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Anne Cohen with Perfect Wedding Guide, Montoya Turner with Made You Look Photography, Kelli Potter-Ferrell with One Fab Event, and Nicole Alexander with Chic Occasions

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MPR

Anne Cohen/Perfect Wedding Guide TwitterFacebook

Anne Cohen is the Atlanta market manager of Perfect Wedding Guide, a multi-platform media company focused on connecting businesses to brides. With 12 years in media sales and marketing, she works with event professionals and business owners on developing over-arching marketing strategies for their businesses to assist in branding and positioning, and most specifically to drive more couples through their doors and to put more weddings on their books.

Montoya Turner/Made You Look Photography TwitterFacebook

Made You Look Photography is lead by published and award-winning Atlanta Wedding Photographer, Montoya Turner. Since 2009, Montoya has perfected the craft of capturing the beauty, essence and emotion of a Bride’s most sacred day. Montoya has been praised by some of the industry’s best and was awarded 1st place in the Canon Photo Print competition 2013 hosted by Showcase Photo & Video Atlanta.

The Made You Look Photography team consists of professional Wedding Photographers, and expert Graphic Artist/image editors. Our team is committed to capturing exceptional high quality wedding images that uniquely captures those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Our team of wedding experts provides a level of coverage that is unparalleled in the industry today. We are the trusted photography team for many of Atlanta’s Wedding industry professionals. Made You Look Photography provides Brides the ultimate boutique wedding experience, providing service to those seeking premium industry services and luxurious wedding products.

Kelli Potter-Ferrell/One Fab Event TwitterFacebook

With a dream and the drive to create her own business, Kelli Potter- Ferrell started One Fab Event & Design in 2011. Upon receiving a degree in fashion merchandising & design, she decided to pursue her talent thru luxury events and glamorous weddings. Her dream has quickly grown into a premier wedding planning company in Atlanta, Georgia. Kelli is on a mission to be the best at doing what she loves the most – planning dream weddings.

Things that inspire Kelli are being a leader and making a difference in people’s lives. She finds great satisfaction in making her client’s vision come alive. She uses a combination of the perfect vendor team to create the stylish design and distinctive look that expresses her client’s personalities to perfection. Kelli takes the time to really understand who her clients are, what they need and want, and how to give them the wedding experience they envision.

In her spare time, you will find Kelli spending time with her husband and children. She loves to curl up on the sofa with a Fab candle, eating a Reese’s peanut butter cup, on her laptop probably surfing blog sites (guilty pleasure) … these things make her happy to the core.

Nicole Alexander/Chic Occasions

Chic Occasions Bridal Shows have produced shows for seven years. Please visit our website for more detail and testimonials.

 

 

Special Edition: Atlanta International Special Events Society

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Today’s episode of Meeting Pros features the Atlanta International Special Events Society (ISES). The board is in the studio to talk about what makes the chapter the go-to for the special events community and the people behind the board.

Meeting Pros

Bill Goode/A Celebration with Music! FacebookLinkedinTwitter

DJBGoode is the owner and resident Celebration Specialist at A Celebration with Music! and Peachy’s Portable Drive-In in Atlanta. Spinning tunes since his senior year of high school, DJBGoode worked as a mobile and club DJ while also working as the Promotion and Marketing Director for stations in New York and Georgia including WFAS AM/FM in White Plains, NY, WRNN-TV/Regional News Network in New York City, and WGAU/WNGC in Athens, GA. If you are a TV junkie, you will see him in the final episode of I’ll Fly Away and in an episode of In the Heat of the Night, and in a few segments from the early days of Regional News Network!

