VMP Covergirl - Adrianna Diethorn
This week’s VMP Renaissance Covergirl is……Adrianna Deithorn!🎉
Adrianna is an award-winning event planner who believes deeply in creating beautiful experiences that bring people together and leave a lasting impact.
She marked her 50th birthday with a session that celebrated both her personal journey and her professional mission to help others mark life’s most meaningful moments.
As the recipient of the 2024 Brave Women Project’s Evolve Award, Adrianna is known for her unwavering strength, her focus on connection, and her commitment to supporting causes like Face2Face Healing (our 50over50 event beneficiary).
👉 Her approach to turning 50? Confidence, clarity, and an unshakable belief in making every chapter count. 🌟
Here’s what she had to say about this time in her life…
💎 Did you have any older female role models when you were younger?
My biggest role model growing up was my mom. She is the definition of strength, resilience, and unconditional love. Watching her navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination taught me so much about perseverance and the power of believing in yourself.
One of the greatest lessons she instilled in me was the importance of showing up for others—whether through kindness, support, or simply being present. That advice has shaped the way I approach both my personal and professional life.
Her unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to chase my dreams, take risks, and lift others up along the way. I carry her wisdom with me every day, and it continues to inspire me to be the best version of myself.
💎 How did you mark turning 50? How did that feel to you?
Turning 50 was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It felt like a milestone that honored the experiences, challenges, and accomplishments that have shaped me into the person I am today. Rather than focusing on age, I embraced it as a testament to resilience, growth, and the incredible relationships I’ve built along the way. It was a time to appreciate how far I’ve come, look forward to new adventures, and continue living with purpose, passion, and joy.
💎 What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to trust the journey, even when things don’t go as planned. Every challenge, setback, and unexpected turn is shaping you into the person you are meant to become. Believe in yourself more, take risks, and don’t be afraid to fail because growth comes from those moments. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, and never underestimate the power of kindness and hard work. Most importantly, enjoy the present, life moves fast, and the little moments often turn out to be the most meaningful.
💎 Do you feel like you've changed since you've turned 50?
Turning 50 has given me a deeper sense of confidence, clarity, and appreciation for life. I’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters, meaningful relationships, personal fulfillment, and living with intention. I’m more comfortable setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and focusing on living rather than just existing. While I’ve always been driven, I now embrace balance and give myself grace in ways I didn’t before. It’s a stage of life where I feel both empowered and at peace, ready to embrace the years ahead with wisdom, gratitude, and excitement.
💎 What positives have come from being over 50?
As I mentioned in the last answer, being over 50 has brought a sense of confidence, freedom, and clarity that I never fully appreciated in my younger years. I’ve learned to let go of unnecessary stress, situations, and people, focus on what truly matters, and embrace life with a deeper sense of gratitude. I no longer feel the need to prove myself to anyone, I know my worth, trust my instincts, and make decisions based on what brings me joy and fulfillment. Relationships have become more meaningful, self-care has become a priority, and I’ve gained the wisdom to navigate challenges with grace. Most importantly, I feel more empowered than ever to live life on my own terms, embracing each day with purpose and passion.
💎 Do you have any goals or projects you're working on? What dreams do you have for the future?
I’m always working on new projects that fuel my passion and purpose. Right now, I’m deeply involved in growing my wedding and event planning business, Wish, Hope, Dreams, Inc., and expanding opportunities to create unforgettable experiences for my couples. I’m also working on supporting fundraising initiatives for The Brave Women Project & Toys for Pittsburgh Tikes, both of which are incredibly meaningful to me.
As for the future, I dream of continuing to make a lasting impact, whether through my business, philanthropy, or mentoring others. I want to help more people celebrate life’s most beautiful moments while also empowering women to reach their full potential. Personally, I hope to find more balance, travel to new places, and embrace every opportunity for growth and adventure.
💎 What is your best advice for other women who are coming up on turning 50? What do you 'know' now?
My best advice for women approaching 50 is to embrace this stage of life with confidence and excitement rather than fear. Turning 50 isn’t an ending, it’s a powerful new chapter where you get to fully step into who you are, without the pressures of who you “should” be. I’ve learned that self-care isn’t selfish, boundaries are necessary, and saying no can be just as empowering as saying yes. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, invest in what brings you joy, and stop worrying about what others think, because it doesn't matter anyway. Most importantly, trust that you are stronger, wiser, and more capable than ever, life doesn’t slow down at 50, it becomes even more meaningful.
💎 What do you most want people to remember about you?
I would love for people to see me as kind, strong, and deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. I want to be remembered as someone who showed up, with unwavering support, encouragement, and love. This includes my family, friends, clients, and the causes that matter to me. Whether it’s through my work in wedding planning, philanthropy, or mentorship, I hope people see me as someone who truly cared, who went above and beyond to help others, and who made every effort to bring joy into the world.
More than anything, I want people to remember how I made them feel, valued, supported, and inspired. I hope my legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and resilience, and that the impact I’ve had continues to live on in the people I’ve touched along the way.
💎 Why are beautiful photos important to you right now?
Beautiful photos are important to me right now because they capture moments, emotions, and memories that I want to cherish forever. Life moves so quickly, and photos allow me to freeze time, preserving the love, joy, and accomplishments that define this stage of my journey. Whether it’s special events, milestones, or everyday moments with the people I care about, these images become a lasting reminder of the experiences that shape me.
Additionally, as someone who works in the wedding industry, I understand the power of storytelling through photography. A beautiful photo isn’t just an image, it’s a feeling, a legacy, and a way to relive the emotions of a moment long after it has passed. Right now, more than ever, I want to document the beauty of life, love, and the incredible people around me, ensuring these memories are never forgotten.
💎 Have you ever been professionally photographed before?
Yes, I have been professionally photographed many times, and each experience has been unique and meaningful. At first, it felt a little outside my comfort zone, but over time, I’ve come to appreciate the process and the confidence it brings. A great photographer knows how to capture not just an image, but a feeling, a moment of joy, strength, or accomplishment that tells a story.
These sessions have allowed me to see myself in a different light, whether it’s for professional branding, celebrating a milestone, or simply creating beautiful memories. I’ve learned that being in front of the camera isn’t just about looking good, it’s about embracing who you are, feeling empowered, and preserving moments that matter.
Congratulations Adrianna! It’s an honor to help you celebrate YOU, your strength and your journey! 🎉
If you’re ready to be elevated and celebrated in your own 50over50 experience, let’s make it happen. This is your time to be seen, valued, and celebrated - beautifully and unapologetically. You can see more information here: 50over50 Project. Join us!
