Bay Area Wedding Network

Now that my wedding season is coming to a close (only 2 weddings left in 2008), I can get out to some of the networking events for wedding professionals. On Wednesday, I attended the final BAWN (Bay Area Wedding Network) for 2008, held at the Flood Mansion in San Francisco. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many great friends and collegues, in such a beautiful setting.

Dave Ethridge, A Video Reflection, Duncan Reyes, Events by Design, and John Woods, Enhanced Lighting, enjoy a sample of the delicious food provided by such great caterers as Melons, Taste, and McCalls.

Geoff and Lara White are two photographers I will be working with more in 2009; at the BAWN event we were able to relax and enjoy the friendships we are building.

Here I share a hug with colleague/friends Gloria Wong Tritasavit, of Sash and Sugar, Anna Williams, of McCalls Catering, and Marie Rios, co-founder of BAWN, and owner of Creative Occasions.

Anna Williams had created an all green table setting in honor of McCall's recent designation as a "Green Caterer", recognizing the high standards they practice in recycling, supporting sustainable and organic food sources, and making choices for the environment at every opportunity.

The highlight of the evening for me was learning that my two friends, Tom Henderson, owner of Thomas John Events, and Melissa Moncada, of Classic Party Rental, are ENGAGED! After a year of dating, and helping others plan their weddings, now this adorable couple can begin to plan their own wedding!

I am so thankful to Gwen Helbush and Marie Rios, both busy and successful wedding planners, who started BAWN, and have continued to maintain it for over 5 years, offering quarterly gatherings which are both fun and informative.

Gwen and Marie define BAWN as:

"A group of wedding and event professionals who wish to promote growth in our industry through education, networking, and teambuilding. "

Their Mission statement is:

"We are committed to raising the level of respect, cooperation and understanding among those of us who make weddings and events our livelihood. To do the best work for our clients, we have to be a team."

I could not agree more with your goals!
Thank you Gwen and Marie, for your hard work on our behalf!