Julie Anne Neill/Julie Anne Wedding Photography FacebookLinkedinTwitter

Julie Anne is a wedding photographer for bold, whimsical and romantic brides, who believes that every woman deserves a fairy tale and should never settle for less than Prince Charming! She is a fearless romantic who developed her passion for photography and weddings into a full time career. As a Florida native, her love of all things water and whimsy are reflected in her photography and her personality. Upon completion of her MBA from Rollins in Winter Park, Julie Anne moved to Atlanta to pursue her dream, and fell in love along the way. While not photographing weddings for the clients she truly adores, you can find her gallivanting across Europe or road-tripping the East coast with her husband Brent, and her beautiful pup, Bella.

Claudette Bouton/Goldner Associates LinkedinTwitter

Claudette Bouton is a National Account Executive with Goldner Associates, Inc. Working with a broad base of clients; Claudette creatively extends corporate branding through the effective use of promotional products and corporate apparel. With a degree in Marketing and over 20 years in the special events industry her expertise is equal as both the vendor and the buyer. Having this balanced skills portfolio allows Claudette to perfectly assist her event industry clients with branding needs for their own client’s programs. Originally from Florida, Claudette now calls Georgia home as she’s been based in the Metro Atlanta area for more than 20 years. Claudette has worked at The Fox Theatre, A Legendary Event, and was the Corporate Event Planner for AGL Resources, a natural gas utility company. An experienced speaker, she has presented at The Special Event, ISES EventWorld and Plan Your Meetings LIVE. She has been an active member of the International Special Events Society for over 15 years, having served both in local and international roles. Most recently Claudette served as the Event Chair for ISES Live 2013 in Nassau, The Bahamas. In August 2013, at ISES Live, Claudette was recognized by the ISES Board of Governors as “2013 Volunteer of the Year”.

Kelly Treadway/EventCurious FacebookLinkedinTwitter

With 15 years in the special events industry Kelly Treadway has seen her career curiously come full circle. Her experiences in sales and marketing led her into the areas of events entertainment, venue management, catering sales and equipment rentals. In early 2013, after a year of ghost writing, concept building and strengthening connections, Kelly took the leap and launched EventCurious – a micro agency specializing in online marketing and public relations for special events and hospitality companies. EventCurious balances a corporate image with grass-roots style efforts as they service clients by being their online listeners. Kelly is currently the President for the International Special Event Society (ISES) Greater Atlanta chapter. She has a natural passion for connecting event profs and the dots that build a stronger industry.

 

Special Edition: GaMPI

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Meeting Pros

Larry Greene/Greene Worldwide Transportation Facebook

Greene Worldwide Transportation has been in business for 25 years. We are a 24/7 transportation company with someone in our office 24 hours a day to help you with  your every need. Whether you need leisure, corporate or group transportation, we have a large, late model fleet of sedans,5 passenger suvs, vans, 6,10,14 passenger stretch limousines, 31 passenger minibuses and 56 passenger motor coaches to fit all of your needs.

Monica Compton/Pinnacle Productions Inc. FacebookLinkedinTwitter

Monica Compton, CMP, is a Certified Meeting Professional with 22 years experience managing corporate programs on a global basis. She is a travel writer and event marketing consultant for Pinnacle Productions Inc., headquartered in Atlanta. Her expertise includes international hotel contract negotiations, developing a return-on-investment analysis for meetings and professional writing in a wide variety of industries. She has traveled to 30 countries in five continents. She is currently writing a book for the business and leisure traveler.

Felicia Newberry/The MAGNUM Companies Ltd. Twitter

Felicia Newberry is the Director of Sales and Marketing for The MAGNUM Companies Ltd., a prominent leader in the production industry for over 30 year. Felicia is also currently serving her 4th term on the board of MPI Georgia chapter as VP of education producing fresh & relevant educational programs for its members.

Felicia is part of an award winning team at MAGNUM receiving several awards for lighting & production design as well as logistical achievement. Always hands on, Felicia has worked with some of the top lighting designers and event planners in the industry and always enjoys a challenge.

