Meet Jocelyn Avery
Visionary. Designer. Philanthropist.
Jocelyn Avery is no stranger to the world of event planning. From a young age, she shadowed her mother, the late Beverly Battle, who designed wedding gowns, baked exquisite cakes, and transformed venues with her creative eye. Unknowingly, Jocelyn was being groomed for what would become her life’s passion.
Under her mother’s guidance, Jocelyn mastered the importance of detail and the pursuit of excellence. Even during her college years, she became known for planning over-the-top, unforgettable events for universities along the East Coast—earning her the reputation as the go-to for signature celebrations.
Though she earned a B.A. in Psychology and Special Education, Jocelyn chose to follow her true calling. She pursued her dream of becoming an event planner, completing multiple certifications in wedding and event planning, and earning a credential in Event Management from George Washington University. By 2020, she had added certifications in advanced event planning and divorce mediation to her impressive résumé.
Jocelyn’s professional foundation was solidified during her seven-year tenure as Catering Manager and Director of Catering at two of Washington, D.C.’s premier hotels. and fine dining restaurant. With support and encouragement from her father, Joseph Battle, she took a leap of faith in 2002 and launched her own event planning and production firm.
Since then, Jocelyn has produced hundreds of luxury weddings, galas, corporate functions, and social events across the globe—from the U.S. to Paris, London, Nairobi Kenya, Nevis, Jamaica, St. Thomas, SanJuan, Cancun, Tulum, Aruba, and even on luxury cruise ships. She was the premiere event planner and designer for BET Network, New York and Atlanta Events and MTV. Her designs for Black Girls Rock were unmatched.
Jocelyn’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to soar with the launch of her floral design studio in 2005. The following year, she made history by becoming the first person to open a wedding chapel in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Le Petite Wedding Chapel quickly became a beloved destination, and within just three years, over 285 couples were married under her direction.
Known affectionately as the “Diva of Event Planning,” Jocelyn is celebrated for her posh, lavish style and seamless execution. Every event is a curated masterpiece, tailored precisely to her clients’ personal style and vision. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to excellence, she ensures every client enjoys a highly personalized, unforgettable experience.
“We only get one shot,” Jocelyn says. “The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing my client’s expression on the day of the event. It’s priceless.”
Over the past two decades, Jocelyn has continued to build her brand while mentoring aspiring planners, coaching future venue owners, and managing multiple event spaces. In 2023, she expanded into luxury transportation with the launch of Transport Exécutif, her private executive car service.
Beyond business, Jocelyn’s passion lies in uplifting others. She co-leads the nonprofit So Others Might Sleep with her husband, where they provide holiday housing, meals, clothing, and toys for families experiencing homelessness. Each year, she donates 55 hotel rooms to those in need during the holiday season.
As a mentor to women and youth in homeless shelters, Jocelyn also created the ASPIRE Career and Personal Development Program, an eight-week course that equips women with life skills, financial literacy, job readiness, and housing support—empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
During the summer, she leads the Level Up Entrepreneur & Leadership Bootcamp alongside her daughter, Sajelle, guiding youth to discover their passions and turn them into profit-generating businesses. Every participant has successfully launched a business under their guidance.
In 2020, Jocelyn published her first coffee table book, Behind the Mask: Coping During the Pandemic—a reflection of strength, vulnerability, and hope.
