April 2014 issue

Page 1



April 2014

CONTENTS www.diamonddivamag.com

3 PUBLISHER’S CORNER/OUR TEAM 5 JUST STEVII: SPECIAL SAUCE OF THE VISIONHEIRESS: 7 VOICE COVER(ED) GIRL 8 BUSINESS PINK PAGES

AT KNIGHT: ALL DRESSED UP IN 12 KONVOS THE ART OF LOVE

14 IT’S A NATURAL HAIR THANG 15 WHAT’S THAT YOU SAY? 16 IT’S IN THERE 17 WHY I LOVE MY WEDDING PLANNER

COVER CREDIT Cover Model: Kim Hodges Photo Credits: Tanisha Walker/In God’s Image Hairstylist: Melissa Bizzell/Heavenly Hands Salon, Knightdale NC Wardrobe Stylist: Matissia Everette Make-Up: Tanisha Walker/In God’s Image

Cover Story

2 Kim Hodges Getting Know

PAGE 9


Our Team Ashlee Rowell-Williams (Durham NC) Administrative Assistant

Raleigh, North Carolina (919) 410-6812 www.diamonddivamag.com ...................................................... Editor: Renee’ Dawkins Finance Manager: Martin Dawkins Executive Assistant: Ashlee Rowell-Williams

Stevii Mills (Greensboro NC) The Shepreneurs Best Girl Friend Contributing Writer Kim Hodges (Raleigh NC) Voice of the VisionHeiress Contributing Writer

Karen Moore (Clinton NC) Bridal/Love Contributing Writer

Copy Editor: Imani Editorial Graphic Designer: Angela Coley Staff Photographer: Diamond Diva Photography Cover Photographer: In God’s Image Photography For General Advertising Inquiries Please Email or Call Us At info@diamonddivamag.com 919-410-6812

Please be sure to visit all of our participating advertisers and remember to support area local small businesses. We are all about Empowering and Celebrating Women that are about their business and not afraid of telling anyone of the struggles that it took to get to where they are today. During this issue and all issues you will have the opportunity to meet a phenomenal women who has definitely stamped her mark on the world. These women are business women, mothers, women of God and truly Diamond Diva’s to the fullest definition of the world. We trust that you will enjoy their life stories and all that it has to offer.

Renee & Martin Dawkins

Dena Bruton (Durham NC) Beauty & Fashion Contributing Writer

Kimberly Knight (Raleigh NC) Konvos at Knight Contributing Writer

Michelle Roberts (Jonesboro GA) Travel Contributing Writer

Christina Mial (Raleigh NC) Religion Contributing Writer

Maria Crockett (Raleigh NC) Religion Contributing Writer .................................................................................................................... Disclaimer: Diamond Diva Magazine is published monthly. Any reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited without written permission from the publisher prior to doing so. Diamond Diva Magazine does not accept responsibility for statements made by individuals featured or advertisers. Comments concerning this publication should be submitted to the editor by email at info@diamonddivamag.com Diamond Diva Magazine’s publisher, staff, and other persons involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the magazine (in whatever format) or it’s content, do not assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information provided in the magazine, nor shall they be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages arising out of the use of the magazine.


Diamond Diva|4


This is “Just Stevii� and I look forward to helping you turn your dreams into reality by giving you practical steps to help you along your journey! Turning Dreams Into Reality

JUST STEVII Special Sauce

When you are authentic, you are able to live life in the purest way. You are able to be true to yourself and to the world around you. You are able to live your life out loud and on your own terms. There is a time and a place for you. You will feel that you are in your flow and you will act accordingly. When you are afraid to be you, you will be stuck in the mindset that life will not change no matter what. That is when you begin convincing yourself that you cannot succeed. You will begin to live life like you do not make an impact on our world. As I teach women around the world about the true meaning of branding, I make sure that I equip them with the tools to succeed. I make sure that they know that their brand is found in them. Everyone is born with their brand and I always say that we each have a business inside of us. Whether you desire to be an entrepreneur or not, you have a business inside of you. Your brand is the way that you speak, it is your personality, it is the adjectives that you use to create your "it factor". You must continually work on smashing the box. You must not be afraid to put yourself on the line. Why? Because there are people assigned to you and you are assigned to someone else. You are the missing link. If you do not fulfill your purpose, the world will not be able to be as complete as it possibly can be. Your special sauce is needed; just think about it. Where would the Big Mac be without the Special Sauce? That is what the world would be without you.

