A first of its kind, semi-formal event, The Belle Soirée, was held May 30, 2018 from 7pm-10pm at Chanteclaire Farm. At this social event of the season, Garrett County Wedding Professionals and TheDeepCreekWedding.com shared the details of Garrett County wedding industry with over 175 attendees.
“This event was a successful opportunity to network with the Garrett County community and share how the local collective wedding industry is a driver of economic development,” co-host Sarah Myers explained.
The event was an evening of activities including custom champagne cocktails, plein air painters, hors d’oeuvres, jazz pianist and chanteuse, photo vignette opportunities, dancing and dessert. Several local salons also offered complimentary hair and makeup accents to guests and members of the GEMS middle school mentoring organization.
Leigh Clarke, owner of The Fete Companies (Chanteclaire Farm, Farmhouse Fete and Sounds Fun DJs), explained, “Garrett County is becoming a major wedding destination. One of the best things about this industry is that educated, creative people in their 20s and 30s can move to this beautiful place and create their own jobs.”
It is estimated that the Garrett County wedding industry has an economic impact of over $6 million and 20,000 visitors to Garrett County annually.
A portion of proceeds from The Belle Soirée event ticket sales will be donated to the GEMS middle school mentoring organization.
The Garrett County Wedding Professionals (GCWP) planning committee pictured from left to right at The Belle Soiree: Leigh Clarke, Marcia Warnick, Sarah Myers, Elizabeth Williams, and Jessica Fike.
