{"id":15836,"date":"2018-11-06T07:50:22","date_gmt":"2018-11-06T12:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/?p=15836"},"modified":"2018-11-06T07:50:22","modified_gmt":"2018-11-06T12:50:22","slug":"qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central","title":{"rendered":"Graduate Feature: Jordan Merlino of Seventh &#038; Central"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"overflow: auto;\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-6.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of QC Event School graduate Jordan Merlino by Mary Crozier\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15861\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-6.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-6-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i>Photography by Mary Crozier<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<p><b>Name:<\/b> Jordan Merlino<\/p>\n<p><b>Location:<\/b>\u00a0Seattle, Washington<\/p>\n<p><b>QC Courses she&#8217;s taken:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/event-and-wedding-planning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Event and Wedding Planning Course<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/event-decor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Event Decor Course<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/luxury-wedding-and-event-planning-specialization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Luxury Wedding and Event Planning Course<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Her Website:<\/b> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.seventhandcentral.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.seventhandcentral.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Social Media:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/seventhandcentral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook.com\/seventhandcentral<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/seventhandcentral\/\">Instagram.com\/seventhandcentral<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.ca\/seventhandcentral\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pinterest.com\/seventhandcentral<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#Tell_us_a_little_bit_about_yourself\" >Tell us a little bit about yourself!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#Why_did_you_decide_to_go_into_event_wedding_planning_What_about_it_appeals_to_you\" >Why did you decide to go into event &amp; wedding planning? What about it appeals to you?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#Whats_one_thing_that_you_wish_someone_had_told_you_when_you_were_just_starting_out_in_the_wedding_planning_business\" >What\u2019s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out in the wedding planning business?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#Weve_noticed_you_love_to_travel_Is_destination_wedding_planning_in_your_stars_Or_would_you_rather_keep_that_aspect_of_your_life_separate_from_your_work_life_We_all_need_a_little_R_R_sometimes\" >We&#8217;ve noticed you love to travel! Is destination wedding planning in your stars? Or would you rather keep that aspect of your life separate from your work life? We all need a little R&amp;R sometimes!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#You_seem_to_move_around_often_too_Does_it_affect_your_business_if_at_all_Do_you_find_yourself_making_changes_to_your_business_since_you_have_a_fresh_start_in_a_new_local_industry\" >You seem to move around often, too. Does it affect your business if at all? Do you find yourself making changes to your business since you have a fresh start in a new local industry?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#What_is_your_biggest_career_highlight_so_far\" >What is your biggest career highlight so far?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/2018\/11\/qc-event-school-graduate-feature-jordan-merlino-of-seventh-central\/#Congratulations_on_becoming_a_QC_Event_School_graduate_What_do_you_think_the_future_holds_for_you_and_your_business\" >Congratulations on becoming a QC Event School graduate! What do you think the future holds for you and your business?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tell_us_a_little_bit_about_yourself\"><\/span>Tell us a little bit about yourself!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I am originally from New Jersey but now reside with my husband in the Seattle, Washington area. My husband, Wayne, and I met on a blind date eight years ago, and we\u2019ve been married for just over seven years. In 2015, I opened Seventh &amp; Central, which was previously based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, about 25 miles south of Tokyo. This month, my husband and I relocated, along with my wedding planning company, to the Pacific Northwest.<\/p>\n<p>I am the proud dog mom of a six-year-old English Pointer and a four year old Labrador mix who love hanging out with me at the beach and cuddling on the couch. You can usually find me in my office, working on someone\u2019s wedding, or perusing the aisles of Target with a Starbucks drink in-hand. My favorite things include thrift shopping, traveling, Diet Coke, and anything pineapple related.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_did_you_decide_to_go_into_event_wedding_planning_What_about_it_appeals_to_you\"><\/span>Why did you decide to go into event &amp; wedding planning? What about it appeals to you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-20.jpg\" alt=\"Seventh and Central wedding planning - Photo by Elizabeth Gibbs Photography\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15843\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-20.