Exclusive Insights from DeJaNeal J. Brown: A Glimpse into DeJ Decor Miami

DeJaNeal J Brown is the founder of DeJ Decor Miami, recognized for her expertise in luxury silk florals and gold glam decor. Her journey, inspirations, and memorable experiences in the event design industry highlight her passion and creativity.

From Passion to Profession

DeJaNeal’s journey into the wedding and event business is as colorful as the floral arrangements she creates. “I have always had a passion for weddings and creating stunning spaces to celebrate life’s significant moments,” she shares. Growing up as a Pastor's Kid and witnessing her mother coordinate weddings as the Director of Sales for a major hotel, DeJaNeal was immersed in the world of events from an early age. Her experience as a former pageant participant and Miss Birmingham, America 2014, further fueled her love for hosting and emceeing gatherings.

Her official foray into event management began in 2017 at Georgetown University, where she coordinated her first wedding in 2019. After a brief stint as a Procurement Specialist, DeJaNeal felt a calling to return to the events industry in the fall of 2024. “I wanted to offer South Florida brides a beautifully organized, comprehensive planning experience without the need for 10+ different vendors,” she explains. Her services include silk floral designs, a virtual venue tour, and a full inventory of glamorous gold-plated wedding decor.

Weddings: The Heart of the Matter

When asked about her favorite type of event, DeJaNeal quickly responds, “Weddings!” This passion is evident in her work, where she thrives on creativity and collaboration with her clients. One standout event involved a bride who challenged DeJaNeal to create a bold peach and terracotta wedding at the prestigious Coral Gables Country Club. “I absolutely love a creative challenge!” she exclaims. DeJaNeal’s meticulous design process involved multiple iterations with the bride, resulting in a breathtaking atmosphere that perfectly balanced ivory linens with rich terracotta tones.

A Career Highlight: The Cherry Blossom Prom

One of DeJaNeal’s greatest career highlights was transforming the iconic Hotel Colonnade for a local high school's Cherry Blossom-themed prom. “What made this moment so special was witnessing the pure joy and excitement on the students' faces when they walked into their transformed prom venue,” she recalls. The dramatic cherry blossom trees she designed created an enchanting garden atmosphere. The moment that filled her with pride was when a group of students, speechless at the entrance, pulled out their phones to capture the magic. “One student even told me it looked ‘better than Pinterest’ – which, coming from a teenager, was the ultimate compliment!”

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Like any event professional, DeJaNeal has faced her share of challenges. She recalls a high-end beachfront wedding where she encountered multiple critical issues, including a confusing loading dock route and incomplete ballroom setup. “I had to pivot quickly and make the best of the situation,” she explains. DeJaNeal reorganized her approach, prioritizing efficiency and clear communication with the client. “This experience taught me invaluable lessons about designing with contingencies in mind and maintaining realistic expectations,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of love being the essence of any wedding day.

More Than Just Decor: The Woman Behind DeJ Decor Miami

DeJaNeal’s background is as impressive as her event design skills. She holds a B.S. in Healthcare Administration and Policy from Georgetown University and has worked in various procurement roles across higher education, healthcare, and finance. “The strategic thinking, vendor relationship management, and meticulous attention to detail that define my procurement career naturally translate into my passion for event decorating and design,” she notes.

Beyond her professional achievements, DeJaNeal is a newlywed, the oldest sister of five, and a Christian Counselor. In her free time, she creates content focused on positive psychology, health, wellness, and beauty, all while bringing couples' dream celebrations to life through thoughtful event design.

DeJaNeal J Brown's journey in the wedding and event industry is a testament to her passion, creativity, and dedication to making each celebration unforgettable. Through DeJ Decor Miami, she continues to inspire couples to dream big and embrace their unique visions, proving that with the right approach, every event can be a masterpiece.

Creating Luxurious Moments: Getting to Know Blake of Vista & Vine

Blake Burlakoff, founder and lead planner of Vista & Vine, brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to her clients. Blake is dedicated to crafting intentional experiences that reflect each couple's unique story. "I'm a luxury wedding and event planner specializing in creating intentional, elevated experiences that reflect each client’s unique story and style. From modern weddings to sophisticated soirées and corporate gatherings, I focus on seamless execution, refined details, and a personalized planning journey."

Passion for Meaningful Moments

Blake's journey into the wedding and event industry began in college, where she chose event management as her minor. "I've always been drawn to the magic of meaningful moments and the power of thoughtful details," Blake explains. "What started as a creative outlet quickly turned into a calling. I was captivated by the opportunity to blend creativity, precision, and emotion into one experience—transforming visions into unforgettable celebrations." For Blake, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a client fully present, enjoying a day that feels effortless and completely them.

Favorite Events and Memorable Experiences

When asked about her favorite types of events, Blake enthusiastically mentions weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. One particular event stands out in her memory: a multi-day Indian wedding that beautifully blended tradition with modern elegance. "It spanned three days and included a vibrant mehndi night with colorful décor, a lively sangeet filled with choreographed family dances, and a stunning outdoor ceremony under a custom mandap draped in fresh florals," she recalls. "Every detail was intentional, and watching the couple's families come together in such a joyful, heartfelt celebration was incredibly special."

