Letter – Volume 2, Issue 5

Cutting-edge. Forward-thinking. Exceptional. Trendsetting.These are words used to describe the very best designers and professionals in the wedding planning business. True success in the industry can be measured by the level of creativity and ingenuity and, well, yes, the number of clients. But, if you build it—and build it really well—they will come. Wedding Planner Magazine decided it was time to honor those in the industry who are an inspiration. We asked our more than 4,500 readers to complete an application form and submit it along with photos and vendor/bride recommendations. Our Advisory Board and magazine team sorted through those applications to find the top five, which became the top six after a tie. In the pages of this issue, you’ll be inspired by their work. And, if you’re reading this as an advance copy at the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) Annual Conference in Denver, perhaps you’ve also had the pleasure of seeing us present some of our winners with their award.You might also find inspiration in the entrepreneurial business ideas within this issue. In the second part of our three-part series on creative revenue streams, you’ll learn how several planners turned elopements into a business service line. Plus, Tonia Adleta, PBC™, shares her advice on using stylized wedding shoots to enhance the bottom line. Financial Advisor Rich Mino helps you prepare for the year 2013 by putting your best financial foot forward with the right business planning ideas. And if it’s increasing your number of acceptances for Real Wedding submissions you want, look no further than Meghan Ely’s article on how to achieve Real Wedding submission success.These pages also are home to some exciting ABC news—including the launch of ABC Canada East in the International feature and an article on the new World of Wedding Planning Seminars. Plus, we feature great advice from ABC members in our Member Best Practices column featuring your secrets to the work/life balance as well as the Master Bridal Consultant Profile™ of Elisa Delgardio, a California Real Wedding by Cynthia Alexander, PBC™, and more.Enjoy this issue. Network in the industry. Get inspired. And be ready to make your submission bid for next year’s Wedding Planner Magazine Trendsetter of the Year award!