Southern Weddings

We love introducing y’all to a new set of Blue Ribbon Vendors each month, because I just know any one of them would be a joy if you choose to work together! This time around, we’re introducing you to a few of them through their answers to some of our favorite BRV interview questions. Click through to their listings to find out more about them!

Name: Aaron Lane Entertainment
Where you call home: Lafayette, LA
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? The attitude of brides in the South can’t be beat. They know what they want, and they want their friends and families to experience that vision.

Name: Big Events Inc.
Where you call home: Nashville
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? Southern brides appreciate tradition, but love to try new twists on old ideas.

Name: Christine Zeiler, declare photography
Where you call home: Fort Worth, TX
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? I love that Southern weddings are meaningful celebrations where family and friends come together, where friends are the musicians, where grandmother’s veil is passed down, where couples write their own vows, and homemade pies often adorn the reception. It’s pretty special not only to document one of the most significant days in my couples’ lives, but to hear the stories behind the thoughtful details.

Name: James Bryan, Eventful Furniture
Where you call home: Wilmington, NC
How I got into weddings: We started out renting a few cool items as photo props and for trade show public spaces. We quickly realized the market and look of weddings was going through a huge transition and that no one offered modern, design-driven furniture.

Name: Rhiannon Bosse, Hey Gorgeous Events
Where you call home: Michigan (but she’s traveled all over the South for weddings!)
Favorite part of a wedding day? Arriving to the venue in the wee hours of the morning to a blank slate about to be completely transformed, handing over a bouquet of blooms that I spent hours working on to my sweet and excited bride, high-fiving my hard working staff when we send our bride off down the aisle so seamlessly, lighting that final candle before eager guests tumble into the tent, wrapping my couples up in sweaty, happy and totally tear-filled emotional hugs before they head off at the end of the evening into marital bliss – it’s all the best. Truly.

Name: Jacqui Cole
Where you call home: Tampa, FL
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? My favorite thing has to be the wonderful clients and Southern mums! Having grown up my whole life in London, there’s a certain charm to Southern weddings that makes me very nostalgic and reminds me of my home across the pond.

Name: Julie Flury, Jewel Hair Design
Where you call home: Virginia
Favorite Southern city? I need to travel to more so I can have a fave! Pick me for your wedding in a Southern city, and I will love every minute of the experience!

Name: Kati Mallory
Where you call home: Little Rock, Arkansas
Favorite part of a wedding day? I honestly adore the first look. During all the chaos of a wedding day, it’s a pause to remember what it’s all about. I love being able to see in the bride and groom’s eyes how excited they are that they are about to spend the rest of their lives together.

Name: Caitlin Bristow, Lettered Life
Where you call home: Charlotte, North Carolina
Favorite part of a wedding day? When the music builds, the doors swing open, and the bride steps out with her father. It such a captivating moment as the bride and groom see each other from down the aisle. My heart melts and my eyes tear up every time!

Name: Alyssa DiCicco, Liberty Party Rental
Where you call home: Nashville, TN
Favorite part of a wedding day? We love seeing the groom’s face the first time he sees his bride walking down the aisle. What a special moment! Also, since we work in the rental business, it’s fun to see what colors and styles brides bring into their weddings. Each wedding has a unique touch that really speaks to what the couple is like.

Check out all of our favorite vendors in the Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory! I also wanted to mention that we’re working particularly hard to expand some of our areas of slim pickings – namely, Kentucky, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and West Virginia. If you would like to recommend someone (or nominate yourself!) for any of these states, please email emily at southernweddings.com!

Written with love by Emily