Southern Wedding Professional's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jacob Deaton
Get to know the best in the southern wedding industry through a casual conversation! Hosted by Jacob Deaton, each week he features wedding planners, caterers, florists, venues and more!
-A few words from Hannah
Hey! I'm Hannah Guest, Owner | Lead Designer of Your Best Guest, LLC. We've been doing weddings + events since June of 2018. Before launching the business, I managed a wedding and event venue right outside of Athens, GA. In the years of managing the venue, I saw weddings and events through a unique lens, which has helped me cultivate the wonderful service we provide our clients.
The reason why I love this business (and my job) is simple - I truly care about our clients from start to finish. I care about every detail that is going to make your event flawless.
I also love being behind the scenes with my staff. During your event, you should get the credit, so we try to be in the "shadow" to make your event easy + stress-free.
I look forward to meeting you and helping you with your unique wedding or event!
The backstory on Felix and Fingers!
15 years ago, F&F started as a two-man outfit in the suburbs of Chicago. They shifted the focus of their dueling pianos act from clubs and bars, to high end private events, wedding and corporate. They saw an opportunity in the market to provide the energetic interactive experience of dueling pianos with an emphasis on organization, details and logistics, with the ability to customize the experience for the client. This resulted in us being the top reviewed Dueling Pianos company for weddings 8 straight years and counting. Now, we have expanded to 10 different cities, have hundreds of performers, and provide services nationwide.
Some high points on the wonderful Jake Ashley!
Started playing piano at age 5 at the insistence of my classical pianist grandmother. Did theater & musicals throughout high school and college. Moved to Chicago and pursued improv and stand up comedy. Worked a sequence of odd jobs as I pursued my craft- barista, segway tour guide, trivia host, private lessons, lyft driver, etc. Auditioned while in Chicago for Dueling Pianos. Got a 4 month contract to play aboard Holland America Line cruise ships. 3 shows a night, 6 nights a week in every conceivable genre honed my skills. When back on land I connected with F&F to learn how to be a sales rep/performer in the private events world. Once I proved myself, I was relocated to Nashville, TN to be in charge of our expanding business in Tennessee & Kentucky I married my wife in December 2019 and we moved to Nashville in January 2020 In spite of the pandemic, we have made countless connections within the Nashville events scene, and have a promising calendar of bookings for 2021 and 2022.
Its not often you get to meet a Venue Manager AND a stand alone lead wedding planner that does both AT THE SAME TIME.
But, this is why we love Sarah Rickman.
About Wingate Place:
Wingate Place (formerly known as Wingate Plantation) is an outdoor event venue located on Johns Island. We are located just minutes from the lovely Kiawah and Seabrook Islands and a short drive to the Charleston peninsula. Our venue is family owned and operated; and sits on 180 acres of stunning ponds and gorgeous ancient oak trees. Located on the property is a small farmhouse built in the 1930’s. Currently, this house now serves as our meeting space for brides and planners, but more importantly the bridal dressing suite. The house provides a place for our brides and her maids to spend their morning getting their hair and makeup done before the ceremony! In addition, we also have grooms quarters located on the side of our back pavilion. A place for them to hang out, dress, and patiently wait until they are needed for pictures or ceremony time.
About Anderson Events:
Samantha Anderson Events is a full-service wedding and event planning studio based in historic Charleston, South Carolina. Our events are characterized by timeless design, seamlessly orchestrated flow, and an exquisite attention to detail. Our mission, besides executing a flawless event, is to ensure that your wedding planning experience is just as celebratory as the big day itself.
In her own words!
Welcome to Peachy Keen!
