bride and how to deliver an experience that goes above and beyond simply helping a couple’s fairytale come true.  After interviewing numerous brides and asking how things went before their big day, Susan determined that wedding professionals who were great listeners, solution-oriented, respectful, humble and genuinely excited about their client’s celebration were swiftly chosen over their equally qualified  contemporary.  The classic staples like work quality and professionalism were mentioned as well.

Southerland is the Wedding Expert for Tammy Elliot’s firm, The Perfect Wedding Guide. Tammy did a great job of making all the attendees identify their current strengths and weaknesses as well as future opportunities.  Elliot also discussed the goal of being “consciously competent,” being able to duplicate your success at will. It was pretty deep and definitely made the gears start spinning.

The Knot offered up a few tech and social nuggets that had people checking their Klout score, looking into Qwiki and Uber- and then considering a Facebook business page view upgrade with Flipboard… which was just mentioned in Vanity Fair magazine.    The Knot also recognized a few companies in their annual “Best Of” awards which recognizes excellence in marketing, branding and social media.  The honorees included; Amy Zaroff, Michael Will Photography, The McNamara Alumni Center and Desiree Spinner. (I love her little messages: laugh. play. celebrate and dream. love. wed.)

Like many high school kids back in the day, The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue was a highly anticipated annual highlight.   One of my favorite supermodels was Kathy Ireland.  Over the years, as my company progressed and I kept tabs on anyone who had a contagious entrepreneurial spirit, Ireland always stayed on my professional radar because the ability to utilize her brains and spirited work ethic as well as her stunning beauty became more and more apparent. Fast forward to 2011 at the Wedding MBA in Las Vegas… Ireland took a few hours out of her busy schedule to make a special guest appearance and share her journey from running a paper route as a little girl to running a 1.4 billion dollar enterprise. The 2000+ attendees, among whom included business owners from all over the U.S, Canada, Brazil, and New Zealand, were treated to personal stories of character building, photos of recently-launched Kathy Ireland 2be designs, (check out the gorgeous shots below) and some impressive video clips of her philanthropic efforts.

When I had the chance to chat with Kathy after her presentation, I told her that she had some of the most tweet-worthy moments of the conference yet when she said things like, “Its never been done- doesn’t mean it can’t be done” and “I never had a family business, but now I have a business family,” and “When it comes to someone’s wedding day, it’s got to be the best… you can’t mess it up.” That last one really hit home because it accurately describes the tremendous pressure we experience every time we’re given the honor and responsibility of playing a major role in someone’s wedding day.

Editor’s Note: I’m sure you can tell from the photo that, yes,… Ireland is still stunning.  *One of the funniest moments of the conference was when Ireland gave out her phone number so attendees could contact her for professional guidance, inspiration or business collaboration opportunities.  I’ve never seen men find a pen and paper so quickly to write something down!  Including me….  ‘cuz I don’t know about you, but having a supermodel giving out her number isn’t exactly a common occurrence.

It was a pleasure connecting with fabulous professionals and making some new friends this year:  Jane & Patrick Kelly from iDoAppointments, Keri Macana from TPC Las Vegas, Jennifer Fox from Perfect Planning, Gabrielle Lennartz from Black Swan, Charese Feliciano from CFD Floral, Chandra, Dawn and Bea from Mira Bridal Couture,  Christy Schimpf from Bride and Groom Planner, Barbie Howard from Rocky Mountain Bridal Show, Sheila Dunn from Wedding Guide Bridal Extravaganza, artist extraordinaire- Sam Day & my mate from New Zealand, Nick Logan.

Special thanks to Jodi Harris and her husband Pat, from Sight and Sound, for always making me feel so welcome when I’m in Vegas.  On the last night before returning home, they took me and my good friend, Ron Brown, to the Blueberry Hill Diner for what they said were the best pancakes in the country. I won’t argue that.  They were pretty awesome.  I’ll keep working out just so I can treat myself to meals like this every now and then.