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-20-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><br \/>\n<i>Photography by Elizabeth Gibbs Photography<\/i><\/p>\n<p>The first time I decided to \u201cplan a wedding,\u201d I was about ten years old; I didn\u2019t know what a wedding planner was or even if I could do that as a career, but I knew it was fun to plan weddings for other people! All of my little sisters\u2019 Barbies had to be married, sometimes repeatedly, just so I could practice. By high school, I had my own subscription to wedding planning magazines, and I was actively seeking opportunities where I could learn the necessary skills to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2017\/01\/event-planning-101-become-wedding-planner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">become a professional wedding planner<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been a highly organized person, and I built upon that trait to become a successful planner. At the age of 16, I became a certified emergency medical technician. I quickly learned how to make the best decision quickly as well as how to manage chaos. While many people may not realize it, first responder skills are extremely valuable in the event planning field. Since then, I have designed and delivered wedding cakes, worked as a personal stylist for brides, and managed one of the largest bridal gown salons in the country. After <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2015\/11\/taking-your-bu-or-assistants\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">assisting a wedding planner<\/a> in San Diego, CA for several years, I knew I was prepared to go out on my own\u2014that was when Seventh &amp; Central was born.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow: auto;\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-4.jpg\" alt=\"Jordan Merlino wedding planning - Photography by Kristine Marie Photography\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15848\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-4.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-4-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><i>Photography by Kristine Marie Photography<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-5.jpg\" alt=\"Photography by Kristine Marie Photography - Seventh and Central Wedding Planning\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-5.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-5-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>My favorite part of each wedding is watching my couple repeat their vows to each other. I will always cry during that moment. The feeling of helping them facilitate their dream wedding day is an incredible feeling that makes all the months of planning and stressful situations worthwhile. That feeling of joy and passion I found in weddings when I was ten years old has never died out, and I know this is my life\u2019s work.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_one_thing_that_you_wish_someone_had_told_you_when_you_were_just_starting_out_in_the_wedding_planning_business\"><\/span>What\u2019s one thing that you wish someone had told you when you were just starting out in the wedding planning business?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t compare your beginning to someone else\u2019s middle. It is so easy to get on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/09\/event-planners-heres-step-social-media-game\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">social media<\/a>, compare yourself to talented planners who have been in business for 5-20 years, and wonder why you aren\u2019t as successful as they are. It\u2019s easy to question how you can add value to your client\u2019s wedding day as the new planner on the block, but remain confident in yourself!<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s okay to only have three beautiful events to show while more senior planners have two or more Pinterest-worthy events each weekend. Just because you don\u2019t have the beautiful Instagram feed that they do, doesn\u2019t mean that you aren\u2019t, or will not be successful. Focus on giving your clients the best experience possible instead of how many Instagram followers you have. Keep yourself focused on tangible goals and continue to set new ones!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-19.jpg\" alt=\"Seventh and Central&#039;s Jordan Merlino styled shoot - Photo by Joseph Hardin\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15852\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-19.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-19-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><br \/>\n<i>Photography by Joseph Hardin<\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weve_noticed_you_love_to_travel_Is_destination_wedding_planning_in_your_stars_Or_would_you_rather_keep_that_aspect_of_your_life_separate_from_your_work_life_We_all_need_a_little_R_R_sometimes\"><\/span>We&#8217;ve noticed you love to travel! Is destination wedding planning in your stars? Or would you rather keep that aspect of your life separate from your work life? We all need a little R&amp;R sometimes!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>I absolutely love to travel! One of my biggest sources of design inspiration are my favorite travel destinations. Sometimes it\u2019s hard to focus on R&amp;R when I walk down an alleyway and dream of the wedding I could plan in that location. Luckily, my husband doesn\u2019t seem to mind that I\u2019m always on the lookout for an inspirational scene while traveling. Indonesia and Macau, China are two places that have most inspired me; after returning home, I had so many wedding ideas in mind!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/online-event-courses\/destination-wedding-planning-specialization\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Destination wedding planning<\/a> brings some new challenges I\u2019m not sure Seventh &amp; Central is quite ready for yet. But it is definitely something I plan on exploring in the future. Paris, Bali, and heading back to Japan for more events are all on my list for <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/08\/infographic-organizing-dream-destination-wedding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wedding destinations<\/a> I would love to make happen in the future, when the timing is right.