I'm Courtney Guthrie, the Peachy Keen Lady, and I have been doing weddings for 15 years.. Planning weddings and events in Georgia is a way of life for me. Everything I know about planning events, I learned from my mother, Lisa West. She was the owner and founder of a wedding venue in Buford GA called, Simple Gatherings at Four Oaks Manor. I started Simple Gatherings at Four Oaks Manor with my mother, sister and brother, and worked with my family at Four Oaks for 6 years in total. My last year at Simple Gatherings I started Peachy Keen, as a way to branch out on my own and to have the ability to plan and design weddings outside of Four Oaks. Flash forward 9 years later and I couldn't be happier with all that I have achieved and continue to achieve. I love what I do and it is always a new experience every time. I specialize in turning clients dreams into reality. I'm a hands on wedding planner and I can customize creative options to accommodate your budget and make your day truly shine with a unique flair. My goal is to provide my clients with fun, stress free, and customized wedding planning. I love creating new visions with clients, watching ideas grow and eventually come to life. I love a challenge and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and bring any idea to life. Every couple is different and I make sure your wedding reflects your personal style. My passion for weddings will ensure that you have the perfect day to start a lifetime of memories. I'm looking forward to working with you and making memorable moments for you and your guests on your most special day!
The Story behind Charleston Wedding Studio
Simply put, Our Story is Your Story. The love between our clients is the force that drives us to go above & beyond. We pride ourselves on creating a unique wedding experience for you and your fiance. Our professional team of planners, support staff, decor specialists, and master floral designer will be by your side to execute a gorgeous memorable wedding. Our mission is to honor the trust you have placed in us with your wedding vision and bring it to life better than imagined. We thrive on the energy of happy grateful clients.
Our History..
Started by Beth LeonGuerrero in 2007, Charleston Wedding Studio was formerly known as WildFlowers Inc. We started as a small home-based business that was fueled by word of mouth referrals by happy clients. The continued demand led to expansion of WildFlowers Inc. to incorporate wedding planning, wedding design and many decor services in addition to flowers. This evolved into Charleston Wedding Studio where our staff is like family and they truly care about you and your wedding. Everyone is close, works extraordinarily hard but has a good time in the process to execute your special day.
About Harts and Petals!
We are an Atlanta, GA, based group of Designers (Florals, Events and otherwise). We are each obsessed with beautiful design, music, dogs, family, wine, IPAs, high fives and excitement from our craft! (Whew! That was a mouthful) We love making our clients as happy as they can handle. Your day, whether it is your gorgeous wedding or a simple celebration of life, is our main focus!
We consider ourselves a boutique design company since we personally handle each and every event, which means we can only book a limited number of events each year. We want to make sure your day is given our absolute most attention. So, please get in contact with us below. Can't wait to meet you!
About Anita
I have been planning events my entire adult life. I grew up in Atlanta, and first started organizing events and dances for my high school in Conyers, GA. My hobby expanded into planning get-togethers for my parents, and eventually I became the unofficial party and trip planner for all of my family members and friends.
After graduating from Georgia State University with a degree in Finance and Management, I worked at the Georgia State Capitol for State Representative Sharon Cooper for a year. And while I realized that politics wasn't for me, I became an expert in managing and executing campaign events, and so I moved on to join a small firm that managed membership associations as the Director of Meetings & Events. There I spent the next decade organizing events around the southeast for groups of all sizes and in all varieties of venue, before branching off on my own to found Amina Events in 2018.
When I'm not working, I love traveling, playing tennis, watching the Atlanta Falcons, and exploring my O4W neighborhood.
About Amina Events
Creating stress-free experiences
I have a passion for organizing and executing seamless events that people can participate in and truly enjoy, and this passion inspired me to start Amina Events in the fall of 2018.
Planning an event, whether big or small, can be stressful and often overwhelming, especially if it's not something you're used to. Amina Events takes care of everything—we work to execute your vision while ensuring that as a host you are worry-free, and able to sit back, relax, and enjoy your event.
Amina Events does it all
Whether you have a four hundred-guest wedding or an intimate celebration for four, a continuing education program for professionals or a grand holiday gala, a birthday party or a baby shower--we will make your event one to remember. Contact me today and let's discuss how Amina Events can take your event to the next level.
WELCOME TO THE BRICKYARD Historic and hip at the same time, The Brickyard is the ideal spot for parties, weddings, receptions, corporate functions or any other formal or informal gathering.
Boasting an expansive open floor space in downtown Marietta, The Brickyard was originally constructed in 1920 and features barreled wooden ceilings and original brickwork. In the heart of Historic Marietta, yet convenient to Metro Atlanta, The Brickyard offers an exciting location for your most memorable events.
