This year’s Coterie Retreat 2022 in Montego Bay, Jamaica ended on a high note with highlights including inspiring guest speakers, a Jamaican-themed luncheon at Half Moon’s Sunrise Beach, and a glamorous Awards Gala at Half Moon’s Royal Pavilion.
MunaLuchi Brides’ annual Coterie Retreat is so much more than just another conference. It champions inclusion, diversity, and community. With every retreat, it is our mission to provide a platform of growth and collaboration for wedding professionals that caters to the fastest-growing multicultural market (and to have fun, of course!).
Our third and final day in Jamaica did not disappoint!
Starting off with a delicious breakfast, attendees networked and mingled before heading to Half Moon’s Conference Centre for their last round of general sessions.
Stand-out speakers included talks from NY Times Best Selling Author, producer, and Screen Writer, Xochitl Gonzalez, Wedding and Event Planner Terrica Skaggs of Terrica Inc., and TV host, Celebrity Psychotherapist, and “King of breakthroughs,” Jack Daniels.
Our first exciting panel session of the day covered everything about celebrity events! Our Emcee, Karli Raymond, led celebrity wedding pros, Kareem Virgo of REEM Photography, Selina Howard of Vainglorious Brides, and Lauren Dickens of Elle Audrey Events, in an informative panel discussion on how to prepare for your big celebrity client break.
A second afternoon panel session moderated by Brian Green invited our retreat sponsors, Bridgette King for Bahamas Tourism, Gary Hendricks-Dominguez for the Cayman Islands, Thompson (Tommy) Ellison and Melneccia Marshall for St. Kitts, and Donovan White for the Jamaican Tourism Board to the main stage to share how wedding vendors can successfully integrate destination weddings into their business models.
After general sessions closed, attendees headed outside for a Jamaican-themed BBQ sponsored and designed by Events Down Pat on Sunrise Beach. An elegant “Creative Black Tie” themed Awards Gala featuring floral decor by The Flower Guy Bron at Half Moon’s Royal Pavilion followed. A night of dancing, great food, emotional acceptance speeches, and surprise performances awaited!
Keep scrolling below for more details from day three of this year’s Coterie Retreat in Montego Bay, Jamaica! Click here to register for our next Coterie Retreat at the Cayman Islands in 2023!
- Host: Half Moon Resort
- Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
- Date of Event: Wednesday, December 7th, 2022
- Luncheon & Gala Host: Half Moon
Speaker #1: Xochitl Gonzalez
The necessity of hustle will translate into everything you do.”
– Xochitl Gonzalez
NY Times Best Selling Author, Producer, and Screen Writer, Xochitl Gonzalez, has a way with words! She began our last round of general sessions with an invigorating presentation exploring the idea that “everything I need to know, I learned from planning weddings.”
Before pursuing writing full-time, Xochitl’s first business, Always a Bridesmaid, was a wedding planning company she created with a friend. The experience of wedding planning taught her countless lessons about life, chasing her dreams, and speaking her ambitions into reality. It also inspired her main character, Olga, in her bestselling novel: Olga Dies Dreaming.
“Say Yes! And figure out how later.”
Xochitl attributes her success to this mentality. If she hadn’t said yes to opportunities (in spite of not always knowing the “how”) she wouldn’t be where she is today.
In her bestselling novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, the main character, Olga, is a Puerto Rican woman (who also happens to be a wedding planner!) living in Brooklyn with her brother, a congressman representing their gentrifying Latinx neighborhood. While she effortlessly orchestrates other people’s love stories, Olga’s own love life is tenuous and her family life, even more so. With Olga at its center, the novel explores everything from political corruption to family strife and notions of the American dream.
Amongst many things, Olga’s character represents Xochitl’s own tenacious drive and ambitious nature. Fueled by the bride we’ll call “Jennifer” who is never satisfied, Xochitl admits, “I figured out early on that Jennifer is my bride, every day.”
With a hunger for success, she advised attendees to “find people with the same values, integrity, and scale of ambition. [and] Work with them.”
Ultimately, Xochitl strives “…to put forward Latino stories that we don’t get to see and put them in a brighter light.”
Order Xochitl’s breakout novel, Olga Dies Dreaming, here.
