"We do whatever it takes to make the wedding a success and to exceed our clients' expectations," says Joyce. We are having tea in her new, elegant office with her partner, Dana, her husband of 12 years. "You won't believe how much the grooms like the presence and perspective of another man," adds Dana. He is in charge of the computer work, the budget, the spread-sheets, and guest lists. That gives Joyce more time to design and plan beautiful weddings. Her custom-designed invitation packages set the tone for the celebration to come. She showed me a sample of gorgeous escort cards for a fall wedding. They were enhanced with gold and moss- colored filigree, and oak leaf charms were tied to one corner.

What Joyce loves most about her work is bringing her clients' visions and dreams to life on their wedding day. She focuses on creating innovative, cutting-edge designs that artistically embrace the couple's personal tastes, preferences, and styles. To get a glimpse of her events, visit her fabulous website (find link above) which is a true reflection of her work.

Joyce has not only been an accomplished event planner, but also an authority in the event industry. She is the author of "Countdown to Your Perfect Wedding," an indispensable week-by-week guidebook for couples everywhere, published by St. Martin's Press, and the recipient of a prestigious "WESTIE" Award for event management excellence from the International Special Events Society. She has developed a Wedding Planner Certificate Program, which she teaches at California State University East Bay. Joyce's articles and quotations frequently appear in most of the major bridal magazines and on the leading Internet wedding sites. She has been a featured guest speaker at conventions of bridal and special event organizations, and has appeared on NBC11, KRON and ABC TV to share her nuptial expertise.

The numerous weddings and celebrations designed and planned by Joyce have varied considerably to reflect the unique personalities of each client. But one thing has remained consistent: the accolades she has received. One client remarked, "We have Events of Distinction to thank for the most unbelievable wedding we could have ever expected. We are very grateful and appreciative of your attention to detail, drive for perfection, spot-on guidance and experience which made this day perfect for us, our families and our guests."