Meet your next two best friends – Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, along with their fabulous big band!
All across America and around the world, audiences have fallen in love with these two sophisticated Southern gentlemen and the high-energy show featuring the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Along with the greatest songs, the best original arrangements and phenomenal musicianship, these two bring their rich camaraderie and charm to the stage. Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers like Frank and Dean and Sammy, Davis & Johnson are making their own revisions to the Great American songbook. This recipe for 100% audience approval includes the favorite melodies from recent history–a dash of Motown, a shot of Country, some folk and rock sprinkled on top–and the stories behind them, serving up a musical banquet that feeds every soul.
Jeremy Davis
Louisiana native, husband and father of three, Jeremy Davis, relocated his family and the band he founded, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, to Savannah, Georgia on the very day of Hurricane Katrina. As a bandleader and saxophonist, Jeremy has led his band across North America and around the world. With his Equinox Entertainment team, he curates live entertainment for more than a dozen venues across the Southeast. With a background in business management and entrepreneurship, Jeremy fervently curates musical arrangements with as diverse musical styles as Gospel to Great American songbook, Texas swing to Broadway, making The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra a big band show unlike any other. Jeremy’s focus is on leading a family of world-class musicians and running the business operations. Jeremy is also passionate about educating the next generation of musicians, specifically in areas of the music business. Equinox’s ENTERTAIN, CONNECT AND SERVE musical mission outreach is what Jeremy is most enthusiastic about. He and his family attend Hope Bible Church in Savannah, Georgia where Jeremy serves in various roles.
Clay Johnson
Raised in a family of preachers, teachers and Folk/Southern Gospel singers, Clay was born to inspire and entertain. His passion for music performance has developed since childhood over thousands of concerts, musicals and shows on stages from L.A. to NYC, whether playing trombone at nearby elementary schools, crooning for assisted living facilities, or singing at festivals, arenas, or sold-out theaters. At the same time, his love for the gospel has taken him all around the U.S. and the world to work with churches and communities as a minister and missionary (i.e. Ukraine, India, Poland, Ethiopia, and Israel). He hosts a weekly Facebook Live show and podcast called “Parking Lot Pastor,” and he is currently pursuing a Master of Theological Studies degree from Shepherds Theological Seminary. Clay and his wife find the greatest joy raising their children to follow the greatest commands — love God and love others.
The Westside Warehouse is located in the heart of Atlanta’s west-midtown creative district – one of the most up-and-coming locations in the city. Our converted warehouse boasts soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed iron beams and epoxy concrete floors. The industrial aesthetic is softened by handcrafted rustic details and antique French doors. Elegant and unique lighting fixtures add a pop of quirky personality that is unique to our space. With 6,400 square feet of interior space, and an additional 800 square feet of intimate covered patio, The Westside Warehouse is the perfect setting for your next social or corporate event.
Megan is our CEO. She graduated from Kennesaw State University in 2016 with a BA in Dance and got married to the love of her life six months later! She lives in Lilburn with her husband and two dogs. While working at a popular North Georgia Wedding Venue for two years along with helping all our Marmaros Couples, Megan planned and executed over 100 weddings. She still works part-time at her childhood dance studio as a Technical & Marketing Manager, as well as teaches. Weddings are her favorite way to spend her weekends!
Lauren has been at Park Tavern since graduating from UGA (many years ago!). She started as a Sales Associate and moved into the Director of Sales role three year later. After planning thousands of weddings and events, Lauren has a meticulous eye for detail and understanding of logistics. During even the busiest and most chaotic moments of an event day, Lauren prides herself on providing a sense of calmness.
Favorite Part of the Wedding Day: I love the First Look and the First Look between the Bride and her father. These are two moments that aren’t seen by the whole crowd and you get to see the genuine excitement and surprise in the groom’s and dad’s eyes when they see their gorgeous girl!
Other Favorites: Her two babies Thomas and Blair, Workouts at Pure Barre, Ice Cream, Park Tavern’s Good Afternoon cocktail.
