In 2003, I popped some popcorn and curled up on the couch to watch, "The Wedding Planner" with Jennifer Lopez. My first thoughts on the film? There is no way this is a legitimate career. Much to my surprise, after countless hours of research discovering the beauty of this business and despite the many trials and challenges I knew I would face as a single mom, I decided to embark on a new journey towards becoming a wedding and event planner.

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After graduating with a degree in wedding planning and event coordination at the New York Institute of Art and Design, in addition to earning over 28 specialty certifications in the event planning industry, I had the pleasure of completing the very first mentorship program offered by celebrity wedding planner David Tutera. I enjoy planning everything from small intimate elopements to large scale corporate events. ​My proudest event was Columbus Gay Pride of 500,000 people. I love supporting my community.

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What I love most about my career is being able to live vicariously through my clients. I'm elated to share in the joys of their most memorable occasions. I enjoy the hustle and bustle of this business and thrive on organized chaos. My family and I have developed a well oiled machine as a team, and to the surprise of many, I love all of the paperwork that is involved. (I'm a closet geek.) In my spare time, I enjoy reading, crafting, cooking, baking, going to the beach and traveling

Being a reason for so many smiles and happy tears is my reward in this business. Just seeing the excitement on the faces of our clients is extremely fulfilling and heart-warming, and it's master mixology when our team comes together with our clients to share creative and imaginative ideas. I love what I do and it doesn't get any better than working along side family.

I attribute my leadership, organizational and social skills to my previous experience as a debt relief sales manager, and the years I worked as an impersonator and talent manager. Growing up with a Dad who has worked over 50 years in radio, I developed a passion for music; It's because of this that the music and entertainment aspect is my favorite part of the event planning process. I'm also thrilled to be working on my certification in event and wedding planning at the New York Institute of Art & Design.

Fun facts! ERE's other Sr. Event Coordinator is my twin sister! When I'm not working I enjoy traveling, snorkeling, writing music, trans activism and binge watching HGTV.

People are my passion. Life changed the moment I discovered that my purpose was to become a wedding and event planner. Few can say that they love what they do for a living. The opportunity to bring happiness to others by playing such an integral part in the making of their memories is a blessing of which I am truly thankful.

My professional experience leading up to the day that I discovered what I truly wanted to do for a living has proven invaluable. Having worked in sales and financial services for over 15 years, in addition to my experience as a contestant in one of Florida's notable pageant circuits, I developed a skill set which I've been able to apply throughout my career as an event planner. It gives me great satisfaction to put my interpersonal, communication, creativity and negotiation skills to practice, ensuring all budgets are maximized, and that each event is both fun and stress free. Though I love all aspects of the planning process, one of my favorites is creating and designing unique décor concepts for our clients.

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In my free time, I enjoy spa days, visiting new restaurants, traveling, entertaining, and learning new and interesting things. Working on my certification in wedding and event planning at the New York Institute of Art and Design, is something I'm VERY excited about! Too, learning a language is forever a work in progress, but I am proud of my proficiency in the Spanish language. Que tengas un dia encantador!