AnnaMarie Wintercorn, MBC™Elegant Weddings and Events, Stuart, Fla.ABC Member Since: 1993Employees: Owner-operated plus sub-contracted professionalsRevenue Breakdown: 40% full-service planning, 50% officiating, 10% month-of services Contact: 772.287.6646, 772.708.4638 (cell),apwintercorn@comcast.net.Social Media: Facebook, Pinterest, Etsy, WeddingWireFamily: I have been married to Phil for 47 years. We have a daughter, son, and five grandchildren.Education: I received a degree in business administration in 1968 at Monmouth University, in West Long Branch, N.J. In 1984, I got a certificate for substitute teaching in Martin County Florida.Getting Started: I started my business after achieving the Professional Bridal Consultant™ level through the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) in 1994. In fact, a mother of the bride approached me, knowing I would become a bridal consultant, and hired me before I could print my business cards. I am blessed! On the ABC: I joined the ABC because I wanted to become a member of the only and best wedding organization in the world! I wanted to help brides/grooms achieve their dreams and visions for their wedding day. Before joining the ABC, I helped orchestrate, coordinate, and was a master of ceremony for many high school fundraising projects. I dreamed of one day owning a bridal salon, but decided I was best suited becoming a consultant. I previously taught public speaking in Maryland, but I began officiating around the same time as I became a consultant. Goals: To continue to achieve the visions, goals, and expectations of my brides and grooms. To enable them to be stress-free while planning their wedding day.Becoming a Master: I became a Master Bridal Consultant™ in 2002, because I wanted to excel to the highest level of achievement in the ABC. I want my brides to have confidence that I have the education needed to help them plan their special day. Continuing education is so important in this profession. Also, we learn so much from networking with each other at ABC seminars and conferences. Education is at the apex of the ABC’s philosophy. They encourage us to continue learning.Mentors: My husband, children, and grandchildren. My Dad was a couture designer of women’s clothing. I loved our trips from New Jersey to New York’s garment area! I’m also inspired by the great men and women of the ABC who share their love, knowledge, trust, time, and talent.Industry Influencers: The Internet, Hollywood, fashion, hobbies, sports, and global contact with others in foreign lands.Inspiration: I am inspired by the world around me—such as what I see in nature, music, magazines, newspapers, books, seminars, at conferences, and networking with others.Marketing Strategy: Word-of-mouth has always worked best for me. Philanthropy has given me the opportunity to be in contact with many leaders of organizations. Being the advisor/sponsor of the Martin County High School Sigma Phi has awarded me a special relationship with future brides and grooms. On Staying Fresh: I refresh each year at our ABC-LNG meetings, with educational speakers, at seminars, and at annual conferences. On Education: It’s important to continue education and attend leadership and design courses offered by our local colleges.Ideal Client: My ideal client is a couple that loves and respects each other, their families, friends, wedding professionals, and me.Reading Now: I like daily inspirational books, books on leadership, and books on public speaking.Favorite Movie: My favorite movies are Father of the Bride and The Wedding Planner.Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. They all live in our regional area, so we are together for dinners, playing cards, swimming, and playing an old-fashioned game of Monopoly. Words of Wisdom: Always smile, enjoy your chosen field and say, “This is fun!” Plus, as Jane Goodall said, “What you do makes a difference. And you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”On Giving Back: I feel blessed to be an extension of the great and loving teachings instilled in our youth by their parents. Youth leadership qualities have evolved throughout the years. The students have the necessary confidence and self esteem to make a difference in our world. Their engaging conversations and creative thoughts have enabled us to be flexible and look to the future with excitement. Mentoring the local Sigma Phi service club, I’ve witnessed the group be more than a club. They have become like family, and they have established a relationship that will last a lifetime. They inspire me to be the best I can be! ••