Built in 1928, the Piedmont Room was first the home of the clubhouse for the golf course that resided within Piedmont Park. Now, it hosts some of Atlanta’s most memorable occasions. The original Stone Mountain granite walls and ivy-covered windows remain in the foyer while the main room features a modern feel with soaring windows, dark bamboo hardwoods and 15+’ ceilings.
Rental of the venue includes ivory table linens, gold chavari chairs with ivory cushions, votive candles, up-lighting, and complimentary self-parking for event guests. The Piedmont Room is ideal for parties of 50-200+ guests.
The Angsten couple spent 12 years compiling folders and notebooks full to the brim with magazine clippings, images, hand-drawn sketches, and pages and pages of wildly scrawled notes– details of their clear-as-day vision for an outdoor wedding venue and cottage. “We knew Oakleaf was the place the moment we came up the drive,” they mused. “But it looked nothing like anything in our folders. It was better than that.” The Angstens wasted no time rolling up their sleeves, and got right to work transforming the cottage and surrounding spaces bit by bit. After renovating the cottage, they set to work updating the barn, and they’ve hardly stopped to breathe since. This hardworking couple has done most of the work on Oakleaf with their own hands– innumerable shovelfuls of dirt and rock, late nights and countless details, and sweet moments together actively making their dreams a reality one project at a time. They often joke about the Oakleaf Fitness Program, as this undertaking has been physically demanding, to say the least. “Our mountainous terrain offers unspeakable beauty, and also challenges,” Cris said. “It’s hard work, but we like hard work. We’ve had to learn how to best work with this mountain site, while keeping that small private feeling– a venue that feels like a haven, with fabulous spaces for any kind of party.” Cris and Dave share a passion for building and designing spaces together, and the progression of the Oakleaf property has truly been a labor of love. Whether their hands are in the dirt or wielding power tools, their heads are always buzzing with dreams of creating– and Oakleaf Cottage is a remarkable creation they want to share. Everyone is welcome at Oakleaf, and she waits on her rocky, wooded mountainside to greet you when you arrive.
Meet Matt Mitchell, Owner and Lead Planner of Mitchell Event Planning. Matt is a native Alabamian and graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelors of Science in Commerce and Business Administration. He holds his Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) designation through The Bridal Society and The Association of Bridal Consultants. He has went through even more extensive training, and also holds the designation of Master Certificed Wedding Planner (MCWP) through The Bridal Society. Matt created Mitchell Event Planning, not only to provide professional assistance to Atlanta couples, but also to embrace inclusion and deliver the best customer service around.
Matt has been featured in Voyage Atlanta Magazine, as well as, Expert Profiles Atlanta. His featured interview has been reported on all major media/news outlets and even hit 3 Bestseller lists on Amazon. Matt is also the author of an upcoming book on wedding planning.
Lauren is passionate about the beauty of true love and showing that special love in weddings. As the creator and partner of numerous events-based and bridal initiatives, Lauren has been planning weddings since 2009 and is the founder of brands GetWedForLess.comⓇ (a resource site for affordable weddings) and Atlanta Wedding and Event Professionals (an events industry production and networking organization) and the creator of The WeddinatorⓇ mobile wedding planning app.
In her personal time, Lauren enjoys doing ministry at her local church and doing physical training. Her most fulfilling roles are that of wife to her best friend and business partner Terrence and mother to three inspiring, brilliant children. Lauren’s work has been featured in Essence, The Budget Savvy Bride, BlackBride.com, Modern Luxury Weddings, The Daily Herald, Washington Informer, The Baltimore Times, We Rise and Shine, techsytalk, and other respected media platforms.
WE ARE A FAMILY-OWNED WEDDING VENUE LOCATED IN STATESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA. The farm has been around since 1939 and features a fully restored barn designed for weddings and events. Through the stained glass windows original to 1870’s England, you can see the rolling hills of the farm and the picturesque pond on property.
WE PROVIDE THE CHARM OF A RUSTIC BARN WEDDING WITH ALL THE MODERN DAY AMENITIES YOU COULD NEED. -Neil Goodman, Owner
Sarah Morrison is the owner and lead photographer for Sara Grace Photography. Sarah has over 16 years of experience photographing weddings, portraits and events.
In her own words...
