35 Black-owned wedding businesses we love

Paperless Post BlogWedding > 35 Black-owned wedding businesses we love

Searching for wedding vendors is a serious undertaking. It’s important to find experts who have great experience, understand the vibe you’re trying to curate, and (most importantly) that you can really get along with. After all, they’ll play an integral part in your big day. Picking out wedding vendors is also a great way to support small, Black-owned businesses, especially in your own community.

 

Whether you’re only looking for a photographer or still need to find every vendor on your checklist, we’re making it easy for you to find the perfect person for the job. We’ve compiled a growing list of wedding and party vendors to help you find your perfect match—and support Black-owned businesses in the process. From planners to florists, here are some of our favorite wedding vendors that should be on every bride or groom-to-be’s radar.

Engagement and wedding photographers

Pros worth a thousand words. 

 

Alicia Rinka

Using both film and digital, Alicia and her team of photographers always put their brides first. “Our process from start to finish is with our clients in mind.”

Location: Colorado

On the ‘gram: @aliciarinka

Photos by Alicia Rinka

 

Brandon Bibbins

Photographing a wide range of subjects and clients, it’s the love in these sessions that inspires Brandon to pursue photography. “I find the most joy in my work when capturing weddings, portraits, aerials, and maternity sessions.”

Location: Los Angeles

On the ‘gram: @flashbibbs

 

Bri McDaniel

Bri believes that every single love story deserves to be told in a dynamic way. ”My style results in wonderful, natural photographs of the couple, who feel free to express their emotions and are not inhibited around the camera or me.”

Location: Atlanta / Seattle / Destination

On the ‘gram: @brimcdee

Photo by Bri McDaniel

 

Elizabeth Austin

Combining a mixture of editorial and documentary photography, Elizabeth believes “the candid moments are just as important as the curated. “My images are soft, romantic, and unique to each couple’s love.”

Location: Atlanta / Destination

On the ‘gram: @elizabethaustinphoto

 

Justin Douglas

The best way to kick off your relationship with your wedding photographer, according to Justin, is with an engagement session. “You get to see how I work behind the camera and I gain a better understanding of the two of you and your relationship. So many couples tell me that their engagement session was a great way to prep for wedding day photos.”

Location: Austin / Destination 

On the ‘gram: @justindouglasphotography

Photo by Justin Douglas

 

Ronye & Dom

In love with their craft (and each other), this husband and wife wedding duo aims to “provide light in your life, and share the joy and vulnerability in your love.”

Location: Austin

On the ‘gram: @ronyeanddom

Photos by Ronye & Dom

 

The DV Image

Biology teacher by day, wedding photographer by…weekends. Daniel “is happy to work with you and your loved ones to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.”

Location: New York

On the ‘gram: @thedvimage

 

Cake designers and bakers

Let them eat cake. 

 

La’Meeka Edwards

A fan favorite in Atlanta, La’Meeka has designed cakes for several celebrities, from Ne-Yo to Kandi Burress of The Real Housewives. 

Location: Georgia 

On the ‘gram: @cakesbylameeka

 

De la Crème Creative Studio

Specializing in high-end wedding cakes,  De la Crème loves making center-of-attention celebration cakes. “If it needs to be fabulous, we would love to be the one to create it.”

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

On the ‘gram: @delacremestudio

Cakes by De la Crème Creative Studio

 

Ashley Dulce

Focusing on non-traditional and abstract cakes, Ashley “loves to use multiple techniques, work with many mediums, and inspirations to create your custom edible work of art!”

Location: Michigan and Detroit 

On the ‘gram: @thedulceexperience

Cake by The Dulce Experience

 

Andrea Weithers

At her custom cake studio, Andrea Weithers crafts beautiful, detailed, custom cakes and confections made using the finest ingredients. “Your cake will not only look stunning, but it will taste delicious too.”

Location: Atlanta 

On the ‘gram: @sweetdetailsatl

Cake by Sweet Details

 

Florists and installation artists 

Love is blooming. 

