A WPIC Experience in Jamaica

by Kaley  Campbell, WPIC Inc. Office Manager

If you haven’t had the chance to go to Jamaica, I would recommend you drop everything you are doing right now and get on the next plane heading south.  That’s what I did and the only downside was I had to get on a plane to come back.

This past weekend, WPIC held our famous Wedding Coordinator & Consultant Certification Course at the amazing Couples Sans Souci Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We had such a fantastic response to the course being held there, that we needed more manuals for the weekend.  We looked into all routes to get them there in time, but in the end, the best method was sending someone personally, and I have never loved Tracey and Danielle more for that decision.

First off, flying in from -15⁰ (windchill to feel like -100⁰) to 28⁰ was exactly the perfect way to start the weekend.  You could tell which was the Toronto plane from the passengers being seen stripping off 8 layers of clothing on the way immigration.  Once through, I had the day to adventure, swim in the ocean, and prepare myself for what would be the BEST course I have ever taken. (Sorry University & Marketing, but you’re out, wedding planning is in!)

The first day started with meeting some of the most positive and driven people I have ever met.  Coming from a completely different background then every single person in the class, I figured I would feel a little out of place.  However that was as far from the case as it could get.  I fully understood why the bus driver, the resorts, and the cab drivers said “welcome home.”  That’s exactly what vibe Jamaica portrays, its “home.”  I also got the privilege of finally meeting Monica Caesar, WPIC instructor and owner of Ailse Plan Your Day. Monica was exactly what I thought she would be. She is inspiring, passionate, exciting, and extremely knowledgeable in every area of wedding planning.

Right from 8:00 am of the first class, we were launched deep into the world of wedding planning.  The only breaks we took were to fuel up on the amazing spread of food Couples provided to us, and some much needed caffeine breaks.  I left day one with a mind over flowing with information and excitement for the new career I am embarking on, and the desiring urge to start day two.

After the first 11 hour day, day two came quick.  However instead of feeling tired, I felt alive.  Ready for day two and to really be a part of the WPIC community.  Day two came with the same intense knowledge load, starting early, really grasping all areas of planning. Day two was a little different; Couples had planned a few surprises for us.  Couples treated us to a site visit, to see all of what it has to offer, and trust me, it has a lot to offer.  We had the privilege of seeing the most amazing views from all the different areas of the resort.  At times in the tour I didn’t even feel like I was on a resort, I felt more like I was in the Jamaican jungle.  There were turtle ponds, a natural exfoliating fish pool, a waterfall, multiple beaches, pools, spas, gyms and more.  Unlike other resorts, Couples only houses 150 rooms, and the resort is twice the size of their competitors.  Couples Resort Sans Souci, is an experience in itself.  You would never question where you are as it captures the best points of Jamaica and places it at your fingertips.

After the breath taking tour, we were treated to a social by the turtle pond, which included mimosas (my favorite) and delicious sandwiches.  We took full advantage by networking with everyone in class, and making future plans for Jamaican meet ups.

We could have stayed by the pond all day, however we had plenty more to cover. Once back in class, fellow classmates,  Peter Shoucair,   Jo-Anne Paxton, and Kathy-Anne Everhart, (the producers of the Jamaica Bridal Expo and extremely knowledgeable individuals), gave us a personal presentation about running a business in Jamaica, and the upcoming Bridal show that is happening at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, September 19^th and 20^th 2015.  The presentation included everything from taxes, insurance, legality and more.  We were thrilled that such talented individuals were also becoming WPIC alumni and we got the pleasure of learning from their experience.

The night came quick, and the excitement wound down.  I was so privileged to be able to take this course and in such an amazing destination.  The people I met and the connections I made were ones I know I will have for a lifetime. WPIC isn’t just a course, it’s a family.  Being WPIC alumni, you have constant support you need for this type of profession, and furthermore you get to grow and develop within the industry with ongoing learning opportunities and education.

Here is what Renesa had to say about the class:

“An experience of a lifetime…

Having a natural love and passion for weddings and wanting to enter the industry, it was only natural to seek international certification from WPIC.  It was money well-spent that afforded me the privilege to meet and network with some awesome people while being taught by the extraordinary Monica Caesar.  I’d recommend this course to everyone.”

A big “Thank you” to: Monica Caesar, Couples San Souci, and WPIC for the amazing weekend.

P.S anytime you need extra manuals dropped off, I’m your girl.