WIPA Member News – June 2025

Member News – June 2025

As always, a big shout out to our members that have made the news. Below you’ll find members that have been highlighted or otherwise recognized. Thank you to those that submitted news this month and thank you to our members that continue to push the outside of the envelope in some way.

NEW CHAPTER IN FORMATION: MINNEAPOLIS
– TOWN HALL –

An Evening of Connection & Inspiration
Join us at the Whim for an elegant evening of meaningful connections and inspirational conversation. Indulge in curated refreshments and beverages while networking with the Twin Cities’ most accomplished wedding professionals.

Featured Presentation
We are honored to welcome Liz Banfield, award-winning photographer and industry pioneer, who will share invaluable insights cultivated from her illustrious 20+ year career in luxury weddings.

Event Details
Location: The Whim • Date: Monday, June 23rd, 2025

As we establish our Minneapolis chapter, you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to become a founding member of this prestigious community. We look forward to welcoming you to this landmark event as we establish a new standard of excellence for wedding professionals in Minneapolis.

REGISTRATION OPEN NOW

Please note, registration will close June 22

Our first featured speaker will be Liz Banfield, who shot her first assignments in the late 1990s for clients who were seeking a photojournalistic approach to wedding photography, an aesthetic she pioneered. Since then, Banfield has been sought after for her cinematic style, mastery of light, and an instinct for connecting with her subjects. She has carved out a national clientele from her home base in Minnesota, being named to an exclusive list of the World’s Best Photographers by Harper’s BAZAAR, BRIDES and Martha Stewart Weddings. Her wedding work has also been featured in The New York Times, Town & Country and wedding blogs Vogue.com and Over The Moon. She has shot two books for top wedding planner Tara Guérard.

Photo by Parada Studio

Friar Tux brought out their lavish side last month with their publication on Party Slate with this Opulence Reimagined: A Rococo Wedding Shoot at the Langham Huntington. Dripping with luxury and grace this wedding had it all, including a groom who looked dapper in their Green Velvet Shawl Lapel Tuxedo. Friar Tux was also featured on Carats + Cake with a whimsical glam villa wedding with fun European vibes and the groom rocking a dreamy White Shawl Lapel Tuxedo. Everyone loves the classic look of this tuxedo with the rich white fabric and the black satin details against the estate venue’s charm. Friar Tux also celebrates last month at the California Wedding Day’s ‘Best Of’ Gala and Awards where they won Best Overall Wedding Professional in Orange County & Best Menswear – Statewide!

Travel + Leisure recently published its much-anticipated roundup of the “30 Best Bachelorette Party Destinations Around the World,” in which Bach to Basic, the luxury travel concierge service specializing in bachelor and bachelorette trips, founded by Allison Odhner, is the top contributor. According to the article, Aruba, Aspen and Tulum stand out as some of the top-tier destinations. Not only for their stunning landscapes, but also for their year-round appeal and plethora of things to do. Bach to Basic plans luxury bachelorette and birthday trips all over the globe, and it was an honor to be in integral part of this feature.

This national-level recognition underscores Bach to Basic’s rising reputation in the luxury event planning sphere, positioning Odhner’s company as a go-to resource for stylish, tailored bachelorette trips. Whether your group is chasing beachside fun, spa retreats, or cultural adventures, Travel + Leisure’s feature – and Bach to Basic’s inclusion – reaffirms why they’re a trusted partner in creating memorable celebrations.

Jena Sims’s Bachelorette Trip In Aruba

In this candid, experience-driven talk, creative entrepreneur Shannon Leahy Rosenbaum shares how she transformed her boutique business into a high-performing brand—without compromising quality, creativity, or her personal standards.

Drawing from her own journey leading a multi-million-dollar creative company, Shannon reveals how she built a team she trusts to execute work at the highest level—even when she’s not in the room.

Key takeaways include:
● How to hire for culture fit and creative alignment
● Training systems that turn support roles into confident leaders
● Maintaining brand excellence through clear values and structured feedback
● Letting go of micromanagement to fuel growth and innovation
● Strategies for retaining top talent through mentorship, vision, and trust

Whether you’re a designer, photographer, stylist, or any kind of creative founder looking to scale your business, this talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at how to build a team that elevates your brand—while giving you more freedom to lead.

With offices in California and Maryland, Shannon Leahy Rosenbaum is the visionary behind Shannon Leahy Events, one of the most sought-after event planning and design firms in the world. Known for producing original, unforgettable celebrations that set trends and spark conversation, Shannon has been named one of the top wedding and event planners globally by Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Brides, and Over the Moon.

Her signature aesthetic—sophisticated yet fresh, clean-lined yet layered—is instantly recognizable. A Shannon Leahy wedding is renowned for its intentional flow, refined details, and striking design moments that linger long after the last song plays. Her calm leadership, creative vision, and depth of experience have earned her a devoted following among clients and colleagues alike.