Introduce yourself please

There seem to be so many new usernames here at Wedding Chat, that I thought I would start an intro thread... so please come forward and tell us all who you are and what you do!

Im am l3vi aka Levi.. I have been in the wedding business for over 6 years, Im 26 years old and work for Onewed Networks as one of their developers. I manage most of what you see here and at our other 5 wedding sites.

[affiance-events]

My name is Angela Cooper and I am a wedding coordinator in the New England/NY region. I have been in the business for 6 years and made it official this year with a business name and certificate with the Bridal Association of America and all of that good stuff. I love helping couples plan the most important day of their life and I pride myself on keeping them stress free.

[babytobride]

Hi,
I am Casey, and I started my company about 4 years ago while I was planning my own wedding. I couldn't find any favors I liked-they all seemed cheap and uncreative, so I created my own line and decided to offer them to the public at wholesale price because I am tired of brides having to spend so much to make their day just right!

[robindepaula]

Hi. My name is Robin DePaula. I've been photographing weddings for family & friends since 1995. I just made it official this year by applying for my business license & tax id, etc.

I live about 40 minutes north of the "Big Easy".

[bcphoto]

I'm William, or 'BC',

I did my first wedding wayyyyyyy back in 1978, after 22 years as a working Wedding/Portrait shooter in Chicago I sold my house and studio and moved to the south four years ago.

Currently 26 years as a Photographer, and 24 as a MakeUp Stylist

8)

[wedbyjean]

Hi everyone,

I'm Jean Neuhart, owner of Weddings From The Heart, in Huber Heights, Ohio (just North of Dayton).

I got the interest in wedding planning as a profession in 1988 when my husband & I were planning our own wedding. I was such a naive bride -had absolutely no clue as to what we were supposed to be doing - I didn't realize that I could find bridal magazines to look through! It's a wonder I didn't go nuts planning things on my half hour lunch break because everyone closes at 5:30! (or so it seemed).

Anyway - through the following years I'd talk off & on about planning weddings professionally, but doing it the "right way". (Although the way I planned ours must not have been too bad, since we'll be celebrating anniversary #16 next month). I eventually found out about the Association of Bridal Consultants in a magazine and contacted them for info. My husband told me that if this is something I really wanted to go for it. So I did. I joined ABC in February 1994, (10 years has gone by so fast) and signed up for their Professional Developmeent Program at the same time. As luck would have it (although I'm not one to rely on luck) the Ohio ABC State Coordinator was in Centerville (South Dayton). I apprenticed with her for about a year, getting to know the behind the scenes of a wedding, and getting to know many wonderful local vendors (which also allowed them to get to know me, so when I finally "opened my doors" they wouldn't go "Jean who?" whenever I'd call.

Weddings From The Heart became official in October '95 - the same month our son was born. I have a home office, and really have no interest or desire to get an outside office. I like the convenience of having everything available at any time of day or any day of the week, and not being tied down to office hours. OK, not having the overhead is great too. I am able to take care of the basic household chores (I can take a short break, get something to drink, and throw a load of laundry in the dryer before returning to the office a few minutes later). I can take my son to school and get him off the bus in the afternoon (he just started 3rd grade). I'm here for my family's needs, without shortchangeing what I give my clients. I meet with them where it best suits them, usually in their home. I don't mind this, because it helps me to get to know them better.

Jean

[luv2wedd]

Thanks for starting a great thread! I enjoyed reading the previous posts.

I just started my business, Wedding Ceremony Services, in June 2004. I call myself a Wedding Liaison or Wedding Day Coordinator. I am a distinguished graduate of the Association of Bridal Consultants as a Professional Bridal Consultant. My specialized training and attention to detail brings my clients the peace of mind needed to relax and enjoy their wedding day.

After researching the market, I noticed that St. Louis lacked the resources for couples looking for information on ceremony locations. I developed a resource guide on ceremony sites with details to price, amenities, restrictions, etc. I also work with area churches and can match the client's religious background with a specific denomination and location. I have references to officiants, musicians, DJ's and party rental companies.

[JackieOhh]

My name is Jackie Farah, owner of Jackie Ohh... Events. I am a full-service wedding coordinator and event planner. I am from Miami, Florida (Hurricane central). I am very excited to chat with all of you. It is a wounderful thing to be able to chat with all of you vendors from all over the nation. I hope we can be beneficial both to eachother and brides.

[eibridal]

Hi! I am a bridal boutique owner. I worked out of my home selling invitations and helping friends plan their weddings for a few years. I officially opened my boutique doors in January 2004. I worked at a bridal salon while going to college as a business major hopeing to open a clothing store. I fell in love with the bridal industry and decided to open a bridal boutique. I love meeting other vendors and appreciate any advice or constructive criticism.

[DReid]

Hi everyone! I'm Darrell Hawkins of D. Reid Photography in Alexandria, Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati, OH. I've been a photographer for more than 35 years - just not all of them as a professional. I photograph weddings, portraits, pets, sports, corporate - just about anything.