See you next year!  -mp

A Wise, Old Soul at 13: Robbie Celebrates His Bar Mitzvah at The Woodcliff Lake Hilton

Even if you’re not a fan of The Pittsburgh Steelers or if you don’t bleed  “Black and Yellow“  like many in the famous football club known as the ‘Steeler Nation,’  it’s still pretty easy to be a fan of Robbie Kresch… and the number 9.

After losing his father 2 years ago, Robbie, along with his adorable sister, Hayley, and his amazing mom, Cindy, moved onward and upward the best they could under the circumstances.   I can’t imagine what it’s like to lose a parent, so I won’t even try.  But, what I do know, is that Robbie did one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen at a Bar Mitzvah reception.

Since one of his favorite teams is the Steelers, they utilized a  Black and Yellow/Steeler Nation  sports bar theme for the reception which the kids and adults really seemed to enjoy.  More significant, though, was the sign-in board. The Kresch family brought in a beautiful glass-framed  Steeler’s Jersey with the number ’9′ on the back.   And for the same reason Robbie dedicated candle number ’9‘ to his dad, he made sure ’9′ was on the jersey too because it was his father’s favorite number.

As you can see from the photo, every guest signed the glass.  How awesome is that for a keepsake?!  I’m sure it has a premium piece of real estate in Robbie’s room.

In addition to all the dancing and celebratory moments, one of day’s highlights was courtesy of Robbie’s mom, Cindy.  Her toast before the mother-son dance was heartfelt and filled with unforgettable sentiments. This part really stood out:

“You are a very smart, determined,  & thoughtful person.  You are a wise, old soul.

It is such an honor and a pleasure to be your Mom and watch you grow into an amazing young man. I admire the strength and perseverance you have and the love you give to those you care for.

At times you may doubt yourself Robbie, but I hope you are learning you can do anything you set your mind to.  Stay strong to who you are and to what you value in life, and you will go far.

I hope you continue to live life on your terms, just like your father did. You embody so much of him Robbie, a man who was so kind, loving, caring, smart, funny, and so very proud of you and Haley.  And he still is.

And right now, along with me, he is beaming and with a big, silly grin, he’s saying, “ That’s Robbie.  That’s my boy.  Isn’t he the greatest?”

You are.  I love you. “

Special thanks to Scott Mitchell, from Bill Mitchell Photography and Video, for sharing the pictures featured in this article and to Tom Saffioti, Assistant Director of Catering from The Woodcliff Lake Hilton, for his hospitality and professionalism.  -mp

 

Tara Griep Sends Out Her Ray of Sunshine

Special thanks to the very talented actor, model and MMP Team member, Tara Griep, for sending over the new theme song for our Sunshine Club.

It’s called The Sunshine Song and is performed by Jason Mraz. You can download it here from Amazon.  Enjoy!  -mp

“Well sometimes the sun shines on
Other people’s houses and not mine.
Some days the clouds paint the sky all gray
And it takes away my summertime.
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
While I struggle to get mine.
If there’s a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.

.

I want to walk the same roads as everybody else,
Through the trees and past the gates.
Getting high on heavenly breezes,
Making new friends along the way.
I won’t ask much of nobody,
I’m just here to sing along.
And make my mistakes looks gracious,
And learn some lessons from my wrongs.

Well sometimes the sun shines on
Other people’s houses and not mine.
Some days the clouds paint the sky all gray
And it takes away my summertime.
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
While I struggle to get mine.
A little light never hurt nobody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.

Oh, if this little light of mine
Combined with yours today,
How many watts could we luminate?
How many villages could we save?
My umbrella’s tired of the weather,
Wearing me down.
Well, look at me now.

You should look as good as your outlook,
Would you mind if I took some time,
to soak up your light, your beautiful light?
You’ve got a paradise inside.
I get hungry for love and thirsty for life,
And much too full on the pain,
When I look to the sky to help me
And sometimes it looks like rain.

As the sun shines on other people’s houses
And not mine,
And the sky paints those clouds in a way
That it takes away the summertime,
Somehow the sun keeps shining upon you,
while I kindly stand by.
If theres a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine

You’re undeniably warm, you’re cerulean,
You’re perfect in desire.
Won’t you hang around
so the sun, it can shine on me,
And the clouds they can roll away,
And the sky can become a possibility?
If there’s a light in everybody,
Send out your ray of sunshine.”

