Meet the team
Dr. Kimberly Byars
Kimberly is the founder and lead strategist of Affluent Affairs, bringing a prestigious background and unwavering dedication to the art of celebration. As a Certified Wedding Planner through the Certified Wedding Planner Society—the nation’s premier certification program—and a recognized Wedding MBA Industry Influencer, Kimberly sets the gold standard for excellence..
For Kimberly, planning is personal. While many focus on the production, Kimberly focuses on the person. She operates with a "client-first" philosophy, serving as your fiercest advocate and honest confidante. From mediating complex vendor logistics to protecting your peace of mind, she ensures that your only job is to embrace the joy of the moment. When she isn't crafting world-class events, Kimberly is a connoisseur of life’s simple pleasures: baking, traveling, and cheering on her Clemson Tigers in Death Valley.
Stacy McCluney
Stacy is the creative heartbeat of the Affluent Affairs team and a premier Bridal Assistant. As a Certified Wedding Planner through the Wedding MBA, Stacy combines industry-leading expertise with a natural talent for design. Her mission is simple yet profound: to infuse every wedding, surprise proposal, and milestone celebration with a "significant amount of sparkle" and flawless execution.
With an uncompromising eye for detail and a tireless work ethic, Stacy thrives in an industry built on joy. Whether she is styling a bridal suite or orchestrating the fine points of an anniversary gala, she ensures every moment feels like magic. When she isn’t crafting dream events, you can find Stacy traveling for inspiration, gardening, or enjoying quality time with her family.
Kidada Dawkins - Tate
Kidada knows that a perfect wedding requires more than just a pretty mood board—it requires a steady hand. Drawing on her extensive experience in Social Work, Kidada brings a level of emotional intelligence and problem-solving to Affluent Affairs that is second to none. She doesn't just manage schedules; she manages the "human element," turning potential stress into seamless joy.
As a Certified Wedding Coordinator, the first Affluent bride, and a Certified Bartender, Kidada’s skill set is as diverse as it is impressive. She can pivot from technical coordination to mixology without missing a beat. Outside of the ballroom, Kidada stays busy in her favorite role: supporting her three sons in their various sports, proving she is a pro at managing chaos both at work and at home.
Chandra Turner
As a Certified Wedding Coordinator, Chandra is a master of the intricate details that transform a vision into a reality. Specializing in seamless logistics and expert vendor management, Chandra ensures that every 'Affluent Affair' unfolds with effortless grace.
Her journey into the world of luxury events began with a personal milestone—planning her daughter’s wedding—an experience that sparked a lifelong passion for high-stakes organization and exceeding expectations. When she isn't orchestrating flawless celebrations, Chandra finds her greatest joy (and her best workout!) keeping up with her granddaughter, Charlotte.
Shanelle Holmes
Shanelle brings a unique blend of professional certification and personal perspective to the Affluent Affairs team. Having recently navigated her own journey to the altar, Shanelle offers our clients a rare level of empathy and firsthand insight, making her an invaluable advocate during the planning process.
Beyond her logistical precision as a Certified Wedding Coordinator, Shanelle specializes in the "sanctuary" of the wedding day: the bridal suite. She is renowned for her ability to curate a calm, collected, and joyful atmosphere for the bridal party. When she isn't crafting unforgettable celebrations, Shanelle is a devoted mother to her daughter, finding inspiration in the milestones that bring families together.
LaToya Corry
LaToya brings a unique blend of maternal intuition and professional excellence to the Affluent Affairs team. Raising two sons has mastered her ability to stay calm in the chaos and focus on what truly matters: connection. She translates this perspective into her coordination, offering personalized support that anticipates a couple's needs before they even arise.
To LaToya, perfection is in the details, but the magic is in the memories.
Monique Byars
Monique is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to navigate the wedding journey with ease. She goes above and beyond the standard coordinator role; as a certified bartender, she understands the art of hospitality, and as a CPR-certified professional, she prioritizes the safety of your loved ones.
Monique ensures the drinks are flowing, the logistics are moving, and every guest is in the best of hands.
Denise Bridges
In the fast-paced world of luxury events, Denise is the steady hand that keeps everything on course. With a professional background as a Registered Nurse and the proud mother of two college students, Denise possesses a "calm spirit" that is truly unmatched.
As an Assistant Coordinator at Affluent Affairs, she brings a unique level of composure and empathy to our team. Denise excels in ensuring that our clients feel supported and serene from the first guest's arrival to the final departure. Her ability to remain unshakeable under pressure makes her an indispensable asset to the Affluent Affairs family.
kesha jones
As a certified wedding coordinator at Affluent Affairs, Kesha brings a perfect blend of professional precision and heartfelt empathy to every celebration. Known for her signature calm demeanor, she expertly navigates the complexities of the planning journey, ensuring a seamless experience for every couple.
Kesha’s approach is currently infused with a unique perspective; as a recently engaged bride-to-be, she views every floral arrangement and floor plan through the eyes of a prospective bride. This personal connection allows her to advocate for her clients with unparalleled passion and insight.
annalysse colasurdo
Meet Annalysse, the creative force driving the digital heartbeat of Affluent Affairs. As our Engagement Director, Annalysse wears two essential hats: she is a Certified Coordinator with a passion for seamless planning and a content connoisseur with an innate ability to capture "the shot."
Annalysse believes that a luxury event lives on long after the final toast through intentional social media storytelling. Her keen eye for aesthetics and design ensures our brand remains at the forefront of the industry, while her coordination expertise guarantees that every guest experience is as smooth as it is shareable.
kendall kirby
Kendall brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the Affluent Affairs team as an Assistant Coordinator. With a professional background as a Licensed Funeral Director, Kendall possesses an unparalleled ability to manage high-pressure environments with grace, empathy, and meticulous attention to detail. This specialized skill set ensures that every event is handled with the utmost respect and logistical precision.
On wedding days, Kendall is a standout presence in the Groom’s Suite, providing a steady hand and a relaxed atmosphere for the gentlemen. When he isn’t greeting arriving guests during events, you can find him on stage; as a guitarist for the band TruNotes, Kendall lives and breathes the celebration industry from both sides of the microphone.
Certifications & Memberships
Press
