It’s a crisp fall morning as Marilyn Patterson sits in her sun-filled office in historic Old Town, Alexandria, surrounded by party memorabilia and sparkling accolades. The Chief Experience Officer let us in on what to expect for First Night Alexandria and how her company, Joyous Events, came to light.
Patterson’s journey as an event organizer, although unconventional, was kismet. Recalling her path to party planning, “It’s interesting how things have come together. I didn’t intentionally work my way into events, but everything that I have done kind of leads in that direction,” said Patterson.
Following a 19-year career in telecommunications with AT&T in Atlanta, Patterson found her way back home to Alexandria as the executive assistant to the late pastor Rev. Dr. Lee A. Earl of the Shiloh Baptist Church. Managing church services naturally gave way to weddings. Patterson then moved to St. Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where she officially got her start as a destination wedding planner, coordinating over 150 weddings.
An offer from The Wedding Experience (TWE) brought Patterson back stateside to organize wedding services onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships in Baltimore. When TWE looked to hire a wedding team, Patterson stepped up and officially founded her event management company, Joyous Events, to take the gig.
Created in 2004, Joyous Events offers a variety of services from wedding coordination to corporate event planning and management. “One of the things that was really important to me was helping nonprofits—big and small—in Alexandria,” remarked Patterson. Her expansive list of clients includes the Alexandria Commission for Women, the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria, Living Legends of Alexandria, ACT for Alexandria, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the National Organization of Minority Architects, Mocha Moms Inc., and more.
As a multigenerational member of Alexandria, Patterson’s commitment to the local community is inherent. Patterson is an active member of the National Society of Black Wedding and Event Professionals, which represents Black-Owned Businesses and Entities in the Wedding & Event Planning Industry. She recognizes changes still need to happen across the board when it comes to inclusivity and remains hopeful. “Businesses that have been disadvantaged financially are not receiving funding at the same level as those who have had other opportunities,” shares Patterson. “It’s a journey. It’s not something that takes place overnight.”
When it comes to planning one of her myriad of events—turns out there’s a secret or two to hosting the perfect party. Staying calm under pressure is a must. “The event organizer is the one who orchestrates and understands all of the moving parts that are going on. And if anyone says that there aren’t any problems in the background, they’re not telling you the truth because there always are,” says Patterson. “We always try to ensure everyone has a good time and all the senses have been stimulated.” Sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch—every facet is meticulously cared for—right down to the smallest detail.
Often, you’ll see a “Party Powered by Joyous Events,” sign posted at a local soiree, the most famous of which takes place at the end of each year: First Night Alexandria. Previously helmed by Ann Dorman and her husband, Richard, the City’s largest family-friendly event takes place every New Year’s Eve, igniting a festival of musical performances and fireworks. Museums, churches, public buildings, and retails stores open their doors, offering a stage for performers in the City-wide celebration.
Since 2018, Joyous Events has held the party baton with Patterson serving as the First Night Alexandria’s executive director and event producer. “I’m going to give you a sneak preview. This is year 29 [for FNA] and we’re going to make some changes,” shares Patterson. “We’re going to look at the more family-friendly aspect of it,” said Patterson. In an effort to embrace everyone’s schedule, there will be more daytime events with fireworks at 6 p.m. in addition to the midnight fireworks show.”
In her 6th year of organizing First Night Alexandria, Patterson recognizes an ever-evolving landscape when it comes to event planning. “In order to be sustainable and relevant, we have to be aware of what’s going on around us, and there are things that we can do to enable people to still be able to come and enjoy different types of music and entertainment.”
With the dawn of 2024 just weeks away, it will not only be cause for a First Night Alexandria celebration but also a momentous occasion for Patterson and the rest of her team. Joyous Events will celebrate its 20th year of operation starting in January, continuing to spark joy in Alexandria—one party at a time.
To learn more about Joyous Events visit www.joyousevents.com.
Click here to purchase a ticket to First Night Alexandria coming up on December 31, 2023.
Photo by Jonathan Thorpe, courtesy of Joyous Events.