Project Love Blog

Just One Glance!

admin — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:54:17 +0000

Love has remained the greatest influence in every area of my life. I’ve watched countless couples live in love; bask in love and in some cases fall out of love. We women are emotional beings and wear our hearts on our sleeves. Women work hard! Women nurture hard! Women hate hard. Women love hard! We tend to experience the full gamut of emotions throughout our lives. However, men are trained to be robust, tough and unemotional. In fact, I get the impression they cheat themselves of the expressive journey of life because when we live fully, experience pain fully, love fully and laugh often – then are we living. Although my life’s work and passion is comprised of one of the most emotional moments in a man’s life it is not always expressed as such. But oh baby when it is – the world stops and takes notice.

It is not that Brad Pitt was displaying his excitement to be escorting Angelina Jolie to the Academy Awards – but rather his sense of admiration that tells the world that he considers himself the luckiest man in the world to be accompanying Angelina to the Academy Awards. His love is written all over his face!

We have all fallen in love with Beyonce and Jay Z as a couple and although we know very little about their relationship – we know that they are happy simply being in each other’s presence. In one of their more memorable performances, Jay’s side eye glance confirms what we all already know – he loves his chick!

With a relationship that ignited on Twitter and a very public love affair that will unfold on TV, my bride Evelyn Lozada and Chad Ochocinco have discovered their own way to make their love work. Sexy and all – this image that shows Chad’s head resting against Evelyn’s expresses the safety he feels as long as she remains nearby.

As wedding professionals we see a lot – the good, the bad and the ugly sides of love but nothing is more pure that observing as a man displays his affection and comfort with the woman he loves for his perspective is communicated with just one glance!

So please share, what man have you seen display a similar glance that left you weak in the knees? Join the Diann Valentine family and share it with us all!

Keep spreading the love,

Tip of the Week: Here I Am!

admin — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:43:08 +0000

I’ve often contemplated the reasoning behind the bridal bouquet! Women spend a small fortune on the finest couture gown of her life and then chooses an accessory that may cover the most beautiful and intricate details on this fashion masterpiece! Quite a dilemma wouldn’t you agree? In my quest to protect the integrity that designers bestow into these gorgeous wedding gowns, I have strived to design complementary bouquets that avoid covering up the best assets on a gown…unless of course covering up is precisely what is needed!

Photo by Alison Duke

Jennifer Williams in a custom Ines di Santo gown was picture perfect and a bouquet simply felt unnecessary. However, we opted for a beaded napkin ring with trailing cataleya orchids as her single finishing touch to an already magical look!

Photo by Jonathan Scott

I wanted an edgy bouquet for Jennifer Pepple’s sweet retro gown and this piece of floral art did the trick!

Photo by Mike Colon

In Jung Tumbaga’s case, I wanted an equally strong ray of sunshine again her custom baby blue gown from R-Mine Bridal!

Photo by Mike Colon

When the time comes for you to select the floral accent for your gown, surely understand its purpose before meeting with your florist. Envision yourself in your gown and placement of your bouquet and how the tone of the flowers will look against your fabric, details and the color of your skin. For what I know to be certain is that this is the moment you have been waiting on for all of your life. This is YOUR moment and this is how you will proclaim to the congregation ‘Here I Am’!

I’m dying to know how you declared your arrival?

Join the Diann Valentine family and share it with us all!

Keep spreading the love,

Valentine’s Day: It Takes Two!

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:48:21 +0000

Early Medieval Legends tell us that St. Valentine was persecuted as a Christian and interrogated by the Roman Emperor. The Roman Emperor was so impressed by Valentine because he attempted to convert him to Roman paganism in order to save his life but he steadfast refused; and in fact tried to convert the Emperor to Christianity hence causing his execution. There is no evidence of romantic connotations tied to St. Valentine so when did it start? Red roses, chocolate treats, sexy lingerie and pink hearts dance across our TV screens leading up to what has become known as the national day of love. Men feel the pressure to the deliver the perfect mind-blowing gift to their lady loves. And women build their expectations sometimes to unreachable highs over fantasies about how their perfect love story should unfold. Valentine is my birth name, not a stage name as many would like to believe after realizing that I am in the business of love.

