Instructors
Marissa Mortimer, CEP
Co-Founder
When I was young my grandfather told me that no matter what, you should ‘aim high’ in all that you do, and you would always be successful. Also when deciding what to do with your life, to ask yourself two questions: ‘what do you truly love to do and what would you do for free’? When you have the answer to both questions, you will know that you have made the right choice. That was the best advice I ever received and from the best person I ever knew… and it has brought me great happiness and much success”.
Marissa Mortimer
Donna Anello, CSEP
Co-Founder
With more than a decade of experience in our constantly changing industry, Donna Anello, CSEP, owner of Donna Anello Signature Events, has grown her brand beyond even her own hopes and expectations.
Donna entered the world of event planning with an extensive background in education having earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees, respectively. Furthermore, she is extremely passionate about educating the team around her. Donna is an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickenson University in Madison, New Jersey. Her experience in the classroom has proven to be the core of her business and has proven priceless regarding her growing brand.
Founded in 2012, Donna Anello Signature Events has locations in New York City and New Jersey, with Donna personally overseeing every detail, allowing client relations to have a personal approach which is undoubtedly why Donna Anello Signature Events continues to be at the top of its game.
Donna and her team have been widely recognized for their work, with various publications and awards. Her impressive achievements separate Donna from the rest as they represent her unwavering passion for learning and her ambition to keep her brand as one of the most sought out companies in the New York Metropolitan Area.
Donna is also the Co-Founder of the Event Professionals Institute. This Institute was created with the goal to offer education to both novice and seasoned professionals. Besides her role as a Lead Planner and Educator, Donna is also a Speaker at local events for The International Live Events Association (ILEA), The Special Event Show (TSE), Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), and Wedding MBA. Donna is an active member of ILEA, currently on the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Chapter, and is also the Past Regional Vice President for the Northeast Region.
Donna and her team at Majestic Moments have been widely recognized for their work, with various publications and awards, which include but are not limited to popular industry giants- The Knot and Wedding Wire. Her impressive achievements separate Donna from the rest as they represent her unwavering passion for learning and her ambition to keep her brand as one of the most sought out companies in the metropolitan area. Donna was the recipient of the 2017 Best Planner of a Social Event at the Garden State Gala Awards, the 2015 recipient of the President’s Award for the International Live Events Association’s NJ North Chapter, she won the 2014 Best Planner of a Social Event at the Garden State Gala and Awards, and 2014 Best Table Design at the Say Yes to the Best Expo.
Donna has the distinguished honor of earning the title of CSEP, Certified Special Event Planner, which she shares with only 5% of the top industry professionals in the world.
The classroom was where Donna began her career over 20 years ago and it is where she has returned. Educating planners from all over the country, she proudly shares her wealth of industry knowledge and continues to inspire her students to reach new levels of standards in the field.
One event at a time.
Maureen DeLuca
Maureen DeLuca is Brooklyn born and raised, City cultured and currently residing in Staten Island. Proud mother of two children, now young adults, Maureen has thirty plus years of knowledge and skills creating life events. A true flowering wizard who could not be contained to one location, Maureen also owned a successful florist shop in Westerleigh. Using her mysterious power and charm enchanting floral art that dazzles, it is the personal level that Maureen enjoys most. Inspired by the individuals she works with, Maureen embraces your dream wedding and transitions it into a reality beyond your imagination.
Maureen fine-tuned her craft by becoming certified at Wagner College in Wedding & Event Planning by The Wedding Planning Institute in 2009. Maureen tirelessly donates her exclusive talents to fundraisers and charity events throughout the city year after year, however, her joy and the sparkle in her eyes are from her abundant love of working with Specially Challenged Children, in Staten Island.
Maureen’s interests include museums and art galleries, including little known ‘invitation-only’ private viewings throughout Manhattan. Maureen's affinity for music, night life and dancing keeps her energy and vibe alive in the contemporary as well as the forever classical.
On one of the biggest days of your life - The day You Promise and are Promised to an everlasting love - you deserve to have Maureen to set the details for you both. Free yourselves and allow her to do the minute, painstaking work that will appear effortlessly before your guests. Maureen will become that instant friend, you'll feel as if you've known each other a lifetime.
We dream and we build - One dream at a time - Your dream. Face to face; together. My goal is realizing YOUR DREAM. I can create an extraordinary time for you and your guests, on any budget, that will be relived over and again by all - for years to come. If you can dream it - I can bring it to life.
Maureen DeLucca
Diane Rozas
Diane's passion for the event industry began at a young age when she would plan birthday parties and gatherings with her mother. "It's in my blood." Prior to becoming a wedding planner, Diane received a dual Masters degree and became a certified teacher in Early Childhood and Special Education. She utilizes her compassion for helping others and creativity to provide her students with a fun and welcoming learning environment. Not enough for Diane, she knew that there was something missing in her life that would define her greatest passions. In 2012, Diane became a Certified Wedding and Event Planner through The Wedding Planning Institute held at Wagner College. She also became a Preston Bailey Certified Wedding and Event Designer in 2014. From intimate affairs to more "Lavish Occasions," Diane is a ‘go to girl’ in making her clients, family and friends’ vision a reality through customized invitations, decor, favors etc. Diane's attention to detail and eye for design, along with drive and determination has brought her to where she is today.
Seeing a client’s vision come to life on their special day and watching them live it...this is what I love to do. I am honored to be a part of their day.
Diane Rozas
Melba Remice
With over 16 years of experience working with balloons, I see the industry continue to evolve in ways that adds to the dynamics of events. Whether it’s an elegant, whimsical or themed affair balloons can be styled to match and enhance any occasion. As the owner, artist and curator of Melba’s Balloons, my approach to creating balloon installations is to work with a vision and incorporate elements of creativity. The color palates, sizes, tones and textures of an installation are what makes balloons one of the focal points of any occasion.
Through using industry knowledge and practical application I have styled balloons from small intimate parties, at-home celebrations to weddings, businesses and corporations. Balloon styling for me is a process which utilizes my ability to be hands on and to think out of the box when working with clients. The art of balloon styling is interpreted and executed through the eyes of the creator. I look forward to sharing my knowledge in a class setting and introducing others to the world of balloon artistry.