5|Diamond Diva

I challenge you to do a few things this week. 1. Discover what makes you unique. 2. Bring it out in everything that you do. 3. Find adjectives that describe you. 4. Ask others to see how they would describe you. 5. Begin bringing that to everything that you do. Let's chat and see how I can help you to truly define your brand and bring your uniqueness to the world. You can begin making money this week if you are equipped with the tools to succeed.

--

Your Brand Is My Business Stevii Aisha Mills The Shepreneur's Best Girlfriend www.theshepreneursbestgirlfriend.com 336.303.0745



Voice of the VisionHeiress™ Cover(ed) Girl

You cannot give up and you will not give up.

The smiling face you see on the front of this wonderful magazine was once the face of

There is a thin line between going on and

depression, binges of overeating, drinking

giving up. I know all too well how easy it is

and low self-esteem. Her mind was once

to have one foot in the grave and one on

filled with racing, suicidal thoughts. A head

solid ground. I understand that those who

filled with ideas of defeat and sadness.

have never felt suicidal or actually devised

The VisionHeiress™ Feel free to contact me: Visit me on the web at: Thevisionheiress@yahoo.com www.awomansinspiration.com Follow me on Twitter: @visionheiress1

Find me on Facebook: facebook.com/visionheiressnetwork

Yes, that woman was me. At that point in

a plan to carry it through could never fully

my life, I never imagined that I would be in

understand what it feels like. Those feelings

a magazine, let alone on the cover of one.

of depression, inexplicable pain, sadness,

Kim W. Hodges, is the author of Write

If the enemy had its way I wouldn't have

the overwhelming sense of unhappiness,

the Vision, Make it Plain: Writing Your

been. But, I now know that I'm a covered

and for me personally there was a haze

Way to Victory. She is an inspirational

girl and I'm happy to be kept for such a

that covered my mind that made it almost

speaker, wife, and mother. She is also

time as this.

impossible to lift my head up. This is why I

the founder of North Carolina based

feel compelled to let those who may be

organization, A Woman's Inspiration,

having the same feelings, same thoughts

Inc.

Many people are not open to discussing suicide as openly as I am, but I feel the

and even those who have devised a plan

need to do so because I've been set free

that you have REASONS TO LIVE! There is

and it's a serious issue. I could get into the

something in YOU that the world needs and

statistics of it and tell you how many men

they're waiting for it. Your life is valuable

versus women contemplate suicide; or

and you are valuable. I don't care what it

how many teenagers actually attempt it. I

looks like. There is so much more that can

could tell you the percentage of each how

be done and the only one that can do it is

each race is affected by it each year. But,

YOU. Don't allow the enemy to take you

one of the most significant facts among all

out of your purpose by convincing you that

the statistics is that suicide affects us all no

there is nothing left to do or to live for. You

matter our age, gender, race, beliefs, or

can make a difference and you will; but

There are no

you can't if you are not here. You have to

discriminating factors when it comes to

believe that there is a higher purpose than

taking one's own life. We are all susceptible

what you can see with the natural eye.

socioeconomic status.

to the issues that overwhelm many as it The young woman you see on the cover of

those thoughts with a declaration that the

this wonderful magazine is a survivor. I am

enemy is defeated and those who are

tenacious and determined. Suicide could

considering taking their own lives are

not have me and it will not have you. You

COVERED! Just like I was when I sat in my

are more than what the enemy tries to tell

Someone

you are. If I had carried my plan through I

reading this article needs to know that in

would not be here to fulfill my purpose,

spite of what the enemy tries to tell you,

which includes becoming an author,

dark room of desperation.

there are reasons to live.

marrying the love of my life, writing for Diamond Diva magazine, ministering to

Seeking your purpose in God will lead you

others who have similar issues and helping

to change your thoughts about giving up.

those who are struggling with this particular

Building a relationship with God through

issue. I'm grateful that I am a cover(ed) girl.

prayer, meditation and true worship will

I lived to fight another day and so can you.

lead to finding out your divine assignment. Your divine assignment is connected to others who need you. You are covered.

