Our Mission

About Weddings Beautiful Worldwide . . .

About our Expert Staff . . .

Gary graduated with honors from the University of Richmond, School of Business in 1964 and he served as a 1st Lieutenant and Top Secret Courier during the Vietnam War. His experience includes opening, buying, managing or selling bridal businesses at 31 different retail locations in six different states. His honors include Bridal Guide’s Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Tabletop Giftware Association, Who’s Who in the Jewelry Industry and served on the Board of Advisors for – BB&T Bank, Longwood University School of Business and Health South. He appeared as the industry spokesperson on the national television program, “How To Succeed In Business,” and is frequently contacted for comments and opinions on industry issues.

Nancy Tucker, CWS/CWP, is president of Weddings Beautiful. She has been in the wedding industry for over twelve years. She started her own wedding planning business in 1997 where she created a wedding planners online community. She was selected by Doris Nixon (America’s “Number One” Wedding Expert) to administer and grade the assignments. In 2005, she was named president of Weddings Beautiful. Nancy also serves as an expert on the “Top Wedding Questions” website, where wedding questions are answered on a daily basis. Nancy is often quoted in magazine articles. Nancy’s peers throughout the wedding industry have recognized her enthusiasm, passion, and knowledge for giving expert advice. Nancy’s goal for Weddings Beautiful is to continue its mark of excellence as the authority in the wedding industry. Her review and personal attention of each assignment makes it the ultimate learning experience for the student’s success.

Pat Mahoney, Director of Training for National Bridal Service has over 20 years experience in the wedding industry. Her responsibilities include writing “Wedding Notes”, four newspaper columns offering tips for Brides To Be. She is also the author of Pat’s Pen, a monthly newsletter for bridal professionals; and is a contributing editor to “One Perfect Day”, the popular wedding planning guide. She has conducted over 200 bridal seminars throughout the United States. Previously, Pat was an executive with the Start Tribune in Minneapolis, MN, one of the top newspapers in America.

Doris Nixon, RBC/CWS/CWP retired from Weddings Beautiful in 2005. She is the former president of Weddings Beautiful Worldwide and the author of our Certified Wedding Specialist course, and contributing editor to the Registered Bridal Consultant course for National Bridal Service and the “One Perfect Day”, guidebooks for brides and grooms. Doris is passionate about the bridal/wedding business and is unequaled in the industry for her knowledge and experience – making her the “Number One” Wedding Expert. She has traveled the world, having been in 55 – 60 countries, and almost every state.

In addition, Doris is our contributing editor to the Certified Registry Consultant course for associates working in the gift registry store. She has been the featured speaker on bridal registry at every major tabletop market in America and served as monthly contributing editor on the bridal business for Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine for over 21 years.

About our Certifications . . .

The Certified Wedding Specialist course was first offered in 1954 as part of the National Bridal Service, America’s first national association of bridal consultants and wedding related businesses. In 1968, the course was adapted to the training of wedding planners and coordinators. Since then, we have been providing professional home study training, recognition and support to individuals that have or desire to have a successful wedding planning and coordinating business. Our students gain the know-how and receive the support they need to become successful business owners. Once you complete the Certified Wedding Specialist course and gain experience, we encourage all CWS graduates to apply for the Certified Wedding Planner title. Click to enroll or learn more.

The Certified Wedding Planner title was developed in 2008 for established wedding planners that have a high level of experience and would like to add certification to their credentials. With our new Certified Wedding Planner program, you do not have to take the 18-assignment home study course. We will evaluate you with an easy 3-step process to see if you qualify. This certification distinguishes the most professional planners from the rest! Click to enroll or learn more.

About our Membership Association . . .