 

Maurice Harris

Owner of Bloom & Plume, a bespoke floral design studio in LA, Maurice’s clients include the likes of Louis Vuitton, Goop, Dior, Gucci, and Valentino. You can also catch him on “Full Bloom” for HBOMax. 

Location: Los Angeles

On the ‘gram: @bloomandplume

Arrangements by Bloom & Plume

 

Brooklyn Blooms

Doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint, Brooklyn Blooms curates stunning arrangements while maintaining sustainable practices. “We believe that everyone is an individual and deserves to have florals tailored just for them, even down to the vessel! By using curated seasonal blooms in interesting found vases we create ‘beautiful things out of beautiful things’ with you in mind.”

Location: Brooklyn 

On the ‘gram: @brooklynbloomsnyc

 

Kristen Griffith-VanderYacht

Owner and Creative Director of Wild Bloom, Kristen’s flowers have been showcased in major publications from Martha Stewart Weddings to Traditional Home Magazine. You can also catch him as a judge on Netflix’s The Big Flower Fight.

Location: Seattle / Global 

On the ‘gram: @kristengvy

 

Preston Bailey

Named as one of the Best Wedding Planners by Vogue and featured as one of the 7 Top Celebrity Wedding Planners by Instyle, Preston is “best known for his extraordinary ability to transform spaces into theatrical environments.”

Location: Global 

On the ‘gram: @prestonrbailey

 

Rogue&Fox Floral Co

Creating stunning arrangements for her studio Rogue&Fox, Drew believes “sustainability should be the new frontier in floral design.”

Location: Los Angeles

On the ‘gram: @rogueandfox

Installation by Rogue&Fox

 

Schentell Nunn

Creating floral designs off and on for the last 17 years, Schentell aims to create pieces “that bring love and joy into our homes and celebrations.”

Location: California / Global 

On the ‘gram: @offerings.co

Arrangement by Schentell Nunn

 

The Wild Mother

“Blending the nostalgia of an ‘old school’ florist with the artfulness of the modern studio,” Lauren and Leah are a sister duo serving a variety of clients’ weddings and events as a “creative guide.”

Location: Oklahoma City

On the ‘gram: @thewildmother

 

Whit McClure

The owner of LA-based WHIT HAZEN, Whit McClure describes her style as “whimsical, dynamic, and seasonally-inspired.” “Ever inspired by nature’s abundant beauty and driven to respect and protect its resources, WHIT HAZEN helps clients bring more beauty in their world to share and enjoy.  

Location: Los Angeles

On the ‘gram: @whit_hazen

 

Bridal fashion designers

Say yes to the dress (designer).

 

Amsale Aberra

“Exuding modern femininity, unstated glamour and attention to detail, each [dress] beautifully mirrors its bride’s unique personal style.” Using couture dressmaking techniques, every collection is handcrafted in AMSALE’s New York City atelier.

Location: New York City

On the ‘gram: @amsale

Gowns by AMSALE 

 

Andrea Iyamah

Specializing in custom couture bridal under their sister brand, Andrea Iyamah Bridal. designs made-to-measure gowns that exude “that red carpet couture feel.”  

Location: New York City

On the ‘gram: @andreaiyamah.bride

Gowns by Andrea Iyamah Bridal 

 

Nneka C. Alexander

Beloved for her fabulous couture gowns, Nneka C. Alexander of Brides by Nona is “known for fresh, elegant and detailed juxtaposition of fine fabrics and authentic Swarovski crystals.”

Location: Atlanta

On the ‘gram: @bridesbynona

 

Esé Azénabor-Grembowski

Owner and Creative Director for her namesake brand Esé Azénabor, she’s “known for her hand beading with fine crystals, stones and pearls, hand embroidery on fine French lace and tulle, boning, and attention to detail.”

