LaJoy Plans

LaJoy Plans Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from LaJoy Plans, Event Planner, Washington D.C., DC.

As one of the leading event planning firms in the US, LaJoy Plans delivers high-quality, stellar services to mission-focused organizations and individuals, in almost every major city in the US.

Mamma saw this day coming...If you know me you know that I have a unique tone of voice but what you don't know is that I...
05/21/2022

Mamma saw this day coming...

If you know me you know that I have a unique tone of voice but what you don't know is that I was made fun of because of it. Don't worry I no longer care but stick with me as I share a story. Anyway here are some classics over my lifetime, some of which I still hear today. Sadly.

Why do you make your voice sound like that?...

You sound white. Whew there's not enough space to unpack this one.

You sound like a kid...

If you talk like that, no one will take you seriously...

But the one I remember the most was from a person who suggested to my mother that I get vocal coaching to change my voice. If you know my mother, you know that conversation did not end well for the other person.

My mamma looked at her then very insecure daughter and said "Melva this is how God made you, your voice is your calling card and one day people will want to hear what you say. Don't you ever change your voice..."

And tommorow I heard to Puerto Rico for . Don't forget to say hello and yes I really do laugh and smile that big😁.

This is your PSA that destiny cannot be denied and mothers know things. Grateful for this season in my life. Happy Saturday!

For your garden party you'll need...⚘Delicious bites and exceptional service from ⚘Quality entertainment by ⚘As picture...
05/20/2022

For your garden party you'll need...

⚘Delicious bites and exceptional service from

⚘Quality entertainment by

⚘As pictured gorgeous flowers by

⚘One phone call from mother nature

And a dose of joy from and myself. Bon week-end!
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Watch her work...Forecast says its going to be a gorgeous day to host an outdoor petite soirees at a venue that's a firs...
05/19/2022

Watch her work...

Forecast says its going to be a gorgeous day to host an outdoor petite soirees at a venue that's a first time experience for us. Per usual, we have some of our favorite friendors with Beyond the Blackout roots because supporting diverse businesses is always our jam.

Check out stories to see more.

Allons-y! (Lets go in French).
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05/18/2022

You just stand...

Last week I had the pleasure of being interviewed by as a of abuse and sexual trauma.

And ironically last night coming back from an event I heard a song that I use to play often during my journey. It's from called Stand. Here's a snippet from the song.

"Tell me, what do you give when you've given your all
And it seems like you can't make it through?

Tell me, how do you handle the guilt of your past?
Tell me, how do you deal with the shame?
And how can you smile while your heart has been broken
And filled with pain, filled with pain?

You just stand..."

I don't know who this is for but the reality is we are all surviving from something and trust me I FULLY understand the internal narrative that tells you to give up but beyond that narrative is unlimited possibility, peace and purpose.

You just stand...

If you want to hear more about my journey decades in the making, listen to the full interview linked in my bio. I'm rooting for you. Happy Wednesday!

Buffalo..."One goes to the unprotected-those precisely, who needs the laws protection most!... Ask the wretched how they...
05/17/2022

Buffalo...

"One goes to the unprotected-those precisely, who needs the laws protection most!...

Ask the wretched how they fare in the halls of justice, and then you will know, not whether or not the country is just, but whether or not it has any love for justice, or any concept of it...

It is certain, in any case, that ignorance allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have." James Baldwin

This image is scenes from a walk/demonstration alongside a conference we planned earlier this year. This interfaith group gathered and prayed for justice on a variety of issues months before this most recent incident...

Yet, here we are. Sadly, here we are...and all I'm left with is that we need to love more than we hate, heal rather than hurt from our own place of insecurity or worse ignorance based not in reality.

Simply put, stop hate. Seriously. That is all. Guard your heart and protect your peace.
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Puerto Rico you ready?I'm most certainly ready to take the stage next Monday, May 23 and talk about diversity, equity an...
05/16/2022

Puerto Rico you ready?

I'm most certainly ready to take the stage next Monday, May 23 and talk about diversity, equity and events...

For my presentation expect real talk, storytelling, and yes a call to action for all because there is still alot of work to do and I am here for it. Also, it's important to me that you get what you came for so if you have a question, drop it in the comments.

Rumor has it that thousands of you have already registered to attend and I'm so grateful but don't worry I've got the registration link in my bio so you still have time to join us virtually and earn 10 CMP credits.

Puerto Rico see you soon and
for giving space for this topic, thank you! Tremendous virtual hugs to the entire team there but especially the newlywed Michela, Erica, Sarah, and Christina. Let's do this. Happy Monday friends.
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Looking back, I have FOMO...It's true I do have FOMO. You see I'm Fullfilled On My Own...Truly.When I consider, how did...
05/13/2022

Looking back, I have FOMO...

It's true I do have FOMO. You see I'm Fullfilled On My Own...Truly.

When I consider, how did I get here? I realize I have my journey to thank. I'm thankful for the highs, disappointments, misteps, losses, lessons, laughter and definitely my love. I see it all, the messy and the message and when I look back all I can say is thank you...

The key to having this type of FOMO is you don't stay in the past beyond any healing time but rather you use the past to propel you forward and remain humble. Oh and if you're smart you use the past to remind you who you are and then you don't have the other kind of FOMO because you understand you are exactly where you are supposed to be...

So this message just like last Friday is dedicated to my Dad Melvin who never cared about whether he was 'in or out' or 'this or that.' Melvin lived and died with a spirit of being fulfilled which is why I believe he was at peace in the end...

