Hiring wedding vendors can be such an intimidating process–after all, you’re choosing people you don’t know to do jobs you may not know much about for a once-in-a-lifetime event. Who wouldn’t be at least a little nervous? It’s no surprise, then, that there’s nothing like a word of mouth recommendation to give a bride some peace of mind. Every single member of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory has been personally vetted by the SW team, so when you browse through the listings, you can rest assured knowing that we truly believe each and every member will take great care of you and do amazing work! Today, I’d love to introduce you to a few recent additions:
Name: Andrea Layne Floral Design
Category: Floral Design
Where you call home: Tampa, FL
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? The trees! I love that Southern brides enjoy having their weddings outdoors to take advantage of the beautiful landscapes we have in the South.
Name: Cakes by Chloe
Category: Cakes and Sweets
Where you call home: North Carolina
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Enjoy the planning process leading up to the wedding, and then take time to enjoy the entire day itself–look around and take it all in. Even if something that wasn’t planned happens, embrace it as part of the experience, and be thrilled that the people who love you are there to celebrate this day with you.
Name: Emily Ann Hughes Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: I currently live in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, but in 2017, my new home will be Charleston, South Carolina!
How I got into weddings: I grew up painting with acrylic paints. My favorite thing about painting is defining and capturing the light with a mixture of colors. In college, I took a photography class and fell in love with this same concept, only with the camera. One thing led to another, I shadowed a local wedding photographer, and I fell in love with the combination of creativity and working closely with people. The rest is history.
Name: Hannah Lane Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Charleston, SC
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? Oak trees dripping with moss and sweet tea served at every wedding!
Name: Henry Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Centerburg, Ohio
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? That no matter the trend, there is always a classic elegance to a wedding in the South. I also love that drinking sweet tea in a mason jar while wearing a custom made Vera Wang is totally okay, and encouraged, on a warm day!
Name: Jake + Heather
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Raleigh, NC
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Slow down, breathe, and soak it all in as many times as possible throughout the day.
Name: Laurie Louis
Category: Invitations and Paper Goods
Where you call home: Indian Land, SC
Favorite part of a wedding day? Watching the groom’s face when the bride walks down the aisle and the fun reception after the ceremony.
Name: Rachel Kathryn Designs
Category: Invitations and Paper Goods
Where you call home: Edmond, Oklahoma
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Never make the wedding more important than the marriage. Although I love all things lovely and romantic about weddings, nurturing your relationship is the most important part of your engagement. No detail of the wedding planning process is more important than loving your future spouse and continuing to get to know each other. Marriage is so lovely, but can be hard sometimes too. Use your engagement season to talk about the hard stuff, ask questions, dive deeper, and prepare for forever. Don’t spend all your time preparing and planning for the wedding day. Let me do that part :)
Name: Love Be Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Birmingham, AL
Favorite part of a wedding day? When the bride and groom are announced for the first time at the end of the ceremony, and when the bride and her father are about to walk down the aisle!
Name: Teighla Norris Hair and Makeup
Category: Beauty
Where you call home: Burlington, NC
How I got into weddings: Being a daughter of a hair stylist, I practically grew up in a hair salon, so I have always had a passion for hair and makeup. I realized six years ago that God truly blessed me with a talent and that I should make it a career and use it to bless others–I love making women look and feel good about themselves, especially on their big day!
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