Well, with eighty days left until the big day, I can officially say I’ve locked down 95% of my wedding vendors. I literally never thought those words would ever leave my mouth. I thought I’d write a full blog post about all of them incase any of you other brides-to-be need any ideas/recommendations. I’ll add the other vendors on this blog post as I lock them in!
My biggest piece of advice to all my engaged girls, book the big vendors first! Most importantly number one, venue. You can’t book anyone else without a date, and you need a venue for the date. These vendors I found booked out the furthest: venue, wedding planner, photographer, videographer, DJ, officiant (if it’s not a friend), florist, and food.
I’ve been using The Knot app to make my registry, find vendors and keep track of my guest list.
I’d say the hardest vendor for me to nail down personally was the officiant! I didn’t realize how personal and important it would be to me. (Shoutout to my Uncle Steve for being the perfect fit!)
Without further ado, here are my vendors:
Starting off with my venue. My venue is Allenbrooke Farms. I knew the first time I saw it that I wanted to get married there. It’s a perfect combination of middle-of-nowhere country and glam. It really feels like a part of my hometown, which I really wanted. The great thing about Allenbrooke Farms is that they have all sorts of rentals you can add on to your contract, which means less outsourcing for tables, table settings, tablecloths etc. They even have a Photo Booth add-on in the reception room, as well as a fireworks option. My favorite part about this venue is that the ceremony lawn is right next to the reception, so my guests don’t have to travel from the ceremony to the reception. Everyone on the Allenbrooke team is quick to respond and a dream to work with.
Next, my wedding planner. Literally, my wedding planner, Emily at As We Gather, deserves seven bottles of champagne. She’s been the sweetest most understanding person I’ve counted on my entire wedding planning, and re-planning process. Our calls are some of my favorite because she’s so in-the-know, but also the most reassuring and kind-hearted. I truly don’t know what I’d do without her. If you’re looking for a planner who feels like your best friend but never misses a beat, look no further.
My photographer, Laura Moll; I still cannot believe I have the honor of her shooting my wedding. Her creative and aesthetic eye is unlike any I’ve seen in a wedding photographer. Everything looks absolutely perfect and classic. Laura was born with a natural gift and it shows in every. single. photo. Even her iPhone pictures I’m like, how? Not only that, but I’ve never met anyone more humble and kind. She makes me feel so comfortable around her, which for being in front of the camera is a must.
My florist, White Blooms Florals. Carre is a visionary. After my first meeting with her, she magically understood my entire vision and put it together beautifully in a .pdf for me to ooo and ahhh over. Then, she did it a second time when I had to reschedule. Carre is so easy-going and a dream to work with.
My flowers, Fifty Flowers. This company I am truly obsessed with. They let you, the bride/groom buy wholesale flowers direct. You can have them shipped to your florist to assemble, or assemble them yourself! This company is amazing for any budget and the team is amazing. Quick communication and tons of flower options.
Angel Moreno is my videographer. When I was researching videographers, I came across his page and instantly knew I wanted him to do our video. He is so talented and creative, and has been so great to work with.
My DJ is JR and I booked him through Premier. I’ve known JR for years and I still can’t believe he agreed to DJ my wedding. He’s so sweet and amazing at what he does, and I love the fact that we’ve known each other so long.
Like I said above, my officiant is actually my uncle! They had so many companies that you could hire people to marry you, but I hated how impersonal that felt. We also wanted there to be religious aspects to the ceremony, and my uncle really checked all of those boxes.
My wedding dress is Maggie Sottero. There are three dress lines under the Maggie Sottero umbrella, and every single one of them are absolutely stunning. They have any type of dress you can imagine, and are in most bridal shops.
I am so excited to have a custom Daphne Newman veil. Daphne is so kind and beyond talented. I cannot wait to show you all what she and I dreamt up!
My wedding shoes are Bella Belle. I wanted shoes that were classic, beautiful and comfortable. Bella Belle checks all of those boxes. The reviews on all of their shoes are phenomenal and they have endless designs to choose from. They call them the “12-hour-shoe,” and those are words I love to hear.
My bridesmaids will be wearing dresses by Show Me Your Mumu. Their dress selection and color selection is unmatched. They have several different designs for every color, and you can order swatches to make sure they match your colors. They also offer tons of satin options, which I personally went with.
While we’re on the subject of bridesmaids, my bridesmaids robes for getting ready I have never been more excited for. I went with a company called Robed With Love and oh my gosh. I’ve never seen robes more perfect and beautiful.
For food, we wanted something a little less traditional and a little Memphis flare, so we went with Central BBQ. Why yes, I would like to eating southern comfort food at my wedding. Who wouldn’t?
My cocktail hour will be catered by my future sister-in-law’s company, In Good Company. They make cheese boards and appetizers that are to die for. We all know how much I love a good charcuterie board.
For my hair and makeup, I wanted someone I knew and trusted with my face because I am very picky. I’m so honored that Libby Barnes is doing it for the big day! She’s done my glam for tons of press stuff and truly had a natural talent. She never fails to make me feel like my most beautiful self.
My wedding bands will be done by none-other than American Jewelry. They made my engagement ring and everything they do is perfection. We just picked ours out a few weeks ago and they’re even more perfect than I could have dreamt up. Taylor and Sailor go above and beyond to make sure everything from your jewelry to your experience is perfection. (“MEGAN15” gets you $$ off, too!)
For invitations and wedding paper, I went with The Knot Paper. All of their designs are beautiful and the process was incredibly easy.
There’s a company called Alphalit which I’m sure you’ve seen on social media. They’re all the rage these days, and I’m so excited to have them setting up their beautiful letters to say “The McKays” outside of our venue on our wedding day. They’re so old Hollywood glamorous and make a great photo-opp.
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