Coterie Retreat 2024: Unforgettable Moments & Meaningful Connections - Day One Recap

The first recap of Coterie Retreat 2024 is here! From inspiring speakers to unforgettable soirées, our 10th annual retreat was a true celebration of community, culture, and meaningful connections.

Hosted by MunaLuchi Bride and created in partnership with St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef, we are thrilled to share all the details with you.

This year’s historic event marked a decade of education, inspiration, and ongoing community. We are deeply grateful for our attendees, sponsors, and vendor partners who continue to show up and support our mission each year—to uplift and support Black and Brown wedding industry professionals.

As the multicultural wedding market continues to grow, we are honored and excited to keep creating space for minority-owned brands and businesses to be seen, appreciated, and valued.

Keep scrolling below for our first recap of the Coterie Retreat 2024!

Event: Coterie Retreat 2024
Dates: December 9-12th, 2024
Host island: St. Thomas US Virgin Islands
Photographers: Xiaoqi Li Photography, Trene’ Forbes Photography, & Charity Hope Photography

**The 10th annual Coterie Retreat is hosted by Munaluchi Bride (@munaluchibride) in partnership with the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (@visitusvi)**

Pre-conference Mixer

We welcomed guests at our pre-conference mixer, where they had the chance to connect with fellow attendees and get excited for the days to come! ⁠

After checking in with the Tiffany Chalk Events Team, guests enjoyed light Hors-d’oeuvres and tropical-inspired cocktails while mingling under the stars. In the distance, the twinkling lights of downtown St. Thomas were the perfect backdrop for our first evening event.

Day 1: General Sessions

Following our welcome mixer, guests gathered at The Westin’s Harborview Ballroom for our first day of general sessions. Local dance group (Enchantment Dancers and Band of USVI Festivals) from St. Thomas dressed in vibrant costumes to greet guests, setting the tone for good vibes and a good time!

The conference space featured colorful pops of yellow sunflowers, white carnations, and sprigs of baby breath intermixed with island greenery.

Attendees also received a printed Coterie Retreat workbook to follow along during the presentations and take notes on things that inspired them.

Opening remarks…

Live performance of The National Anthem of The United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands…

The Coterie Retreat 2024 recap is here! Our 10th annual retreat celebrated community, culture, and unforgettable connections. — Performing the US Virgin Islands National Anthem | Captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography

Performing the US Virgin Islands National Anthem | Captured by Xiaoqi Li Photography

Jackie and Chike Nwobu, and attendees, during the singing of the National Anthem | Photo by Trene’ Forbes Photography

Welcoming Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and our incredible community of professionals!

Speaker #1: Arian Simone (The Fearless Fund)

“Be mindful of what God gives you and go with the rhythm of your life.”
– Arian Simone (The Fearless Fund)

Arian Simone of The Fearless Fund (left) and Jackie Nwobu (right) | Captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography

From childhood lemonade stands to becoming a big-time business investor, Arian Simone of The Fearless Fund disrupted the industry with her ground-breaking business fund built by women of color for women of color.

In her interview with MunaLuchi’s Co-Founder and Editor in Chief, Jackie Nwobu, she shared her tips on how to build impact and attract investment opportunities.

Ultimately, relationship building is key, but can you close the deal? Here are Arian’s 4 tips to sell your business to an investor:

Share your brand story (wow us!).
Have a great product and know what you offer.
Build a great team that can help fortify your business.
Show evidence of traction via revenue, your email list, followers, viewership, etc.

Follow @ariansimone at the @fearless.fund for more resources and business tips.

Panel #1: Up-leveling Your Business Image: Steps to upgrade your representation (and reputation) in the wedding industry

Level Up Your Business Game! From mastering your brand to building meaningful connections, our expert panel shared priceless tips for taking your business to the next level. Let these insights inspire your journey to the top!

Kawania Howerton Wooten, the Founder of Howerton Wooten Events + The Enlightened Creative, took the stage as our fabulous moderator for our panel on Up-leveling your business image through representation (and reputation!).

Her top words of wisdom were to “stop waiting for people to open that door.” Make your own grand entrance in your story and “keep your brand in mind with anything you do.”

Connect with Kawania @kawaniawooten.

Award-winning Wedding and Event Planner Toni Antrobus of Her Kreations creates unforgettable, magical moments steeped in style, storytelling, and sophistication.

