|
|
Association of Consultants & Event Services
|
Meet The Board of Directors
|
 |
Elizabeth Hempfling, Events by Elizabeth Ashley
ACES President
As a North Carolina native of the High Country, Elizabeth Hempfling has gained extensive knowledge of the area and all it has to offer for those seeking to plan an upcoming event. Elizabeth’s passion for weddings started while working with brides and their families at South’s Specialty Clothiers. Even in her youth Elizabeth was very self-motivated and dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur. That passion has evolved over the years into a successful business focusing on weddings and special event planning. The talents she offers have grown to include specialized decor consultations and floral design by the company’s lead expert, Kristi Turbyfill. With over 9 years experience in the event industry, Elizabeth strives to ensure every event is flawlessly executed and that every client is completely satisfied before, during and after their big day. Elizabeth’s experience and hard work has allowed her to gain considerable access to the areas most professional and experienced vendors.
“The most important bit of advice I can give you, the client, is to have fun and enjoy yourself while you plan the big day!”
|
|
Meris Gantt, The Whole Shebang
ACES Secretary
I’m a Southport, NC native turned mountain enthusiast. After graduating with a Music Theatre degree from Elon University I lived on the west coast but soon returned, realizing that North Carolina was the only place for me.
I moved to the Blowing Rock area 7 years ago and am thrilled be living in Blowing Rock, raising a family and working as a wedding planner for The Whole Shebang.
I have worked in the service industry for over 15 years but my passion for event planning began when I planned my own wedding at the Taylor House in Valle Crucis. I went on to train under Cassandra Reed, the original owner of The Whole Shebang, and then took over the company when she relocated in 2009.
|
|
Jessica Clearwater, Chetola Resort
ACES Programs/Site Chair
My husband and I live in Blowing Rock, and I couldn’t be a bigger fan of everything that the High Country has to offer. I moved here in 1995, after completing culinary school, to pursue a degree from Appalachian State University in Hospitality Management. After graduation in 1997, I moved to Colorado for the winter. The North Carolina Mountains were calling me back, and I missed my family and friends, so I quickly returned to the area I call ‘home’.
With fifteen years of varied experience in Hospitality and Tourism in the High Country, along with ten years as the owner of my own catering company, I tackled Real Estate sales as a profession. I have been successful in the field for six years now, and with the combined sales, catering and hospitality experience, I knew that the position of Wedding and Special Events manager at Chetola Resort was perfectly suited to my skill set.
I have been with Chetola Resort since the fall of 2009, and currently assist customers with special wedding packages, family reunions, and other special occasions. I love helping people plan and execute the perfect celebration.
|
|
CeCe Hamptom, Event Designer
ACES
CeCe grew up just outside San Diego California. While briefly attending nursing school, she worked as a Nordstrom associate, learning and implementing a customer service ethic that is second to none. From there, CeCe moved on to manage retail operations in stores throughout the U.S. for American Eagle Outfitters, Limited Brands, and Chico’s, and became an expert in opening new stores; making sure everything was always perfect. That experience led her to David’s Bridal, where she was a turn-around manager, taking underperforming stores and making them profitable and reputable.
Being in the retail bridal industry, CeCe soon came to realize that brides were not often receiving the best advice in planning, organizing, and customizing their events; so, in 2004, she and a partner started Weddings & the City in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her clients have been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show as well as many print publications, including Carolina Bride and Good Housekeeping. CeCe co-owned and managed the company until 2007, growing it, largely, into what is widely recognized as the premiere wedding and event company in the Carolinas.
Today, CeCe is an Event Designer in the High Country of North Carolina, where the sheer beauty of the surroundings is the perfect backdrop for all sorts of romance, fun and fanfare. She listens very carefully to her client’s wishes, while incorporating her vast experience and talent into every event she manages. She works tirelessly to personalize and make every event special. CeCe plans and manages corporate events as well.
|
|
Association of Consultants & Events Services
PO Box 2744, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 919-6750
Contact Us
|
|
©2012 Association of Consultants & Event Services, Blowing Rock NC. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
