Panorama Shot of the 2011 Hunt Country Bridal Expo
For wedding vendors, it’s often not “what you know, but who you know.” The advantage brides have working with vendors and venues who are well-known within the wedding and events community can get them great deals and availability on services that might normally be “booked.” I interviewed Midge Harmon of Harmon’s Horse Drawn Carriages and the current president of Hunt Country Celebrations, a membership for professionals in the weddings and events industry in
How did you go about starting Hunt Country Celebrations?
{Midge}: Joined 4 years ago – it was Fauquier County wedding vendors initially and now business members from Fauquier, Loudoun, Culpeper, Western Prince William, Eastern Clark County all make up our membership. I didn’t started Hunt Country, but I currently serve as the chapter’s president.
What is the greatest value in membership for Northern Virginia wedding vendors?
{Midge}: Business and networking. The recommendations and knowledge of the companies we know is the value in itself. We know these people do a good job, they’ll be counted on and we won’t have to play catchup at a wedding or event. It’s reassuring to recommend another vendor that is dependable, with good business ethics and does great work to a bride
Tell me about the type of professionals you hope Hunt Country Celebrations will attract.
{Midge}: Professional professionals – which is someone who has been in the business long enough, works well with others, networks and follows through when they say they’re going to do something. They also serve our customers to the best to their ability, and the customer is pleased. This individual knows their jobs and does it well.
What is the biggest milestone HCC has had? (We can discuss Hunt Country Bridal Expo here).
{Midge}: The annual Hunt Country Bridal Show and Expo is certainly the biggest milestone. The show was localized before and didn’t get a wide selection of brides, but since it’s been at West Belmont Place, the type of brides have expanded and it’s a gorgeous show. It’s one of the best I’ve ever been to during my career. The March show was beautiful and appealing to the brides too.
Midge says Hunt Country Celebrations, “… is the best networking group I have ever belonged to. I’ve been networking for 50 years. If I call someone in a bind, they’ll come in to help me and I know that.” Thank you Midge for you interview. If you’re interested in learning more about Hunt Country, visit their website.