Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events. She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist forWeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her “wedding magic” as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?” which airs weekly on The Style Network.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

As we wind down from a long holiday weekend that celebrated our nation’s 234th birthday, I wonder how many of us know when our own “Independence DAY” occurs? Being an entrepreneur is very much a solo effort, very much solitary. The decision to step out on a humble, a whim, a hunch is HUGE and in that moment – we take on the mantle of independence.

I spent the 3rd of July with my kids and some friends, watching the fireworks display at a local park. As all of the spectacle unfolded in front of me, I thought about my independence. I thought about the moment in time when I decided that the life of a full-time business owner was for me. August 21, 1997 was Independence Day for me – the last time I walked out of somebody else’s office, the last time I punched a clock, but the first time I could take a deep breath and look forward to my future.

13 years ago, I boldly and happily declared my independence. I revel in that thought each and every day. How many of you have done the same? The Fourth Of July may be our nation’s birthday, when we remember how the founding fathers, broke from the bonds of tyranny, to form a “more perfect union”. But for each of us, engrained in the world of self-employ…we need to take a moment to reflect on what has brought us to this point, when we made that “break”, when we decided that enough was enough and the time had come for US to take a stand.

Go ahead – start your own fireworks, have a grand parade down Main Street…….celebrate what you’ve created and nurtured. Remember YOUR Independence Day!

Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events.  She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist for WeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her "wedding magic" as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" which airs weekly on The Style Network.

Linnyette has been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has planned hundreds of weddings for brides & grooms locally and on a nationwide basis. Linnyette’s expertise has been featured in many local and national publications such as Glamour, Essence & Black Enterprise magazines, The Washington Post as well as appearing on CNN, FOX News, CBS and a host of other media outlets.

The Stylish Planner is so pleased to have Linnyette as a contributing guest blogger!  I feel her “tell it like it is” personality combined with her years of wedding and event planning experience make her feature a “must read”.  The feature is aptly titled “DIVA Day”, and will be posted on the first Wednesday of every month!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

There’s an old adage I heard somewhere in my distant past that says "nice girls finish last".  Mind you – I said it’s an "old adage", which means I don’t necessarily give any credence or power to the statement.  As wedding planners, it’s almost inherently a part of our "DNA" to want to please everyone.  From the client, to the vendors, to our staff, to the petulant guest who’s angry because there isn’t any Belvedere Vodka on the "house brand" bar…..we make it a part of our business to make sure everyone is taken care of.

Sometimes in this "rush to please", we forget one very important core element..our conscience.  It’s that little voice that encourages when you are doing the right thing and the stern admonisher that whispers in your ear when stuff isn’t happening as it should.  The term "nice girls finish last" is an acute reminder of how hard we try to please and in the midst of it all, we lose sight of the inner "voice".  We’ve all been there – a client is driving you up the wall of insanity, so instead of severing the ties and ending the relationship..you keep plugging along.  The end result?  You are a TOTAL wreck, emotionally and sometimes professionally AND you still have an insane client on your hands – even though you "stuck" it out.

This month’s insight is about YOU finishing where you NEED to be.  It doesn’t always have to be first, although winning is a great thing! You have to be able to go inside and take heed to the "voice" which calls your name every single day, every waking hour.  You have to be willing to make unpopular decision for the better good…of your company and your mental being.  We all have goals, both professionally and personally.  Make sure your "finish line" takes you to a place that leaves you refreshed, renewed and proud of the race you’ve run as well as the many others that are on your horizon.

Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events.  She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist for WeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her "wedding magic" as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" which airs weekly on The Style Network.

Linnyette has been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has planned hundreds of weddings for brides & grooms locally and on a nationwide basis. Linnyette’s expertise has been featured in many local and national publications such as Glamour, Essence & Black Enterprise magazines, The Washington Post as well as appearing on CNN, FOX News, CBS and a host of other media outlets.

