VLBHCreations

12/12/2024

Josephine Baker. Dancer. Banana Skirt Originator🍌 Entertainer Extraordinaire. Mother to her Rainbow Tribe. Chanteuse. Expatriate. Pilot. Spy. Style Icon. Muse.

When set the theme for this year’s Editorial Styled Shoot Competition as “Style Icons Through Time,” my mind went in hundreds of different directions—-Diana Ross? Grace Jones? Janelle Monae? But I thought back to my childhood fascination with all things vintage, especially black and white photographs and with Josephine Baker. I borrowed dozens of books from the library, digging deep and reading all I could about this incredible woman. I hope you can find Josephine in just of the first few details I’ve chosen to showcase the formidable talent of a dozen phenomenal creatives who gave their time to bring this vision to life. I am forever grateful to these amazing people who made it all possible. Please stay tuned for more!

Planner/Team Captain-
Photographer-
Audio Description-
Baker/Desserts-
Beauty-
Bridal Attire-
Calligraphy & Stationery-
Content Creator/Videography/Cinematography-
Event Assistants- Jennifer B &
Florals-
Models- and .hawkins_successful
Officiant-
Rentals- .at.select, and the Maryland Assistive Technology Library
Venue-

09/10/2024

Love. It’s in the details. Let’s celebrate yours.

09/05/2024

Exciting news!!! Khalida & Rah’mad’s beautiful, accessible, Trinidadian and Buddhist ceremony have been featured in just ahead of their second wedding anniversary! Being able to relive the day with the incredible article written by .art and featuring the stunning photographs of has been a dream!

Thank you MunaLuchi for sharing their story of love, access, accommodations, engagement and faith and culture.

I’m eternally grateful to the couple for bringing me and the rest of their vendor team on board to bring their vision to life and create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved! Love 💕 you guys!

Happy Early Anniversary and Cheers to the Hawkins!

Please check out the article when you get a chance!
https://www.munaluchibridal.com/wedding-at-the-belvedere-hotel-in-baltimore-celebrates-trinidadian-culture-buddhist-faith/

08/14/2024

02/08/2024

Four brief weeks before a mystery virus that had yet to be named made landfall in the U.S. and upended the world as we knew it then, I was entrusted with ensuring that my friend made it down the aisle to become Mrs. Dorsett.

Months prior I had excitedly told her and other friends how the day before I had used the training we had all acquired over the years supporting lectures, meetings, community events, memorial services and even weddings, to support a family member who had gotten hitched. How I had wrangled, buttoned, fluffed, bustled, tucked and zhuzhed and it felt so natural—-I *LOVED* it. She responded by asking me to repeat all of that for she and Chase —-in Key West— February 2020.

I had never completely flown solo on a mission like that before but I thought…I’ve done this before…how hard could it be? Little did I know I’d be ducking roosters in the street and coaxing half-naked beachgoers out of the background of their wedding photos *during* their ceremony. 😵‍💫

By the end of the night when their sushi cupcakes, cocktail napkins, koozies, guest book and centerpieces had been boxed up and taken back to the wedding suite (only thanks to my shoten zenjin and that I crossed the finish line)—-I had underestimated what a marathon the day would be and that I couldn’t do it all solo. With a handful of hours before I had to drive back across the Keys for an impossibly early flight, I swore I’d only done it out of love for Savannah. I mean, who in their right mind did this knowingly, willingly over and over again for perfect strangers?!

Little did I know then…that the whispered threat crossing the sea to alter life as we knew it in few mere weeks would give me lots of time to realize how fortunate I had been to be entrusted with S & C’s beginning.

Since then, I’ve happily bustled, tucked, primped, buttoned, pinned, pulled, straightened, wrangled, zip tied and zhuzhed my way through more love stories. I don’t take any of that lightly. I am forever grateful to Savannah and Chase for helping me to realize my mission. Cheers to the Dorsetts! Happy Anniversary! 💕

01/02/2024

Cheers to a magnificent, colorful, value-creative, happy and healthy 2024 to all!

12/07/2023

The wait is over! May I present a sample of the award-winning editorial styled shoot for the Association of Wedding Professionals DC entitled, “Fruits of the Future: Love’s Renaissance”

Renaissance signifying the birth/rebirth of ideas, love, possibilities. Whether in your "prime" or "twilight," it's never too late to love, be loved, to celebrate love and to play by your own rules and create new traditions. Renaissance also refers to the one in 1920s Harlem. A time of artistic, social, political and societal change, flourishing. Like our verdant greenery, flowers and fruit full of beauty and promise. A time when proud Black people shared their talents, zest for life and hopes for the bright future ahead. Our venue, a Dupont Circle brownstone, was constructed during this time period. Its jewel tones and vintage furniture were key when selecting the color palette. Our models were selected for their love, sartorial identities and their contrast; modern, eccentric and refined, professorial. It's WEB DuBois’ grandson and Josephine Baker's granddaughter locked in a passionate embrace. The fruits symbolize that same promise and beauty, verdant, and equally engaging for all guests and all senses.

