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 a reputation as the go-to expert for signature celebrations.
Although 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 establishments. With the support and encouragement of 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, San Juan, Cancun, Tulum, and Aruba, as well as aboard luxury cruise ships. She has served as the premiere event planner and designer for BET Networks (New York and Atlanta) and MTV, with her designs for Black Girls Rock! standing out as truly iconic.
Jocelyn’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to soar with the launch of her floral design studio in 2005. The following year, she made history as 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, more than 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 she produces is a curated masterpiece—meticulously tailored to reflect her clients’ unique style and vision. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jocelyn ensures that 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 elevate 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 heart lies in uplifting others. She co-leads the nonprofit So Others Might Sleep alongside her husband, providing holiday housing, meals, clothing, and toys for families experiencing homelessness. Each year, she donates 55 hotel rooms during the holiday season to families in need.
As a mentor to women and youth in homeless shelters, Jocelyn created the ASPIRE Career and Personal Development Program, an eight-week course that equips women with essential life skills, financial literacy, job readiness, and housing support—empowering them to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
During the summer months, she leads the Level Up Entrepreneur & Leadership Bootcamp with her daughter, Sajelle, guiding youth to discover their passions and transform them into profit-generating businesses. Every participant has successfully launched a business under their mentorship.
In 2020, Jocelyn published her first coffee table book, Behind the Mask: Coping During the Pandemic—a powerful reflection of strength, vulnerability, and hope.
