Work + Life

Highlighting Black Wedding & Event Professionals

Brittanie Modern Bride
February 04, 2022

In honor of Black History Month, we're highlighting wedding and event professionals that have paved the way as brilliant creatives, entrepreneurs, and educators. We've categorized each pro by their region along with links to their websites and social media handles. Let's make a commitment to celebrate and support the Black community every day of the year!


New Jersey

Brides By Melanie B

Melanie Brown is a New Jersey-based, Professional Makeup Artist and CEO of Brides By Melanie B LLC. She's passionate about pampering brides with individualized service for their wedding day! As she re-entered the industry, she met brides who expressed concerns about previous makeup experiences. They felt unhappy with makeup that was applied too heavily, that did not last, or worse, was improperly matched to their skin tone. Her business was born to fill the need for an elevated and individualized makeup exp
Social Media: @bridesbymelanieb | Photo courtesy of Brides By Melanie B


Philadelphia 

NoMirage Catering Company 

NoMirage, LLC was founded on February 7th, 2017 by Chef Damian Smith. After being the head chef of a local catering company in Philadelphia for six years, it was time for Chef Damian to form and own his own company. He received his certification in meat science from W.B. Saul High School of Agriculture & Vocational Sciences. Many years of experience from working in commercial kitchens, restaurant settings, to deli and meat departments have equipped and paved the way for the launching of NoMirage LLC. The lo
Social Media: @nomirage_catering | Photo courtesy of Kierra Maxwell Photography


Southern California

Renoda Campbell Photography 

Renoda Campbell (she/her) has always loved photography and the ability to capture memories and emotions to relive for years to come. As a Black woman in an interracial relationship, she knows what it’s like to feel discriminated against, judged, and not represented. She wants to ensure that everyone feels comfortable, celebrated, and beautiful during life’s big moments. That’s why she's a wedding photographer who works with LGBTQ+ couples, BIPOC couples, and couples who believe in being part of an inclusive
Social Media: @renodacampbellphoto | Photo courtesy of Renoda Campbell Photography 

 

The Modern Bride Concierge

Brittanie Seymone is a personal wedding concierge and the founder of The Modern Bride Concierge. She believes every bride deserves that modern-day fairytale wedding, exactly as they envisioned. She simplifies the planning process for her clients–a majority of which are ambitious, goal-getting women who know what they want for their wedding day but don't have the extra time, the energy, or the resources to make their dream wedding happen. In her 10+ years in the industry, she’s worked under some of the top
 Social media: @themodernbrideconcierge | Photo courtesy of Onye Creative Studios 


Washington D.C.

JR Flowers

Shirley is the owner and lead designer at JR Flowers. Many people enjoy working with flowers but her relationship with them is so different. Flowers have been her heart for her entire life. In early childhood, she spent so much time in the garden with her mother and grandmother. As an adult, she started to design for family and friends but there was always a desire for more. Something was telling her to develop a deeper connection with floral design. She apprenticed with leaders in the wedding industry and
Social media: @jrflowersweddings | Photo courtesy of JR Flowers


Perfect Planning Events
 

For over 17 years, Tara Melvin has been the creative engine and leader of Perfect Planning Events, an all-inclusive boutique event planning firm creating luxe lifestyle events with a highly personalized touch. In 2015, Tara created an educational platform for creative entrepreneurs, The Signature CEO Conference (TSCEO). Tara made history by becoming the Founder & President of the first-ever non-profit association in the wedding and events industry for Black-Owned businesses, The National Society of Black We
Social media: @perfectplanning | Photo courtesy of  Ana Isabel Photography


Stunning Soirées
 

Krista Ashshaheed and Kristy Randle are twin sisters, the co-founders, and lead planners at Stunning Soirées. As full-service CWPs based in the D.C. Metropolitan area (including Maryland and Northern Virginia), they produce events that capture each client’s vision and amaze wedding guests. Their planning skills go way back to when they were kids and lived on a farm in rural Georgia. Now, they’re sharing a wealth of valuable information about navigating the planning process in a pandemic.
Social media: @stunningsoirees | Photo courtesy of Iris Mannings


Maryland

Trene' Forbes

Trene' is a Baltimore, Maryland based photographer specializing in wedding photography, portrait photography, and event photography. She has a passion for people, travel, and all things lovely, which allows her to create amazing photographs of people around the world. Connecting with individuals is a blessing that allows her to create portraits, and images that carefully reflect the true personalities of her amazing clients. Many people describe her photos as clean and modern. Her goal is to deliver a world
Social Media: @treneforbesphotography | Photo courtesy of Trene' Forbes


Georgia

Cocktails & Details

Terrica has been creating exquisite weddings and events in the Golden Isles area for the past sixteen years. A contributing board member of the North American Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, Terrica’s weddings and expertise have been in The Knot, Reader’s Digest, Martha Stewart Weddings, HLN tv, PeopleTV, and more. As a Speaker of the Year nominee for the National Association of Catering and Events One Award and a popular educator for The Knot and Wedding Wire, she launched her new wedding industry e
Social media: @cocktailterrica | Photo courtesy of Tamara Gibson Photography