[aveillady]

Hi there, my name is Cheryl King, and I am the chief designer of Cheryl King, Ltd. (bridal headpieces & veils). We sell wholesale and retail from our salon, Chantilly Lace of Wendell. We are located in Wendell, NC, just east of Raleigh. We do custom designs by appointment in our salon, as we have been since 1986. Our designs have graced the covers of leading bridal magazines, and are often chosen for editorial shots in them as well. We handcraft all our designs locally, and have hundreds of samples in stock. We also have invitations, jewelry, books, and other accessories. I am excited about this forum and hope it gets used well!

[Charity]

Hello everyone!

I am Charity Plaster, and I own A Charmed Event which is a company based in Akron, Ohio - serving all of Northeast Ohio.

I got my start in the wedding industry in 1996, when I was just 18. I have held many jobs in the industry; managed two different chains of tuxedos stores, trained as a makeup artist, costumer, seamstress, baker apprentice, photography apprentice, catering...you name it!

I officially started A Charmed Event just this year! I currently provide wedding coordination/planning, as well as a line of invitations and wedding accessories. In addition to that, my husband and I are both licensed non-denominational Officiants, and we both perform ceremonies and renewals. I also produce and teach a series of wedding workshops six times a year.

In addition to THAT, I also work for a local bridal magazine and bridal show production company....my day job. We produce an Akron-Canton-Youngstown based magazine as well as a Cleveland magazine (circulation of 55,000 a year) and we hold 4 bridal shows a year. We produce the largest and most successful magazine and shows in Northeast Ohio.

Weddings are TRULY my life! I have never wanted another career, everything I have done since high school has prepared me for this direction. I would like to expand, and to network with vendors all over the United States!

I work from home, and love it. I plan on hiring an assistant in 2005, and who knows what the future holds!

Nice to meet you all!
Charity

Wooooo bridal magazine... To bad you all are not nationwide we would be all over that in a heart beat! We have been looking for a good wedding mag to partner with that’s nationwide... :(

[Charity]

There are so many nationwide mags, it would be so hard to choose the best ones to go with. No, we are not nationwide, but if you ever feel like targeting little ol Northeast Ohio, let me know! :D

[videocrafter]

Is everyone from Ohio? Gees I've been running into a lot of Ohio people lately. Not that that's bad. It could be worse, you could be from Kentucky :lol:

[Charity]

Hey now! :D Don't you know? Ohio weddings are where its at!

LOL

[videocrafter]

I guess!

Didn’t Ohio have the most electrical votes?

Surprising how many people are living out their in them ‘hills’... Ohio runs a close 2nd for California wedding vendors quantity...

[RovenRev]

Yes.... Ohio is great..... except as we speak I have 22 inches of snow in my yard. Took me three days to shovel my driveway.

If anyone needs a minister.... let's say HAWAII... I am available!

Didn’t Ohio have the most electrical votes? :lol:

[robindepaula]

Hawaii does sound great!! Count me in if photographer is needed.

Robin

ahhh Hawaii, and if you need a guest... Ill come.. ;p

its sooooooo cold around here right now!

[As You Wish]

I am Mirinda and I live in Utah. We have a lot of weddings but the average budget is less than 10K. I am brand new to the wedding business, but have been a part of many weddings- I have a lot of sisters, and they have a lot of friends.

I previously worked as a professional Urban Planner. I got burned out and wanted a home based business. I want to do custom made wedding veils. My biggest challenge now is how to advertise with out money. I am having a lot of fun so far and can't wait to see what happens next. I love to be able to see what both the brides and the pros have to say. Thanks for letting me be here.

[831Photography]

Hi!

My name is Stephanie and I own a photography company in Akron, OH. I have been doing weddings for going on 4 years and I am 27 years old.

I absolutely LOVE weddings! I had considered going into wedding coordination, but my husband suggested that since I had a talent in photography, I should try my hand in Wedding Photography. That was almost 4 years ago, and now we have a studio space to do portraits as well.

If anyone has questions about Wedding Photography, please feel free to contact me! I would be happy to help you get the best wedding pictures that you can.

I am very happy to be here and I look forward to being able to chat with you all very soon!

Steph

[831Photography]

I am going to have to fight Robin for the Photography job in Hawaii! LOL :D

I also live in Ohio...NE Ohio...Under many inches of snow and ice at the moment... :(

Can't wait to expand my company nationally so that I can travel to other offices in warmer climates and write it off! LOL :D

Steph

PS: Hi Charity! Nice to see you here....see you in about a week at the show!

[mrsmatrimony]

I'm Vicky. I own a firm called holy matrimony that has offices in NY, Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD. I have become a specialist in large scale weddings it seems. Though my office are centralized, I plan weddings across the country so it has been fun. I am also the coordinator for a 7000 member church in Baltimore, MD so that helps to keep me busy.
I do a lot of writing and speaking on the wedding industry because I really believe in the industry.

[velvet]

Hi, I'm Maria and have been one year in wedding business. I previousely worked as wedding coordinator in Bali. However, I wish to start my own wedding business at the moment by helping wedding couple who need simple wedding, intimate and romantic sense comes true without paying so much for that. Btw, have a look my site www.sukmabaliwedding.com
Any comment and advise would greatly appriciated.

