Parties: Marsha + Adetunji's Jamaican and Nigerian Wedding

Last year (yes I said last year...don't you DARE judge me) I watched a fabulous couple exchange I Do's at NYC's Landmark on the Park. A beautiful venue with superb architecture and a very helpful staff. Marsha (a Jamaican Bride) and Adetunji  (A Nigerian Groom - and I didn't even have to look up the spelling of his name) wanted a fun, culturally rich event where guests can eat well, drink well and party WELL. With clothing changes and lots of culture in the room I think we were able to accomplish exactly what they were looking for.


Look at some of my favorite shots captured by Rick Messina Photography... LOVE THEM):



My favorite part of the wedding was definitely the culture. I love when couples embrace what is true and unique about their individual and couple selves. I learned a bit of Nigerian lingo as well as had fun infusing Jamaican patois in some of the signage for the reception.


As far as JunePlumm couples go, these two are my kinda peeps and I was so happy to be a partner in creating such a splendid night.


Shout out to these Fab vendors that helped to make it all worth it!

Event Planner: JunePlumm Events

Photographer: Rick Messina Photography

Cinematography: Majestic Creative Films

Catering: Creative Foods Catering

DJ: Wale (groomsman) & Assistant

Cake: Fancy n Sweet

Florist: Marina Florist

Linens: Elezye's Elegant Coverups

Officiant: Pam Randaleman

Make-up: Vee Diddy

Planning: Love Your Wedding Like Yuh Playing Mas

There is no shame in my game, I LOVE Weddings and I LOVE Carnival (not the circus...picture Rio De Janeiro). Therefore one of my favorite things to do as a Wedding Planner is to merge my two loves together. If you have every experienced a Carnival in [Insert any Caribbean Island HERE] then you know it's a feeling like no other. The euphoria, the joy, the "nothing else can top this feeling", the "cast your troubles away feeling", the "everyone is so happy and awesome" feeling, then you know why I want my clients to LOVE their wedding like they are playing mas (as in masquerading). Wouldn't you like to experience your wedding and feel like "nothing else can top this"...I would and my client should as well. So while some clients will express to me that carnival is their favorite time of the year I try to show them well let's bring the essence of carnival into your big day.


So if this Tribe Azalea carnival costume was the my clients inspiration, their wedding would look like:

Inspiration for your wedding can and should come from ANYWHERE. So why not use what you love especially if it is what joins you and your love together and celebrate.  Embrace the culture, embrace the color, enjoy the music, feel the vibes, relive the excitement that carnival, or whatever it is brings you and Love your wedding like yuh playing mas!

Photo: courtesy of Etsy

Planning: 6 Reasons You May Not Be A DIY Bride

I envy those people that get excited at the thought of picking up a tool or thingy or thingamajig or whodat or whatdowehavehere in the attempt to recreate an item that they have seen on Pinterest but refuse to buy because they can do it better. KU-DOS!!! I am NOT-THE-ONE. THERE...I said it...whew, what a load off ! There is a time and place for everything and while I commend those that have the patience and energy for it...JunePlumm Events does not for a number of reasons:

1) I just don't want to

2) DIY isn't always the easiest route. If you are like me, no patience for the perfectionism that it takes to create or recreate that totally awesome Pinterest thingy that you MUST have. Then it will drive you insane if it doesn't come out EXACTLY as you have seen online. CAUTION...BEWARE...DO NOT PASS GO!

3) DIY isn't always the cheapest option. Items purchased in bulk are typically more affordable than those purchased one here and one there. So unless this is something the is being created or recreated on a consistent basis the cost per product will be more. Not to mention if you do not have a wholesale ID affording you the option to get these items at a cost savings then...$$$$$$$

4) DIY takes patience and time. Nobody move..no one talk to me... no one even think about breathing as I attempt to stripe this vase. Yeah... doesn't sound fun to me either. I just grew another grey hair remembering that time that I tried to... you know what, I wont go there. Let's move on

5) I just don't want to

6) See #'s 1 and 5

AGAIN: Let me be clear, I APPLAUD those that are DIY'ers but it is completely okay if you are not the one. So brides, understand that while planners may have a love for most things wedding, it does not mean that everyone of us want to recreate it ourselves. There are vendors out there that have built up the skill (and patience) to handle these items in bulk and for a fraction of the cost that it would cost your planner to do it themselves. So yeah... it's not a fun project for everyone.

DISCLAIMER: While I am not into DIY I will spray paint the heck out of anything. Oh yeah, and I'm mean with it too.

Photo: Courtesy of Pinterest