I am passionate for my community as an army wife and mother. Serving others is one of the cornerstones of my business. The Sara Grace team was the lead/ feature photographer for the CBS Triumph Games at West Point serving our wounded warriors. We have won Best of Weddings with the Knot 2018-2020. Light is what inspires me and Love is what moves me. To capture both is the joy of my life. More than anything, I want to tell your love story. I want to have fun and create peaceful moments so you can be present. Please trust me to capture the magic of your life we will have an adventure you won't forget!
Instagram: @saragracephoto
Website: www.saragracephotography.com
In her own words...
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC but have deep roots in the Lowcountry. Charleston was always a primary vacation destination for my family and so my love affair with this city started from childhood. The history, focus on hospitality and gentility of Charleston always spoke to my soul, so after graduating from Elon University with a degree in Corporate Communications, I decided to put down roots in the city I love.
As co-founder of Sweetgrass Social, my passion for wedding planning is echoed throughout the elegant and dramatic design details I contribute to each event. While I honor tradition and love a classic design, I also love to add a touch of glamour to all my events and inject them with my client’s personal style. I always love new friends and can’t wait to meet you to help plan your big day!
Madison Moseley Events was born in 2013 after I planned a wedding during my sophomore year of college. Somewhere between the phone calls to florists, the cake tastings and the hundreds of hours spent huddled over my computer at 2am- I fell in love.
My passion for weddings started when I was twelve and began doodling wedding dresses in the corners of my schoolwork and only intensified when I met my now husband, Preston, when I was thirteen. We, well I, daydreamed about and planned our future wedding over Sonic hotdogs and by the time I was a freshman in college it was planned from “I do” to “we did”.
I am an avid organizer, a firm believer in the color wheel and have a bachelor’s degree in marketing. My name is Madison Moseley, and I want to create the wedding of your dreams.
These two wonderful humans were such a joy to talk to. The joy in meeting new people never ends for me, and these two were definitely special. A lot of laughs and a lot of fun all around. You'll enjoy this!...
Martine Beher
We can start with the basics, I guess. I am happily married for 17 years to my high school sweetheart, and a mother of three, and fur mom to two cats (one sweet, one grumpy) and two dogs (one sneaky escape artist and one large stinky loud chocolate lab who eats EVERYTHING). I have a 13 year old, sassy girl, a gaming obsessed 10 year old boy and a rambunctious 7 year old boy. I’m not just a mom, though. I’m a lover of the arts and the outdoors, I love to lift weights and run along the trails in the park, a fan of good food, an animal person, and an accomplished photographer.So to explain how I worked my way to the place I am in in my life, it actually starts with my mom. My mom loved photography, but with a family of 5 children, she really didn’t have much time to delve into it more than she did. What my mom did do was pass on a love of taking pictures down to me. Before I could get my hands on a camera, I used to try to draw the things that I found interesting and beautiful. But I wasn’t the artist that my sister is. So when I was 14, I asked for a SLR for my birthday (this is back before the days of digital and even cell phones and I can’t tell how old that makes me feel, lol). My parents of course obliged my request with a Canon Rebel G and thus begun my love affair with capturing everything around me and my Canon cameras.I started out working on the yearbook staff, took a photography class or two, went to college and started out with a degree in Arts Sciences, BUT I quickly discovered how hard it is to make it in this business. So, since I was marrying the love of my life and moving into our first house, I decided to go for something more practical, a business degree. I fell into being a paralegal working at law firms, and then had my first child, my amazing daughter. When I started taking pictures of her and sharing them on social media, it wasn’t long before my friends were asking me to take pictures of their children and so on and so forth. And thus began my business of taking pictures. It’s a deep rooted love of the art. And I love sharing it with others. I love shooting people and seeing those connections in images. That little glimpse of their own story.My style was truly inspired by one of my favorite movies, Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightly. The cinematography, the romantic affair with light, and the way it’s used throughout the film sent me on my own journey to “find the light”. Photography, the art of photography, working with families, working weddings; it’s always fun for me, trying to get just the right angle, in just the right light, with just the right settings, and waiting for THAT moment. And you can bet, I’ll do what it takes to get the best possible images I can for you. I crack jokes, make faces at you, laying on the floor, and do my best to make you feel comfortable so I get the real person. I am honored to be chosen on whatever wedding, session or project I am working on. I know that there is a wealth of talent and it means a lot to me to share my talent. I want to put my best out there and provide you with treasure memories that you will keep with you for your entire life.
