This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on February 24, 2016 with Diann Valentine. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

 

Diann Valentine is world renowned as the go-to wedding and event designer who takes classic traditions and gives them a modern and unique flare that sets her apart from anyone else in her industry. The incredibly sought-after and admired Valentine is the creative genius behind the jaw dropping weddings of Usher, Toni Braxton, Kelis, Lela Rochon, and Boyz II Men crooner Shawn Stockman just to name a few.

See more information at www.DiannValentine.com

 

Q1: How long did it take you to transform your business to a full time business? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine: I started while in high school and I just went full steam ahead and never looked back avoiding a traditional job. The Biggest shift in my business came when I started creating my own events instead of waiting for others to hire me.

 

@WeddingPen Could you expand on that? How/what kind of events did you create? Great idea, btw.

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine: I created first black bridal show in No. Cal. I created an annual tea party that brought together powerful women.

 

Q2: What types of wedding trends are you creating this year? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I’m pushing the envelope of how flowers are used and designing more weddings where I’m bringing the outdoors inside. I’m only interested in bringing the outdoors inside fabulously…none of those barnyard weddings for me.

 

 

Photography – Keith Cephus

@DebbieAuma This is nice to hear, considering I’m a florist.

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Flowers have such a transformative quality but too many in our industry use them traditionally.

 

 

Photo By Mike Colon

Q3: Now you created what you call a Valentine Cuff? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Yes @the_valentine_cuff is my baby and it has revolutionized the way women wear flowers!

 

Photo By Mike Colon

Q4: How do you get inspired to create your own special unique ideas for weddings?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Traveling is my biggest inspiration. Other cultures, people, fashion, food, lifestyle…natural beauty in the world.

 

You have been involved with a lot of TV shows.

Answer:

Diann Valentine: TV has been a great source of self expression without the confinements of working for a client.

 

 

Q5: How did you break into TV? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I used my gift to gab and big personality to give me a voice on TV.

 

 

Q6: What social media do you focus on the most? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I’m an Instagram junky but my friend @DrRenee is making me get with the Periscope train.

 

Q7: How did you find the wedding pros that work with you? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I look for talented, humble creative partners that dependable, reliable and possess an exceptional talent! It does not matter to me where talented people live. Airline tickets are a dime a dozen..talent rises to the top.

 

Q8: Do you use any special apps or programs to plan your weddings? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Not a big app girl but basic MSOffice, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Illustrator & Keynote are life savers!

 

Q9: How do you handle the first meeting with couples?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: I love first meeting with clients. I get to hear all about engagement and love story before we get into business.

 

@ToucheWeddings  Do you keep first meeting laid back meet greet style?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Absolutely. No pressure for the big sell…just getting to know one another!

 

 

I saw recently on @Instagram that you were inspired to do a wedding on a custom merry go round. Q10: What would a merry go round wedding look like?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Merry Go Rounds represent everything weddings represent. Love. Whimsical. Colorful. Whimsical, colorful but uber chic, flowers made with jewels, custom seating like compacts, mirrors, lipsticks Very magical!

 

 

Q11: What’s a normal day look like for you? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Prayer. Bible Study. Early morning work-out. Hit the office and grind until I need champagne!

 

 

Q12: Any upcoming events that you would like to share? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:   Im headed to Virginia Beach on March 5th Mayapalooza. Can’t wait to be with you all soon!  Mayapalooza is the largest bridal show in Virginia Beach hosted by @mayacouturebridal

 

 

Q13: Now you speak at many different events around the world?  

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I’ve spoken in Cambodia, Moscow, Istanbul, Paris, Athens, Mexico and headed to Nigeria in June!

 

 

Q14: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat? 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Be fearless. Push the envelope. Fail. Try again. Live now. Love.

 

 

#WeddingMarket Chat Audience

@kaylabellevents  How did you manage motherhood and so many different business ventures as a younger entrepreneur?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Motherhood remains a daily challenge but I focused on quality time over quantity & prayed alot! Lol

 

 

@CaseyFPhoto How do you keep yourself from getting burnt out?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Fail. Get back up. Try again. Fail agin. Traditional people are remembered for trailblazers become legends.

 

 

@DreamyWeddingSK  How did you get the opportunity to start working on celebrity weddings?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  My first celeb was Lela Rochon recommended by a friend. So glamorous. Changed everything.

 

 

@NissiCouture What was your biggest challenge when you begin in the industry?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  Biggest struggle was balancing being a single Mom. Success costs something. My daughter has sacrificed with me.

 

 

@Sweetestevents_  I have always wanted to know what inspired that pretty bridal cuff?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I designed the 1st #valentinecuff for @iamjennifer in 2007 for her wedding in the Bahamas!

 

 

@ToucheWeddings  During planning do you or your assistant communicate most with clients. How hands on are you day to day.

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  I’m very hands on w/my clients. My planners do most work and I focus on design and them.

 

 

@NissiCouture  Your work is always so creative with edginess throughout, do you ever have designers block?

 

Answer:

Diann Valentine:  For sure but I just keep working through them. Greatness is in you but you must do the work to pull it out.