When you come to the VBCC to look at a space to hold your perfect dream wedding- one of the first people you will deal with is James Caralivanos (yeah, we can't pronounce his last name either- so we call him "James" :)). James is the Virginia Beach Convention Center's Sales Manager that specializes in short-term bookings (events that happen within one year -18 months from today's date). Since we book weddings only one year in advance, James handles all of the contracts for booking building space for wedding receptions, ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, showers, luncheons, or any other wedding related parties you might want to throw.
We asked him so questions so you could get to know him and his role a little better:
Name: James Caralivanos
Direct Phone: 757-385-2164
How long have you been involved with weddings? 8 yrs. Prior to working here at the VBCC I worked at hotels and was often involved in weddings at those properties.
Your role in the VBCC wedding process? First steps, dates, space, details to start, contract for space.
Your favorite part about working with weddings? Just that we can help make the day special.
The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings? Food, environment, best staff, presentation, attention to details, personalized service – our brides and grooms are in the best of hands here!
Any advice you have for brides and grooms? Make sure you eat.
Personal Info- I live in Virginia Beach with my wife and we have one son. We like spending time together and on the weekends can often we can be found working in the yard or shopping together.
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| James |
After you are booked in your space and have signed your contract, you are assigned an event coordinator to help with your floor plan, timeline, and other day-of wedding essentials. Most often, this is none other than the famous "wedding coordinator extraordinaire" Darcy Potter. We asked her the same questions:
Name: Darcy Potter
Direct Phone: w-385-2183, c-439-0050
Email: dpotter@vbgov.com
How long have you been involved with weddings? About 10 years. I actually did 3 wedding receptions in the old Pavilion and almost all of the weddings here at the VBCC since it opened.
Your role in the VBCC wedding process? I am your VBCC Wedding Coordinator for everything but your food and beverage needs. I help develop your dream floor plan, suggest ideas, vendors, and what can be done in the space you have booked. I make sure all rooms are set and ready and provide a wedding checklist that gives the VBCC staff the information we need to make your day perfect. I will also be here the entire day of your event to make sure everything goes as planned.
Your favorite part about working with weddings? The excitement of sharing such a special day in many people’s lives. There is so much happiness associated with a wedding event. Also, seeing that beautiful bride……they are all fabulous on that special day!
The BEST thing about the VBCC for weddings? The venue and the food. Our building is fabulous for parties, provides plenty of space for any sized crowd and is a photographer’s dream. Our food is not hotel food, not Convention Center food, it is food that you would be served in a fine restaurant. Your guests will be talking about it long after your wedding day is over!
Any advice you have for brides and grooms? Enjoy your day and let us take care of all the details. As crazy as things may seem, we will make it happen. We have done countless weddings and receptions, you need to trust us, we’ve got it!
Personal Info- I have worked at the Pavilion and VBCC since March 1, 1994. I live on a nine acre horse farm in Pungo and enjoy pleasure trail riding with all my horse friends. I have two daughters that have graduated from college and are now working and a son that is in high school and is a goalie for a U18 travel ice hockey team. I am a hockey Mom and I DO wear Lipstick!!! LOL
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| Darcy |
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