Danielle Andrews and Tracey Manailescu are the co-founders of The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC), established in 2003. Both have been certified wedding consultants, coordinators, and planners since 2000, bringing over two decades of experience to the wedding industry.
Danielle and Tracey of WPIC Wedding Planners Institute Canada, provide certification, education, inspiration, and all kinds of webinars and events to help planners achieve their professional goals and make a lasting impact in the wedding planning world. In addition to their roles at WPIC, Danielle and Tracey actively participate in industry events and conferences worldwide. For instance, they served as ambassadors for Canada at an event in Istanbul, Türkiye. During the Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul, networking was one of the highlights for both of them.
Meeting Regine Motmans, the floral connector of Thursd, gave them an insight into the floral industry they welcomed with open arms. Given the opportunity to get featured here, Danielle and Tracey want to express their gratitude to everybody they learned from during this awesome event and talk about what they do and what the future might bring.
More About Danielle and Tracey of WPIC
Danielle Andrews
Danielle is the President of WPIC and has coordinated numerous weddings and international events. Her work has appeared in publications like Style Me Pretty and Elegant Wedding, and she has been featured on television shows such as Canada AM and Breakfast Television. Her international experience includes planning events in Canada, Mexico, and Italy. Danielle is also an educator, teaching WPIC courses and speaking at international wedding and event industry conferences.
Tracey Manailescu
Tracey is the Vice President of WPIC. Her expertise spans North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, and her insights are featured in platforms like Wedding Chicks and Munaluchi Bride. She has planned events in Canada, the United States, and Romania. Tracey is dedicated to teaching WPIC courses, organizing learning events for WPIC alumni, and speaking at industry conferences.
Danielle and Tracey have been recognized by Canadian Special Events Magazine as among the 'Top 20 Most Fascinating Women in Events'. They continue to lead WPIC, offering certification courses and professional development for wedding planners.
They also lead workshops and seminars, such as "The Brand Experience," aimed at helping wedding professionals refine their branding and business strategies. Their commitment to education and industry advancement has made them influential figures in the wedding planning community.
Meeting Each Other in Istanbul Was Both Fun and Insightful
Q: What did you like most about the Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul 202?
Danielle:
"What stood out to me the most was how effortlessly the event fostered networking opportunities, combined with an endless stream of inspiration and creativity. The tablescape designs were a feast for the eyes, offering planners and designers like myself a glimpse into the diverse interpretations of themes by incredibly talented individuals. The themed events were equally impressive, allowing wedding professionals to showcase their unique creative perspectives in meaningful ways.
Another highlight was the keynote presentation on luxury—it was insightful, thought-provoking, and a perfect reminder of why true educational content is the cornerstone of any exceptional conference."
Tracey:
"I enjoyed seeing friends and business contacts that I have made over the past few years and meeting new ones. It solidifies my passion for this industry as it is not just where we are based, but a universal collaborative
Can I say the dancing as well? How much fun was it to let loose with others on the dance floor for a night (in this case, two). Those bands were amazing! I also need to give credit to the team in regard to the timeline being respected and adhered to. I am such a stickler for the rules, and it went off as scheduled. Also, of course, the beautiful designs from the fabulous designers made it so dreamy!"
About WPIC Inc
Q: What is WPIC? Who are you and what do you do with this organization?
Danielle:
"The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC) is a premier organization that specializes in training and certifying wedding planners and coordinators across Canada and internationally. We are committed to elevating the standards of the wedding industry by providing world-class education, resources, and support to professionals in the field."
WPIC-certified planners are recognized for their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to excellence. Their graduates are located worldwide and are considered leaders in the wedding planning industry.
Danielle and Tracey both feel they offer a lot at WPIC, but it's also necessary for the industry that their members and graduates make a difference in the landscape of Weddings and Events. Here's a list.
Certification Programs: We offer comprehensive courses that train individuals in all aspects of wedding and event planning. Our certification programs include up-to-date industry trends, business strategies, and best practices to ensure planners are equipped to succeed.
Ongoing Professional Development: We provide alumni with resources like webinars, workshops, networking events, and opportunities for continued learning. Our members stay informed about the latest trends and tools in the wedding industry.
Advocacy and Support: WPIC supports wedding professionals by promoting ethical business practices and maintaining high industry standards. We provide a strong community where planners can connect, collaborate, and grow together.
Recognition and Networking Opportunities: We host events like styled shoots, conferences, and awards ceremonies to help planners build their portfolios, showcase their creativity, and network with other professionals in the industry.
Resources for Success: Through partnerships and collaborations, WPIC provides members with exclusive discounts, templates, and marketing tools to enhance their business operations.
WPIC is dedicated to helping planners achieve their professional goals and make a lasting impact in the wedding planning world.
Q: How did you get involved in the Table Design Exhibition in Istanbul?
Tracey:
"Of course, we had heard about the Table Design Exhibition over the years and were interested in attending. I met Meltem in Italy last year at a retreat in Campania and we bonded. She asked me to represent Canada as an Ambassador upon our return home, and of course, I jumped on this wonderful opportunity! We hope our coverage of it inspires more wedding professionals from Canada to attend in the future. It's so important to see what other wedding professionals are doing in their countries and businesses to inspire us to do more, be more, and expand our creativity from it."
Education Is the Cornerstone of Success
In the Floral Industry education and personal growth is important. At WPIC they want to raise the bar for all
Q: How important is education in the Wedding Industry?
