I typically grieve and process tragic events off social to protect my heart mental health. However, the last few days I've felt called to share this: "driving while black" I learned the weight of that and what it meant on dark country road when my dad was treated less than by a cop who didn't believe we belonged. I remember it like it was yesterday, we were driving home from a basketball game as we passed the cop car my dad said "Meliboon, he's gonna stop us and I want you to be seen and not heard; I’ll protect you." Before I could fix my lips to how my dad knew that and why I needed protecting. We heard sirens. I remember thinking my dad had some kind of super power. But really my dad who was born in raised in the south was all too familiar with "driving while back" and he knew the possible outcome. The trauma from that night still effects me more than I would like to admit. I share all of this to say, what's happening in the world right now isn't new. Insight is cute but ACTION is when real change happens. My hope in sharing this is that, you to take a few moments and truly ask yourself what changes are you going to make in your REAL life and what conversation are you going to have with your INNER circle to make sure hate, bias and prejudice stops with us. 🖤🖤🖤 
5 years ago today, I hosted our FIRST Bruncheon 🤯🤯 It’s been a wild ride to say the least. If I could tell 26 year old Mel anything I would tell her to stay the course, you’re worthy and keep making it up as you go. I’m forever grateful for the Wedding Pros and couples who’ve brunched with me over the years. ❤️ I’m so excited to see what the next 5 years has in store and to make a bigger impact in the wedding industry. 👊🏾 Swipe ➡️ to see some of my favorite pictures through the years and the Save the Date for the Bruncheon that never was(2020 😓). 
What’s something that made you laugh today?? Mine was writing “somehoe” in an email instead of “somehow”... 🤦🏾♀️🤣 
Do you miss co-working as much as I do??! The synergy of sitting a crossed from someone working their hardest to achieve their goals is unmatched. If you're missing that feeling of in it togetherness, too, I hope you will join me this Wednesday (3/17) from 10 am to 12 pm as the B. Cafe opens its virtual doors. ✨ Link in bio to make your reservation. Ps. Please feel free to extend an invite to your friends! #thebruncheon #virtualcafe 
If this last year taught me anything, it's how important it is to have a hobby. See, before last year, I spent 5 years hustling in overtime between my corporate job and building the Bruncheon. I completely lost myself and all my hobbies. When I was forced to stop, I had the hardest time reconnecting with myself and forgot what I did for fun. I've spent most of last year rediscovering who I was as a person and what I liked to do for FUN. That's not to say that working and building the Bruncheon hasn't brought me so much joy, but I now know the importance of existing outside of that. Whether you're planning your wedding or running a business, I implore you not to lose yourself in the process and use your hobbies to come back home to yourself. I'm curious, what are some of your hobbies?? I left some of mine in the comments below. #getahobbie 
In honor of my conversation with @julieshufordphotography going live today. Here’s a #throwback picture of one of the first times we worked together in 2016 (I think). Julie, was the first Wedding Pro I met after moving to LA from my small town and we’ve been friends ever since. Not only is she an amazing photographer she has a heart of gold and a has that SoCal California cool personality to match! Fun fact: the images from this shoot were used for our first event promo and website. Credits: Photos @julieshufordphotography Flowers @itsjenclary Rentals @brighteventrentals Linen @latavolalinen Designer @heymelanieembry 
No matter how you are spent today, I hope you had a Haply Valentines Day! Send you virtual hugs and a BRUNCH of ❤️ #valentinesday2021 
If you’re looking for one book to transform your wedding planning experience in the midst of COVID and beyond. The book I would recommend to you is The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. Now I know this is not a typical wedding book, but I promise it will change your wedding planning experience and life. In today’s note, ➡️I’m sharing how the first 5 guideposts/principles and how you can apply them to wedding planning. Head to the blog to find out how Brene Brown can fix your wedding! You know where to find it... Link in bio (Just in Case 😉) 
Every Black History Month I always try to think of ways to honor the shoulders I stand on. This year I’m going to honor them by taking up space by doing the hard things, showing up fully as me, and not shrinking to make others feel comfortable. ✊🏾❤️ How do you take up space? 
I am forever changed by @amandascgorman words ⚡️✨ Rap from @seekthejoypodcast 📸 @iamwellandgood