The Stylish Planner is so pleased to have Linnyette as a contributing guest blogger!  I feel her “tell it like it is” personality combined with her years of wedding and event planning experience make her feature a “must read”.  The feature is aptly titled “DIVA Day”, and will be posted on the first Wednesday of every month!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Spring has sprung!  As the weather gets warmer, many of us are gearing and up and preparing for the onslaught of wedding season which translates into restocking emergency kits, inventory of supplies, assigning staff, etc.  During the winter months – we sort of "hibernate".  In many areas, the winter brings a lull to the frenetic pace of weddings..we get to kick back a notch and take a tiny sigh of relief.  But like Mother Nature, the minute Spring arrives, things go right back to where we left them!!

Now that the "process" we all love so dearly is starting , it’s even more important to take care of "self".  I always associate the beginning of wedding season with that time-honored tradition of "spring cleaning", so how about looking at some of the "tasks" you can complete to make things a wee bit easier this ‘go round?

1) Get enough sleep:  Even though things are getting busier – you still need those 7 to 8 hours in order to function at top speed.

2) Inventory your wedding wardrobe:  While this is a project that’s best suited for your "down time", there’s no time like the present to do it, if need be. Wear what suits YOU and fits that "first impression" persona we all need to have.

3) Get moving:  And no, I don’t mean chase after the woman in the big, poufy white gown I’m talking about exercise!! 30 minutes per day – easy peasy. What – you don’t have time?  Sure you do.  That 1/2 hour you spend checking out everyone’s status on Face book and Twitter?  There you go!!

4) Breathe:  In and out.  Deeply.  Cleanly.  It will help you function more productively, but best of all – it helps to clear your mind.

5) Ditch the foolishness:  As in people, place and situations.  When you get rid of the "madness" around you, it’s amazing how well things will run.

And while you’re in the midst of all your spring cleaning preparations, don’t forget to stop and literally smell the roses. They’re not only for brides to enjoy in their bouquets……………………….

Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events.  She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist for WeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her "wedding magic" as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" which airs weekly on The Style Network.

Linnyette has been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has planned hundreds of weddings for brides & grooms locally and on a nationwide basis. Linnyette’s expertise has been featured in many local and national publications such as Glamour, Essence & Black Enterprise magazines, The Washington Post as well as appearing on CNN, FOX News, CBS and a host of other media outlets.

The Stylish Planner is so pleased to have Linnyette as a contributing guest blogger!  I feel her “tell it like it is” personality combined with her years of wedding and event planning experience make her feature a “must read”.  The feature is aptly titled “DIVA Day”, and will be posted on the first Wednesday of every month!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Nothing But A Number….

That thing called AGE. For this month’s DIVA Day post, I’d like to talk about how the stages of aging gracefully can happen in a wedding planner’s life…no matter where you are on the spectrum.

This business is a physically demanding, emotionally charged, roller-coaster ride..on a good day.  We all start out with the same amount of zest and verve, but as we get older and progress throughout our careers, little “things” pop up.  For instance:

1) When you are in your twenties – that “bouncy” spring is quite evident.  We can stay up all day, stay up all night, with a couple hours of “shut-eye” under our belt…we’re ready to do it all over again the very next day.

Career mindset: Bring it ON – I am invincible! Don’t you see the big “S” (or “C” for coordinator”) emblazoned on my chest???

2) The thirties: In a lot of cases, we’ve settled into our career “pace” and we’ve got the added responsibilities of relationships and families (i.e. children), so our time is spread a bit more “thin”.  That staying up all night thing?  Uh – no. We’re good if we can make it past the little ones bedtime.

Career mindset: I’m learning that everything and everyone doesn’t necessarily fit my “plan”.  This is my business and I need to develop and refine it so it works for MY future.

3) Fortysomethings: Some of the familial responsibilities are lessening, but we may now have the task of providing care for aging parents.  The stress?  It’s the same level as when you’re raising children.

Career mindset: Been there, done that. I’m only doing what works for ME.  Chasing down EVERY crazy woman in a big, poufy wedding gown is so not going to work for me, EVERY weekend!

4) Fifty and beyond: Kids are grown and you’ve matured in how you think & perceive things, not only for the business side of your life, but the personal/interpersonal components too.  Fifty years is a good bit of time to experience a few facets in life and those ups/downs have helped you get a clearer picture of who YOU really are.