Paula J Fields Makeup Artistry 

Paula has had a passion for makeup artistry since she learned what makeup was. However, growing up in "small-town Georgia" added difficulty to obtaining a career in makeup since the profession wasn't the most popular. After 3 years serving with Clinique, she decided to put her faith into action and launch her makeup artistry business. She absolutely loves what she does and her client interactions. She's learned that in makeup there are no rules, no boundaries, and no limits. She simply refuses to conform.
Social Media: @makeupbypaulaj | Photo courtesy of Jason Fields Photography



Taylor My Event LLC

TME LLC was created out of a passion for creating a space where owner and CWP Brandi Taylor could be surrounded by her loved ones. She thrives on the energy that goes into making a phone call or text for impromptu gatherings. TME offers full-service event design and planning so that her clients can confidently ditch the overwhelm, find peace, and bliss the southern hospitality way.
Social media: @taylormyevent | Photo courtesy of Michelle Davina Photography



Irene Tyndale Wedding & Events

Irene Tyndale is a CWP and founder of Irene Tyndale Wedding & Events. She has a reputable career as a corporate planner for several notable hotels behind her and an experienced team of coordinators around her. Trained by some of the industry’s leading experts, her detailed and passionate approach to planning is what truly sets her team apart within the trade. She believes that passion is the most important element of planning a great experience. With her passion for people, design, and logistics coupled wi
Social media: @ityndaleevents | Photo courtesy of Photo by Andre Brown Photography


Virginia

The Flower Guy Bron

A master of the art of floristry, The Flower Guy Bron provides bespoke design and styling experiences for events of all types. Intuitive customer service and our boutique business approach are paradigms of our brand. Bron is the chief creative at The Flower Guy Bron. Their work with flowers is organic and their most natural expression. They live by the simple principle, "Be your best self" and encourage others to join.
Social Media: @theflowerguybron | Photo courtesy of


Connecticut 

Serenity Ceremonies

Rev. Orsella Hughes has won awards from Wedding Wire and The Knot for her work, passion, and joy. She's an ordained professional Wedding Officiant based in Connecticut and has been serving couples since 2005. Because she understands that every couple’s vision and needs are unique, she works closely with couples to ensure that every ceremony is a true collaboration and a reflection of who they are.
Social Media: @revorsellaofficiant | Photo courtesy of Serenity Ceremonies


North Carolina


Making Memories Events & Design

Making Memories Events & Design (MME) is a boutique wedding and event planning firm nestled along North Carolina’s sprawling Cape Fear coast. Taking inspiration from the region’s abundant Southern charm, CWP and Lead Designer Monika Michelle’s approach is all about elegance, sass, sophistication and a modern perspective. Dedicated to the highest level of professionalism, her ability to orchestrate one-of-a-kind events is unparalleled. Fellow CWPs have raved that Monika and her team are amazing collaborators
Social media: @eventsbymme | Photo courtesy of Making Memories Events & Design



TKO Total Events

TKO Total Events is a chic, modish and versatile wedding & event planning firm owned by T’Kiyah K. Outlaw, Lead Planner and CWP. She offers planning packages and tuxedo rentals that create a smooth, inclusive planning experience for couples. Strongly committed to producing custom yet lavish events no matter the occasion, all TKO packages come with a bold guarantee of exceeding expectations. In the off season, T’Kiyah actively participates in continuing education with The Bridal Society, which includes sever
Social media: @tkototalevents | Photo courtesy of TKO Total Events


Tennessee

Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events
 

Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events is an award winning company that serves luxury brides with planning, coordinating, and floral design for a stress free wedding experience. Krisy Thomas is the owner and founder. She is both a Master Certified Wedding Planner with The Bridal Society and co-instructor of The Bridal Society's Wedding Planner Certification Program. She was named 2016 Wedding Planner of the Year by The Bridal Society, and the entire Sparkle team comprises CWPs certified through The Bridal Socie
Social media: @southernsparkleweddings | Photo courtesy of Megan Shaw Photography


Florida


The Event Company

The Event Company was founded by Candace, a Master Certified Wedding Planner (MCWP) of The Bridal Society. For nearly 20 years, she’s been in love with logistics in planning corporate events and meetings in countless cities across the sunshine state and around the world. When she discovered wedding planning, she traded presentations and galas for meaningful ceremonies, beautiful details, and unforgettable first dances. She always encourages couples to be present in the moment. From Orlando to Daytona Beach
Social media: @theeventcompanyfl1 | Photo courtesy of The Event Company

 

 

Hero photo courtesy of Onye Creative Studios

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About the Author

Aisle Planner Editorial Team
Aisle Planner Editorial Team
The Aisle Planner Editorial Team is a collective of creative writers, editors, and former event pros who obsess over weddings and special events—and the businesses behind them! Drawn to refined details, design, and creativity, our team provides intelligent and straightforward articles with insights, practical tips, and expert guidance in putting Aisle Planner's "Power of One" behind your business.

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