EVOKE: The Evolution of Jodi Moraru & Associates

www.evokedc.com

Jodi Moraru & Associates, the Washington, D.C., area’s premiere event-design, planning and management firm, today enters the next chapter of its history and prepares for significant future growth with the unveiling of a rebranded corporate identity and launch of a new Web site.

Now known as EVOKE, the D.C.-based firm continues to design, plan and manage the highest-quality weddings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but the privately held firm is also branching out to focus more on corporate and life events as part of a major strategic expansion. These events include anniversary and birthday parties; corporate award shows, galas and holiday parties; grand openings and hotel openings; in-store events; product launches; and destination, multi-cultural and same-sex weddings.

“I’m tremendously excited about the evolution of our company,” says Jodi Moraru, who founded Jodi Moraru & Associates in 1998. “By one definition, EVOKE means to produce or suggest through artistry and imagination a vivid impression of reality. Our new name, logo, Web site and overall branding capture the essence of what we’re all about, and what we do for our clients. This new identity really sets us apart from the competition.”

To commemorate the launch of EVOKE, the firm’s staff, vendors, clients and other guests attended a fabulous soiree on March 11 at the commercial photography studio, Photogroup, in Silver Spring, Md. Upon entering the studio, it became clear to guests that this evening was all about EVOKE. Gobos depicting the word EVOKE and its definition were beamed throughout the space. EVOKE details were part of the overall look and feel – custom t-shirts for all vendor partners, cocktail napkins, java jackets, water bottles and marvelous business card holders that had business cards from all the event partners, which were given to guests at the end of the night. An 8 x 8 EVOKE Step and Repeat was the focal point for a fun photo op with creative word boards (i.e. Dreams, Inspiration, Laughter) for guests to hold up as they got their pictures taken.

“The party turned out beautifully,” Moraru says. “The look and feel of the event was sexy with a sense of humor, as was indicated by the food presentations and the uber chic hanging bars. We kept the color palette and lines clean with black and white with a mix of metallics for interest.”

EVOKE’s partner vendors for the launch event included Occasions Caterers, Design Cuisine, Capitol Décor, NYX Entertainment, Sugarplum Tents, Photogroup, John Farr Lighting, Fancy Cakes by Leslie, The Bean Bag, Room Service Event Rentals, Atlantic Valet, Party Rentals, Small Wonders, Howard Lansatt Photography, Freed Photography, Suburban Video, Professional Bartenders and Servers Inc., and Chevy Chase Wine and Spirits.

“I am extremely grateful to all my vendors for helping me throw this amazing party,” Moraru says. “We all had such a wonderful time. I’m so pleased to start this new phase in our business, and there’s no better way to kick things off than with a memorable celebration.”

For two decades, Moraru has worked in the event-design, planning and management industry. Along with her colleagues and the firm’s accomplished group of vendors, EVOKE handles every type of event imaginable. The privately held firm is much more than a team of event planners who handle the logistics of special occasions. EVOKE’s professionals also design events, from creative concepts to execution, whether it is the theme, décor, invitations, or centerpieces.

“We’re truly a full-service business that offers the best in event design, planning and management,” Moraru says. “We’re here for our clients through every detail of their event, big or small. It’s a collaborative approach, and the results speak for themselves.”

With only three weeks to spare, the Hotel Monaco Alexandria realized that it needed help in the planning and execution of its grand opening party. Relying on Jodi and her team, the party was a huge success, despite the tight timeframe, says Nick Gregory, director of operations for Kimpton Hotels Alexandria.

“Even though we are in the catering business performing 50-plus weddings a year and hundreds of corporate meetings, an event like our grand opening party, which took place in just about every location of the hotel, required a specialized skill set,” Gregory says. “That’s when I called Jodi. It was amazing how quickly she put the plan together, and without missing a step came in and blew us and our clients away. We at Kimpton Hotels consider the Hotel Monaco Alexandria grand opening party to be one of the best that we have ever done. In fact, people are still talking about it to this day, and we attribute the lion’s share of this credit to Jodi and her team.”

Dee Cohen of New York reached out to Moraru and her colleagues to design, plan and manage her daughter’s recent wedding. Cohen says that with EVOKE in charge, “I was able to enjoy every minute as a guest.”

Cohen adds, “Jodi has earned her reputation as ‘the best.’ She is the epitome of professionalism, style and good taste. Every venue and vendor adores her and with good reason. Her energy and creativity shows no bounds. She was with me from start to finish with no detail overlooked.”