Danielle:
"As with any profession, Education is the cornerstone of success in the wedding industry, where creativity, precision, and professionalism are non-negotiable. At The Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC), we firmly believe that the key to thriving in this ever-evolving field is continuous learning. The first lesson we teach our students is: “Your education is never finished.” This philosophy is reflected in our favorite social media hashtag, #neverstoplearning.
Education and training are very important in the wedding industry because they establish professionalism, build confidence, and enhance client credibility. Ongoing education is crucial for staying at the forefront of the profession by helping them to adapt and adopt current trends, providing a platform for networking and collaboration with their peers, strategies for marketing, and client relations, and most importantly, maintaining excellence."
At WPIC, we encourage our members to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. Through our certification programs, alumni resources, and industry events And conferences, we help wedding professionals keep their skills sharp and their creativity flowing. The commitment to education—both foundational and ongoing—sets WPIC-certified planners apart as leaders in the wedding industry.
Destination Weddings
Weddings organized in another country in a beautiful place with an exceptional venue are becoming more popular every day. That's also one of the main reasons why in Istanbul the Table Design Exhibition is such a success. Many hotels and wedding venues participate there to show what they can mean for the event designers, wedding planners, and the couple with their family.
Q: How Important Are Destination Weddings in Your Business?
Tracey:
"Destination weddings are extremely important to us at WPIC Inc. and to my personal planning company, Tracey M Events. As Canadians, we like to travel, explore the world, and shape our experiences. It just makes sense to share our love of culture, food, and romance with our WPIC alumni and wedding couples. I speak some Romanian (my husband is an EU citizen and was born in Romania) and I have taken Spanish lessons with a tutor to make it easier for myself, wedding professionals, and couples while I am in Mexico and Spain."
Q: What is Your Favourite Destination and Why?
Danielle:
"It’s truly impossible for me to choose just one favorite destination—I have so many, and I love them all for very different reasons. My top destinations would be Colombia, Mexico, and Türkiye. Each of these countries offers something truly unique, with diverse features and landscapes that vary dramatically from one region to another.
For instance, Colombia captivates me with its vibrant culture, lush rainforests, stunning Caribbean beaches, and the warm hospitality of its people. It’s a destination that combines rich history with breathtaking natural beauty, making it an unforgettable setting for a wedding."
"Mexico holds a special place in my heart for its endless versatility. From the pristine beaches of the Riviera Maya to the charming colonial towns like San Miguel de Allende, every corner of Mexico offers something magical. Its culinary traditions and colorful celebrations add a layer of authenticity that couples and guests alike treasure.
Türkiye is a crossroads of culture and history. Whether you’re exploring the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, the azure coastlines of Bodrum, or the rich cultural heritage of Istanbul, Türkiye is a feast for the senses. Its unique ability to blend tradition with modern luxury makes it a remarkable choice for destination weddings.
Each of these destinations is like a unique piece of art, offering completely different palettes of experiences and settings for weddings. That’s the beauty of destination weddings—you’re not just creating a special day; you’re immersing couples and their loved ones in a journey they’ll remember forever."
For Tracey, these are the destinations she adores.
Tracey:
"My favorite destinations are based on experiences that I have had, whether it's been from producing weddings and events, or personal travels.
Mexico has it all. The warmth of the people who live there, the delicious food, and the beautiful water in Quintana Roo make it the perfect place for romance and leisure. I spend quite a bit of time there for business and pleasure. It is so easy for us to fly there with direct flights. We have produced several conferences and weddings there, as well as attended some amazing ones as well.
Spain has absolutely captured my heart. My husband and I spend quite a bit of time in the south of Spain (Malaga region) and one day want to retire there. It's safe, and so easy to drive and explore different cities, towns, and villages in surrounding areas. The wedding industry there is easy to work with and has ample variety to make any event a dream for couples. Language is not really a factor as most wedding professionals speak English as well as Spanish, and other languages as well. I have met some incredibly talented people there. The wedding venues, food, and scenery make it special for everyone who visits."
"Italy Oh, Italy. What can I say? I am a smitten-kitten! I have been obsessed with all things Italian since I was twelve years old. My uncle, "Joe" is Sicilian and when he married into our family it changed me forever. The food is like nowhere else on the planet. The wines, the venues, the landscapes, and the passion of the people are beyond anything you could imagine. Their willingness to make a couple's wedding beyond anything they dreamed of, is noteworthy."
She doesn't truly know which one she's most charmed by and she doesn't want to choose. She just wants to keep visiting and helping couples and planners love these locations as much as she does.
Planning 2025 Events
Q: Are You Planning on Being a Part of the Next Table Design Exhibition for 2025?
Danielle:
"Absolutely! After experiencing the Table Design Exhibition and Creativity Conference firsthand, I can confidently say it’s an invaluable event for wedding professionals. It offers a perfect blend of education, inspiration, and exceptional networking opportunities that make it a must-attend for anyone in the industry."
Tracey:
"We would love to be Ambassadors again for this unique and memorable experience. We arrived a few days early to experience more of what Istanbul has to offer. We ate, shopped, and walked all over. I would love to come back and experience more of Turkiye, as I've only been to Bordum and Istanbul previously. The unique decor and floral designs were so beneficial to my planner's heart, and hearing from leading wedding professionals for different takes on learning was what I needed, and I want to be immersed in it all over again. Not to mention seeing all of my wonderful colleagues."
