Catalyst Travels to Brooklyn for the Love Union

Photos by Julia Elizabeth

Have you met Amy Shackelford of Modern Rebel? She owns an awesome alternative event planning company in Brooklyn that partners with nonprofits. That means Modern Rebel donates money to domestic violence, homelessness, and education-based organizations every time her team coordinates an event. She also shares our feminist values, and she invited Catalyst to join her on a panel about feminism and weddings at this year's Love Union, a dreamy week-long staycation and education opportunity for wedding professionals in NYC. It's hosted by 501 Union, a gorgeous venue for weddings and events in the Gowanus neighborhood.

This is Amy in moderation mode, armed with a stack of bell hooks books.

This is panelist C.K. Alexander, an editor of Black Bride.

Attendees are welcome to co-work during the panels, or they can get cozy with pillows and blankets near the stage/massage tent.

Other panelists included our friend and talented photographer Chelo Keys and Holly Sheppard of Fig & Pig Catering.

Later in the week, we joined Kate Schaefer of H & H Weddings and Keriann Kohler of A Practical Wedding on a panel for wedding bloggers. We are joined on the pink couch by Catalyst Community Ambassador and New York wedding photographer, Amber Marlow, and are beloved friend and event planner, Dawn Mauberret of Toasted Wedding Event.

Photos by Ana Photo

Liz even got her hair and face "jzh'd" by MG Hair and Makeup and my glamour shot taken by Ana Photo. Proud editor.

We swear we meet some of the most down-to-earth, kind, creative people in New York, and it is always a pleasure to make the trip up on the train. Thank you for having us, Brooklyn. Until next time!