Her top strategies for up-leveling your business include collaborating with vendors intentionally, taking your audience behind the scenes in your social media, and knowing when and how to let go of connections that no longer serve you.

Connect with Toni @herkreations_

Welcoming Toni Antrobus of HerKreations to the Coterie stage | Photo by Charity Hope Photography

Luxury Event Planning and Brand Strategist, Erica Powell of Erica Powell & Co, stressed how important it is to “Show up as yourself and embody the kind of brand you want to have.”

Other tips for up-leveling your business include:

Leveraging your investments in every stage of your journey (including your brand, website, and social media).
Never delegate what you can automate, and never automate what you can eliminate.
Always ask yourself, is this going to serve me and serve my brand?

Follow @ericapowellandco for more.

Never delegate what you can automate, and never automate what you can eliminate.
– Erica Powell (Erica Powell & Co)

Dr. Lincoln Alexander of Flour House Cakes went from being a baker in Detroit to a multi-award-winning cake artist, creating luxury wedding & special event cakes with guest appearances on Disney+, HULU, PEOPLE, The Knot, and more through strategic collaborations.

Working with other “Friendors” like Toni Antrobus of HerKreations who matched his aesthetics, he built an unmatched portfolio of work that is authentic to him and his brand.

His best words of wisdom: “When you have people who serve you professionally, personally, and spiritually, keep those people close to you.”

Connect with Lincoln @flourhousecakes

Sweet treats courtesy of Flour House Cakes…

Delectable gifts from Flour House Cakes | Captured by Charity Hope Photography

Deep Dive Lunch!

Guests broke for lunch where they dined on delectable Caribbean-inspired cuisines and participated in round-table discussions led by featured panelists.

(Photos in this section captured by Xiaoqi Li Photography)

Round-table discussions…

Panel #2: Creating Immersive Wedding Experiences that Captivate Couples and Guests

After lunch, our second expert panel of wedding industry leaders took the stage to share advice on how to elevate every celebration.

Robin Selden, Managing Partner and Executive Chef of the renowned Marcia Selden Catering and Naked Fig Catering, was the moderator for our panel on creating immersive wedding experiences.

Guiding panelists on how to elevate the wedding experience, she shared invaluable insight on how to craft unforgettable client experiences. A major part of that process is building strong relationships.

“Relationships are the currency of our industry,” she shared. “True magic happens when planners and vendors come together as a team from the very start.”

Robin left the audience inspired by these powerful words from Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” ⁠

Connect with @robinselden on Instagram.

Robin Selden of Marcia Selden Catering & Naked Fig Catering | Captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography

Did you know that 70% of memories are tied to scents? Becky Chiong, Founder of Eden Scents, shared her expertise in skincare and fragrances.

In her expert opinion, engaging all the senses transforms events into cherished, unforgettable moments. And we couldn’t agree more!

Eden Scents adds a unique touch to the wedding experience by creating custom signature scents. Her company even designed a signature scent for this year’s 10th annual Coterie Retreat called “Gilded Rose” which our guests happily took home with them.

Gifts from Eden Scents | Captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography

As an extra special treat, Scentscaping was officially launched at this year’s Coterie Retreat! Discover the art of scentscaping—a sensory experience that transforms events into unforgettable moments.

Visit @eden__scents to learn more.

Excelling in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, OG Coterie Member Harold Johnson of Finer Touch and Big Apple Entertainment brought his expertise in high-energy luxury experiences to the Coterie Retreat stage.

Harold elevates his client’s experience from the very first meeting, always ensuring that they feel comfortable and heard. When it comes time to party, their team raises the bar with unique performances like stilt walkers in sequined outfits, lighting to match the mood of the space, and lots of movement to create an elevated and unique experience.

Couples don’t book me because of the music, they book me because of the experience.
– Harold Johnson (Finer Touch & Big Apple Entertainment)

Managing Partner Jeffrey Selden of Marcia Selden Catering shared his expertise in creating immersive wedding experiences that captivate from the culinary perspective.

From interactive food stations to tableside service with tomahawk steaks, he reminded us that a luxury catering experience isn’t just about the food—it’s about the unforgettable moments surrounding it. Whether it’s transforming an open kitchen into a theatrical stage or engaging guests with innovative concepts, Jeffrey’s insights showed how to take dining to the next level.

