The Coterie Retreat is a three-day annual retreat hosted by Munaluchi, for wedding professionals that cater to the fast-growing multicultural market. Our mission is to create an environment where collaboration and community triumph. We do this by bringing the best of the wedding industry together in a relaxed, non-intimidating setting for deep reflection, much-needed downtime, and education.
This year, our retreat took place at the luxurious Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida featuring the most breathtaking stretches of white sand in the world, and the gorgeous jeweled waters of the Gulf of Mexico. After postponing our 2020 retreat due to the pandemic, we were excited to finally host over 30 speakers and 70 + guests for three days of learning, networking. relaxing and partying in the Florida sun.
Click here to see highlights from Day 1 of our retreat, and keep scrolling to see the recap from Day 2.
Emcee Karli Raymond
Our Master of Ceremonies, Karli Raymond looked absolutely amazing (per usual) as she got our audience warmed up for another day of learning honoring our retreat’s theme to “‘Refresh, Restore and Rebuild.”
Good for You, Not for Me: Defining and Navigating Success- Liene Stevens
“Rest and self-care aren’t prizes they are priorities.”
Liene Stevens of Think Splendid
Liene Stevens of Think Splendid discussed prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries in the midst of working. She shared key lessons she has learned over her career including how to operate in an “abundance mentality.”
To live a life of abundance, self-care is key. Sometimes abundance and self-care mean letting go of jobs, people, and distractions, so you can live more abundantly in what is truly important. When you get clear on what you want, you will focus on what really matters. You will “make decisions based on ‘JOMO-the Joy of Missing Out,’ instead of ‘FOMO- the Fear of Missing Out.'”
Liene advises to set very explicit goals, visualize your success, keep your circle small, and engage in constant self-reflection. When you are intentional in your goal setting, don’t be afraid to go for your dreams. She reminded us, “If you do not put yourself out there because you are afraid of rejection, it’s still rejection. You are just rejecting yourself.”
Navigating Destination Weddings in 2022 and Beyond- Panel
Couples want a multiday day experience.
Oniki Hardtman
Freda Malcolm Director of Romance for the Islands of The Bahamas, Oniki Hardtman of Founder & Creative Director of Oh Niki Occasions and Petite Palm Beach Weddings, Nathalie Cadet-James of Luxe Fête sat on a panel discussing everything destination weddings.
Freda pointed out that the destination romance market for the Bahamas includes proposals, bachelorette parties, weddings, vow renewals, and honeymoons. Wedding planners can help plan events in all of these categories.
The panel also advised vendors to:
- Set realistic client expectations when planning a destination wedding
- Visit and really get to know destinations before planning weddings abroad
- Plan for any barriers such as accomodating senior family members and communicating the cost of travel for wedding guests
- Understand destination wedding trends, including creating immersive experiential experiences for clients
Appreciating Diversity. How to Truly Embrace Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion- Panel
We are not all the same, and our differences should be acknowledged and celebrated.
Brian Green of By BrianGreen
Brian Green of By BrianGreen, Marc Wilson of The Style Marc, Chanda Daniels of Chanda Daniels Planning + Design and founder of A Monique Affair participated in a very honest and critical conversation about diversity and inclusion in the wedding industry and in our greater society.
The conversation touched on a number of topics including:
- The use of gendered language. Brain shared, “Watch your language. Language is very gendered, and it should be more inclusive and involved. Respect people’s pronouns. Watch the use of the word, bride. Not all of your potential clients will identify as a bride.”
- Implict bias, Equality vs. Equity, and how to be an Ally, Advocate, and/or Activist for human rights.
- Lack of representation. Chanda noted, “As a black woman in this industry, we have to be above, to get the recognition we deserve. Not seeing ourselves in the media is also impactful. We need to be visible. Hire diverse teams.” Marc agreed, “They don’t see us. Representation of diversity is key.”
In the end, Brian called for continuing conversations around equity and diversity to keep the movement going. He shared, “I am not negotiating my experience with you. When you share your experience, you must be taken seriously. Tell your truth. The more the conversation happens, the easier it gets.”
The Key Ingredient- Chef Kwame Onwuachi
“Success is like a recipe, there is not just one thing that will make you successful.”
Kwame Onwuachi
“Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story deserves to be told,” Chef Kwame Onwuachi stated as he shared his own inspiring story of overcoming poverty to become an award-winning chef.
From honoring the history of American cuisine’s roots in Africa and the transatlantic slave trade to sharing how he discovered the recipe for success through his triumphs and failures, Kwame kept us captivated with his journey.
So what are some of the ingredients for success: passion, determination, removal of the fear of failure, are just a few that Kwame shared.