For years I have vehemently tried uncover the root of Valentine’s Day and how we celebrate it today. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been an inquisitive student with a zest for learning or maybe it’s because understanding its origin would inspire me more as I’ve been tasked to ‘set the romantic mood’ for so many couples in love. Regardless of its inception, recognizing a day that encourages people to celebrate L-O-V-E sounds good to me. Whether you spend the day loving your spouse, partner, Mother, Father, significant other, BFF, baby girl, baby boy or pet pooch, just remember it only takes two!

So how will you celebrate Valentine’s Day?

Keep spreading the love,

Join the Diann Valentine family and share your love story with us all!

Tip of the Week: My Next Incarnation of the Candy Bar!

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:42:42 +0000

The popularity of candy bars has every bride asking for apothecary jars filled with miniature snicker bars and color-coordinated jelly bellies. I empathize with bride’s enthusiasm as I designed my first candy bar with the help of Dylan’s Candy Bar at Nas and Kelis’ 2005 nuptials. Lauren Dylan created custom chocolate molds of music inspired that included musical notes, miniature microphones and CD’s. In addition, she brought in white chocolate and milk chocolate fountains along with a few classic childhood favorites consisting of milk chocolate and almond candy bars, chocolate kisses and yes personalized M&M’s. As I’ve watched this trend grow in popularity and become more conventional, I have been eagerly anticipating its next incarnation.

Laduree Bar - Paris, France

My Design Coordinator Tiffany Pompey and I have been hard at work designing an upcoming French inspired party brainstorming for hours on end for ideas to restore glamour, elegance and sophistication to the concept of a designated dessert space. My web browsing led me to Ladurée – the French Chocolatier and creator of the original Macaroon. Little did I know that my travels last year would take me to Paris Fashion Week and subsequently the opportunity to experience what the French already know – dessert is as important as the main entrée and deserves to be treated as such.

I snuck away one afternoon to Ladurée on Champs-Elysees to try and understand the French’s adoration of this famous dessert boutique. A few hours at the uber-fabulous bar at Ladurée left me with more than enough inspiration for my upcoming dessert installation. The great thing about my time at Ladurée and the experience that inspired me is that it showed me a perspective that I had not previously been aware of. It peaked a thought process that I could not discover on my own. My visit to Ladurée was not the answer to my design dilemma, as I would never duplicate something that another artist has already conceived. However, it proved what I already suspected to be true – dessert is a time-honored tradition that deserves to be savored beautifully and fabulously…something great is percolating and will come to life because of my brief time spent in Paris sipping champagne and savoring every bite of a Key Lime Macaroon tart.

So how will you re-design your next incarnation of the candy bar?

Keep spreading the love,

Join the Diann Valentine family and share how you will interpret your next candy bar?

Best Moments of 2011!

admin — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:11:42 +0000

This year has passed faster than any other year in my career. Maybe it was because I traveled more this year than any previous years or maybe it was because I finally reached the goal of hosting my own show? I’m not sure but I’m absolutely certain that I worked harder this year with more focus and tenacity than ever before. I once believed that success meant conquering some far off goal or arriving at a magical destination. However, this year has taught me that success lies only in the journey of living my dreams and what a journey it has been. From the very early morning call times to the hysterical crying spells I experienced some morning while riding to the set of I Do Over to traveling the world with my husband and daughter because I begged them to experience every moment with me…this is called enjoying the journey. The time has come for me to review the goals I set for last year and identify new goals for the coming year but it would be blasphemous not to acknowledge all the good works that God has completed in my life and my immense gratitude. So as this year ends, I share with you my most memorable moments of 2011 with hopes that you may catch a glimpse of yourself inside my journey because I believe that we are all more alike than not -different paths but all taking the same ride!

I started this year in pre-production on I Do Over and proved that I was ready and able o host my own show. As the Host, Designer and Executive Producer it was far more work than I ever imagined but what a great feeling it was waking up every morning knowing that I was living my dreams!

My husband and I officially formed our production company, Underwood Entertainment and proudly watched the credits roll after each episode of I Do Over knowing that this would be a new chapter in my career!

I have never produced very many weddings each year because it always felt impossible to do it with my limited amount of available time. Well with the help of our wedding team, we were able to design and produce six weddings all with a mere five days of design and planning. It is amazing how much we can do, when life does not provide a way of escape!

