Events: ACPWC Atlanta’s Buckhead Mixer Recap

June 2, at Shula’s 347 Grill in Buckhead, the Association of Certified and Professional Wedding Consultants (ACPWC, Atlanta Chapter) held a social mixer that was an absolute hit.

Tia Ervin of Milestone Occasions hosted the event with the help of several ACPWC wedding coordinators, including Lisa Henderson of the Ansley Golf Club, Rhonda Eggert of Re: Weddings & Events, Inc., Andrea Smith Brown of Andrea Tracy Events, Pat Orangio of Weddings of Distinction, Princess Coffey of Premier Posh Productions, Mary Gregory of Best Wishes to the Bride, and Janet Phillips of Janet Phillips Wedding & Events – just to name a few.  Most of the coordinators are from the metro-Atlanta area, but we do have membership in both Savannah and all up the East Coast!

The event’s purpose was to showcase the ACPWC and its coordinators, and to inform others about the ACPWC and its mission.

All too often, we talk to those in the wedding industry who have a not-so-great view of wedding coordinators.  Whether they were too hands-off, or left the event early, or didn’t seem to have proper training… the list is endless for those seasoned wedding professionals.  The recurring theme is inconsistency.  When a bride and groom are preparing for the day of their dreams, they should know what they are getting and they should feel comfortable that their vision will turn into a reality.  The planning process should go smoothly, and they should be stress-free (well, as much as one can be on their wedding day!) as possible.

The ACPWC sets a high standard for coordinators to become Professionally Trained and Certified.  Check out the National Chapter’s website for a class near you, and learn what’s involved in becoming a member.

“A Professional Coordinator has to be in business for at least a year, and has to have six solid weddings under their belt before even earning their first title,” Tia Ervin explained to attendees Thursday, and went on to describe how it was important for wedding coordinators under ACPWC to earn their titles.

A shout came from a professional in the wedding industry: “That should be state law!”  The intimate crowd laughed, and a wave of nods permeated the group.

The free event Thursday didn’t just consist of complimentary appetizers (which were quite tasty), but door prizes, as well, thanks to coordinator Lisa Henderson’s hard work.

Donations included a gift basket from Sensational Baskets, gift certificates to Darryl Wiseman Flowers, bottles of Bridesmaid Wine, gift certificates to Gallery Day Spa, half off a wine tasting courtesy of Rochelle Boyd at Diva Wine Shop, and even a pet photo session with Alecia Lauren Photography.

We had a fabulous group of attendees, including Christie D. Oss of Chair Covers and Linens in Atlanta, Lisa Alexander of Occasions Magazine, Nicola Horton of Perfect Wedding Guide, Marcus Krause of Marcus Krause Photography, Dee Lane Eades of Graceful Tables, Daria MacGregor of Circle of Love Weddings, Margie Sikes of Affairs of Elegance, Suzette Wilson of Brides Atlanta, Sheena Koger of Quest Drape, Kathy Grate of Divine Occasions, Demaurio Starks (DJ Blue Fyre), Gilbert Martinez of Stargazer Video Creations, Sharon Hochdorf of Button It Up,  Dina Marie of Dina Maria Makeup, Daria Clark of Chelsea Floral Design, and Tracey Brown of Tracey Brown Photography.

These were just a few of some incredibly hard-working men and women in the wedding industry.

The ACPWC Atlanta chapter is looking forward to future events, and we’re so glad so many had the chance to join us this week!

Thank you to all who joined us, and thank you to all of our event volunteers and sponsors!  A huge thank you to Veronica at Shula’s 347!