Location: Dallas

On the ‘gram: @eseazenabor

Gowns by Esé Azénabor

 

Andrea Pitter

As the Founder of Pantora Bridal, Andrea’s mission is to provide on-trend bridal options paired with a feel-good experience. “I wanted to create a safe space for brides to feel the validity in their beauty while experiencing relatable luxury. The gowns, although the very reason Pantora exists, have now become the icing on the cake.”

Location: Global

On the ‘gram: @pantorabridal

 

Yemi Osunkoya

Drawing inspirations from his international travels, the ballet, and contemporary painting, he “works to ensure that his clients not only look fantastic but that they feel that way as well.”

Location: Global

On the ‘gram: @yemikosibah

 

Wedding planners and coordinators

The (wo)man with a plan.

 

Chic by Nicole

Offering wedding planning, coordination, and styling services for intimate to large scale weddings, Nicole and her team are “committed to working with clients to bring their visions to life and ensure events run flawlessly.”

Location: Montreal / Toronto / Global

On the ‘gram: @chicbynicole

 

Erica Estrada

As a luxury event planner and designer, Erica “believes a wedding is not merely an event, it represents the unique beauty of a couple’s love and symbolizes the first step of their new life together.”

Location: San Francisco / Global

On the ‘gram: @ericaestradadesign

Event Planning by Erica Estrada Design

 

Joy Proctor Design

Designing and producing weddings and events globally, Joy’s been named one of the top designers in the world by Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Paris, Martha Stewart and Brides Magazine.

Location: Global

On the ‘gram: @joyproctor

 

Michelle Norwood

“We believe that planning should be a truly enjoyable experience. It should be fun, transparent, and celebratory because when you approach it that way, the event itself becomes a true reflection of you, your story, and the city you’re marrying in.”

Location: New Orleans / Destination

On the ‘gram: @michellenorwoodevents

Event Planning by Michelle Norwood

 

Guerdy Abraira

To ensure that Guerdy and her clients are speaking the same “design language,” her and her team “create renderings for custom designs along with detailed design boards” to perfect the details. 

Location: Miami / New York / Destination

On the ‘gram: @guerdydesign

 

Steve Moore

Working with his wife Jamie, Steve has been named a top wedding vendor by Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Brides Magazine.

Location: Seattle / San Francisco / Global

On the ‘gram: @sinclairandmoore

Event Planning by Sinclair and Moore

 

Wedding venues and reception spaces

Location, location, location. 

 

The Cloth Mill at Eno River

Owned by Nicole Clayton, The Cloth Mill’s “exposed brick, cathedral windows, original wood beams, and lots of character” make it the perfect place for your wedding or next event.

Location: Hillsborough, North Carolina

On the ‘gram: @clothmill

 

Luxmore Grande Estate

“Originally built as a 20,543 square foot private residence in 2001, the estate was purchased and converted into a luxury private event venue with all the quaint features of a southern manor house, making for a memorable wedding location.”

Location: Winter Springs, Florida

On the ‘gram: @luxmoregrande

Photo courtesy of Luxmore Grande Estate 

 

Maison Dupuy Weddings

“Located in the heart of the historic French Quarter, this charming hotel offers an authentic New Orleans setting for your ceremony and reception.”

Location: New Orleans

On the ‘gram: @officialmaisondupuy

 

Roxbury Barn and Estate

Founded by Casper de Boer and Roger Ross Williams, Roxbury Barn and Estate is a curated “collection of different locations that create unique, spacious experiences as the party moves through the expansive, lush estate.”

Location: The Catskills

On the ‘gram: @roxburybarnandestate

Photo courtesy of Roxbury Barn and Estate

 

How to support Black-owned businesses

Supporting Black-owned businesses ultimately supports Black communities. Love these vendors? Even if you can only hire one or two experts on this list, you can still show your support with a follow or a like on social media. 

Not getting married? Or have friends who just got engaged? Send this list to someone who’s gearing up for wedding planning with notes on your favorites.

Cowrie” wedding invitation by Paperless Post

 

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