After we wrapped I Do Over, I hosted a premiere and advance screening in Atlanta with the help of my friend Stacie Francombe and an amazing group of wedding professionals. The best part was celebrating with my wedding team of Cece Counts, Leo Eley, Riann Valentine, D. Micah Lindsey, Tiffany Pompey and Stephanie Scribner!

WEtv participates in the Essence Music Festival every year but this year I was able to design the space, appear as talent to promote I Do Over and Host a segment called Men of Love where I talked with African American R&B singers and actors about our favorite topic ladies – LOVE!

I carved out some time in my schedule to attend Bridal Market in NYC. It was great getting an advance look of designer interpretations of love and to give my new bride Evelyn Lozada a sneak peek of the newest bridal styles as she started thinking about her wedding day look!

Following a last minute invitation from a friend, I jetted off to Paris for Fashion Week and returned with a fresh perspective and more inspiration than I have been able to find here in the US in the last few years!

I completed over a dozen speaking engagements and proved that I have a voice and given the opportunity I will inspire, uplift and encourage people to step outside of tradition and playing it safe…and live their dreams!

I was re-acquainted with several media outlets that have supported me over the years and thanks to I Do Over, I was introduced to a plethora of new outlets. I also learned just how much power some blogs have in entertainment!

Most importantly, I was able to spend so much time with my family. My husband and daughter Riann (even though she is all grown up) are my strength and place of refuge and the ones that make ‘the struggle’ make sense. Along the way, we adopted Leo Eley and Tiffany Pompey into both my business and our families!

So once again looking back gives me great hope for tomorrow. Hosting a positive reality show that offered hope and second chances was not easy in a climate where viewers vote for “Controversial TV’ with their remotes. This experience showed me that I am even stronger than I knew. The future is bright because I know that if I am willing to put my dreams in the hands of the dream maker then I know He (God) will only continue to do exceedingly and abundantly above all that I can hope or think.

Join the Diann Valentine family and share some of your accomplishments of 2011!

Until next year,

Mike Colon Shares More Than Pure Talent on I Do Over!

admin — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 04:32:03 +0000

I first met Mike Colon when he photographed Usher’s wedding for me a few years ago. After reaching out to the ‘one and only’ Joe Buissink and discovering his unavailability, he told me that Mike was at the top of his recommendation list and that was good enough for me. I confirmed Mike at about 2:30am on the morning of the wedding with instructions to make a 6:30am flight in order to arrive on time. After a hectic morning, he arrived calm, cool, reassuring and ready to go to work. However, my lasting memories are the spirit of the man that showed up to shoot this critically important client. Now with years of friendship under our belt, I am still in awe and impressed with his inner man. I know that his personal conviction and acknowledgement of his enormous responsibility will never allow him to show up in the wrong state of mind. You see, his gifts and his calling outweighs whatever may be in disarray in his private world. Mike Colon wears his heart on his sleeve and shoots from the soul – a quality that is admirable but also scarce. Mike shot 4 of the 6 episodes of I Do Over and blessed our couples with incredible memories. With this year coming to an end, I’ve finally been able to slow down a bit and had a chance to chat with Mike to discuss some of the qualities that can only be found in a person whose life is called for greatness!

This is still my favorite image of Usher and Tameka. The love that Mike captured in this moment cannot be denied!

DV: What was the most memorable experience of working with our couples on I Do Over?

Mike: I loved the idea that I was documenting memories that would wash away all of the disappointment and devastation that each couple experienced with their first wedding. I too believe that everyone deserves a second chance and it was an honor to be placed in the process of redemption that these couples experienced.

The best shots are the ones that couples never see coming!

DV: Reality TV has created so many television opportunities for vendors but I am a firm believer that every opportunity is not a good opportunity. Why did you accept the call from I Do Over?

Mike: When I realized the concept of the show I knew I had to be a part of it! The fact that we would be working to replace ruined wedding memories for couples with new and beautiful memories made me so excited to be shooting these weddings. Not to mention, anything Diann Valentine is involved with is a no-brainer for me!

The love captured in this image shines through all the fun they are enjoying on this Ferris wheel!

DV: There is so much more to creating an artistic photograph than just point, focus and shoot. When I look at your work, I’m convinced that you bring your soul with you on a job. So tell us, what inspires you the most?