Another Exclusive Weddings of Distinction Collaboration: A Summer Tasting at Bonnet Island Estate

It was a pleasure to serve all the brides and grooms and their families last week at the gorgeous Bonnet Island Estate. The Weddings of Distinction team,  along with Merri Makers Caterers, arranged for a private multi-course tasting to whet everyone’s appetite for their big day.

MMP collaborated with our friends from Portraits by the Bay, The Studio Photographers and Stephanie Somodi’s Designing the Most Inviting Day- for a delightful afternoon.

We gave out complimentary copies of Peter Merry’s The Best Wedding Reception Ever!, Tom Haibeck’s Wedding Toasts Made Easy and our most recent article 7 Ways To Bring The Wow and Have the Best Wedding Reception Ever which was published on WeddingWire.com’s notable Four Aces blog.

We look forward to helping all of the newly-engaged couples plan and produce one of the best days of their lives.

Special thanks to Weddings of Distinction’s  Ginny Connolly and Merri Makers Executive Chef, Jack McCann III, for their gracious hospitality.  -mp

 

Impressive Aussie- Marcello Recommends: Secrets of Super Productivity by Neen James

A few weeks ago I attended a private business conference in Indianapolis. It’s an annual gathering that’s kinda like a Dead Poet’s Society for special event entrepreneurs. One of the featured presenters at this multi-day event was  productivity expert, Neen James, from Australia.

Not only did she offer sage advice with regard to personal and professional efficiency, she totally owned a room that was filled with 40 alpha-male control freaks who can be very unforgiving if you don’t bring your A-game.

I can’t share specific details from that particular presentation, but I can at least refer you to her public book release, Secrets of Super-Productivity: How To Achieve Amazing Things In Your Work Life. Neen graciously sent me a signed copy in a  very impressive follow-up package after the conference.   It read like a modern version of How To Win Friends and Influence People.   James touches on everything from task prioritization, the importance of social surroundings, continuing education, financial fundamentals and general wellness tips.

Secrets of Super-Productivity would make a great gift for anyone you know who is old enough to read and who’ll eventually be on their own someday.   Like the ability to balance a check book and display simple social graces, I firmly believe that the gospel of Neen should be standard fodder for school curriculums everywhere. SOSP is also a great investment for the successful professional who likes or needs a little  reminder of what got them to the top and more importantly… how to stay there.

Here are a few excerpts to whet your appetite:

“Stop trying to manage time and learn how to make time.“

“…The other thing most people overlook is the need to schedule time before and after each meeting to prepare and complete follow-up activities…“ Jason and I had a ‘decompression session‘ after each day of educational content in order to digest what we learned, discuss implementation strategies and just to chat about anything else BUT business in order to avoid information-overload.

“Many people have a tendency to want to keep e-mails.  Set yourself some guidelines for what you want to keep and delete the rest once you have read or actioned them.” Jason @soundconnectdj recently tweeted:  ‘WOW.  Just hit 10,000 unread emails.‘    It’s good to be busy and in demand, but I think JJ needs a little Neen-inspired Delete Key session.

“Make an appointment with yourself for the first of January every year to reflect on the year that was and the year to come. “ My friends know that I’m usually on a plane to Costa Rica at the beginning of each New Year.  The reflection begins on take-off and evolves into a month of introspection and rejuvenation.  11 years ago I read that mandatory sabbaticals yield significant results for CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, it’s been a part of MMP’s annual playbook ever since.

“Sleep is vital for renewing body and mind and yet we often forfeit sleep time so we can do other activities.”  ..  “The important thing is to discipline yourself to get a good night’s sleep and  rise early so that you can make the most of every day.”

“You will feel more in control of your life when your home is a retreat rather than an obstacle course or a constant reminder of things that need doing!  Spend some time spring-cleaning… remove the clutter, tidy problem areas, create storage solutions and eliminate the mess.”

Connect with Neen on Linkedin, Twitter, & Facebook or visit her online productivity store for additional resources & booking information. -mp

*Editor’s note:  I still get choked up every time I see that scene from Dead Poets. 

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