Celebrity Event Designer Preston Bailey Hires Industry Novice Intern From LWPI

NEW YORK, May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned event-design icon Preston Bailey has hired his first intern from graduates of his Signature Wedding & Event Design course being taught at colleges and universities across the U.S. Tara Martin-Crawford, 28, of Kingston, N.Y., will work with Bailey and his staff for three months starting in June to continue her education as an event designer under Preston's guidance and 30 years of experience.

Martin-Crawford, who is currently a dental assistant, will perform tasks throughout every phase of taking an event concept and bringing it to life through design production. "I feel as though my natural abilities, eagerness to learn, and passion for design will make this internship an incredible growth opportunity for me," said Tara. She graduated with top honors from Bailey's course, proving that even someone with no design experience can cross over to a new career with the right training and encouragement.

"After taking my design course I can't wait for Tara to become intimately involved with every event we create, learning what it takes to turn clients' dreams into breathtaking realities," said Bailey. "My goal is to help her gain the necessary knowledge to eventually start her own event-design business."

"We are proud of Tara. She has earned an extraordinary opportunity to work directly with Preston. He is a pioneer of this industry and has proven time and time again, if you can dream it, he will make an unforgettable celebration come true beyond your expectations," said Cho Phillips, the executive director of The Wedding Planning Institute.

About Preston Bailey Designs:

Preston Bailey has been lauded as one of the world's premier event designers and tastemakers. With 30-plus years of experience under the auspices of his namesake company, Preston Bailey Designs, he is best known for his ability to completely transform raw, ordinary spaces into opulent, theatrical environments, translating his clients' fantasies into awe-inspiring reality. His one-of-a-kind events have attracted such clients as: Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Joan Rivers, Donna Karan, Liza Minnelli, Matt Lauer, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ivanka Trump. He has also written four bestselling books, Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, Inspirations and Celebrations. His fifth book, Flowers, is expected in October 2011. Preston Bailey Designs, headquartered in New York City, maintains international offices in Indonesia and the Middle East.

About The Wedding Planning Institute:

The Wedding Planning Institute, a division of Lovegevity.com Inc., is the industry leader in certification and training for wedding and event professionals. LWPI has established an academic network of nearly 2,000 colleges and universities in the United States, as well as a network of international colleges offering LWPI's Wedding & Event Planning Certification. Established in 1997 by Cho Phillips, LWPI was founded with the sole purpose of providing an academic career path for aspiring wedding and social event planners. In addition to online courses, students have access to a professional in the field as a mentor and can attend classes at a local college or university and learn from an established wedding/event planner. Students receive hands-on training, assist at real weddings and events, meet with local vendors, and attend venue tours. Upon graduation, LWPI students are positioned to join an existing business, participate in unpaid internships, receive job-placement assistance, or start their own business. Classes are available to students around the world and can be found at http://www.theweddingplanninginstitute.com/calendar

SOURCE Lovegevity.com, Inc.