 

Ashley Nicole Jones with Shutter Sweet Photography and Mike La Sage with Bone Lick BBQ

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Meeting Pros

Ashley Nicole Jones/Shutter Sweet Photography FacebookLinkedinTwitter

Ashley Nicole Jones loves capturing the world around her and telling stories to create change. As a graduate from Clemson University, Ashley first discovered her passion for storytelling as a documentary photographer in Ukraine during the summer of 2005. Even though she was studying graphic communications, she continued to pursue photography studying under prfoessionals like David Cook, Lindsay Adler, Lou Freeman, and Jeremy Cowart. After a brief break for motherhood, she started two companies to serve both of her strengths in photography and marketing/graphic design. Shutter Sweet Photography focuses on telling stories through weddings and portraits while giving back to the community. Skylight Creative Group serves small to medium size businesses through corporate photography, marketing and graphic design.

Mike La Sage/Bone Lick BBQ Facebook

Bone Lick BBQ started as a pop-up restaurant concept by Executive Chef Mike LaSage at P’cheen, on Monday Nights, in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. For one night a week, P’cheen transformed into a BBQ restaurant that quickly gained popularity in and out of the city. People driving from all over the greater Atlanta burbs to get a sampling of that delicious, smoky goodness. Atlanta Magazine named it #4 in the state and #1 in the city limits.

Recently, Bone Lick BBQ has been fielding requests to bring their deliciousness to the masses. Special event catering and appearances at regional festivals has drastically helped to expand their business.

Special Edition: GaMPI

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MPR

Larry Greene/Greene Worldwide Transportation Facebook

Greene Worldwide Transportation has been in business for 25 years. We are a 24/7 transportation company with someone in our office 24 hours a day to help you with  your every need. Whether you need leisure, corporate or group transportation, we have a large, late model fleet of sedans,5 passenger suvs, vans, 6,10,14 passenger stretch limousines, 31 passenger minibuses and 56 passenger motor coaches to fit all of your needs.

Candice Crossfield/Meeting Professionals International Georgia Chapter

Candice Crossfield proudly serves as the Manager, Member Services at GEDA. Candice was previously with Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) and has been instrumental in event coordination and member services while at ECG. Prior to ECG, Candice worked in hospitality sales for the Ritz-Carlton, Monte Carlo Productions and Disney Regional Entertainment.

Candice holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Georgia State University. She is the President of Georgia Meeting Professionals International (GaMPI).

A native of Georgia, Candice interests include traveling, music and reading. She has a wonderful little boy, Brantley.

Shane McIntosh with Ocean Catering, Musician Krista Berutti, Tamara Eckles with Jem of the South and Carmaleita Lyght with Lyght House Cocktails

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Meeting Pros

Shane McIntosh/Ocean Catering Company FacebookLinkedInTwitter

Shane McIntosh, executive chef with Ocean Catering Company, started out washing dishes in the late night Blues bars of Memphis, TN when he was just 14, and quickly moved on to the tough, exacting school of classic French cuisine. Holding his own with veteran cooks, he fell in love with the restaurant life and eventually gained the precision and discipline to complement his natural ability. This exuberant all-rounder – once compared to Julia Child with tattoos – is just as proud of his Dry-Rubbed BBQ as he is of his Caramelized Mango Foie Gras.

By age 20, Shane took over ownership of the Babylon Café, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, which instilled the basics of seasonal, local foods. McIntosh then went on to study a variety of flavors and techniques in some of the country’s most renowned kitchens. From the Caribbean cuisine of Automatic Slims Tonga Club, to The Main Dining Room of the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco, to the prestigious James Beard House in New York City, to private dining in Paris, McIntosh pulls these influences together, creating
his own style of robust flavors.

At heart, Shane is a proud Southerner who appreciates good food and family. In 2002, he launched Ocean Catering Company – named after his eldest son Angus Ocean McIntosh – and soon established himself as one of the premier caterers in the Southeast. Whatever the event, he can always be found outside the kitchen – usually with a wide grin on his face – making sure all the guests are savoring every bite.