7|Diamond Diva

Photo by George Porter Photography

pertains to suicide. But, if I can interject


Diamond Diva’ s Pink Pages

BUSINESS PINK PAGES Get your business noticed and in the hands of customers that are looking for your service. Contact us today to have your business featured in the next issue of Diamond Diva sales@diamonddivamag.com

Diamond Diva|8


2

Getting Know

Kim

Hodges


Name: Kim W. Hodges

the “interesting” or the “popular” when

knows what she has identified her

Hometown: Princeville, North Carolina

they are in pursuit of what is “important”.

hopes and dreams she will need

Profession: Human Services Professional

I have such passion for helping people

discipline to execute them properly

Title: Social Worker (8-5); Author,

whether it's spiritually, financially, socially,

to see results. I would tell her to

Entrepreneur (Passion)

mentally that it's hard to contain

“write the vision” and the steps she

Company: The Vision Heiress, Inc. and A

sometimes.

feels she needs to execute her plan.

Woman's Inspiration, Inc.

I recommend a vision, success, or

Length of time in business: A little over

What is the best advice you've ever been

strategy coach to help her define

one year

given?

and to clarify anything that she is

I was once told that, “Do not despise

uncertain about. Many times it's the

What is your greatest accomplishment

small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to

small things that get overlooked

about the business you are in?

see the work begin.” Zechariah 4:10. That

because as women we overthink

Last year I became a self-published

was revealed to me once when I felt like

things. I have found so much beauty

author and started an organization for

giving up because I thought that what I

in the process to get to my goals.

empowering women. I wanted to write

was doing was ineffective. As long as I

I've met the right people to help me

the book for years but I didn't know how

know that I'm doing my best in Jesus's

reach my goals and in turn I have

to even begin to get started. When I

name I will reach those that God has

been able to connect them to theirs

joined my former church Koinonia

designed for me to reach.

as well. Divine connections and

Christian Center in Greenville, NC I was

intervention is a beautiful thing. The

inspired by my Bishop Rosie S. O'neal. I

What do you do to relax and unwind?

decided to go for what I knew and I

Relax. What's that? LOL! I actually love

approached her editor, Minister Danielle

the beach. I like to go to Myrtle Beach

Is there anything in particular that

Koonce, to inquire about what it took to

with my husband, Bean. I have been so

was not asked that you would like

write a book, get it published, and

immersed in obtaining my graduate

my readers to know about you?

distributed. After about 6 months of

degree that any relax and unwind time

I know that the enemy expected me

writing, voice recording, and note taking,

has taken a backseat for the last 16

to be gone by now as a result of my

Write the Vision, Make it Plain was birthed.

months. But, that's all about to change in

suicide plan and attempt. But I know

May.

that I am here for a reason and I

Tell us about you, what motivates you, who is Kim Hodges I am a wife, mother of 5 young men now ages 18, 16, 14, 11, and 9. My husband and my children certainly are great motivating factors in my life. I want to establish a legacy for my children and grandchildren to follow and to remember me by. I am a tenacious pursuant of all things Christ and anything that empowers, encourages, and inspires. I am motivated because I know where I could have been. I know where I was headed and God delivered me out of an awful mess. I have gone through enough destructive, undesirable patterns of thinking, behaviors, and treatment to make the determination that enough is enough. Anything negative is not of God and I just refuse to be a part of it. That includes getting out of my own way with negative thinking. What is your inspiration and driving force? I am truly inspired to help others, especially women, find God early in life in order to avoid the pitfalls I endured. I want to help them learn not to settle for

world calls it networking.

plan not to let God down again. I Tell us something about you that people

know that I won't be perfect, but I

would be surprised to know.

certainly will do my best to show Him

I love riding motorcycles but it's

that I appreciate being given more

something that I put aside to focus on my

than enough chances to get this

children's needs many years ago when I

thing called life right.

became a single mother. They needed me and I was afraid that if something happened to me as a result of riding they would have no one so I let it go. But, at 5'0” tall I want to pick that passion back up someday. What advice would you give to a young woman just starting out or have a desire to go in business but has no idea what to do with her hopes and dreams? I would tell her not to get so overwhelmed with where she is going that she can't appreciate the process of getting there. She should not allow the pursuit of perfection to distort her view of the progress she has made thus far. Even as far as knowing that she wants to go into business is progress. Now, that she Diamond Diva|10



Konvos at Knight Presenting…..D. Clark The Matchmaker:

“All Dressed Up In the Art Kimberly of Love” Knight we've been together 11 years and

professional background checks for

married for 5 years. “

client protection, and detailed matchmaking strategies for successful

What is matchmaking in the

outcomes.

traditional and modern sense? Today's dating world is filled with Traditional matchmaking was more

dating websites, social media pursuits,

so for family arranged marriages but

and let's face it as we get older the

modern matchmaking allows you

dating pool does become a little

the right of choice.

smaller than our college years. Still, it's refreshing to know there is a Love

The Triangle area now has a “Go-To-

What stemmed the idea to create

Specialist right here who is effectively

your own business?

working in her God-given purpose!

