From the desk of Erica Krystek, Event Coordinator at the Bayfront Convention Center:

I’ve been working in the hospitality industry for more than thirteen years. While I never set out to be an event planner, it was the best career choice I could have made because I love what I do! I’ve been at the Bayfront Convention Center for more than two years now, and in that time I’ve planned hundreds of events such as weddings, holiday parties, corporate meetings, galas and showers.

I’m lucky enough to work with capable and talented staff at the BCC. We all come together as a team to fulfill our client’s expectations. By the time an event takes place, we’ve already reviewed the details as a team, ensuring everything is in order and the staff is ready at a moment’s notice.

My favorite aspect of planning a wedding is definitely the food! I believe the food at a wedding is an unexpected way to tell the story of the bride and groom. Our culinary team loves to tailor and customize menus, so I always encourage my couples to incorporate personal stories, family recipes and cultural dishes or ingredients into their food offerings.

The best piece of advice I can give to a bride and groom is to be sure to take one moment, at some point in the evening, to step back and observe what’s happening. Take that one moment to soak it all in and really witness all of your friends and family having an incredible time celebrating your marriage. Believe everyone when they tell you your wedding day flies by, because it certainly does!