Panel #1: When JLo Calls (Again), Will You Be Ready? Tips and Advice from Celebrity Wedding Pros”
Our first exciting panel session of the day covered everything about celebrity events! Our Emcee, Karli Raymond, led celebrity wedding pros, Kareem Virgo of REEM Photography, Selina Howard of Vainglorious Brides, and Lauren Dickens of Elle Audrey Events, in an informative panel discussion on how to prepare for your big celebrity break.
Kareem Virgo – REEM Photography
Enjoy the journey more than the destination. There is no “making it,” there’s always going to be that next thing.”
– Kareem Virgo, REEM Photography
The talented Kareem Virgo of REEM Photography has captured countless stunning photos from celebrity clients’ most special events, including Ace Hood and Shelah Marie’s wedding in 2020.
On building Client Relationships
Kareem rules his business and life by a phrase his mother-in-law once told him: “Treat everyone like a king and queen.”
Leading by these standards, he goes out of his way to treat his clients to a royal experience where they are center stage, feel important, and experience a stress-free environment.
covering celebrity events
Some of Kareem’s tips for covering celebrity weddings are to hire enough staff and consider hiring a second photographer. He explained, “It’s like basketball. You have your starting line-up and everyone has different roles. Together, you make a winning team.”
Selina Howard – Vainglorious Brides
Bridal Stylist Selina Howard of Vainglorious Brides had her big break in 2015 when she worked as a bridal stylist for her celebrity client, Yandy, of Love & Hip Hop. She also recently worked alongside Lauren Dickens’ Elle Audrey Events team for Ne-Yo and Crystal Smith’s vow renewal in 2022.
Create strategic partnerships and be faithful.”
– Selina Howard
When building Client Relationships, Selena fosters them through the concept of “no bride left behind.”
As our Emcee Karli Raymond humorously pointed out, “some brides do need to be left behind!”
However, for Selina, these relationships (even with a few difficult brides along the way) are critical when building a foundation for great business relationships. “You always want to make sure the bride gets down the aisle no matter what,” she said.
On the other side of the coin, Selina recognizes the importance of setting boundaries and demanding respect from clients. She enforces a 3 strikes policy for every bride she works with and has protective clauses written into her contracts.
She also pointed out that celebrity clients (especially if you’re getting paid) are not obligated to tag you in social media posts. Therefore, in some cases, considering “exposure in exchange for compensation” may make sense for your company. This is especially for vendors just starting out in the industry.
Finally, Selina encouraged business owners to “realize the value of [their] services” and not be afraid to demand what they want.
Lauren Dickens – Elle Audrey Events
As an elite wedding planning pro, Lauren Dickens of Elle Audrey Events has worked with celebrity clients ranging from Love & Hip Hop stars to basketball players and most recently Ne-Yo and Crystal Smith’s vow renewal in 2022.
On leveraging celebrity clients & building relationships, Lauren stressed: “don’t burn any bridges.”
In the long run, she explained that you never know when you will need someone’s help or if someone will need yours. If strong relationships are formed with other vendors and high-end clients, you will have more people to turn to for support.
Your ideal client believes in you, trusts you, and see’s the value in your work.”
– Lauren Dickens
In order to protect themselves, Lauren advised attendees to re-evaluate their contracts and assess them carefully.
“You need ironclad contracts,” she said. “Think about the importance of being properly credited and tagged in every post, publication, etc.”
When establishing prices, she also advised businesses to assess their value in terms of “time, experience, and cost.”
Speaker #2: Terrica Skaggs
Wedding and Event Planner Terrica Skaggs of Terrica Inc. began her talk on “7 Steps to Yes: Creating Irresistible Proposals for Today’s Modern Couple, ” with encouraging words: “I am here to support you.”
With 17 years of wedding planning behind her, Terrica got her start in the industry with no experience or formal training. It was NOT an easy journey. Now a seasoned and ever-supportive, positive, and tenaciously goal-driven Boss Mom, she’s created one of the most sought-after wedding planning firms in her area.
She showed up to Coterie Retreat 2022 with affirmations and advice we all needed to hear to help our businesses thrive!
“A Proposal starts when the client hits submit.”
Terrica stressed the importance of getting to know your dream client and understanding the urgency of the wedding planning process. It all starts with the client’s first click on your website.
When envisioning your dream client, she recommended asking these questions:
- What’s their style?
- What’s their profession?
- Where do they shop?
- What makes them cringe?
Once you know your client, make sure your site clearly represents them. “Your site should be love at first-click,” she said. “Invite them into your world.”