I was the “Go-To-Girl” so I decided to

D. Clark can be reached at:

become a Certified Matchmaker

Facebook: D Clark and Company

Lady” in the art of matchmaking. D.

from the Matchmaker Institute. First, I

Instagram: MsClark1

Clark and Company is a professional

started with revamping people's online

Website: dclarkandcompany.com

matchmaking and relationships coach

profiles, social media and managed their

Twitter: @Dclarkandco

business bringing forth the best guidance

first time meet and greets. I also would

in love, dating and relationship

provide dating feedback to reflect upon,

compatibilities. I had the opportunity to sit

coaching prior to and after the first date,

down with this delightfully pleasant love

and image consulting.

guru to discuss her gift in matchmaking, her thriving business and her presence in

What is your professional background?

the Triangle community. Love is definitely in the air!

Currently, I'm pursuing my Master's in Marriage & Family Therapy. D Clark and

“Just like you hire someone to manage

Company also has a team of expert image

your finances, health, but why not have

stylists, beauty professionals, and media

someone to hire such an important part

specialists. She prides her business in being

of your life which is love.” D. Clark

a one-stop-shop for love advice, image

Where did your inspiration to become a

application, nail care, esthetician services,

Matchmaker come from?

and date coaching.

“I came across a Christian blogger and

Explain a typical consultation.

consulting, hair design, make-up

Share

she suggested you should ask people in your inner of circle who do they feel you

The consultation consists of an assessment

are? It was a life changing experience as

of getting to know each other to see if D.

a Christian woman you don't realize how

Clark is an ideal matchmaker for you. This

other people view you. I was the “Go-To-

also consists of getting to know your

Girl” for relationships because of my long-

background, family values, personality

term relationship with my husband. He

traits, ideal attractions, and so much more.

was my high school sweetheart and now

She assures clients with confidentiality,

your

thoughts

at

k.mk.0705@hotmail.com.

Diamond Diva|12



It’s a Natural Hair Thang!

By: Dena Reveal Bruton

No matter if our hair has twists, kinks,

maintaining to your hair. It uses 3 products that are botanically based and contain

color, curls or if it's silky straight, each

silk and keratin (protein), amino acids and packed with moisture. This system is also

Diva's hair has the same basic needs;

sulfate free and is gentler on the hair. This is great for use on children and adults

cleansing, restorative treatments, and

that want a temporarily silky look. It should last until you shampoo it again, but

moisture. Being in the beauty industry for

make sure you don't get it damp in any way. Also, wearing a wrap cap or bonnet

a long time has given me the opportunity

at night will allow the style to stay silky smooth longer.

to test many products and tools for professional and home use. Here are my

Now onto appliances. Beauty equipment has changed just as much as hair

pick for natural hair:

products. There are so many choices but the best are ionic, ceramic and or tourmaline. Ionic appliances help the hair by adding negative ions to your hair

Natural hair is so in trend right now and

cutting down on dry time, which is healthier for your hair. The negative ions also

each head of natural hair is different and

help some products work better, hence a healthier shiner head of hair. Ceramic

unique. You definitely need to make sure

and tourmaline appliances use negative ions to promote healthy hair while

you shop around and use products that

getting the look you want. Be sure to know what you want out of your appliances

address all your needs. One of my favs for

before you purchase. All blow dryers are not created equal. I am currently using

natural hair is the 4 Naturals product line.

the FHI Heat Nano Pro 1900 and for flat irons there are a few brands I like; Baybliss

Within this line, you can find exactly what

Pro, FHI, and VODANA. Don't let the quiet motor fool you this blow dryer can

your natural hair needs. The website:

handle any head of hair.

www.4naturals.com has a complete breakdown of information for all types of

I know some May be looking for a multifunctional product instead of lots of

natural hair. No matter if you are kinky,

separate ones. The best one I have found that works on all hair types is BioSilk Silk

colored, curly or straight, 4 Naturals has

Therapy by Farouk. This phenomenal product can be used on any hair type,

you covered. I love that the products

damp, or dry. I call it "liquid hair". It replenishes the hair of necessary reparative

don't contain heavy oils that suffocate

and smoothing ingredients without any weight. It even seems to help with color

the scalp and coats the hair.

fading as well. This leave in product is great for all hair types. It's a little pricy, however a bottle should last you a very long time.