Connect with @jeffselden on Instagram.

Jeffrey Selden (right) and sister Robin Selden (left) of Marcia Selden Catering | Captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography

We create immersive moments that go beyond food.
– Jeffrey Selden (Marcia Selden Catering)

These powerful takeaways remind us that unforgettable events aren’t just planned—they’re thoughtfully designed to inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impression.

Karli Harvey Raymond | *Xiaoqi Li Photography*

Speaker #2: Terrica Skaggs

Terrica Skaggs is a self-proclaimed “Bad Mother Hustler.” Her prolific portfolio as an event planner and fierce advocate and educator for other wedding industry professionals is proof of her pro status.

Speaker Terrica Skaggs | Captured by *Xiaoqi Li Photography*

As she closes in on 20 years in the wedding industry, Terrica took the stage to school us all on strategic brand building because, ultimately, “Your brand is not your logo. Your brand is what people say about you when you leave the room.”

Event Planner & Wedding Pro Educator, Terrica Skaggs | Captured by *Xiaoqi Li Photography*

Top takeaways:

“If you’re trying to sell to everybody, you’ll sell to nobody.” Branding builds recognition and brand loyalty and differentiates your business.
Your visual identity is important. You need to connect, captivate, and be consistent in everything you do.
To create brand authority, optimize your online presence. Utilize analytics, leverage paid advertising, and use SEO.

Connect with Terrica Skaggs @introducingterrica.

Speaker #3: Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

Incredible insights from Tiffany Aliche, The Bedgetnista, at the Coterie Retreat! As the driving force behind a financial movement that has empowered over 200 million women, Tiffany shared powerful lessons on preparing your business for the unexpected.⁠

*Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)* | Captured by *Xiaoqi Li Photography*

From aligning your personal goals to laying a solid financial foundation, she emphasized the importance of knowing how to manage your business and your life.

Business tips from *Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)* | Captured by *Xiaoqi Li Photography*

Your business is meant to be a tool for you; you are not meant to be a tool for your business.”
– Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista)

Marketplace Theater:

Dreaming of hosting an event or luxury wedding in the Caribbean? At our Marketplace Theater, Caribbean Tourist Board representatives and hoteliers explained why each destination should be on your radar.

Nassau & Paradise Island

Claudet Davis (Director of Travel Industry Marketing for Nassau & Paradise Island) showcased Nassau & Paradise Island’s range of stunning hotel properties, from boutique retreats to grand resorts. Don’t miss the Romance Conference this January—a perfect blend of destination discovery and education!

Grenada – The Isle of Spice

CEO Petra Roach invites you to explore this magical three-island gem. Known for nutmeg, chocolate, and boutique experiences, Grenada just unveiled an underwater marriage chapel in Grand Mal, where their first Black couple recently tied the knot!

Spice Island Beach Resort

Sheldon Keens-Douglas (Commercial Director of Spice Island Beach Resort) highlighted this unique, Black-owned, family-operated resort. With 64 luxury suites, authentic Grenadian charm, and unmatched dedication to excellence, it’s the ultimate destination to “Step into Forever.”

Your dream destination awaits!

Coterie Marketplace:

After wrapping general sessions for day 1 of the conference, attendees had the opportunity to meet with tourist board representatives, resort, and hoteliers participating in our Coterie Marketplace.

These meetings were an excellent opportunity for vendors to learn the ins and outs of hosting destination weddings and events in the Caribbean, ask questions, and establish new connections.

Featured destinations & hotels:

St. Thomas US Virgin Islands
Spice Island Beach Resort
The Islands of the Bahamas
Nassau & Paradise Islands
Pigeon Point
Pure Grenada
St. Kitts
British Virgin Islands

(Photos in this section captured by Trene’ Forbes Photography)

(Photos in this section captured by Xiaoqi Li Photography)

Coterie Marketplace at Coterie Retreat 2024

Welcome Party:

We kicked off our extraordinary week of education and inspiration with a Tropical Welcome Soirée at the Westin’s SeaCliff Terrace!

From island beats and U.S. Virgin Islands moko jumbie stilt performers, attendees styled in tropical prints, flowing florals, and island-inspired attire enjoyed lively entertainment and delicious island cuisines under the stars. The enchanting evening set the stage for the rest of our fabulous parties to come!

(Photos in this section captured by Xiaoqi Li Photography)