Alum’s
business helps wedding planners
Anyone who has planned
a wedding knows it can be a bewildering process.
Zina J. C. Nelson
’89 (business administration, marketing) offers help.
Nelson produces The Greater Rochester Bride & Groom
guide book and its companion Web site, www.RochesterBride.com.
The free magazine, published twice a year, covers every aspect
of organizing a wedding – from attire to videography.
 |
| Zina
Nelson '89. |
“When I got married
13 years ago, you went to the phone book,” says Nelson. “I
wanted to make it easier for other people.”
According to Nelson,
about 6,000 marriages take place each year in the Greater Rochester
area. Brides are faced with the difficult task of deciding what
they need and who to hire. Nelson simplifies the process by screening
the businesses she includes in Rochester Bride & Groom,
and limiting the number listed. That way, she feels she provides
quality service to users of the guide as well as advertisers.
The publication includes
feature articles, checklists and helpful information. If readers
can’t find what they’re looking for in the book or on
the Web site, Nelson encourages them to call. Nelson, now well-established
in the industry, participates in about a dozen bridal shows each
year.
“We offer a whole
marketing service,” she says, “the publication, listings
on our Web site, links to advertisers’ Web sites and direct
mail services. We know it works for the advertisers, and we know
it works for the brides.”
Like other self-employed
business people, she logs long hours. In exchange, she has the
flexibility to work at home – an important consideration
for her. She and her husband, Darrin Nelson ’88 (computer
science), have a son, Ryan, 6, and a daughter, Rachael, 5.
“I grew up in
a family of entrepreneurs,” says the former Zina Cardinale,
whose family owns C&C Imports and International Liquors and
Wines in suburban Gates.
“I really enjoy
the people I’ve met in this field, as well as working with
the brides,” she says. “Weddings are a happy part of
life. It’s nice to be part of that.”
To learn more about
the business, see www.RochesterBride.com.