Career mindset: I appreciate all that I’ve learned along the way and I so want to truly enjoy the “fruits of my labor”.  I worked hard and have earned every penny – I need to be able to see those results as I look around…..

There’s an old adage that says “with age, comes wisdom” and no truer words have ever been spoken.  The key to growing old gracefully has a lot to do with acceptance.  The many situations that you will face during a lifetime should strengthen and fortify your stamina.  Our business is taxing, not only physically but mentally.  We all have stories that could literally make one’s hair “curl”..but it’s those experiences which add to our treasure trove of “wisdom”.

Being wise and aging gracefully also means that you’re willing to share that source of intelligence, knowledge and intellect with others.  Your “story” is like a wonderful treasure chest, filled to the brim with precious nuggets of beauty, humor, practicality and true knowledge.  Here’s the question – will you open the “chest” and allow it’s amazing contents to spill out and over it’s borders, so others can delve into it’s abundance OR will you keep it shut and never let the sparkle see the light of day?

Linnyette Richardson Hall is the Owner and Creative Director of Premiere Event Management, a Baltimore-based firm that specializes in creating unique, elegant, fun and personality-oriented events.  She is the Special Contributing Editor of the two book series Going to the Chapel (Penguin Putnam 1998) which was created for couples who are in the wonderful process of planning their nuptials. Formerly, Linnyette was Contributing Editor for Signature Bride Magazine and Columnist for WeddingChannel.com. American television audiences are able to see her work her "wedding magic" as one of the featured consultants on the hit reality television series, “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" which airs weekly on The Style Network.

Linnyette has been in the wedding industry since 1993 and has planned hundreds of weddings for brides & grooms locally and on a nationwide basis. Linnyette’s expertise has been featured in many local and national publications such as Glamour, Essence & Black Enterprise magazines, The Washington Post as well as appearing on CNN, FOX News, CBS and a host of other media outlets.

Note from Jeannine:  The Stylish Planner is so excited to have Linnyette on board as a contributing guest blogger!  I feel her “tell it like it is” personality combined with her years of wedding and event planning experience make her feature a “must read”.  The feature is aptly titled “DIVA Day”, and will be posted on the first Wednesday of every month!

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

From Linnyette:

I’m excited to be a guest blogger on The Stylish Planner – many thanks to Jeannine for giving me this opportunity to wax a little poetic and share a few thoughts! 

DIVADay is the 1st Wednesday of each month and while Wednesdays are generally known as "hump day", I’d like to think of it as the "crossroad" of your week.  I’d like to start off this series with a simple definition – what is a DIVA?

For me – it’s a state of being.  I think every woman has an "innerDIVA" – it’s just a matter of discovering where she resides in your soul.  Whether you are fashionably fabulous, classically couture, humorously humble or anywhere in between…having the ability to "power" up your DIVA persona is a wonderful thing!  So – what’s your DIVA DNA?  Take a moment with a glass of wine, a cup of soothing tea or a cold Pepsi (ok – I’m a die hard Pepsi fanatic!) and think about the molecules that make up your DIVA personality.  Sweet, sassy, powerful, enigmatic, loyal, honest, sensitive, funny, ambitious – these qualities along with a myriad of others contribute to those "strands". 

I was nicknamed "DIVA" by a very good friend of mine – he started it, it stuck and here I am!  I take it all in stride and I’ve learned to incorporate that persona into my overall life.  My DIVA DNA is exceedingly strong, faith-filled, faithful, funny, emotional, slightly pragmatic but always smiling.  The bottom line is – I LOVE ME!  You cannot enter the DIVA realm until you understand the core idea of self-love.  A true DIVA knows that she is important, not only to those around her, but to herself.  She adores who she is and looks forward to the woman she’s evolving into. When she looks into a mirror, the reflection that stares back is one of humility, grace and poise.  It’s also the image of pure strength, belief in all that is good and when necessary, the ability to fight to the end for what and who she believes in.

Define your DIVA identity – who is she, what does she stand for, what does she love??  I’d love to hear your responses!!!