Krista Berutti/Singer Songwriter FacebookLinkedin

Tamara Eckles/Jem of the South FacebookTwitterinstagrampinterest

Tamara Eckles is a dessert enthusiast who has a love for dessert and business plain and simple. Tamara married her love of desserts which includes 20 years of baking experience and her love of entrepreneurship to start her popular media company, Jem of the South, the place where you “Discover Something Sweet”. Jem of the South is the home of Jem Radio, a monthly on-line radio show highlighting small business owners in the dessert industry, Rare Jems TV and Jem of the South Events and Workshops. She is also the author of the e-book ” 7 Sweet Recipes for Dessert Business Success” as well as two dessert guides. Tamara is becoming a go to resource for discovering sweet dessert businesses and dessert trends. Join her on her mission as she “Discovers Something Sweet!”

Carmaleita Lyght/Lyght House Cocktails FacebookTwitter

Carmaleita Willis Lyght is a native Georgia Peach from Augusta Georgia. She currently resides in the Atlanta area with her husband and son. Carmaleita is a family girl who loves her friends. She is a die hard adventurer who has never met a stranger and will have a drink with anyone. Carmaleita has been mixing drinks for 12+ years but is always ready to learn more.

 

 

Matt Coggin with DBA Barbecue, Kimberly Wright with Breathless Moments, Jenn and Adam Linke with The Decisive Moment, and Violaine Giogene with Andre’ Winfrye Events

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Meeting Pros

Matt Coggin/D.B.A. Barbecue FacebookTwitter

Matt Coggin, owner, barbecue pit master, and familiar face in the dining room at D.B.A. Barbecue, has worked for over 15 years in many of Virginia Highland and Inman Park’s popular neighborhood restaurants. A graduate of the University of Florida, Matt majored in advertising, but knew early on his passion was for the restaurant business. After graduating from college, Matt spent time in the dining rooms and kitchens of Harvest, La Tavola, Wisteria, Sala and Kevin Rathbun Steak, learning the different aspects of the business. In June of 2009, Matt followed his dream and opened the doors of D.B.A. Barbecue on the corner of North Highland Avenue and Amsterdam Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. Serving award-winning barbecue, D.B.A. Barbecue is a favorite local haunt offering an expansive barbecue menu with comfort food and creative options alike, a southern-inspired cocktail menu, expansive beer offerings, and weekly events.

With the primary goal of serving up the best authentic hickory smoked barbecue in Atlanta, D.B.A. is a favorite local haunt in the heart of the Virginia-Highland neighborhood. D.B.A. offers an expansive barbecue menu with comfort food and eclectic options alike, this lunch, dinner and social destination has also become known for its distinctly southern cocktail menu and weekly offerings. Open for lunch, dinner and catering seven days a week, D.B.A. Barbecue is located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue NE Suite B Atlanta, Georgia 30306.

Kimberly Wright/Breathless Moments LLC FacebookLinkedin

Kimberly Wright is a multi-passionate natural leader, a pioneering renaissance lady, prolific speaker, ardent philanthropist, passionate entrepreneur, avid blogger and community advocate who auspiciously pursues success, happiness and peace for herself and others. Known for her saying and belief “If I cannot help you I promise not to harm you…” Kimberly is known for bringing a state of sunshine, joy, calm and peace to each individual she meets whether for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Raised to reach for the stars and reared in the belief “Service is the rent we pay for living…” being service oriented simply comes naturally to her. At the core of Kimberly’s values is her passion for empowering single mothers and their children.

Kimberly is the Founder, CEO & President of JonAshton PR, Breathless Moments Interior Design & Event Planning, Breathless Moments Travel and Keystrokes By Kimberly.

JonAshton PR is a boutique agency specializing in Branding, Marketing & Social Media Management for small business owners building their brands and rebranding their brands www.JonAshtonPR.com

Breathless Moments Interior Design & Event Planning is a boutique agency of Interior Design, Corporate Events, Social Celebrations and Conferences. www.BreathlessMomentsLLC.com.