The shoot focused on showcasing the beauty and vibrant possibilities of accessibility and accommodations.

This collaborative work of art and labor of love would not have been possible without our incredible team. Please see the comments stay tuned for more!

10/02/2023

Happy Forever Birthday to my bestie and grandfather, Poppy Bryant—-the inspiration for VLBHCreations & Events’ mission to create a more accessible and accommodating events industry.

After a 50-year career spent caring for his community and delivering generations of Louisvillians, he was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy and our family dynamic changed forever.

He went from loving the theater, concerts, museums and family gatherings to retreating to the familiar layout of his home and the predictability of his weekly routine; the OJ trial M-F, all-day Sunday jazz programming on local and national public radio (thank you and !), and books on tape provided by the .

When we could coax him out of the house, I would sit next to him and describe everything I saw on the stage or screen—costumes, scenery and lighting— much to the dismay of fellow patrons seated near us.

And when his niece, my cousin got married, I sat next to him and described the church, her beautiful wedding dress, the flowers AND the look on everyone’s face when ’s sweet Yorkie, Eclair poked her head out of Vicki’s purse—-in the church. 🐶👜😳💕🤣

As a kid, I used to think that if I prayed hard enough, Poppy would regain his sight—and that everything could go back to the way it was. Instead he helped me discover my mission and see the world differently.

In 2015, exactly ten years after his passing, I attended my very first conference in Chicago and was reminded that nothing in life is EVER wasted! I met professional audio describers and realized that after all of those years painting vivid pictures with words I had honed a skill that could still potentially benefit others. I learned that accommodations, considerations, adjustments, and universal access/design benefits everyone.

If you’re interested in collaborating on a gathering that fully includes everyone, consider hiring VLBHCreations & Events for your planning needs.

06/14/2023

It’s official! My very first editorial styled shoot for “Engaging All Five Senses: An ADA Love Story” has been published and featured on the Munaluchi Bride website!

It’s an incredible shared honor and privilege thanks to the professionalism, hard work, dedication, time, effort, energy, enthusiasm, artistry, experience and contributions of our entire phenomenal team and everyone who worked behind the camera to make it happen.

Thanks once again and forever to:

ASL Interpretation 🤟🏾: Leah Campbell
Audio Description 🎙️:
Cake 🍰 :
Calligrapher ✍🏻:
Coordination/Planning: 🤹🏽‍♀️: with
Florals 💐:
Hair 💆🏽‍♀️:
Makeup 💄 :
Models 👰🏼‍♀️👳🏽‍♀️: & Shakti Saini
Officiant 💍:
Photography 📸:
Rentals🪑:
🥻Rental:
Stationer 🎨:
Venue 🏛️:
Videography 🎥:
Special thanks to:

https://www.munaluchibridal.com/engaging-all-five-senses-an-ada-americans-with-disabilities-act-love-story/

06/14/2023

Our first feature in Munaluchi Bridal Magazine!

The shoot was called “Engaging All Five Senses: A ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Love Story. It centered on my passion and the focus of my business: physical and programmatic access and inclusion.

As a child, my grandfather and best friend lost his eyesight due to complications from Diabetes, this completely changed our family forever and inspired me in ways I didn’t even realize until I was an adult and just before I became aware of my own hidden (or non-obvious) disability.

Because of when the ADA was passed (1990) and when my grandfather became blind (1993) very few public accommodations were in place and if there were, we were mostly unaware of them. (Besides the books on tape program through the Louisville Free Public Librarywhich he LOVED as an avid reader). My grandfather loved the arts; especially ballet, the orchestra, jazz concerts, museums…but without a way to see them, feel them or access them easily— they became locked away. How could he get to his seat without having to climb over people to reach it? Once he got to the museum, unless he had a describer (generally me, happily) it remained elusive, behind the glass. And with this, he mainly retired from public life and many of the things he loved.

Now, 30 years later, the world is wide open and thanks to technological advancements and creativity the 61 million Americans living with a disability (including myself) and the people who love them, no one should have to wonder if a performance, event or wedding will be engaging or accessible to them.

Thank you to the INCREDIBLE team who made it all possible and thank you to the Association of Wedding Professionals DC for hosting the editorial competition that afforded me the opportunity to assemble these massively wonderful creatives and vendors:

ASL Interpretation 🤟🏾: Leah Campbell
Audio Description 🎙️:
Cake 🍰 : Lisa Howe’s LBakerCakes
Calligrapher ✍🏻: Cygnus Studio
Coordination/Planning: 🤹🏽‍♀️: with Lotus Event Management
Florals 💐: Imagine It - Event Decor and Design
Hair 💆🏽‍♀️:
Makeup 💄 :
Models 👰🏼‍♀️👳🏽‍♀️: Kathryn Saini & Shakti Raj Saini
Officiant 💍: With This Ring I Thee Wedd
Photography 📸: Class & Style Productions
Rentals🪑: Select Event Group
🥻Rental:
Stationer 🎨: FINGERS IN INK
Venue 🏛️: The River View at Occoquan
Videography 🎥: Streetz Media
Special thanks to: Grace And Virtue Events

This beautiful East Indian & American-styled shoot is a colorful ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) love story engaging all five senses.

