College of Education and Human Development

Real Life 101 Weddings Panel Features Maggie Daniels

Monte Durham of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" and Maggie Daniels captivated a full house with their talk on weddings last week.  

The article below was written by Toni Andrews and originally appeared on the Mason News page. 

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Maggie Daniels of Mason's School of Recreation, Health and Tourism (far right) was featured last week on a panel about the economics of weddings along with Monte Durham, host of "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta," Carrie Wosicki, director of special events at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and photographer Rodney Bailey. Photo courtesy of Rodney Bailey Photography.

An engaging evening was had by all at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus on April 16 for a lively discussion about the economics and the emotions of weddings. Mason's Margaret Daniels, co-author of the award-winning book "Wedding Planning and Management: Consultancy for Diverse Clients," was among those featured on the panel. Daniels teaches courses on wedding and event planning as an associate professor within Mason's School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism.

More than 100 attendees at Founders Hall heard Daniels; Monte Durham, “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” host; Carrie Wosicki, director of special events at the Corcoran Gallery of Art; and Rodney Bailey, owner of Rodney Bailey Wedding Photojournalism discuss this $54.6 billion a year business. The program included two “real life” guests – Paul Wilson and Lauren Holman – who shared their current wedding planning stories with the audience.

A fun quiz contest, “Go to the Podium,” kicked off the program when audience member Ruth Carbo attempted to answer five multiple-choice questions about the wedding industry. Burke & Herbert Bank sponsored the quiz, which raised $200 for scholarships. The bank designated Mason’s Arts Management Program as the recipient of the donation.

The event was the second in the new Real Life 101 series hosted by Mason’s Office of Community and Local Government Relations.

The wedding industry is hot and the economic impact is real. Pictured here from left are Rodney Bailey of Rodney Bailey Wedding Photojournalism, Mason's Maggie Daniels, "Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta" host Monte Durham, and the Corcoran Gallery's Carrie Wosicki. Photo courtesy of Rodney Bailey Photography.

About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the largest teacher preparation and education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a comprehensive range of degrees, certificates, courses, and licensure programs on campus, online, and on site. The college is distinguished by faculty who encourage new ways of thinking and pioneering research supported by more than $75 million in funding over the past five years.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism : rht.gmu.edu
• Tourism and Events Management: rht.gmu.edu/tourism-and-events-management

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