Coterie Retreat 2014 Recap Part II - Day 3 + Gala

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Jan 8

For Day 3 of the retreat, we were enlightened with powerful talks from Siri Eklund of Two Bright Lights, Jacqueline Nwobu, Eda Kalkay, Willie Jackson, Amanda Miller Littlejohn and a powerful tear-inducing talk from Chike Nwobu. Later in the evening, our Inaugural Awards Gala kicked off. With the expertise of ellyb Events and Botanica, the ballroom was transformed into a glamorous display of teal, blush, rose gold and silver. Our awards ceremony followed immediately after the cocktail hour. We were honored to present awards to Coterie Members making a huge impact, and the first Vanguard Award was awarded to Diann Valentine for her accomplishments in the wedding and event industry. Thanks to Kisha Kingston of Royale Amethyst for the gorgeous awards made of acrylic and gold foil accents. Congrats to all to all of the award recipients.

The Coterie Retreat Awards 2014

Visionary Award - Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events

Spirit Award - Lauren Atwaters of Ten 23 Designs

Collaborator of the Year Award - Kisha Kingston of Royale Amethyst

Munaluchi Advocate Award - Darryl Wilson of D'Concierge Events

Innovator of the Year - Eliana Baucicault of ellyB Events

Mentor of the Year - Keith Cephus of Keith Cephus Photography

Hidden Treasure Award - Neil Freeman of Beaches Edge Anguilla

Jet Setter Award - Jide Alakija of Alakija Studios

Rising Star Award - Andrea Pitter of Pantora Bridal

Vanguard Award - Diann Valentine

Munaluchi Appreciation Awards

These members were awarded the appreciation award for hosting us in their city as part of our annual city-to-city tour.

Tara Melvin of Perfect Planning Events - DC Tour 2013, Lauren Beamon of Elle's Couture Events - NYC Tour 2013, Makini Brereton of Makini Regal Design - NYC Tour 2013, Chioma Nwogu of Dure Events - Houston Tour 2014, Andria Lewis of Andria Lewis Events - Memphis Tour 2014, Aaliyah Rajansingham of B3 Event Designs - Los Angeles Tour 2014, Eliana Baucicault of ellyB Events, Atlanta Tour 2014, Atosha Barboza of Larger Than Life Events, South Carolina Tour 2014, Tiffany Chalk of Tiffany Chalk Events - Philadelphia Tour 2014.

In addition to the Awards Ceremony, some highlights included a super chic dessert table by Hands on Sweets, the almost addicting slow motion video booth provided by Bridges Cinema, (check out some slow motion video clips at the end of this post) and the non stop keep-you-on-the-dancefloor music provided by One Sound and Entertainment. We truly could not stay in our seats! But the biggest highlight of the night was the overwhelming feeling of camaraderie, comfort and joy. There was so much love and emotion in the room and ultimately, you can't put a price on that. Enjoy these images from the General Sessions and Gala provided by Amy Anaiz Photography and Joshua Dwain Photography.

We had to get the morning started with a little wobble:)

Chike gave a heartfelt and emotional talk about "Finding your Purpose" that left us all ready to take on our biggest challenges. There's really no way to describe how moved everyone in the room was. Just check out the pictures below to see for yourself!

The Gala

Slow Motion Video Booth at Gala Event of The Coterie Retreat from Bridges Cinema on Vimeo.

Thanks so much for checking out the recap! Make sure to sign up for our mailing list if you haven't already to be notified once dates and registration for the next retreat is available.

Thanks to our sponsors!

Photography: Amy Anaiz Photography and Joshua Dwain Photography

Videography - Inije Photography and Films

Cake - Hands on Sweets

Planning: Perfect Planning Events

Design - ellyb Events

Florals - Botanica Design Studio

Stationery - Papered Wonders

Awards design - Royale Amethyst

Custom items/decor - Ten23 Designs

Entertainment - One Sound and Entertainment

Makeup - Mia Farah Beautique