When you work for a wedding magazine, family and friends often come out of the woodwork when they get engaged to ask for planning tips and vendor recommendations. It’s one of my favorite things about my job! That said, while I pride myself in my knowledge of wedding vendors across the South, I turn to our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory time and time again to check out specific locations or services that I may not recall off the top of my head. When you head to the BRV, rest assured knowing that these are the exact same folks the SW gals would personally recommend if we met up over coffee to celebrate your engagement! Here are a few recent additions that we’d love for you to get to know:
Name: Be Light Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Birmingham, AL
Favorite Southern city? Charleston, South Carolina. There is nothing dreamier than whimsical rows of window boxes and colorful architecture. Charleston embodies Southern hospitality and you just can’t help but feel happy walking its streets. We would definitely live there in a heartbeat.
Name: Belles Fleurs Designs
Category: Floral Design
Where you call home: Franklin, TN
How I got into weddings: Flowers have been my passion for many years. I worked in retail floral design and knew I wanted to pursue my own business in wedding floral and event design someday. Once my children were old enough to move out of the house, I decided to take the leap, and started Belles Fleurs Designs shortly afterward.
Name: Dillon Photo
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Jupiter, FL
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? The amazing backdrops, like wide blue oceans and moss-covered oak trees! But also, the warm smiles, open hearts, and true love I witness among my couples.
Name: Exchange Vintage Rentals
Category: Rentals
Where you call home: Cullmann, AL
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Soak in every moment. Leave the details to your wedding team and enjoy your most beautiful day!
2015 Handspun Highlights from Handspun Cinema on Vimeo.
Name: Handspun Cinema
Category: Videography
Where you call home: Richmond, VA
Favorite part of a wedding day? Can we say every part?? If I had to choose, I would say that the post-ceremony time for the bride and groom can’t be beat–there is so much joy shared between the brand new husband and wife, and it is magical to witness. Josh’s favorite part? The grand exit. Though our part of their journey is coming to a close, their journey is just beginning–and it’s usually a very sparkling start.
Name: Leslie Alford-Mims House
Category: Venue
Where you call home: Holly Springs, NC
Best piece of advice you can give to brides and grooms? Stay focused on what the day is about. Something is bound to go wrong or not according to plan. Stay calm and hooked into one another and the meaning behind the vows you are making. You’ll be more relaxed and enjoy the day to the fullest.
Name: Lindsay Bishop Events
Category: Event Planning and Design
Where you call home: Charleston, SC
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? Southern hospitality! I love helping brides be the Hostess with the Mostest, making sure that all of their guests feel well taken care of and valued. The food is a close second. Southern weddings always have the most delicious food!
Name: LowCountry Catering
Category: Catering
Where you call home: Atlanta, GA
Favorite part of a wedding day? Right after the bride goes down the aisle. I love seeing the look on the groom’s face, and the sweet moment between the bride, groom, and father of the bride.
Name: Montage Palmetto Bluff
Category: Venue
Where you call home: Bluffton, SC
Early bird or night owl? Early bird–the sunrises at Palmetto Bluff are some of the most spectacular in the world.
Name: Stephanie Brazzle Photography
Category: Photography
Where you call home: Dallas, TX
Favorite thing about weddings in the South? I would say Southern weddings are extra sweet in every way. The beautiful backdrops, the Southern mom who is always so sweet and polite, the big bridal parties, and my gosh, the food!
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