[Charity]

I feel like I am reading messages from a "Weddings Anonymous" type group!

Hi! My name is Charity and I want to be as successful as Stephanie at 831 when I grow up!

LOL

Hi Steph!

[wedbyjean]

It could be worse, you could be from Kentucky

Hey, we don't mind extending our borders a bit further south for them.

Not sure what Mother Nature has up her sleeve for us though, Northern Ohio has the snow and ice covered branches that we had right before Christmas. I hear we're going to be getting another big storm soon though. Ugh!

Jean

[Prosephone]

Hello! My name is Jess Rodak and I am 25 yrs old and I live in Erie, PA. After my wedding in September of 2004 I decided to open a wedding t-shirt and accessory store online. I was so sick of marked up prices for the same ol' thing, that I decided to create unique and affordable wedding t-shirts and accessories.

[EventSitter]

My name is Letitia Davis and I am the co-owner of Elegant Event Sitters,Inc. We are a on-site baby sitting service for weddings and receptions. Our business came about after we helped a friend entertain our kids as well as the other guests. Our business has been doing pretty well since we started in June of 2003. Brides seem to think that it is a great idea. We are in the Atlanta area.

[arielrose13]

:D Hello everyone, I am Marti Marshall from Ariel Rose Bridal & Wedding Accessories located in Portland, Oregon. The cool thing about my business is I get to work with my mom Laura Jameson. We started the store in 2002.

:) Marti

[lynellm]

Hi, My name is Lynell Doyle and I have been in the wedding business now for about 6 years. My company, I Multimedia Services shoots wedding videos all over Southeastern Michigan. We are located in Southfield, Michigan just on the outskirt of Detroit. We have a great time with all of our couples and we really enjoy our work. We are also new to onewed.com and we are listing ourselves and we are excited to see how that works out. I am happy to meet everyone!
:P

[Cheri Rice]

Hi all,

My name is Cheri Rice and my company name is Personal Touch Bridal Agency. I specialize in wedding photography but I also sell invitations and rent tuxedos. I also rent some other things like, arches, candle stands, card boxes, mirror tile squares, bubble bowls, - stuff like that. I've been wedding related since 1979 and am a Master Bridal Consultant as designated through the Association of Bridal Consultants. Not doing much consulting as the photography takes up so much time. I really enjoy what I do and appreciate a location where I can get more industry information.

Take care,

Cheri

[ndsimm]

Hey Ya'll (couldn't help myself :lol: )
I'm Nathan and I own Photographics here in Houston, Texas. I've been doing photography for about 20 years (started as a serious hobby and grew from there). I used to work in a custom photolab down here as well. I love wedding photography because it allows me to be as creative as possible and be appreciated for it (getting paid is not too bad either). I love the idea of this forum and allowing us to interact with brides and have fun....

[sweet-announcements]

Hello everyone!

My name is Edna, I'm a wedding invitation designer and owner of Edna's Sweet Announcements. I'm located in S.California.
Glad to have a place where vendors can help each other out or just chat.

[toneman]

Hello,
My name is Tony (Toneman), I'm a mobile DJ owner/operater from Eastern Washington. I've been DJing since 1985 providing music dance entertainment for a number of different type of events, Weddings-School dances-Anniversaries-private parties-etc. Any question about my service please feel free to contact me.

[iluvweddings]

My name is Lori, from the Chicago area and I create custom - designed stationery, as well as Event Planning. The name of my company is Taylor Made Events (after my daughter - Taylor Maiye')
I have so much fun planning various events and hence the name iluvweddings - I honestly do love weddings!!! I have attended weddings of people that I've met on the boards whom I had never met prior to their wedding day. I don't think there is anything more beautiful than a small wedding in a garden, or a large wedding at the most expensive venue in town. I love it!!!!

[karmstrong]

Hello. My name is Kimberly. I am a wedding photographer (also studying to be a wedding consultant). I started my photography business last year and did a couple weddings, but decided to post-pone my business due to pregnancy. Now that my baby is here I am ready to roll and get my business up off the ground. I am very excited that I found this site, there is a lot of great information and advice.

Kimberly Armstrong

[Topshelfdj]

Hello All

I'm Scott I'm 1 of the owner's of Topshelf Entertainment a Dj
service out of Michigan.

[daisydays123]

Hello! My name is Sarah and I started a new wedding business in 2004 called Daisy Days. My goal was to help brides find high quality products at low prices so that they have one less thing to stress about... making their wedding day a "Daisy Day!" :)

My passion is to stay on top of the latest trends in wedding products and offer those products to brides at a discount (such as monogram cake toppers, sand ceremony sets, etc.)

[smweddings]

Hello everyone!

I'm a newbie and I am just starting my wedding consulting business. This has been a dream of mine for more than 10 years, so to see it actually happining is very exciting.

I'm the Director of Finance for a small service company, however I love to plan weddings! I've done several for family and friends and now I'd like to build a business that I can eventually run fulltime. I am in the process applying for certification from ABC and once I have that done, the sky's the limit!!

Nice to meet all of you!