Mike: Thank you Diann! I always pour my soul into every opportunity to document a moment in time. I’m inspired by the love that is shared between a bride and groom. It is so lovely to watch two people make the greatest commitment in their lives and I’m humbled and lucky to be chosen to capture it all. When I’m at a wedding, I work hard to focus, clear my head and stay clear of any distractions that may cause me to miss a moment that can never be re-created. I’m so blessed to have such a meaningful career where my life’s work is appreciated and treasured for generations.

This woman’s eyes…says it all!

DV: We saw some pretty devastating disasters while shooting I DO Over. What do you suggest a bride can do to avoid her own photography disaster?

Mike: Hiring an expert photographer who specializes in weddings will significantly decrease the possibility of any photographic disasters. Even more importantly, brides should be certain they are communicating their desires and expressing their expectations, goals, and schedule with their photographer before the wedding day. Every photographer should conduct a pre-wedding interview with the bride and groom to thoroughly discuss everything from lighting and timing of ceremony to which photos are most important to the couple. Photo expectations forced on the couple by their parents could also pose significant problems and create unnecessary stress on the wedding day. Parents should be brought into the conversation during the planning stages if necessary in order to get everyone on the same page. Planning and communicating with your photographer before the wedding day will practically eliminate your chances of any photography pitfalls on your wedding day.

This image shows how much trust they had in Mike Colon!

DV: If you could shoot a photo shoot with 5 people – dead or alive – who would it be and why?

Mike: Easy… my wife and four kids because they are so beautiful and they stop my heart every time I see them! I do photo-shoots with them all the time, but I can never get enough!

Love is expressed in so many simple ways…nothing beats hand holding!

DV: Love has always been my biggest source of inspiration for expressing myself creatively, as a family man – what does love do for you?

Mike: Love is what got me hooked on shooting weddings. I’ve photographed many people, places, and things, but nothing compares to photographing people who are in love. Everything good comes from love. God is love.

Love is simple and this image shows everything that she really wants!

DV: What’s next for Mike Colón?

Mike: After a very busy year, I am most looking forward to celebrating the holidays with my family. Next year brings many new opportunities to educate and share my gifts with our industry through my exclusive workshops, photographing a big celebrity wedding and taking advantage of each new day to be a better photographer, a better professional and a better man!

For more information and to check out some of Mike Colon’s gift, please visit his website at www.mikecolon.com!

So do tell – what is your favorite image that Mike Colon captured? Please join the Diann Valentine family and share it with us all!

Keep spreading the love,

An Imperfect Perfect Heart!

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:02:19 +0000

Tracy and Jason Carstensen shared such a precious love story. Since a near death disaster ruined their first wedding, these two knew immediately into their marriage just how important it was to love each other to the fullest with every day that they shared together. Their genuine love for each other made me want to work so much harder to ensure that their ‘Do Over’ was everything they dreamed and so much more. They were passionate and emotional and inspired me to realize that ‘today’ is all we have. I learned so much from them and the greatest lesson was that we all have imperfect hearts but our blessings lie in our ability to find the imperfect perfect heart that loves us just as much as we love them!

Here are a few of my favorite moments from this week’s season finale episode that you may have missed:

Although this was our last week of shooting it was crazy. 12 wardrobe changes, 7 hair changes, tons of voices over plus I had to fit in the premiere of Braxton Family Values…whew!

We gave Tracy and Jason a commemorative invitation from my Pure Dazzle Suite in the Diann Valentine Wedding Stationery Collection!

I just love my wedding day load-in look this week and probably because my daughter Riann Valentine took me shopping and styled me in this vintage Mark Jacobs jacket, American Apparel tights and Gucci boots!

Since I insisted on hosting the wedding and reception on the rooftop at The LA Athletic Club, I had to make sure we had cashmere wraps for all of the ladies as they arrived!

Photo by Gavin Wade

D. Micah Lindsey took such good care of our brides and their families on wedding day!

Project Love Blog

Just One Glance!

Tip of the Week: Here I Am!

Valentine’s Day: It Takes Two!

Tip of the Week: My Next Incarnation of the Candy Bar!

Best Moments of 2011!

Mike Colon Shares More Than Pure Talent on I Do Over!

An Imperfect Perfect Heart!

Rrivreworks Aides in An Amazing Transformation on I Do Over!

I Like It Hot!

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Mother Nature!