Learn from the Best
It’s a beautiful Saturday evening in Las Vegas at the Aria Resort & Casino. The color palette was a neutral one that’s flushed with soft tones of ivory, cream, and champagne. The candles bring everything together with the high gloss dance floor and the velvet seating. It’s the celebration and union of the Jeffrey and Tarra. The Moten Wedding. For the florals, we have one of the best floral designers on the planet, Javier Valentino. He brilliantly designed the aisle and the altar stage with white roses and candles. The aisle was lined up with a variation of pillar candles and floral groupings to create a chic, modern aisle way. It was heavy in candles and small, breathtaking floral touches. And the florals trailed up in waves to tie in the all-white garden feel from the centerpieces. The level of attention to detail is unparalleled, along with the entertainment. As Tarra royally walks down the aisle, legendary R&B musician Kenny Latimore sung “You and I”. After that, the couple exchanged vows as the beautiful Rev. Roxy encouraged them to hold on to God’s unchanging hand as they go into this new chapter together. Once the couples exchanged vows, Kenny Latimore sang “The Lord’s Prayer.” And that was just the ceremony. At the center of it all was Andrea Eppolito. A woman who is just as bold and elegant as the weddings she produces.
Andrea Eppolito is one of the best luxury wedding planners in the world. She’s dedicated her life to redefining what it means to celebrate life, luxury, and above all else…love. An educator, an author, a coach, and a leader in the industry. Her work has been featured in the likes of Wedding Style and Inside Weddings. She has recently released two great books, “Redefine Your Wedding Business” and “Luxury Wedding Las Vegas”. I listen to Andrea’s podcast faithfully and one episode that caught my attention was “Can I Work for You for Free? No.” In all honesty, I would have. However, she made it very clear to be in a position where you can provide value to your mentor. For example, have a blog or an influential platform on social media. Be able to step in and coordinate and/or run things for your mentor so they can step back and focus on other things. She also talked about her Work Study Program for young planners that’s new to the luxury wedding industry. The planners must pay for their own flight and room. In return, they have a chance to be on site and watch how he serves her clients, lead the vendors, and see an entire Andrea Eppolito Production come to life. After listening to that episode, I mustered up the courage to reach out to Andrea and inquire about her work study program. I didn’t think she would respond. Not only did she respond, but she responded quickly. After a couple of conversations, she offered the opportunity for me to be a part of the Moten Wedding. And the rest was history.
I had the pleasure of coordinating the Moten Wedding and have an up-close-and-personal look behind the scenes as the production and floral installations come to life. From the measuring of the dance floor to ivory carpet being laid down. It was breathtaking. Andrea is a natural coach. She drops gems without even trying and she’s moves at an incredible pace. During her coaching sessions that weekend, I was able to make changes to my website and realized what kind of luxury wedding planner I am. Fashion-forward and floral. She helped me find my voice. Andrea is a sculptor. She has a talent for bringing out what was already in you. The only question I have now is…where else can you go once you’ve had the best? At this point, I know what I must do. And I know what is expected of me. Nothing can ever be like it was. And I owe it all to Andrea.
Wedding Planner: Andrea Eppolito - @andreaeppolito
Florals: Javier Valentino - @javier_valentino
Photo Credit: Nicole Hernandez Photography - @nicolehernandezphotography
Production: Rental Avenue - @rentalavenue
Venue: Aria Resort & Casino - @arialuxuryevents
Wedding Planner: Andrea Eppolito - @andreaeppolito
Coordination Assistant: Sean Robinson - @eventsbysean
Photo Credit: Nicole Hernandez Photography - @nicolehernandezphotography
Venue: Aria Resort & Casino - @arialuxuryevents
Wedding Planner: Andrea Eppolito - @andreaeppolito
Florals: Javier Valentino - @javier_valentino
Photo Credit: Nicole Hernandez Photography - @nicolehernandezphotography
Production: Rental Avenue - @rentalavenue
Venue: Aria Resort & Casino - @arialuxuryevents