Master bridal consultant™ - Christine Terezakis, MBC™, CSS™
Dreamday Weddings & Events, www.dreamdayweddingsandevents.com, Palm City, Fla.
Employees: 6 event assistants,1 office assistant (all independent contractors);1-2 interns annually
Revenue Breakdown: 70% full planning and design; 20% month-of/day-of coordination; 10% décor rentals
Contact: 772.426.9954, office; 772.285.9147,info@dreamdayweddingsandevents.com, Facebook, Pinterest, Blog
Family: I’ve been blissfully married for 26 years to my childhood crush, Andy. Our children are daughter Evy, 21; son Steven, 19; and daughter Alexa, 16.
Education: My Bachelor of Science in merchandising and marketing is from Florida State University in Tallahassee.
On the business: I broke into the wedding industry by starting a new business specializing in custom wedding and party favors and accessories. I had a reputation for throwing great parties, so when I started the business, friends began asking me to plan their weddings and celebrations. I loved it, and realized this was the career I’d always wanted!
On business growth: I did predict an increase in business this year due to the size and influence of the millennial generation entering the marrying years. TV has been a huge influence also with the popularity of reality wedding shows and the broadcasts of celebrity and high-profile weddings. People are including wedding planning in their vendor budgets as readily as they would a photographer or cake baker. Bridal couples are realizing that hiring an experienced, professional planner is a realistic investment.
Becoming an MBC™: I originally had no plans to pursue designation beyond Professional Bridal Consultant™, but the more I became involved with the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), the more I realized that the levels of distinction were something special to our organization, industry, and my own growth. Several of my friends had already become Master’s and planted the idea in my head, constantly encouraging me. Then, I received one of the first WPM Trendsetter Awards at the 2012 Denver conference. It gave me the confidence to make my decision. I set my sights on becoming an MBC™ the following year. Earning this designation is a career highlight.
Mentors: In my family—my dad for his love of business; my mom for her love of the arts; my husband for his love of people and his support of every crazy thing I’ve ever wanted to pursue. In the ABC—AnnaMarie Wintercorn, MBC™, for introducing me to the ABC and always supporting me; Tammy Waterman, MBC™, for sharing her knowledge and inspiration; and a special group of ABC friends for blazing the trail to MBC™ and pushing me to do the same. (Thank you, Eagles!)
Inspiration: I’m genuinely inspired by the excitement and happiness of my clients when they’re overjoyed at the way their wedding or event has turned out.
Marketing strategy: I believe in building relationships with customer-service-inspired, high-quality wedding professionals; positioning myself as an expert through articles, seminars, and wedding features in various media; increasing our social media presence; advertising online in dedicated wedding markets; and continuing a very personal approach to working with clients—providing them with a top-notch experience that, ultimately, brings referrals.
On staying fresh: I take advantage of the slow summer months to regroup, set new goals, and work on business projects and updates. I attend ABC national conference, state conference, and Sandals FAM trips. I host a team-building retreat for my staff once a year, but would like to do those more often.
In her free time: I love to spend time with my family, and my husband and I sneak away on romantic trips to Sandals (thanks to the Sell-and-Go program!).
Guilty pleasures: My guilty pleasures include shopping (I love designer handbags), fine dining, fine wine, and watching The Real Housewives of… Beverly Hills, New York, and Atlanta.
Words of wisdom: 1) Never stop learning: No matter how good you are, you never know everything. 2) Be a genuinely good person: It will come back tenfold when you least expect it. 3) Don’t talk badly about people. That will come back, too. 4) Never take credit for or copy someone else’s work. A good leader gives credit where credit is due, and a real pro sets trends instead of following them. 5) Take care of your needs. It will give you the energy to take care of others (especially your most demanding clients). 6) Dream BIG: You’ll be amazed at what you can do when you set your mind to it.
On giving back: I’m in the process of starting up an ABC LNG and I’m a seminar presenter for ABC events, brides, and my community. I offer an internship program to students interested in careers in the industry and have implemented a program called Dreamday Cares in which, for every wedding we produce, a donation is made to the charity of the bride and groom’s choice.
