By Jacqueline Swadi, WPICC of One Sweet Day (Halton Region WPIC representative)
On the Canada Day long weekend, I had the thrill of welcoming my dear friends Peter Merry and his better half Audrae to our side of the pond. We spent Saturday afternoon together, just catching up over a late lunch and enjoying the amazing weather. I was thrilled that my husband was able to join us for the fun, as we’ve all waited years for him and Peter to finally meet. After filling our bellies with some good ol’ Firkin pub grub, we walked it off until we met up with our good friend, Mr. Bill McElree, WPICC – DJ, planner, and officiant extraordinaire ofAbsolute Weddings based in Sudbury, Ontario.
The five of us had the pleasure of enjoying an incredible meal in the revolving restaurant overlooking the Falls on a gorgeous evening. It all seemed to happen so fast, but our day had come to an end, and I was about to do it all over again on Sunday!
On Sunday, I left bright and early with my friend and colleague Tanya (7a.m. Eek!) and we met up with Peter, Audrae & Bill for breakfast before we headed out on our day long tour with Niagara Parks with WPIC Alumni.
We had an incredible day of seeing the amazing venues and best kept secrets that Niagara has to offer our clients. We started our day by being treated to coffee, tea, scones & danishes at the gorgeous
Legends on the Niagara property. What stunning views this gem has to offer, and the staff are incredible!
Elements on the Falls has such an incredible view for weddings, and is such a reasonable space for the value it offers. Pop & Lolly’s is just across the way, and the sweets they have to offer should be more than enough to entice you. It’s like being a kid all over again, living right inside your very own Charlie & the Chocolate Factory experience! The amazing Niagara Parks staff sent us all away with incredible goodie bags, however I will state for the record right now, that I was very well behaved!
At Queenston Heights, we were treated to a lovely brunch along with a Musket Demonstration and reenactment skit.
I had set up the book signing table, and Peter gave one of his most well received presentations on Showcasing Your V.A.L.U.E. – which is all about exceeding your clients expectations by verifying, affirming, listing, underscoring and exhibiting – all in the name of providing the WOW factor for your couples.
Peter’s presentation exceeded everyone’s expectations, and everyone walked away with some serious food for thought. But, to be honest – this really doesn’t surprise me. On a professional level, I have seen Peter present many topics, and never has he disappointed. Not once. When Peter speaks, people listen. He has a way of offering education and knowledge, that keeps you entertained and interested. He is extremely passionate about what he does, and gets his point across in a unique way that has you wanting more. He is actually like this in friendship as well. Many heated discussions later, Peter finds passion in every topic he discusses. Go big or go home, right?
I don’t know about all of you, but when I hear a speaker presenting, it has to be fun, motivating, educational, inspiring. If it feels like paint drying, you have lost my interest no matter how hot the topic is.
Peter then took pictures with our WPIC gang, and signed copies of his amazing book ‘’The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!”. I highly recommend that everyone runs out and grabs a copy of the book. If not for yourself, then for your clients. It’s an extremely valuable tool.
As if all of this was not enough, we still had a full afternoon ahead! We went to the Butterfly Conservatory, the Floral Showhouse, we took horse and carriage rides to Wedding Arbour and Willow Pond, we went on the Whirlpool Aerocar above the Niagara whirlpool…250 metres above the water! We also visited the Whirlpool Restaurant where we took a break with some fruit and punch snacks before continuing on our way to Edgewater.
I have really only touched on some of the amazing things that we got to see and do while visiting Niagara Parks. Peter & Audrae were just along for the ride, and we were so honoured and thrilled to have them.
Our day ended around 5:15, and everyone headed home. Peter, Audrae, Bill & myself stuck around Niagara for the Canada Day festivities. We had dinner, walked around, saw the fireworks, did the Journey behind the Falls,
and they even got to light up the Falls and received official certificates from Niagara Parks stating they were now official Niagara illuminators. How amazing is that?
Although I’m positive both Peter & Audrae can attest to this visit being way too short, we sure did have a jam packed weekend. There was no time or room for boredom!
Obviously for me, the saddest part was saying goodbye. This is the challenge of being a part of such a diverse industry. You meet people, make really good friends all over the world and you have no control over the people you build relationships with and care about, no matter how far away they are or how often you see them.
A huge thank you to Sue Zareski,WPICC, with Niagara Parks Commission for turning a wish into a reality yet again. You’re amazing!
And to my amazing friends, Peter & Audrae: Hope you had the best time….ever 
Until we meet again!
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