If you have coils and twists, I recommend the Taliah Waajid Natural Hair line. They

All of these products and service should be discussed with your stylist before you

make products for Afros, twisted styles,

purchase them. Always keep your stylist at the forefront of all changes you intend

coils, locs, as well as separate lines for

to make so you won't run into problems later. Remember utilizing your professional

adults and children. I really like that this

stylist is always the best route for a Diva to take.

line has been perfecting their products for a while; making sure to give thought to all

4naturals.com

the customers that may be in need of

Natutralhair.org

them. You can get more info on this line

Fhiheat.com

at: www.natutralhair.org.

Bayblissprous.com Vodanapro.com

If you want to straighten your hair, you

Haircologyonline.com

can do it at home safely, if you follow the

Farouk.com

directions precisely on the smoothing products and appliances. If you are looking for professional grade products

Dena Bruton

that you can purchase for home use to

Lead Makeup Artist/Hairstylist at Reveal Cosmetics

smooth your hair I've got some goodies

www.revealcosmeticsonline.com

just for you. Silk-K chemical free

www.blingandthingsaeou.webs.com

smoothing system by Haircology is a

www.facebook.com/alleyesonyoubeauty

simple 3 step process that works very

www.facebook.com/RevealCosmetics

simple and requires regular home

Diamond Diva|14


What’s That You Say By: Maria Crockett

I’ve always heard it said it's ok to talk to yourself as long as you don't answer yourself! :) I talk to myself a lot more now than I did when I was younger. While this may be a product of age, I think it's more a product of life experience and the realization of the power that comes, when I not only speak something, but also hear myself speaking it. If you're honest, you'll admit that sometimes things you see or experiences you have can cause you to doubt what you believe. It would be great if we were pillars of impenetrable strength and never had to deal with doubt or fear, but that would require us to be robots and we're not. We are thinkers and feelers and what we think and feel isn't always positive or beneficial to us (that's a whole 'nother article all together!) The point is we need to hear and speak life over ourselves. I know this is sometimes easier said than done, but it is absolutely possible. How so? You guessed it....we need to talk to ourselves. Take David, for example. David was a man after God's own heart, but he faced challenge, difficulty, and moments of doubt and feeling overwhelmed just like we do. There are several examples in the book of Psalms where he specifically talks to and gives his soul (his innermost being) direction: Psalm 43:5 ~ Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Psalm 62:5 ~ My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. Psalm 103:1 ~ Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Notice he didn't say, "Soul, you have every right to feel cast down" or "I'm so tired, O my soul!" Instead, he told his soul what to do and encouraged himself in the process with reminders that his hope and expectation were in the Lord. There won't always be someone else around to encourage you! That is why it is so important to learn to speak to yourself in psalms and hymns and sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19). It is an invaluable tool! Remember, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). If you find yourself wavering in the faith department, infuse your day with the Word - play scriptures while you're getting ready in the morning, listen to good messages from an anointed man or woman of God on your way to work, play Christian music while you're at work. Build yourself up in your faith! Be determined not to let what you see or feel hinder what you believe. Speak life over yourself. Continuing to hear and speak life will increase your faith AND you will have what you say (Mark 11:23).

15|Diamond Diva

Maria Tyson Crockett B.A. Communication Studies, UNCG, 2000 M.Ed. Student Personnel in Higher Education, University of Florida, 2003 CPC (Certified Professional Coach), Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching, 2011


IT’S IN THERE Finding and Applying Life Principles in the Holy Bible By: Christina Mial Hello Divas!!!! I pray that the first quarter of 2014 ended on a high note for you all. I know I for one am ready for the weather to change. Don't get me wrong, I love the winter months, but this past winter was a hard one. So if you are reading this that means that you have survived the first 90 days of a New Year. I am sure you may have had some bumps in the road as we do on this journey called life, but prayerfully you are seeing a big change in how you year started from how your year ended in 2013.

knew that I couldn't afford to publish a book on my own. He knew that I really didn't have a clue as to what I was doing. He knew the obstacles that I would face and He had already made a provision for them all....... but I had to do MY part.

