Rebecca Chan Weddings and Events held a successful one-day intensive workshop for budding wedding planners. It focused on the business of weddings and growing as a professional and was beautifully captured by Mango Studios. It took place at Berkeley Bicycle Cub meeting and planning space Toronto.
How did you assemble your team of industry leaders for this workshop and what was the balance of experiences you wanted to incorporate into the workshop?
The industry leaders are all people I have worked with extensively, experienced in their trade and with a lot of expertise to offer. I was thinking about when I started out as a wedding planner, and the insider information that would have been helpful for me to learn early on. I then put together the content and invited speakers who could speak to this.
You utilized the new innovation space at the Berkeley Bicycle Club, creating a stylish, fresh inviting setting for the presentations. How did the design and set up add to the overall guest experience for the day?
When I came up with this workshop, I wanted it to be different than what was offered already. I wanted it to be a premium experience where attendees could sit through and enjoy a Rebecca Chan Weddings experience first hand. Not only did it have to be a normal seminar with informative topics, but I wanted it to be beautiful, thoughtfully presented and with luxe details. I hoped that attendees would not only come out with great business planning tips but also with fresh inspiration for their upcoming wedding season.
What made the Berkeley Bicycle club a good setting for this event?
I fell in love with the space when I was doing a site visit there for another event. I loved the mix of vintage charm and modern touches. The two levels also made it perfect for the format of the workshop, with there being a seminar portion and a lunch.
Many of the participants have their own businesses in the event industry and do their own promotion and social media. What were some of the key messages that Alyssa form Random Acts of Pastel had to offer?
Alyssa stressed the importance of consistent branding and imaging through the various social media platforms. She also provided tips for how to create content when starting out, when you may not have the type of weddings in your portfolio yet. We also have some fun with taking our own flatlay photos with the items in the workshop already, with her tips for how to take better instagram photos.
What were some of the benefits of having an intimate catered lunch as part of the day?
I wanted to create a time for personal connection during the day. Sitting and learning together has its place, but I wanted to break up the day with an interactive lunch. Not only was it an inspirational lunch with beautiful decor and delicious food, it was a chance for attendees to speak with me and the guest speakers in a more intimate way. It was very well received!
You created a striking setting in the library with modern bight spring inspired decor that created a striking presentation in the historic mansion? What was the inspiration for this theme?
The venue was already very vintage inspired, and there was a lot of wood. I wanted to keep the look of the space neutral and bright, so the vinyl on the floor helped with this (a last minute decision that worked out so well!). The linens and chairs were kept light coloured to allow for colourful floral to pop on the table. I collaborated with Rachel A Clingen Wedding & Event Design to come up with this look. The modern groupings of floral gave a fresh feel to the space and it looked stunning.
You created a stunning elegant tea for the event. What was the inspiration for this theme?
This was just a small detail I thought attendees would enjoy. When planning events, I like to think of all the small details a guest will touch and see. This was just a glimpse of some of my favourite things – pretty teacups and my favourite chocolates.
What was the process for the design and styling of the beautiful sweet table?
I had to use the beautiful neon wall for something, so we ended up using it for the sweets table. I asked Fruitilicious Cakes to create a sweets table with the colour palette of our lunch (blush, touches of white, blue and gold). I asked her to keep the decor and look more on the modern side, since it was already going to sit on an ornate vintage table from Southern Charm Vintage Rentals. She did a great job with it!
What were some of the positive outcomes of holding this industry event? How does the momentum created from this event continue?
I didn’t know what to expect going into this but I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback from the guests. I’m looking forward to hosting a second one in the new year!
” A brand is the set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another. ” Seth Godin
Venue and catering: Berkeley Events
Photographers: Mango Studios
Video: James Frodyma Films
Flowers: Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design
Tabletop rentals: Plate Occasions
Linen, napkin, chairs: Event Rental Group
Chocolate bonbons: Monde Du Chocolat
AV: Epiq Vision
Musician: Brent Miller Live
Sweets table rentals: Southern Charm Vintage Rentals
Sweets table desserts: Fruitilicious Cakes
Stationary: Paula Lee Calligraphy
Vinyl: Designer Dance Floors
Rose gold frames: Weddingstar
My makeup and lashes: Ford Beauty
My hair: Puzzle Creations
My dress: Rent Frock Repeat
My shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Dress: Narces Official