VANIA STOYANOVA
I love stories. I have loved stories since I was a child—and not just the ones in books. My favorite stories were the ones my grandfather told us, as he thumbed through old family photo albums. About me. I fell in love with photography as a child from first time my father took black and white photos of us with his 35mm camera to the summers I spent wasting rolls of film with my point-and-shoot. I decided to major in fine arts photography in college, and I have shot everything from weddings and families to author photos, events and book covers for New York Times bestselling authors. Some of my fashion has been published but that only means that I like to get creative and think outside the box. I have a major sweet tooth I have no hopes of ever getting under control because I love wedding cakes too much. I am Bulgarian by blood, energizer bunny by night, and dream of traveling the world both for pleasure and for your weddings and events. Whether you have an intimate gathering, an adventurous elopement or a large affair, I am your girl. I am passionate about capturing lasting moments but also taking the time to create images that you’ll want to hang on your walls and treasure forever. I am a romantic an an adventurer and I love nothing more than the chance to create with you!
Meet Katie Davis...in her own words!
My roots are in east tennessee with my amazing husband and puppy - chase & beau. i'm a fitness fanatic, coffee junkie, and lover of adventure. the last 2 years i have been shooting life's moments through a lens. i started out capturing sports, then family events/ friends then on to capturing the candid love of two people. i love capturing the raw emotion and energy of couples. i am definitely a hopeless romantic and love bringing my bright, exciting energy out when shooting for adventurous souls! i love photography because it freezes a special memory and it lasts for a lifetime!
https://katiedaisyphotography.com
@katiedaisyphotography
Since 1994, Regina's parents had a family owned business. Her parents owned and operated a uniform and linen factory that is still in operation today. In 2001, they opened a linen rental business in downtown Chamblee that serviced the most prestigious clients in the Atlanta area. From Turner Field to Bacchanalia they learned the ins and outs of being hospitable to the hospitality industry. In 2016, they sold the business, and in 2017 they renamed the space to Factory Atlanta. Regina and her staff want to work with people who have a vision for their project, their big day, or their milestone event.
Starting her career in the Marketing & Design industry, Chelsye soon realized how much she loved the creative world. From planning corporate and fundraiser events to designing her first wedding in 2007, there was no turning back. Intrigue was established the following year. In fact, when asked what she loves most about the event industry, she says...“It’s one of the greatest feelings to be a part of an event that will ultimately change someone's life. Having an opportunity to plan and design an event for hundreds is incredible. It’s that moment when you see them experience what you have helped to create that you know you have made their vision a reality. We love to make dreams come true.”
Vines Mansion is an idyllic setting for any event that needs to evoke whimsy, fantasy, and the serene calm of nature.
Set within 25 sprawling acres of greenery, east of Atlanta, the gardens are scattered with Grecian statues, beautiful fountains, and quiet ponds. Through the trees run numerous streams that lead to the enchanting Swan Lake.
Throughout the gardens, there are annuals and perennials that bloom year-round as well as a rose garden, so at any time of the year, the gardens provide a tranquil backdrop and pastoral retreat into nature.
Nestled within the gardens and arboretum sits a beautiful Manor House that serves as the perfect venue for any occasion.
The Vines Mansion was a private estate until 1990, when Charles and Myrna Adams converted their estate into a public garden for the Lawrenceville, Snellville area. After years of being public through the Vines Botanical Gardens Foundation, the estate was converted into the unique private event venue it is today.
With its stately columns and grand entrance, Vines Mansion makes a statement and provides a majestic atmosphere within the tranquility of the nature that surrounds it.
Haley Kelly takes a thoughtful approach to every event, ensuring each is artistically inspired, impeccably organized and infused with personal touches. Awe-inspiring installations and reveals become unforgettable moments, while even the smallest details support an event’s exceptionally crafted concept. Years of experience across the industry give Haley a unique edge on event logistics and seamless preparation.