05/03/2023

“If music be the food of love play on”- Shakespeare

Faith and Cole’s October Love Story was a celebration of not only their love story but also of sound. The boards and Zoom feed were expertly managed by audio masters. The ancestral rhythms of African drumming reverberated out over the Hudson River as the groom walked down the aisle to await the entrance of his beloved. The bride was serenaded by the melodious theme from Jurassic Park on strings. Guests were invited to join the couple, who practice Nichiren Buddhism in chanting the daimoku of the Lotus Sutra also known as “Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo” and reciting the 2nd and 16th chapters of the Lotus Sutra which also rang out over the neighboring hills. And as the sun set and the reception continued they danced to the sounds of Stevie Wonder, Cardi B, boy bands and a certain tune that took over the 99 and the 2000s.

If this is your kind of party, you’re our kind of people. Let’s schedule a call and start planning the melodious celebration of your love story! 🎶💕🪘🎻

Bride:
Groom:
Planner:
Photographer:
Venue: The Plummer Estate, A Private Home
DJ/Lighting/Photo booth: of
Event Assistant:
Rentals:
Rental Decor: The Bryant Collection of Indian Head, MD
Cellist: of
Violinist: of
Drummer:
Ceremony A/V and Zoom Feed:
Officiant:

05/01/2023

We love love. Let’s celebrate your unique love story, your journey and the journey ahead and invite all of your friends and family to join in.

To VLBHCreations & Events celebrations aren’t complete without considering and acknowledging the ways you and your guests may need to be accommodated.

To us, access is about more than a ramp in lieu of stairs, but instead about programmatic access too.

Do you need a quiet space to regroup? Will you have guests who could benefit from digital, large print, high contrast or Braille program or menu? Let’s engage them in a way that acknowledges and accommodates them.

Want to know more? Schedule a call today!

📸: (Yours Truly)
Models: & .hawkins_successful

01/20/2023

Ahhh! 😌 That Friday feeling! The joy! The verve! The groove!

Ready to get down? Let loose? Boogie after you jump the broom? Let’s plan your party together!



Photo by
Grooves by
Planning by

01/05/2023

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear: 🌈🌈🌈

On my way back to DC after a site visit in Baltimore, I checked my side and rear view mirrors and caught a glimpse of this. 😍

Sometimes after rain, adversity, obstacles and opportunities—-some expected, others unexpected—-comes a beautiful rainbow. 🌈

Here’s to the year and the wonderful couples, individuals and organizations that I will partner with this year. We may experience difficulties & disappointments. But let’s put those behind us and go somewhere over the rainbow to seek out and create something beautiful. This 2023 everything’s coming up Milhouse! 💛🤗🙌🏽

Image Description: A brilliant rainbow is captured in a car’s side view mirror above the words “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.”

01/01/2023

Helloooooo 2023!

Here’s to all of the value we’ll create in the next 12 months! There will undoubtedly be bumps ahead, there will be moments to pivot, rest, reflect and re-engage but let’s keep the main thing, the main thing: JOY! Just.like.this! 🥰💕❤️🤗🫶🏽

Let’s create and share some joy!

Image description: A bride and groom stand at the altar after their wedding and throw back their heads to shout happily/laugh. The groom’s left arm is extended upward, their eyes are closed happily.

12/29/2022

Love these ideas! I had already started thinking about some of them---let's make them work!

12/25/2022

Happy Holidays Everyone! 💕 Enjoy! 🥰

Photo by

12/15/2022

I am SO incredibly proud to have assembled and led the team who were awarded the Association of Wedding Professionals' FIRST EVER Inclusivity Award in its annual Editorial Styled Shoot Competition for our entry, "Engaging All Five Senses: An ADA Love Story."

The vision was clear: to present options of what centering access and inclusion can be for all weddings.

This is only the beginning! Stay tuned for the stunning content from this shoot!

Thank you to the INCREDIBLE team who made it all possible and thank you to AWP of Greater Washington, DC for the opportunity!

Lotus Event Management, Imagine It - Event Decor and Design Grace And Virtue Events, Cygnus Studio, FINGERS IN INK, With This Ring I Thee Wedd, L Baker Cakes, Crippled But Cute Cosmetics, EmmY Hair DC : Emmy Hair Services, Class & Style Productions, Streetz Media, Emma Cieslik, Select Events, The River View at Occoquan and everyone else who supported the vision! You are appreciated!