Extraordinary service and passion eventually led Wilson to working alongside one of the best wedding creatives in the industry. In 2011 while watching a wedding reality TV show hosted by Diann Valentine, Wilson said to himself that he would one day be working with her. “I had no clue how, but I was going to do all in my power to make it happen,” Wilson tells BE Modern Man. “Almost immediately I sent an email to her company that I found through her website inquiring about a Master Class in Atlanta that she would be hosting. But the class was sold out.” A bit discouraged, Wilson did not give up. In June OF 2015, Diann released a new product to the bridal industry called the “Bridal Cuff” which is an alternative option for the bouquet for bridal and evening. “I was completely in aw so I emailed her again but my approach and style was completely different this time,” says Wilson. “I shared with her how I loved the new product and I wanted to share it with my clients and the world. I pitched a Houston, TX trunk show for her and the cuffs and I told her I would handle everything for the event. She responded back to my email and we had a phone call. To make a long story short the event was a major success and today I’m the Global Marketing Director for Diann Valentine Living Well and Wedding Producer for Diann Valentine Living Brides.”
Due to the lack of attention given to men of color in the wedding and events industry, Wilson feels a deep passion to use his platform to expose people from all over the world to the celebration of love. He says, “we are not celebrated for planning beautiful moments for black men and women.” “I get very excited when I see people of color my age show up into my office and both become involved in planning their special day. Those moments aren’t celebrated by mainstream media and this is why I’ve partnered with MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, one of the foremost publications on ethnic weddings as their Global Brand Ambassador. Here I am able to showcase love stories in printed and social media.”
Wilson is a man that has always been proud of who he is and loves the skin he is in. Walking with a humble yet confident stride, he now has his eyes set on reframing the idea of what people in this industry look like. “I’ve broken the mold of what people thought a black male in my profession would look like or act like,” says Wilson. “People ask me all the time how did I arrive to this point and I simply reply that I haven’t yet. I’m still in the car but I’m on my way!”
For Wilson passion is strategically placed into every inch of planning that goes into making a clients wedding the magical experience they have dreamed of. “It is important that this industry is highlighted because my profession allows us to showcase our brothers and sisters celebrating one of the most important days of their lives,” Wilson tells BE Modern Man. “the world needs to see beautiful people of color join as one in the most luxurious settings created by The Wedding Concierge.”
Following his dreams, and creating a personal mold for himself and his business has impacted his clients, and the various communities he works in. “Through my work I’ve become a role model for young men and women,” says Wilson. “My next goal is to plan life celebrations in London, Paris and Barcelona.”
Wilson wants nothing more than for the world to be aware of the men of color in the events profession. “Men like myself, titans in the Wedding Industry that produce the most wondrous weddings need this exposure. My goal is to honor us!”
Wilson’s career plan of action has undoubtedly changed from its initial conception of serving in the Navy, and he says “being a BE Modern Man to me means always being true to yourself. One that’s determined to create their own legacy and be a leader that empowers others by being extraordinary in their craft. The Wedding Concierge personifies a BE Modern Man!”
The BlackEnterprise.com team salutes Daryl Wilson for following his passion into an industry that was and still is predominantly run by women. Changing the stereotype of a traditional wedding planner, Wilson is opening many eyes to what the possibilities are within the industry. We look forward to seeing The Wedding Concierge continue to create magical moments that people will always remember.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.