Current Sandals Deals

It is almost the end of January, and here in Iowa snow falls quite frequently.  We probably got another couple of inches today.  The weather is very cold (negatives for the high), and I don't think I've seen the sun in weeks!

As a Certified Sandals Specialist, I receive current promotions for Sandals and Beaches Resorts in my email, and today, I received the most recent deals.  I told my husband we are going to take a trip to a Sandals resort....soon!! On days like today, I think I just want to book a trip and leave tomorrow. :)

I wanted to pass along these great deals to you.  Check them out and if you have any questions, or don't want to book online, let me know and I will be happy to assist you!

Teleseminar by Ciara & Simon Daykin

On Wednesday evening, I participated in a teleseminar hosted by Ciara and Simon Daykin from Rockstar Wedding Planner and Firefly Occasions.  They presented "11 Rockstar Wedding Planner Strategies to Bring More Brides Through Your Door In 2010 that Your Competition Doesn’t Want You To Know About."  What great tips they were as well!  I am already working on implementing a few. 

I actually met Ciara and her husband when I went to Indy for the Annual Association of Bridal Consultants conference this past November.  At the conference, she was a key speaker.  Ciara always has helpful ideas, and some I have already used (one was to start a blog!!!)

Z102.9 Bridal Show

This past Sunday was the Z102.9 Bridal Show.  Of course, I had to go check it out.  My favorite vendor there was Brucemore Cutting Gardens Flower Shop.  Their bouquets were gorgeous!!

I spoke with other vendors, such as photographers, rental co., DJs, bakers, invitation designers, and even tux/gown shops.  Ask me about them!

Heart to Heart Bridal sponsored the Fashion Show, and there were many beautiful gowns.  The models were each carrying...the bouquets made by Cutting Gardens. (Did I mention how gorgeous they were?)

Internet LNG Conference Call

I just finished the ILNG Conference Call for the region I am a part of.  Our speaker tonight was MBC Shay Freeman.  This woman is very inspiring!! I actually met her at the Annual Business of Brides Conference in Indianapolis this past November.  She presented on Building Credibility there, and tonight, also gave a few more tips on how to build credibility...something that I will be putting to use right away since I am just starting out and will find that very useful.

Let me tell you a little more about this woman.  Shay is from Little Rock, AR.  She is from Bells & Bows, and has been a Master Bridal Consultant since 2005, meaning she has a great deal of experience.  In Indiana, ladies from our region ate dinner together one evening, and Shay joined us.  That night, I found she is a very honest woman and will tell you her opinion, which is what you should expect from a Professional Bridal Consultant.  Shay has made a great impact on me, and I am very confident her tips will help me become a better, successful Professional Bridal Consultant.

Iowa Bridal Planner Expo

Yesterday I went to the Iowa Bridal Planner Expo at the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, IA.  There were over 90 vendors and a large fashion show!!  I talked to many of the vendors, including photographers, dj's, caterers, graphics designers, bridal shops, florists, etc.  There were several table setting ideas that I loved and I will post the pics as soon as my phone's battery charges (it completely died on me yesterday...maybe from all that picture taking.;)  ) 

I have already started follow up with some of the vendors, and hope to meet with them soon so that I can learn more about them and be able to recommend them to my clients.

Website Update

I haven't been out of the house since Sunday, so in the meantime, I have recently updated my website, so please check it out!!
It is still a work in progress, but as I make changes, I will post the updated link.
Comments would be appreciated!

(And Mother Nature...I think you have given us enough snow to last the rest of winter!!)

www.onceinalifetimeweddingsandevents.com

NAPW

So about 30 minutes ago, I received a call from The National Association of Professional Women, and they wanted to continue the interview process for acceptance into the association. Well, after a few questions about my goals in my business, where I see myself professionally in 3-5 years, and what made me take the leap to starting my own business, they accepted me into the association!!

So right now, I am pretty excited, and ready to start this new adventure in a new year. :)