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"You_seem_to_move_around_often_too_Does_it_affect_your_business_if_at_all_Do_you_find_yourself_making_changes_to_your_business_since_you_have_a_fresh_start_in_a_new_local_industry\"><\/span>You seem to move around often, too. Does it affect your business if at all? Do you find yourself making changes to your business since you have a fresh start in a new local industry?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>My husband is an active duty military police officer serving in the United States Navy. Because of his career, we move every 1-3 years. While there have been improvements in the last seven years that I\u2019ve been married to my husband, it\u2019s very challenging to find a job as a military spouse. There are often additional challenges to being self-employed that I have to face, too. One of the largest challenges is that I have to relocate and break into a new market every time that we move.<\/p>\n<div style=\"overflow: auto;\">\n<div class=\"half-1\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-2.jpg\" alt=\"Photography by Kristine Marie Photography - Seventh and Central Wedding Planning\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15850\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-2.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-2-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><br \/>\n<i>Photography by Kristine Marie Photography<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"half-2\">\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"336\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-3.jpg\" alt=\"Photography by Kristine Marie Photography - Seventh and Central Wedding Planning\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15849\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-3.jpg 336w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Copy-of-Event-in-post-135x135-3-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Most recently, we moved from Yokosuka, Japan to Seattle, Washington, while temporarily staying in Texas for a month in between. I have learned to make the most out of the opportunities, and I was fortunate to learn so much about Japanese <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2016\/02\/sticking-to-your-roots-tips-for-planning-multicultural-weddings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">culture and wedding traditions<\/a> that I know will bring value to the Japanese community in the Pacific Northwest.<\/p>\n<p>Also, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to work with many talented wedding vendors all around the country and the world. We recently hosted and <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2015\/02\/marketing-styled-shoot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">designed beautiful styled shoots<\/a> in Fujisawa, Japan and Waco, Texas.<\/p>\n<p>While my husband and I\u2019s lifestyle does bring many hurdles, it often brings many blessings and many additional skills that truly benefit my clients and my local wedding market.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_your_biggest_career_highlight_so_far\"><\/span>What is your biggest career highlight so far?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Seventh &amp; Central has had so many highlights so far! I\u2019ve been lucky enough to plan weddings and events on two different continents so early in my career and learn so many fascinating wedding traditions from around the world. I\u2019ve also had the immense honor of planning events on behalf of United States Navy leaders and commanders, and received some really unique traditional military gifts afterward. Also, there was the wedding that the San Diego Chargers attended!<\/p>\n<p>Of course, this year I completed all three of my wedding planner courses online through QC Event School, which was a huge highlight and milestone of my career.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"672\" height=\"448\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-21.jpg\" alt=\"Jamie Lee Photography for Seventh and Central&#039;s Jordan Merlino, a QC event School graduate\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15854\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-21.jpg 672w, https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Event-in-post-135x135-21-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 672px) 100vw, 672px\" \/><br \/>\n<i>Photography by Jamie Lee Photography<\/i><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Congratulations_on_becoming_a_QC_Event_School_graduate_What_do_you_think_the_future_holds_for_you_and_your_business\"><\/span>Congratulations on becoming a QC Event School graduate! What do you think the future holds for you and your business?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thank you! Also, thank you so much to my amazing tutor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.qceventplanning.com\/tutors\/athena-devonne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Athena DeVonne<\/a>! I am excited to see Seventh &amp; Central blossom in the Greater Seattle Area over the next several years hope to expand to another location in the next five years. Most importantly, I look forward to celebrating the love of all of my couples and creating beautiful wedding days for many more years to come!<\/p>\n<h3 align=\"center\"><i>Need help marketing your professional services? Here&#8217;s how to <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.qceventplanning.com\/2018\/05\/boost-your-resume-with-event-planner-certification-programs\/\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">boost your resume with event planner certification programs<\/a>!<\/i><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Read all about QC Event School graduate Jordan Merlino&#8217;s journey from starting her wedding planning business in Japan and now moving internationally to Seattle, Washington as the owner of Seventh and Central Weddings &#038; Events!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":15860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[351],"class_list":["post-15836","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-graduate-features"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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