Career Highlights and Challenges

A significant milestone in Blake's career was the official launch of Vista & Vine. "Booking five weddings within the first three days was a surreal moment that validated years of behind-the-scenes preparation, passion, and persistence," she shares. "Seeing couples immediately connect with the brand's vision made me incredibly proud."

Of course, not every event goes as planned. Blake recounts a wedding where rain threatened to disrupt an outdoor beach ceremony. "The couple had their hearts set on exchanging vows with the ocean behind them," she explains. "As the sky darkened, we calmly activated our weather backup plan: shifting the ceremony to a covered terrace with floor-to-ceiling windows that still offered that beautiful beach backdrop." Through quick thinking and adaptability, they created a magical experience despite the weather challenges.

Getting to Know Blake

Beyond her professional life, Blake shares insights into her background and interests. As a communications major with an event management minor, she feels she has the perfect blend of strategy and creativity. "Planning, organizing, and empowering women has always been my thing," she reflects, recalling her time as the former Panhellenic President in college.

Blake is also a proud dog and cat mom, stating, "My home is full of personality (and lint rollers)." Her signature style is refined and candlelit, full of intentional details. "I’m all about timeless with a twist," she adds. Fun fact: she once pulled off a stunning 200+ guest wedding in just eight weeks!

As for her current goals, Blake aims to grow Vista & Vine into a go-to name in luxury celebrations across the country. Her personal motto encapsulates her philosophy: "Make it beautiful, make it meaningful, make it unforgettable."

Spotlight on Christine McDevitt: The Visionary Behind CM Event Design

In the world of event planning, creativity and organization are key. Christine McDevitt, the founder of CM Event Design, embodies these qualities, transforming visions into unforgettable experiences.

The Birth of CM Event Design

Christine's passion for event planning began long before she launched CM Event Design. "I've always loved bringing people together and creating memorable experiences," she shares. "Starting my own business felt like the natural next step." Her dedication to her craft is evident, as she meticulously curates each event to reflect her clients' personalities and dreams. Her experience with prestigious brands such as Starwood, Sonesta, Hilton, The Mirage, and The Bellagio taught her the importance of precision, luxury service, and the art of storytelling through events. The spark that ignited her passion for event planning came from her mother, who was known for her vibrant celebrations. "She was the life of the party and loved throwing a good celebration," Christine recalls. This familial influence, combined with her corporate experience, led her to establish CM Event Design, where she focuses on designing meaningful celebrations that reflect each couple’s unique story.

Favorite Types of Events

When asked about her favorite types of events, Christine shares, "My favorite types of events are the ones that are really personal and intentional." She finds joy in events that tell a story and feel authentic, whether it’s an intimate gathering in the countryside or a luxurious large-scale affair. "What really lights me up is when the event tells a story—when it reflects the couple or the host in a way that feels authentic," she says.

A Memorable Celebration at Walt Disney World

One of Christine's standout experiences was a five-day wedding celebration at Walt Disney World in 2023. "It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience—not just for the couple and their guests, but honestly, for me too," she reflects. The event included a week of wedding-related activities, from welcome parties and park takeovers to private dinners and character experiences. Christine describes the challenge of coordinating across multiple venues and working with Disney's team to create something unforgettable. "That week was a masterclass in logistics, creativity, and guest experience," she says. The event's success led to it being nominated for the NACE Wedding of the Year Award, marking a significant achievement in her career.

Career Highlights and Emotional Moments

One of Christine's favorite moments in the planning process is the room reveal with the couple. "There’s just something so special about it—after months, sometimes years, of planning, designing, and fine-tuning every detail, that moment when they walk into the space for the first time is pure magic," she explains. Witnessing the emotions of joy and awe as couples see their vision come to life is a rewarding experience she cherishes. However, not every event goes as planned. Christine recounts a challenging moment from her hotel days when a florist and decorator failed to show up just hours before a wedding. "In that instant, I knew I had to shift from venue manager to full-on wedding planner and designer," she recalls. With quick thinking, her team sourced available décor and transformed the ballroom into a beautiful setting, demonstrating that the essence of an event lies in the feelings it evokes rather than just the aesthetics.

A Peek into Christine's Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Christine is very involved in the community. She serves as the Vice President of the Music City NACE Chapter and is a member of the South Florida Chapter. "I love being part of a community that’s all about connection, education, and elevating the industry," she shares. On a personal note, Christine lives with her beloved Yorkie, Jackson, who she affectionately describes as "very spoiled." "He definitely runs the house! He’s my little shadow and has sat in on more planning calls than I can count," she laughs. In her free time, Christine enjoys exploring new restaurants—Italian cuisine being her favorite—listening to live music, and escaping to the beach whenever possible. She also loves hosting events at her home, whether it's intimate girls' nights or larger holiday celebrations.