After your dream client finds your new and improved, beautiful website, and decides to use your services, Terrica explained the importance of using automation effectively. “Make sure your automation is not fluff,” she said. “Create check-in emails. Make everything on your contact form required.”
On contact client forms, she advised incorporating questions around these topics:
- Time frame
- Couple’s personality
- Event vision/planning style
- Situational questions
Once the couple hits submit, that’s when it’s time for a proposal to begin being crafted.
Creating Bomb Wedding Proposals
When people pay, they pay attention. Give them the wedding of their dreams and wedding of their means.”
Terrica Skaggs
After accumulating all the details, Terrica advised planners to tell a story with their proposals. They should also alter services based on the questions and answers received. Include client testimonials alongside images that are relevant to the individual couple. Add alternative service options, inclusions, a sample budget, save the date, etc. Ultimately, make your proposals personal and resonate with the couple’s own experience.
Panel #2: Integrating Destination Weddings Into Your Business Model
Our second lively panel session was moderated by Muna Coterie wedding pro, Brian Green of By Brian Green Events. Inviting our retreat sponsors to the main stage, Bridgette King for Bahamas Tourism, Gary Hendricks-Dominguez for the Cayman Islands, Thompson (Tommy) Ellison and Melneccia Marshall for St. Kitts, and Donovan White for the Jamaican Tourism Board together discussed why wedding vendors should integrate destination weddings into their businesses.
Donovan White – Jamaican Tourism Board
Jamaica has built a destination experience brand. Planners are getting full value from every service we offer. We made the destination market easy.”
– Donovan White, Director of Tourism | Jamaica
Representing the Jamaican Tourism Board, Director of Tourism, Donovan White, elaborated on how Jamaica brings in clients from around the globe.
In order to reach such a global market, Donovan explained, “[We] tap into all segments of the market… and ensure we have the right people in the right places.”
Another way Jamaica caters to the wedding industry is by hosting their annual Jamaica Bridal Expo. The event is recognized as one of the largest conferences for destination weddings in Jamaica. Wedding pros and couples are invited to experience Jamaica first-hand, interact with local vendors, and learn about the beautiful venues Jamaica has to offer.
Sign up for their 2024 expo at the Montego Bay Convention Center here!
Gary Hendricks-Dominguez – Cayman Islands
We bring the fun, we got the vibe.”
Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Deputy Director, International Marketing and Promotions | Cayman Islands
Deputy Director of International Marketing and Promotions for the Cayman Islands, Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, spoke candidly about the integral role relationships between international destinations and wedding vendors play in bringing clients to the Cayman Islands (and any destination for that matter!).
In order to create client relationships, The Cayman Tourism Board asks themselves: “how can we empower you?”. To empower vendors, Cayman provides wedding vendors with ideas, concepts, and themes. This way they themselves can pitch and share that information with their own clients.
We can’t sell it to you if you can’t sell it to your clients.”
– Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Deputy Director, International Marketing and Promotions | Cayman Islands
Touching on when to have a destination wedding, Gary shared that Cayman is a year-round destination with its own national airline. He noted certain times of year may be more accessible than others. However, he insists: “Whenever you’re ready, we’re here for you.”
Bridgette King – Bahamas Tourism
The Bahamas brings passion, magic, and diversity.”
– Bridgette King, Exec. Director of Global Sales | Bahamas
As the Executive Director of Global Sales for the Island of Bahamas, Bridgette King is keen on bringing couples to the Bahamas for all things weddings and honeymoons!
With the Bahamas’ many islands, she shared that the benefit of a destination wedding is the diversity of landscapes and venues available. “Have your clients marry on one island and honeymoon on another,” she said.
The Bahamas Tourism Board also has a fabulous support team headed by Freda Malcolm,
Director of Weddings & Honeymoons. She is a reliable resource for wedding vendors looking to create destination weddings on the island.
Thompson (Tommy) Ellison & Melneccia Marshall – St. Kitts
Romance creates a new pillar and creates new experiences.”
Tommy Ellison, St. Kitts Tourism Authority
Speaking to the pros of choosing a destination wedding, Tommy Ellison and Melneccia Marshall of St. Kitts highlighted the “memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experience” destination weddings provide.
For vendors looking to propose St. Kitts for their destination weddings, Tommy noted that “St. Kitts has a great library of footage to make your proposals more exciting.”
