This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on August 14th, 2013 with Diann Valentine. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Diann Valentine

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 http://diannvalentine.com

Q1: How did you become a wedding planner?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: I never aspired to be a wedding planner. Instead, love chose me & I surrendered!

Q2: Why should brides or couples consider hiring a wedding planner?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Hiring a good wedding planner will save you money, stress & heartache bucz u don’t know what we know PERIOD!!!
Q3: You have your own wedding style. What type of weddings are you creating this year?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: This year I’ve been inspired by jewelery and accessories & that influence is seen in everything I’ve done! Pearls, Bracelets, Gemstones and sophisticated accessories for bridal instead of the campy traditional stuff. Every woman loves a great pair of jewelry but she gets engaged and defaults to simple. I say bring on the arm candy. Custom napkin rings that resemble arm candy, strands of pearls, crystal chains and antique buttons.

Q4: You have planned events all over the world. What are some of your favorite destinations?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: I am partial to Europe; Lake Como, Florence & I’m dying 2 work in Paris but I also love the beaches in Anguilla.

Q5: What was it like to work with @IAmSteveHarvey & @Usher?
Answer:

Diann Valentine: Both men were class acts with impeccable taste looking to make a quiet luxurious statement.

Q6: How do you use social media weekly?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Social Media has given me my own voice on my own terms & it reminds people that I am a designer first.
Social media also helps me to move my brand forward daily and reinvent myself at will.

Q7 : What advice do you have for wedding planners just starting out?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Stop thinking it will happen overnight. Get dirty in the trenches, do something extraordinary then talk 2 me.

Q8: What has been your secret to success ?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: There is no secret 2 success. I use to think I would reach this point of success 1 day but now I know better. Success can only be found in the journey. A great client. A fab dinner & a kiss from my husband all mean success.

Q9: You recently planned a wedding for Orange County Housewives Tamra Barney to husband Eddie Judge. What did you create for them?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Tamra & Eddie enjoyed a romantic but opulent celebration filled with lots of my jewelry inspiration. Tamra is feisty and was so open to something different. I loved working with her.

Q10: Now your wedding with Tamra Barney and Eddie Judge will air on Bravo?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Tamra’s OC Wedding premieres on Sept. 2nd at 8pm on Bravo. I hope everyone will watch our collaboration!

Q11: What is a Bridal Cuff?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: A bridal cuff is a piece of jewelry adorned with flowers and other accents that leaves the bride hands free. A bridal bouquet should not cover up the most beautiful details of gown or block it during the entrance. Who started that? Bridal cuffs will be available to purchase on my site when Tamra’s OC wedding premieres. http://www.diannvalentine.com

Q12: Can you tell me more about the suspended wedding cake you made for Tamra?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: The cake was another jewelry inspiration. It hung from a crystal chain & had a floral crown underneath it. In Tamra’s OC Wedding, she swings the cake & I thought I was going to have a heart attack. My assistant @MRDMICAH went flying thru the room to stop it from crashing to the floor #DRAMA #TamrasOCWedding

Q13: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?

Answer:

Diann Valentine: Our industry is stale bcuz too many of us our stale. Move the culture 4ward. If u don’t, I certainly will. Also, wedding planners do not have to be frumpy. Have some style if u want ur clients too. Take a chance. Make a mistake. Change is not easy but what side of history do you want to be on?

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

1. @TrendingSounds Have you ever planned a Wedding in Ohio?

Diann Valentine: I have worked in Ohio, Toledo at the Wyndham where I created the fish tank dance floor.

2. @Ciara Glendon Do you ever have issues with venues buying into your innovative ideas?

2A. Do you find brides get stuck on looks they see via Pinterest vs letting their own imagination soar?

Diann Valentine: Of course. It’s not easy to create new rules. If it were, everyone would be doing it.

2A. Yes. Most brides don’t know how to dream. They trust me to help them dream a bigger dream 4 their love story.

3. @ABridesABudget How do you calm brides down and keep them from becoming bridezilla?

3A In the #weddingmarket, how do you keep yourself excited? Weddings can blend and gowns can become “just another white dress.”

Diann Valentine: My entire presence is calming. I set the tone for our relationship. I’m hired to lead & that’s what I do.

3A: Love is all the inspiration I need and I HATE white wedding dresses

4. @MazelTovGlass In such a competitive market, how do you ensure you stand out from the rest?

Diann Valentine: I decided early on, I would not follow trends but would chart my own course. I don’t follow trends, I set them.

5. @Guesterly Is there a certain type of dream wedding you’re dying to design? Or a celeb you really want to work with?

Dianne Valentine: I’m dying to do something really big in Paris, not over the top but authentic. I think I need 2 move there 4 6 mos.

6: @LoveintheNEO ” Do you have a hand in choosing the vendors for your clients or do they choose first?

Diann Valentine: I always have recommendations & if my client wants something I do not objec;t I always assess the partnership