26 Years Later: Finding My Way Back to What Matters Most

April 24th always feels personal.

It’s not just another business anniversary. It’s a reflection point. A moment where I get to look at everything I’ve built, everything I’ve lost, and everything I’ve found again along the way.

This year marks 26 years of Dejanae Events, and if I’m being honest, this chapter feels different than any other. Because this isn’t just about longevity. It’s about rediscovery.

The Beginning: Building Something From Nothing

When I started Dejanae Events, I had a vision. Not just to plan weddings, but to create experiences that felt intentional and elevated. I wanted couples to feel taken care of and to walk into their wedding day with confidence, not stress.

Over the years, that vision grew into something I’m incredibly proud of. Hundreds of weddings and events. Countless love stories. A reputation built on trust, detail, and care.

And then came WEDology ToolKIT, a space where I could pour into other planners, teach, guide, and help them build something meaningful of their own.

From the outside, it looked like everything was aligned. But life has a way of shifting things.

The Moment Everything Changed

When my Daddy passed almost 2 years ago, everything in me shifted. Grief doesn’t always show up loudly. Sometimes it’s quiet. Subtle. It slowly changes how you see things… how you show up… what matters.

For a while, I felt disconnected from my work, from my purpose, and honestly, from myself. I was still doing the work. Still showing up. But it just didn’t feel the same. And when something you’ve loved for decades starts to feel unfamiliar, it forces you to ask hard questions.

Who am I now? What do I actually want? What still brings me joy?

The Rediscovery

What I’ve learned is that purpose doesn’t disappear. It just evolves. And for me, the clarity came in the quiet moments. Standing with couples. Listening to their stories. Helping them say their vows.

Officiating has changed something in me. Through Marry Me Ceremonies, I found a different kind of connection. A deeper one. More intimate. More meaningful. It reminded me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.

Not the timelines. Not the logistics. But the moment.

A New Direction: Smaller, More Meaningful Celebrations

That clarity led me somewhere new and honestly, somewhere I didn’t expect. Micro weddings. Not because they’re trending, but because they make sense.

Couples today want beauty, intention, and ease. They want to celebrate without feeling overwhelmed or financially stretched. And I realized… I could give them that.

With my micro wedding experiences, I’m able to combine everything I’ve learned over 26 years (design, logistics, storytelling, and ceremony) into something that feels effortless, but still extraordinary.

Smaller guest counts. Thoughtful details. A celebration that actually feels like them.

And for me? It feels aligned.

26 Years Later…

I’m not the same woman who started Dejanae Events. I’ve grown. I’ve grieved. I’ve questioned everything. And somehow, I’ve found my way back to what matters most. Connection. Meaning. And creating space for people to celebrate love in a way that feels right for them.

This next chapter isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters not only for me, but for the couples I serve.

To My Couples (Past, Present, and Future)

Thank you for trusting me with your moments. Whether you had a grand celebration or are considering something more intimate, please know this: Your wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming to be unforgettable. It just has to be yours.

What’s Next

If you’re newly engaged and looking for a beautiful, stress-free way to say “I do,” I invite you to explore what we’re creating and will continue to create as new partnerships are being established: Micro Wedding Experiences

Because after 26 years, I know this for sure, love doesn’t need excess to be extraordinary. It just needs intention.