Member News – January 2024
Welcome to 2024! 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.
Hello & Happy New Year!
As many of us do at this time of year, I find myself reflecting on 2023, celebrating past successes and setting goals for the future. It’s so inspiring to see the remarkable achievements we have accomplished together. WIPA is the largest it has ever been, with chapters in 20 destinations and over 2200 members strong. It is truly an honor to be serving as the Association’s President for 2024!
This time of the year, lovingly known as engagement season, is particularly busy for all of us in the wedding industry. I’m sure we all came back from the holiday with an inbox full of leads from newly engaged couples. This is such an exciting time for our couples, and also a time full of opportunity for all of us! This is our opportunity to showcase our expertise, creativity, and passion for making each wedding a unique and memorable event. As we step into this busy season, I want to remind each of you of the importance of collaboration and support within our community. Our association is a testament to the strength we have when we work together, sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources.
This week, your International Board will be meeting in Phoenix to lay plans for the future of the Association and to set goals for 2024 & beyond. We will also be hosting a retreat for all of the WIPA Presidents to ensure that they have the tools they need to lead each of our chapters, and provide all of our members with the opportunity to learn, network and grow their businesses.
I am eager to serve each of you, and I am always open to your ideas and feedback. Let’s make this year a landmark in our continued journey of growth and excellence!
Chris
2024 International President
We are thrilled to unveil the stellar lineup of WIPA’s 2024 International Board of Directors! Join us in celebrating these wedding industry professionals who in the New Year will lead WIPA to new heights!
Friar Tux celebrated the holiday season with some big publications and news! First, this stunning Bright and Pastel Shades Fill This Bridgerton-Inspired California Wedding in Style Me Pretty. Friar Tux loved the way the groom’s Black Notch Lapel Performance Tuxedo by Michael Kors popped against the blush and peach tones of the overall wedding design. Lastly, Friar Tux announced the drop of their annual Stylist Magazine! To kick off their 50th golden anniversary year, the team at Friar Tux made their Stylist Magazine even bigger and better than ever providing endless style inspo on the go for couples planning suits and tuxedos for their wedding. This year’s edition also features a handy suits and tuxedos planning timeline with a useful step by step guide to get everyone style ready in the months leading up to the big day.
Chetanprakash (CP) Heda of Esstart Inc., recently released Instant Spotlight, the hottest innovative technology for weddings and social events. This first-ever live-streaming photo wall crowdsources photos from all your guests, allowing everyone to savor every moment together — from every perspective — in real time. These images can then be saved to every phone, shared to social media and savored indefinitely. With Instant Spotlight you can add a new revenue source to your upcoming weddings.
Launched in 2022, Esstart’s mission is to “turn screens into smiles, moments into memories, and conversations into lasting connections.” Follow Esstart on instagram for more updates or demos contact them here. Esstart.com is based in Darien, CT
