Project Love Blog

I knew that the heart of wedding season was the perfect time to introduce I Do Over to my respected colleagues in the wedding industry but deciding on the best city was my quandary.  Atlanta had been good to me over the years and always embraced my presence so it seemed like the best logical choice.  And with my birthday being in early July, it also seemed to be the perfect excuse to throw a great party and offer an early preview of I Do Over.  And a great party is exactly what transpired in Atlanta on July 14^th. Unlike all DRV productions and personal parties I have hosted myself, I was able to actually be a guest and simply enjoy every single minute of it!

I've prepared so long for this moment!

The invitations were created using my signature collection from Wedding Paper Divas.  I altered the design and the colors to create a custom version of the Artistic Waves suite to coincide with the design of the party.  Mike Colon gave us great images from the show to offer guests a sneak peak of some of the design perspective they can expect when I Do Over premieres.

Artistic Waves Suite from the Diann Valentine Wedding Stationery Collection!

There was no chance of a great party without my I Do Over team and entourage with me to celebrate.  My stylist Jason Sky could not attend but he made sure I represented for the night in this gorgeous Angela Dean gown! Tiffany Pompey was our Design Coordinator and carefully executed my vision for the design of each wedding.  Cece Counts was our Entertainment Coordinator and worked tirelessly to book all sorts of talent including R&B crooner/Actor Chaz Shepherd. D. Micah Lindsey was our Family Coordinator and attended to all of the needs of the families of our brides.  Stephanie Scribner was our Logistics Coordinator and worked hand in hand with our Wedding Producer Paula Bond to ensure that every detail was planned to perfection.  Leo Eley was my one man glam squad who worked tirelessly on my hair and make-up and created the best wedding night looks I’ve ever had.  And my baby-girl Riann Valentine was our Guest Coordinator and worked closely with our Supervising Producer to ensure our brides guests made it to each wedding especially since they were only given 5 days notice.

The 'I Do Over' Entourage

Cece Counts, Leo Eley, DV, Riann Valentine, D. Micah Lindsey, Tiffany Pompey, Stephanie Scribner

Our Executive Producer from WEtv Suzanne Murch attended as well bringing a pleasant surprise in hand – the full premiere episode!

WEtv's Suzanne Murch

I have produced several high-profile celebrity weddings in Atlanta so I thought it would be a good market for me to introduce I Do Over in an intimate setting.  However, I had no idea that the event community would embrace us with such a phenomenal show of support.  What started out as a simple conversation with my friend Stacie Francombe of Inspire Smart Success turned into a wonderful experience with all sorts of blossoming friendships.

Stacie Francombe and DV

Tony Conway, DV, Brian Green, Steve Welsh

Stacie introduced me to Brian Green of F&G Weddings who quickly got things underway and reunited me with Tony Conway of A Legendary Event.  I have not worked with Tony since he provided the catering for Toni Braxton’s wedding but he welcomed me with open arms.  The Dream Team was complete and Brian was leading the charge.

My friend celebrity fashion stylist Patrick T Cooper came on board as our host of the evening and ensured that Atlanta’s Who’s Who were all present.

Lisa Alexander - Occasions Magazine and Patrick T Cooper

Stacie Francombe, Brian Green, Tony Conway

The Biltmore Ballrooms was the perfect setting for a memorable and well attended evening.  I love the eclectic mix of modern furnishings that were infused in this stunning historical ballroom that showed the best of Atlanta’s rich architectural history.

The First Look!

Tony Conway took my love for pink and my design of the WEtv activation at the Essence Music Festival this year as his inspiration to create an environment that was so representative of the Diann Valentine brand with every detail finished to perfection.

The Pink Carpet Arrival!

The Bar Centerpiece!

...a few words says it all!

Pink Peonies and Phaelenopsis Orchids - My Favorite!

Love these vintage birdcages!

A Legendary Event framed our step and repeat...perfection!

Active Production & Design provided us with great lighting and an A/V package that framed our stage for the sneak peek of I Do Over!

Who is Diann Valentine?

The ladies from Pink Stiletto Valet greeted guests upon arrival and I was so impressed with their ability to do it all in fabulous and fun shoes!

A Fabulous Arrival Experience!

My friend Mark Lottie of Classic Cheesecakes & Cakes supplemented the delicious food and chocolate treats from A Legendary Event with mini cheesecake cupcakes and lollipops!

Yummy!

Yummy!

AFR Event Furnishings provided this shabby chic lounge grouping which shows my desire to mix different genres and time periods of furnishings to create an unpredictable setting.

Some of my closest friends and a few new ones came out to support me while I reminisced on my journey over the years!

Sheri Riley of Glue, Inc. and DV

Heather Vreeland - Occasions Magazine and DV

Mia Butler of TBS's Movie and A Makeover and DV

I love how the martini made the shot...good times!

Friend and Client Tameka Raymond and DV

Shawna Herring captured all of these great images so that I can relive this night again and again while DJ Tron kept the partying going in full speed!  And the party did not end early because me and a select few headed over to rooftop of The Renaissance Hotel Atlanta for some champagne and desserts!  Anna and Spencer Photography composed this short film of the best memories.  I hope you enjoy it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPFxqlkR37g

My journey to this point has been long, exciting, tumultuous, terrifying and exhilarating.  I have had great successes and great failures but I have always believed that if I could only put my dreams in the hands of the dream maker, then He (God) would take care of the rest!  I hope you all will join me on Sunday, November 13^th at 10pm on WEtv when I Do Over premieres.  Now, I have to ask…do you REALLY believe in second chances?

Keep spreading the love,

Join the Diann Valentine family and share your biggest dreams!