To further persuade clients, Melneccia encouraged vendors to partner with local tourist boards. “They know the ins and outs of on-island procedures and local contacts,” she said.
Speaker #3: Jack Daniels
Story is the secret to having your brand be able to generate millions of dollars.”
– Jack Daniels
Our final speaker of Coterie Retreat 2022 was none other than TV host, Celebrity Psychotherapist, and “King of breakthroughs,” Jack Daniels. He also happens to be the husband of our first speaker of this year’s retreat, Marshawn Evans Daniels! Together, one thing is for sure: they are both master storytellers.
Jack specifically has dedicated his career to helping people find their inner confidence to tell their own stories. In his presentation, he spoke all about the act of storytelling, how to tell a good story, and how to tell your story.
Before he covered how to tell a good story, he explained some of the most common mistakes people make.
Some of those common mistakes include poor communication, lack of eye contact, bad body language, and lack of planning.
As Jack explained, “great stories follow rules.”
People have been telling stories for centuries based on patterns studied by Joseph Campbell. Across genres, Campbell identified concurrent themes. These similar patterns became known as “the hero’s journey” or “monomyths.”
The Hero’s Journey
In Campbell’s theory, the hero’s journey can be divided into several phases. These include identifying the hero; the hero having a calling; the hero making a decision to accept or reject that calling; the hero entering the threshold of their calling; the hero discovering a mentor/guide; the hero facing an ordeal; the hero being transformed; the hero gaining a reward; and finally, the hero returning home.
While this might seem complicated, at its core, Jack explained, “all stories have the same beginning, middle, and end.”
Following Cambell’s Principles, Jack broke down the Hero’s Journey even further into three key steps:
- Introduce your character.
- Put them in a situation.
- Get them out of it.
So, how does this apply to Your business?
In the wedding industry and in our daily lives, we all have a story to tell. Jack encouraged attendees to evaluate their brands and ask themselves, if they haven’t yet, “Why you’re not telling your story?”
“Maybe you don’t know what you have,” he said. “You don’t know where to start.”
Many people are afraid to put themselves out there and share their innermost parts of themselves. However, Jack challenged the audience to “unleash your story” and to “stay out of your own way.”
After listening to his speech, we understand that if we are our true, authentic selves, we can connect with more people. We can clarify our brand messaging and become authentic leaders in our businesses and beyond.
A Special Announcement: Coterie Retreat 2023
MunaLuchi CEO, Jackie Nwobu, ended the general sessions with another special announcement.
To eager ears, she announced that we will be jetting off to the Cayman Islands for our next Coterie Retreat! Jackie called Deputy Director of International Marketing and Promotions for Cayman Islands, Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, to the stage to talk all things Cayman.
Jamaica brought the vibes, we’re bringing the fun next year!”
– Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, Cayman Islands Tourism
So mark your calendars from December 4-7th, 2023, and register to attend our next annual conference here!
Jamaican-Themed Luncheon: Sponsored by Events Down Pat
Decor & details…
Awards Gala: Half Moon’s Royal Pavilion
Dressed to the nines in “creative black tie” attire, attendees arrived at Half Moon‘s Royal Pavilion venue for cocktail hour followed by an elegant awards gala. The space featured exquisite florals designed by Coterie Member, The Flower Guy Bron, and his creative team. Our decor partner, Tai Flora Luxe, and Coterie Member, Larger Than Life Events, also provided resources and support. Together, they all helped bring this celebratory evening to life.
Cocktail hour…
Ceremony space…
Floral details & decor…
Creative black tie attire…
Photo op…
Awards ceremony…
Looking stunning in a black chiffon gown with a red lip and glam clutch, MunaLuchi CEO Jackie Nwobu and her husband, President, and Co-Founder, Chike Nwobu, made their way to the stage.
Jackie began the Coterie Retreat 2022 Awards Gala with words of appreciation. She thanked the many Coterie Members (new and seasoned) who have made this dream and community a reality. She also gave a special shout-out to Tiffany Chalk of Tiffany Chalk Events, who has attended every Coterie Retreat! Jackie thanked her for her tireless commitment and dedication to helping bring each retreat to life.
After Jackie’s opening remarks, she welcomed the Minister of Tourism, The Honorable Edmund Bartlett, to the stage.
Jamaica was made on the 8th day of creation… God thought something was missing, so he made Jamaica.”