Breathless Moments Travel is a designer travel agency specializing in BREATHLESS Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, Anniversaries and Generational Vacations. Fairy Godmother service just for you! www.BreathlessMomentsTravel.com

Keystrokes By Kimberly is a Lifestyle Synergy blog which focuses on how to live a positive lifestyle. www.KeystrokesByKimberly.com.

Jenn and Adam Linke/The Decisive Moment and The Atlanta Wedding Loft FacebookTwitter

Adam’s passion for photography didn’t start behind the camera. He spent years training & working as an actor spending much of his time on the other side of the lens. It is Adam’s passion for storytelling and ability to recognize and capture emotion that sets him apart as a photographer. Adam has been honing his craft for over a decade photographing weddings with The Decisive Moment, major theatrical events and magazine assignments. Jenn is the studio director and fearless leader of both The Decisive Moment Wedding Photojournalism and The Atlanta Wedding Loft. Jenn’s passion for business stems from a love of people, an overactive imagination and a deep appreciation of capturing life’s fleeting moments.

Adam and Jenn have a keen understanding of the necessity of capturing life’s moments – they are the parents of two adorable little boys and one NEW little girl!

Violaine Diogene/Andre’ Winfrye Events FacebookTwitter

Recently named Jezebel Magazine’s Best Wedding Planner 2013, Violaine Diogene is known as one of Atlanta’s most prominent Wedding Planners. With a degree in Marine Biology and Biotechnology, believe it or not Violaine will tell you that she always knew she would somehow end up in the hospitality industry. Right after college she accepted a job at Bertuccis in Boston MA as an Event Manager and it was a done deal! Since that first “official” position, Violaine held positions as the Banquet Manager for Sheraton Hotel, Director of Sales for a private catering and planning company in Boston, a Catering Sales Manager/Wedding Planner for Hilton, Marriott as well Westin Hotels.

In 2009 after separating from Hilton, Andre’ Winfrye Events was born! Her work has been featured in many bridal publications such as Grace Ormond Magazine, The Knot, Modern Luxury, Ritz Carlton Weddings, and various others. Violaine has spent years procuring and working with not only Atlanta’s most elite and capable vendors, but throughout the United States and abroad.

 

Sarah Day with Sarah Atlanta Events, Mesita Partridge with Ivory Bridal and Formal, and Tracy Kaltman-Ahmed with Westin Atlanta Perimeter North

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Meeting Pros

Sarah Day/Sarah Atlanta Events FacebookLinkedInTwitter

Sarah Day with Sarah Atlanta Events has over 15 years of experience in wedding consultancy and event management. From beginning to end or anything in between. Her aim is to exceed client expectations; whether their unique celebration is near or far away from home, a grand or intimate affair they deserve to have all the details taken care of. Sarah relocated to Atlanta in 2010 from Washington State where she owned and operated a historic wedding chapel and reception venue since 2005. Her passion for her brides and clients is what continues to motivate her to produce one of kind events.

Sarah has become an integral part of the Atlanta Events community by being a member of NACE, ISES, AWP and the Allie Awards along with being a founding member of Painting the Town Peach an Atlanta Events Women’s Networking Group. In Washington State she served as the Vice-Chair / Membership Director, Mid-Columbia Small Business Council, Board of Directors, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador, Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Tri-Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Mesita Partridge/Ivory Bridal and Formal FacebookLinkedinTwitter

Mesita has worked in the hospitality industry for 7 years and has gained a lot of experience planning corporate and social events. Her favorite event has been weddings. Weddings are always challenging, yet fun helping brides with their big day.