I'll close with this. Earlier this week, I recorded a podcast and said I feel free and so my hope for everyone is that you embrace this type of FOMO and when you look back you're fullfilled by the story of your life, that you delight in your unique purpose, and you chase nothing or no one because the little things are enough...

I'm Emmanuel’s wife...

I'm Melvin and Joyce's daughter...

I'm a friend who loves big that happens to be currently delighting in my purpose, called to serve survivors, and committed to seeing the first ALZ survivor in my lifetime.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to scroll to see what I was looking at last Friday.
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Hey what's that sound?You guessed it. It's unapologetically one of my favorite creatives. The beautiful and soothing sou...
05/12/2022

Hey what's that sound?

You guessed it. It's unapologetically one of my favorite creatives. The beautiful and soothing sounds from the best friend, female owned powerhouse duo Lauren and Rebecca of Lucy Black Entertainment].

For this event, guests were greeted by the backdrop and then turned the corner to hear the quartet which perfectly set the tone for a heartfelt evening.

Recently I read a quote that says " He who listens to music frightens ills..." and actually when it comes to ALZ and dementia there is some truth to this statement. Here's your fact for today.

Studies have shown that music reduces agitation and improves behavioral outbursts in Alzheimer's patients. And personally I can tell you that when my father was dying, no longer saying a word or opening his eyes, my mom sang to him. His eyes would flicker and I just know he heard mamma and found comfort in that.

So while we wait to , remember music is therapy.

Meanwhile I'm saying thank you Lucy Black Entertainment] for using your talents on this special evening. Happy Thursday!
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I am cared for and my trust is with them...◾One of them brought me banana bread because I have a terrible habit of not e...
05/11/2022

I am cared for and my trust is with them...

◾One of them brought me banana bread because I have a terrible habit of not eating on long events days...

◾One of them held my hand as my Dad's image popped on screen during the video beautifully edited by ...

◾One of them shares a history of loss with dementia like me and gave me advice the next day when I called even though they went to sleep just a few hours prior...

◾All of them started at 1pm and got home at 3:30am. Yes 14+ hours. When I offered to let some or all go early and I would stay because they had already worked so hard, they all stayed together until the end laughing beyond the fatigue and allowed me sleep since I started at 8:00am and had a long drive to mom...

My team works from their heart and that's why I trust that even if I'm not around, the event is in good hands because they operate as one cohesive unit and care deeply.

And speaking of care, here's your ALZ fact. 10 million Americans are Alzheimer's caregivers and the vast majority are women. My mom and I were those women. For us, it was an honor of our lives but I assure you it was not easy.

If I wasn't surrounded by these gracious humans, my business would not exist because I can't do this work alone and there were times in recent years where I was emotionally depleted. These beautiful people hold space for me to be a business owner with at times complex family obligations. Actually we hold space for eachother.

So yes, I am cared for and I put my trust in them. Love you team.
p.s. To volunteer with
contact .
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Les fleurs sont belles.With a name like Trebella Events it only seemed appropriate to begin in French. Shawn and her tea...
05/10/2022

Les fleurs sont belles.

With a name like Trebella Events it only seemed appropriate to begin in French. Shawn and her team understood the assignment for the gala and curated not one, not two but three different floral looks to take this event to the next level. And how did her team handle the dock challenges? They rolled up their sleeves and loaded everything in from the side of the road in the rain.

Shawn was such a gift during this process and no matter the hour, no matter the challenge, she never wavered in her commitment to deliver creative, elegant excellence. Also, at the end of the night she looked me straight on and said "My Dad would be proud." And while I know my Dad looks on me from above, here's your ALZ fact for the day.

1 in 3 seniors dies from Alzheimer's or other related dementia which means it kills more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined but you can be informed and join the fight. Locally talk with .

Meanwhile just like Shawn and the entire Trebella team use your gifts for good. When you serve, abundance in your life and soul follows. Happy Tuesday!
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Florals: Trebellaevents
Lighting:

Invest in your hello...For the next few days, I'm going to brag on a few of the vendors who worked tirelessly on last w...
05/09/2022

Invest in your hello...

For the next few days, I'm going to brag on a few of the vendors who worked tirelessly on last weeks gala and most importantly, I'm going to give you facts about .

This backdrop was beautifully executed by . To inspire Garrette, I sent her a draft clip of the video and I produced. I told her that this wall was going to be the first statement of the event and it had to say I see you, represent warmth, and honor the fight so many of us are in. Due to her stellar talent, Garrette is beyond booked, yet, she took her time to collaborate with me directly and this installation was perfection.

Beyond the look, Garrette and her team dealt graciously with a blocked loading dock where there was only one elevator working. She loaded every single element piece by piece in the rain and didn't miss a beat. I tried to help but she didn't need me because she's a pro and strong as all get out.

So let this be a reminder to invest in how you say hello. It matters. Since my mom could not attend, I asked her what do you see mom? She said, " I see hope in this piece and whoever did this has heart for healing..." And guess what hope is what we need because more than 6 million people are living with Alzheimer's disease. In 2050, this number is expected to double.

Garrette I'm sending you the biggest virtual hug. You are magic and for bringing sunshine literally in the rain, I say thank you💜.

Now, if you are fired up to find a cure just like me, get to know , talk to or donate and yes we will talk about this more later . Happy Monday friends and don't forget to spread light in someone's rainy day this week. .
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Backdrop:
Lighting:

Address

Washington D.C., DC

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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