He used adversity as a motivation to move forward and transformed his life over the course of a decade. He left our audience with this question: “A lot can happen in 10 years. What are you going to do with yours?”
Lunch- Primrose Restaurant in the Henderson
After a morning of inspiring and insightful conversations, our attendees headed to lunch at the scenic Primrose Restaurant, overlooking the three massive pools at the Henderson Beach Resort . The stationery designed by Sandi Spells was just as amazing as the food. Take a look.
Keys to Unlocking Better Customer Relationships- Tina Eskridge
You build brand loyalty when customers trust your business and love it.
Tina Eskridge
Tina Eskridge, Sr. Director of Marketing for Microsoft Advertising, shared her insights on how to engage with customers in the digital age.
We collect data on customers to drive business growth. However, Tina stressed that data isn’t just about conversions and clicks, it’s about deciding how you can be more relevant to your customer. She asked, “What strategic changes are you going to make to better position yourself to win the customers of tomorrow? Our new reality is that relationships are everything. Customer relationships are imperative.”
So, make sure your customer feels seen heard and understood, and market to them with purpose. She stressed, “Brand loyalty is built at the intersection of brand trust and love. Set out your belief system very carefully for your customer, so you can connect with those with similar beliefs. Authenticity increases loyalty, and in turn, customers will share what is important to them with you.”
Let’s Get Digital- Tisha Holman
What makes the core of a brand? A good brand is emotional.
Tisha Holman
Tisha Holman, the Founder and CEO of Mind Your Business, LLC, reviewed how to make great digital content that connects with audiences on multiple platforms. Once you establish an emotional connection with your audience, she encouraged attendees to think of the many ways you can reach them. She views websites as a base of communication, like the middle of a wheel with social media, emails, podcasts, videos, and text messaging being the spokes. She emplored, “Diversify where you market to your clients. Don’t be a one-trick pony online.”
Best Practices for Building a Stronger Brand- LaConya Murray
Strong brands have a unique presence.
LaConya Murray
Attorney, LaConya Murray gave an amazing presentation on how to safeguard your business through trademarks, copyrights, and contracts. Her advice included:
- Strong brands have a unique presence, they are innovative, protected and they are Particular.
- Clear your name/trademark before you build your brand. Make sure no one else is using the same mark.
- An LLC is not the same as a trademark.
- Copyright belongs to the person who brings the idea to life, not the person who had the idea.
- Cover yourself for the worst-case scenario. Always have a contract. Don’t make assumptions, discuss money in detail, discuss responsibilities.
How to Recession Proof your Photography Business- Kareem Virgo
“Whatever idea you have, whether it sounds crazy, it may not be a crazy as you think. Find creative ways to connect with your couple.”
Kareem Virgo
Kareem Virgo of Reem Photography shared his experience of navigating restrictions at the height of the pandemic in 2020 by shooting couples virtually. What he thought was a crazy idea, shooting and editing photos that were taken by clients on their own phones and cameras, became a smash hit. His virtual sessions went viral and taught him a valuable lesson about being flexible and innovative.
Floral Workshop- Leah T. Williams
During our breakout sessions, some participants attended an interactive floral workshop led by event planner and designer Leah T. Williams of Leah T. Williams Events. The gorgeous florals they created served as centerpieces for our white party later that evening.
White Party
Every retreat, attendees show up in their most stylish monochromatic outfits for our White Party. After eating a gourmet dinner, they enjoyed an open bar, danced the night away to music played by DJ Exeqtive! Take a look.
Stay tuned to MunaLuchi social media for news and updates about the 2021 MunaLuchi Coterie Retreat. Click here for information on becoming a Coterie member. View the Summer 2021 Issue of MunaLuchi Bride magazine here!
Vendor Sponsors
- Photography: Trene Forbes Photography– @treneforbesphotography; KFinch Photography– @kfinchphotography
- Video: Felicity Moments– @felicitymoments @tristanbarrocks
- Planning: Tiffany Chalk Events– @tiffanychalkevents
- Rentals: RW Events– @rwevents
- Beauty: Felicia Graham Beauty– @feliciagrahambeauty; Gold Karatz Beauty– @goldkaratzbeauty; Shaleria Smith Bridal – @shaleirasmith
- Floral design:The Flower Guy Bron– @theflowerguybron
- Stationery: Sandi Spells Designs– @sandispells
- Dance floor wrap: The Brimstone Group- @thebrimstonegroup
- Floral workshops: Larger Than Life Events @largerthanlifeevents; Leah T Williams Events -@leahtwilliamsevents
- Entertainment: DJ Exeqtive– @djexeqtive
- Gifting: Miscellaneous Market- @misc.market
- After party DJ: DJ Spinderella @djspinderella
In Partnership with
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