New to Forums and Photography

[dustin0479]

Hi
My wife and I are new to the forums and photography. I purchased her a Canon Eos several years ago and she has had fun over the years and produced some pretty good images. She has recently expressed an intrest in spending more time turning her hobby into a part time profession. We are both planning on taking a course from the Photography Institute (me because i love soaking up the tech info and would like to have the ability to help her) So...
First question. I would like her to begin the course with the camera she should have upon completing the course... What "semi-affordable" camera would you suggest that could eventually (in time) work for Beach Portraits/Wedding Photography? D300,D700? Open to suggestions and thanks in advance!