Over the years, Haley always found a reason to have a party. “In my family we celebrate everything – birthdays, half-birthdays, Kentucky Derby – people know us for being the home that is always welcoming and hosting.” Today she and her husband make any excuse to have a dinner party, oyster roast or a night out at a new hot spot, whether it’s celebrating friends’ promotions, welcoming new neighbors or planning their two young children’s birthdays. It’s that determined sense of celebration and togetherness that drives Haley’s love of creating a perfect experience that won’t be forgotten.
Khloe founded Wildflower Wedding Planning in 2017 after falling in love with the event industry as a Venue Manager at a local venue in Chattanooga, TN! Anyone she meets will tell you she possesses a true passion for helping people with such an important day in their lives. Her most satisfying moments in her career are the deep breath her clients are able to take after trusting her with their wedding day. In addition to her passion for weddings, she is a natural born leader and talented businesswoman. She graduated from the University Of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a degree in Business Administration where she concentrated her studies in Finance & Investments. With now six years of experience, she holds a vast amount of knowledge of the wedding industry and she utilizes her skills and resources to train other wedding planners how to organize successful, fun wedding days for their clients. As the industry evolves, her role in the company has been to stay on top of current trends by continuing to create solutions that service couples planning a wedding! When Khloe isn’t planning weddings or growing the business, you are lucky to find her sitting still! She is always on the go chipping away at her travel bucket list, trying out new restaurants, or on her way to a hot yoga class.
SHOW LESS
Laura Maddox has over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality industry. She earned a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism management from the University of South Carolina and is also a Certified Wedding Planner. Through the years she has worked in all aspects of the industry; for private clubs, hotels, restaurants in and around Atlanta, as well as a number of private employers.
Prior to joining Magnolia Events & Planning full time, she served as an Executive Assistant to a prominent CEO in downtown Atlanta. She often jests that the demands of this position prepared her most for what she does today. Laura started moonlighting with the firm in 2009 and quickly became a leader in the local event community. She has directed numerous high profile events with tremendous success while building an even more powerful reputation, which led her to becoming a partner in Magnolia Events & Planning in 2011.
Laura resides in Roswell with her husband, two kids, and two dogs – she is always ready with some pictures if you ask! When she’s not planning fabulous events around the city you can find her practicing her culinary talents, training for her next half marathon or bike race, contributing to her church or spending time with her large extended family.
Energetic, Charismatic, Endlessly Creative and Original… that is how you will describe every Ivy Robinson Event! Ivy has built a nationally respected reputation based her network of talented professionals, cutting-edge style and convention-crushing design skill set. Ivy's work has been featured in national and regional publications including The Knot National & BRIDES magazine along with Martha Stewart Weddings, Carolina Bride and Charlotte Weddings. Ivy has also appeared on Style Network, CW Network and local CBS, NBC & FOX affiliates. “A new passion is born with each of my clients. Their fashion sense, their culinary choices, their worldliness, what simply makes them laugh – all of these things combined assist me in making decisions about their event and in turn will ensure a truly personal expression of who they really are."
Kate calls Chattanooga TN her home with her pug, Glitzy. With years in the planning industry, Kate realized that her passion is executing creative ideas into tangible and special memories for others. Whether it's a large scale weddings, or more-every detail matters.
When Kate is not planning an event, she is hanging out with her friends and family, watching Tennessee football or spending time at her alma mater, Sewanee. A world traveler, Kate loves immersing herself into different cultures and meeting new people. She believes anything is possible with copious amounts of coffee!
Kelly Parada is a true wizard of wedding and corporate event planning.
She's a detail-oriented, travel loving wife and mama. She's a little California casual and a lot of Southern charm....and she loves making wedding dreams come true for all of her clients!
We're all about the South.
We're all about Weddings!
If you like both of these things you're going to LOVE Southern Wedding Professionals. In a casual conversation, get to know the best in the industry across the South...from Venues, Wedding Planners, Caterers, Florists and more!
Subscribe to the podcast and become a part of the fun!
Additional Questions? Email us at southernweddingprofessionals@gmail.com!