Who we are & Where to Start

We are proud to introduce some of our associates who could play an important role in your event. They are all talented professionals who make the Avant-garde Group what it is.

Sue Astley has spent some twenty years in Event Planning and The Food Service Industry.  Her experience ranges from managing daily operations in the restaurant and bar business to planning a wide variety of corporate and private functions.

During a ten year period in Hawaii, she owned a 'fine dining' establishment and catered extensively through the Hawaiian Islands.  Weddings, private parties, corporate functions / conferences;  on site 'location catering' and 'wrap parties' for the Film and T V industry, were a large part of her business enterprise.

From Hawaii to the Vancouver World Trade Fair, British Columbia, Expo 86 found her overseeing a multiple food and beverage operation servicing approximately 3,000 customers daily for a period of 6 months, a challenge not easily met, but which proved highly successful.

Since then, Sue has worked as an independent consultant both in British Columbia and on Prince Edward Island.  Her main focus on the Island has been the local wedding industry, coordinating fashion shows and large events which have included working with the Eddie May Mystery Troop and Maritime artists such as Richard Wood, Dave Gunning and Joey Kitson.

Sue, owner of Avant-garde Group, is well established on PEI and brings her expertise to event planning and wedding coordination.  Some of Sue's clientele have included:

Crown Life
All Steel
Labatts
Deloitte Touche
American Express Canada
Verstile Pacific
Swinton & Co
Confederation Court Mall
Canada Lands

Omni Film Productions
J Walter Thompson Advertising
Magnum P. I. - the series
21 Jump Street - the series
Alan Carr Productions

OTHER:

UPEI Veterinarian College
Queen Elizabeth Hospital PEI

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Professional Photographer, Doris Chandler

Doris Chandler has spent the majority of her life in Atlantic Canada where her artist's eye has appreciated her surroundings for as long as she can remember. A the age of twelve she was designated High School photographer, photographing all of the school events and year book portraits. She was so successful that her peers gave her own camera as a graduation present. From that point, she has gone from a self taught and styled amateur, to a working professional on Prince Edward Island. She works in close association with PEI Photo Lab, doing a variety of assignments which take her all over the Island.

Doris brings to the wedding industry, imagination and talent, along with making her subjects feel totally at ease in front of the camera. She offers comparable prices for portrait sittings and full wedding packages.

"Photographing weddings is a tonic", says Doris.

"Everyone is always so happy!"

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Maritime Luxury Limousine

David Gibler has owned and operated Maritime Luxury Limousine for a number of years. Prior to setting up his business on Prince Edward Island, he was part of a busy limousine service covering New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

David chauffeured several hundred weddings during this time and has brought all this experience to his company on the Island.

David prides himself in the excellence of his service. He provides professional chauffeurs able to accommodate any and all of his clients' needs, particularly within the wedding industry. Knowing how to pamper the bride finds this limousine service at its best...true Maritime Luxury!

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The Ceremony

The most important part of your day is when you make your vows to each other. Our officiant will help you design a unique ceremony to express your personal beliefs and feelings.

Some quotes on the ceremony from our happy couples

”Thank you for your beautiful and inspiring words during our marriage celebration.”
Peggy and Greg

It was wonderful to have your spiritual guidance in putting the important part together. The creation resulted in something that was really "us".
Carolyn

Thank you for your beautiful wedding ceremony, and the use of your bright Centre. Our day was exactly what we had hoped for.
Paul and Tovah

Where to start with a wedding coordinator

Email can be a good first contact followed by a phone call. You will be able to get a good idea of whether you would like to work with us or not. It takes a great deal of hard work to make your perfect wedding, and services vary from consultant to consultant. Listen carefully when you interview and ask lots of questions. Many people who say they are consultants are not really qualified- It is important to make sure that you are going to get the best possible advice and service from someone who really knows the Industry, (particularly in their own area,) and ‘what it takes’ to achieve the desired end result. Attention to detail and first hand knowledge of the service providers are a must. Take up references if in doubt. Ultimately, it is experience and aplomb that make for the best event planners.