Eventually I wrote and completed my manuscript. There was a contest that summer that had been running looking for new authors. The entry fee was $20.00. I am not ashamed to say that at the time that I learned of it, I didn't even have the fee to submit my application. God ended up blessing me with the money during the last week of entry acceptance. I entered This month God has been dealing with me on what it means in James 2:17 when the contest and ended up winning second place. Can you believe it? He says ".......faith by itself, if it is not Second Place!!! The prize was not only my accompanied by action, is dead." Many times we feel like just because God book being published, but it included said we would have something or that we book cover design, editing, and copyright! God did that! But none of that would be something that means it is a done deal with no work on our end. This is could of happen had I not trusted Him and did what He asked of me. a misconception a lot of people have. I challenge you this month to trust God. While God is able to do any and every When you hear Him telling you to step out thing without assistance, I mean did He on faith and to do something that you not create our world with just His words; deem ridiculous, I challenge you to do it we still must activate what He says in our lives.

anyway. Know that He has a plan. Understand that His thoughts are not our thoughts. He knows when, where, how, and through who that He will bless us. We must do the work. You know what your work is. Just DO IT! Your Sister and Diva in Christ, Christina About the Author: Christina Mial is a Raleigh native and former Managing Editor of Diamond Diva Magazine. She released her first book, “By His Stripes” in March 2013. The book details her life struggles and how she ultimately found God in spite of it all. She is a blogger and writer who uses her platform to advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. To learn more please visit her website www.christinamial.com or fan her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/byhisstripesbook .

I wrote a book a few years ago and it was published last year. God told me to write the book. God even told me what to write in the book and how to write it. But I still had to write the book. God told me that He was going to use the pages of my testimony to bless me and to bless others. I still had to write the book. God promised to open doors for me and my children after the book was published. But.... you guessed it; I still had to write the book! I believed God and I knew I was hearing from Him when I heard His voice, but until I did what He told me to do, what He said would happen would not happen. Now don't get me wrong, I wasn't just that obedient immediately. No, in the beginning I was doing everything BUT what He told me to do. I was researching how much it was going to cost to put the book out. I researched different publishing companies. I asked different authors that I knew for their advice and input. I was delaying my own blessing by doing the opposite of what I was commanded to do which was write. God being our all knowing God already Diamond Diva|16


Why I

Love

My Wedding Planner!

IThe date is set and you have selected your bridal party attendees. You know your color scheme; somewhat or at least have an idea of several options you like. So what should you do next? Make your wedding day journey an even more enjoyable one by hiring a professional wedding planner! The portion of your budget dedicated to hiring a professional wedding planner is money well spent. Let's talk about the benefits of hiring a wedding planner. Being a bride is stressful within itself. You are frantically searching for the perfect wedding dress; you have the pleasure of learning and dealing with your soon-to-be new family who want to be a part of the planning process as well and most of all you have to get venues booked, flowers ordered, photos scheduled and much, much more! All the while trying to maintain your sanity! This is where you select a professional wedding planner and maintain your sanity. Your much needed help has arrived. Brides, your wedding planner will become your best friend for the next few months to a year of planning your fabulous wedding celebration. Your wedding planner provides the calm during the storm of your special day. Your wedding planner will provide structure and keep you up to speed on every vital step in bringing all of the elements together to create your day to remember. What I have seen many brides do first in my years of wedding planner is they book the stretched limousine first and select the caterer as an afterthought. This is not the timeline you want to follow because you will end up with a wonderful trip in a shiny limousine and have unhappy, hungry guests due to your caterer being an afterthought and your family having to prepare food for the reception and the guest count was not communicated. 5 benefits of hiring a wedding planner first: -Maintain your sanity! As the couple being celebrated, you as the bride and groom will be able to relax as much as possible and enjoy your special day as it unfolds. -You are just too busy to do it on your own -You know that you are not really into planning your wedding -Save money with your wedding planner's expertise in negotiating vendor contracts. -Stay within your very tight budget Now, enjoy your special day!

17|Diamond Diva

By: Karen Moore


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