– The Honorable Edmond Bartlett, Minister of Tourism (Jamaica)
In his passionate speech, The Honorable Edmond Bartlett thanked Munaluchi for bringing the Coterie retreat to Jamaica. He further acknowledged the importance of the wedding industry for Jamaican Tourism.
“Tourism is the most consumption-driven activity on Earth,” he explained. “And weddings are one of the huge exponential values of tourism…. Here in Jamaica, we provide a location where you can really do it with excitement and glamour.” He also announced that Jamaica’s top travelers in 2022 came from within the African American community. This is an exciting first for Jamaican Tourism!
After The Honorable Edmond Bartlett thanked everyone for coming to Jamaica, “One Love Played,” causing an eruption of applause. Jackie and Chike made their way back to the stage to receive gifts from the Minister of Tourism himself.
A delicious four-course meal followed courtesy of Half Moon’s extraordinary catering staff team. During dinner, Jackie returned to the stage to present Coterie Retreat 2022 awards!
Award Recipients…
Rising Star Award: Maritza Walton
The recipient of this year’s Rising Star Award was given to the extraordinary Maritza Walton of the Ritz-Walton Wedding Collection!
The accomplished and ever-talented floral designer has navigated the wedding industry with grace and determination. Overcoming obstacles like a flood and fire, and having to start her business over from scratch numerous times, Maritza never gave up. Now, her floral design company is flourishing!
Her newest business, Casa de Flora Bar, is a trendy venue-meets-coffee bar flower shop in New Jersey. The unique space is already making a mark in the industry. We can’t wait to see what our rising star does next!
Learn more about Maritza’s inspiring story here.
Mentor of the Year: Atosha Barboza Bennett
The recipient of this year’s Mentor of the Year Award was esteemed wedding planner, Atosha Barboza Bennett, of Larger Than Life Events!
Since attending MunaLuchi’s first-ever coterie retreat, Atosha has grown her business and navigated the wedding industry with courage and resiliency. Her larger-than-life personality and kind heart are just a few reasons why so many people are drawn to her. She is always ready to give words of encouragement and advice. She is a true mentor!
I can show you the possibilities; I believe we all have it in us… Show up and be yourself, then you’ll find a measure of success.”
– Atosha Barboza Bennett, Larger Than Life Events
MunaLuchi Advocate: Chanda Daniels
The recipient of this year’s MunaLuchi Advocate Award was MunaLuchi Bride’s first-ever coterie member, Chanda Daniels of Chanda Daniels Planning + Design! As a member of the LGBTQ community, one of the first same-sex weddings MunaLuchi featured was planned and executed by Chanda. Attendees went wild as she was called to the stage. Emotions overtook the pavilion as she gave a moving acceptance speech.
When you stand up for something you truly believe in… it was so monumental for me; being acknowledged by people who look like me, love like me, and stand up for people…. it means so much.”
– Chanda Daniels, Chanda Daniels Planning + Design
Collaborator of the Year: Stanley Babb
While he was unable to attend the awards ceremony, as one of our top collaborators amongst the Muna Coterie, no one was surprised when Stanley Babb of Stanlo Photography received this year’s Collaborator of the Year Award!
Valor Award: Harold Johnson
In honor of his 30th year in business and in celebration of his company’s continued growth, evolvement, and success, Harold Johnson of Finer Touch Entertainment received this year’s Valor Award!
On the dance floor…
A surprise perfomance…
Looking for more Coterie Retreat 2022 recaps?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Event Planning: Tiffany Chalk (Director of Events for MunaLuchi)
- Host Venue: Half Moon Resort
- Photography: Trene’ Forbes | Pervez Taufiq
- Videography/Photography: Pervez Taufiq
- Speakers’ Makeup: Society 11:11 | Master Artists: BJohnBeauty & Candice Hardy
- Speakers’ Hair: Golda-Ann Newton | Tinika Sadiku
- DJ (welcome party) Exeqtive Entertainment
- DJ (white party) | | DJ (awards gala): Finer Touch Entertainment
- Decor Partner (staging, luncheons, welcome party, white party, gala): Tai Flora Luxe
- Gala Floral Designer: Flower Guy Bron
- Digital Strategy: Tisha Holman
- BBQ Luncheon Designer: Events Down Pat
- Stationery Partner: Be Your Guest Jamaica
- White Party Venue Host: Grand Palladium Jamaica
- Speakers’ Dinner Host: Sandals Montego Bay
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