November 29, 2011 – 7:09 pm
Thankfully, life has been so busy with brides, events, the premiere of I Do Over, new ventures, new explorations and making time to take care of my family. However, earlier this year I stopped, called and introduced myself to Jacqueline Nwobu, the publisher of Munaluchi Bride after stumbling upon the gorgeous but obviously different cover that featured actress La La Anthony. As another brown girl in the wedding industry, I felt compelled to simply call and say hello because we needed to know each other. I shared my excitement for her and how much pride I felt knowing that she was leading her own charge to change our industry for the better – level out the playing fields just a bit in terms of bridal publications. We instantly bonded and I shared that I was not in search of anything but offered a helpful hand along her journey. If there was anything I could do, I would always make myself available to her. Before I could make good on my promise, she surprised me by offering the following feature to introduce Diann Valentine and I Do Over to her readers.
November 21, 2011 – 5:05 am
Working with Tasha and Wes Owen was an exceptional joy. Wes’ nervousness at the altar that caused him to faint during their ceremony had a devastating effect on Tasha. I was expecting her disappointment from experiencing this unforeseen and unpreventable disaster. However, I also observed how it seemed to seal her belief that she was un-deserving of a glorious wedding. Tasha has spent her adult life proudly taking care of her husband and her children; which has been her sole focus in life. During our time together, I was amazed at how challenging it was for her to accept all of the good things that were happening. She consistently repeated that she did not deserve all of this which was disturbing for me. As women, we ALL deserve the perfect wedding – however we define that. Furthermore, I believe that we deserve to be loved beyond measure, pampered, spoiled and taken care of just like we take care of our families. So my experience with Tasha was an ‘Aha’ moment for me – a moment when I realized that some women can be so beat up by life that they stop dreaming, stop believing and stop hoping for a better tomorrow. My hope is that you watched the end credits of this episode declaring that you too deserve all of the best that life has to offer and if you will only B-E-L-I-E-V-E good things still happen to good people.
September 9, 2011 – 4:32 pm
Just a few weeks ago, I shared a story that appeared in the August 1st issue of Jet Magazine and how much immense pride I felt. Unfortunately, that story ran before the premiere date of I Do Over moved to November 13th so technically the incorrect date was shared. However, much to my surprise and delight, Jet Magazine has followed up with another mention in their August 22nd issue where I Do Over appears with a round-up of all reality shows slated for the fall and I am again so grateful.
August 19, 2011 – 9:09 pm
I have been blessed to have received a great deal of positive media in my career. The majority has centered around my client’s weddings or events where I have received credit or my tips for an entertaining or design story. However, as I anticipate the premiere of I Do Over, the trajectory of my press is changing with more and more coverage solely focusing on me and this new chapter in my life. When a recent mention and photo appeared in Jet Magazine it was amazing. My family was so excited and I could hear the pride in their voices as they boasted about it to everyone that would listen. “Diann is on page 13 in the new Jet,” went on for weeks. You see, for black families and black households, Jet is legendary. They have told our stories of triumphant and heartache for years and I too am proud to have finally graced their pages.
October 13, 2010 – 8:50 am
A gorgeous room is often anchored with a series of beautiful tables that usher in a celebratory atmosphere. There is no better reward for a true designer than observing as invited guests ascend into a space and gasp with astonishment from the splendor that engulfs them. I designed my first ‘X’ table while shooting TNT’s Wedding Day at The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The enormous family style setting comprised of lush florals from Shirvan Designs, custom linens and chair covers from Wildflower Linens and custom designed placemats from artist PeQue enveloped the ballroom. However, it is the smallest details such as the custom napkin ring I designed for Martin Lawrence’s summer wedding that became the icing on the cake.