Opening a salon has been a dream since college. Around the time of her own wedding, Mesita decided to make that dream a reality. During the process of shopping for her own gown, some of the shops she visited seemed to all fall short in some areas. For her shop, she wanted to create an intimate boutique, with an experience all about the bride, not just the sell. Mesita’s goal is to offer only the best in customer service and inventory to fit women of various sizes. Hence, Ivory Bridal was born. Mesita invites you to a unique shopping experience in Smyrna’s premier bridal salon where “It’s All About The Dress”.

Tracy Kaltman-Ahmed/Westin Atlanta Perimeter North Linkedin

Tracy moved to Atlanta in July to take the Director of Sales & Marketing position at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter North after 6 years at the Westin Tysons Corner outside of Washington, DC. She has over 30 years in the hotel industry with both independent, franchise and owned and managed hotels. Tracy has worked for Four Seasons, Hilton, Starwood, Loews as well as Management Companies.

Tracy is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Performance Voice (Opera). Tracy has two children – a daughter who is an Ensign in the US Navy currently in training as a Naval Flight Officer and a son who is a second year student at Berkeley studying Astro Physics and Chinese.

 

 

Lou Guzzo with Spectrum Entertainment, Jennifer C Nieman with Jennifer Nieman Makeup Artistry, Gayle Greenley with Loaves and Fishes Catering, and Veronica Oliver with Save the Date Weddings and Events

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Meeting Pros

Lou Guzzo/Spectrum Entertainment

Louis is the DJ Manager at Spectrum Entertainment. He has over 24 years of wedding experience. Averaging over 150 events each year, Louis has fine- tuned his skills and will be a definite impact on your next event. He is an exceptional Emcee with natural instincts to get everyone comfortably involved in the Fun! Originally from New York, Louis competed among the best in a very saturated DJ market. He has a broadcasting degree from The Center for the Media Arts in NYC, and can provide any level of interaction from an outgoing personality to a more reserved service. He has performed for all types of events including Wedding Receptions, Corporate Events, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16’s, and other Private Parties. He carries a huge library spanning from the 1920’s to current play with all ethnic backgrounds covered.

Jennifer C Nieman/ Jennifer Nieman Makeup Artistry Facebook

Gayle Greenley/Loaves and Fishes Catering Co. FacebookLinkedin

Gayle Greenley with Loaves and Fishes Catering Co. has been dabbling in the Hospitality Industry in one form or another since the 70’s…they opened their first business in New York a gourmet restaurant-taking peasant food/national dishes and adding that American taste to it. They also catered out of that restaurant in the 80’s. They have been catering in the Atlanta area for almost 13 years with most of their business being in the wedding industry, but also other social events for both corporations and personal, from holiday parties, birthdays and beyond.

Veronica Oliver/Save the Date Weddings and Events Facebook

Veronica Ferbeyre Oliver is the Owner and Lead Consultant of Save the Date Weddings and Events. Save The Date Weddings and Events is a Atlanta & North Georgia-based boutique style wedding and event planning company. We offer a diverse selection of event planning services from “A la Carte” packages to the full service “Grand Affair”!  Our staff of consultants has the experience of over 300+ combined events including everything from an intimate gathering to the most lavish soiree!

 

Steven Eisenstein with Classic Tents and Events, and Alison Lueker-Ritter with Sun In My Belly

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Meeting Pros

Steven Eisenstein/Classic Tents and Events FacebookLinkedinTwitter

For more than a decade, Classic Tents and Events has tented Atlanta’s social and corporate events, dominating the festival and fair market. A highly visible community partner, Classic Tents & Events has a long history of sustaining Atlanta’s vibrant art and literary scene through a managed program of financial donations and in kind support.

Alison Lueker-Ritter/Sun In My Belly FacebookTwitter

Alison Lueker-Ritter is the executive chef and founding partner of Sun In My Belly catering and event design. We started a catering company in 1995 and opened our doors as a restaurant as well in 2004. We are located in Atlanta close to Decatur in Kirkwood. We specialize in fine dining catering and seasonal local fare.