Diann Valentine has been in the wedding planning biz for over a decade and has worked with some of your favorite celebs. Tonight, “Wedding Day” premieres on TNT at 8 P.M. EST and will be hosted by Valentine and event planner/food expert Alan Dunn.
Valentine planned the unforgettable nuptials for gospel artist DeLeon and baseball icon Gary Sheffield, who wed in 1999.
Chart-topping vocalists Chante Moore and Kenny Lattimore are also clients of Valentine.
Valentine is known for transforming basic spaces into magical works of art. Here, Boyz II Men crooner Shawn Stockman on his wedding day with bride Sharhonda Jones. The two slow dance the night away over a fish tank dance floor.
Flirty Girl Fitness Partner Jennifer Lauren Guyton and former NBA player Eric Williams pledged their love for one another in a sophisticated three-day celebration at the exclusive One & Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Their big event was yet another fabulous Valentine production.
Jennifer is perched on a wall on the veranda just outside of the Great House at The One & Only Ocean Club moments before the wedding. She wears a custom blush pink Ines Di Santos gown.
Valentine had the privilege of bringing Jennifer’s vision to life while giving her fresh ideas to expressing their love in a matter that was fitting for her personal style and sophistication. About 100 guests joined them for three days of hosted events that personally welcomed them to Paradise Island in style while giving each guest a glimpse into their love story.
Eric and his groomsmen are poised and eagerly awaiting the start of the ceremony.
“I always love this moment with the groom because, regardless of how nervous he might be feeling, Black men have an innate ability to exude an undeniable coolness,” reveals Valentine.
Jennifer and Eric gaze into each other’s eyes just after their gorgeous ceremony in the Augustinian Cloister at the One & Only Ocean Club. They are framed by the lush deep pink rose petal-covered center aisle and the custom wall that Valentine and her team designed to resemble a picture frame.
Jennifer adorned over 50 carats of diamonds that were custom designed by none other than New York City famed jewelry designer Jacob The Jeweler.
After proclaiming the famous words “I Do,” Jennifer and Eric departed the ceremony and headed for the dinner reception chauffeured in a 1952 R-Type Continental Silver Fox Bentley, which happens to be the first year this legendary luxury car was produced and is one of the very few remaining of the 208 initially manufactured.
Valentine took Jennifer’s love for pink and gave it a modern and fresh twist. The inside of the reception tent was perfectly pleated with dupioni and organza silks. Two table designs were implemented to create dimension in the room without a cookie-cutter feel.
As night fell, the view of the reception tent glowed against the backdrop of the Versailles Gardens. The pink tones of lighting perfectly expressed Jennifer’s love of pink while the juxtaposition of the calm blue skies left a calming effect that rested above in the evening sky.
Late into the evening, a Caribbean fire dancer appeared to diffuse the current flow of the party and lead guests out of the canopy and into the after-dinner lounge that had been reset and filled with Cuban cigars, fine cognacs and rare champagnes.
A friend of the couple enjoys an authentic Cuban cigar in the after-dinner lounge that followed the dinner reception.
Jennifer and Eric share an intimate moment while cutting their cake. Valentine and her team designed a cake that resembled Jennifer’s affection for all of the surprise gifts that Eric has presented her with during their courtship.
Jennifer playfully teases the single ladies in preparation for the traditional throwing of the bouquet during her wedding reception.
The wedding and after-dinner lounge ended on a perfect note with a 15-minute amazing aerial display of fireworks that was both surprising and mesmerizing to guests.
Valentine, a graduate of California State University, collaborated with author Tonya Bolden for the breathtaking coffee table tome “Weddings Valentine Style,” (Atria Books) which hit shelves in 2006. The book features exclusive photos and timeless tips for planning a glamorous wedding on any budget.
“Wedding Day” gives deserving couples a helping hand to ensure the most important day of their lives is also the most magical.
Read our interview with Diann Valentine »
“The couples are so selfless. Doing this show helped me put my career in perspective,” shares Valentine.
