This year has been an historic eye-opener when it comes to recognizing, identifying, and working to change the oppression faced by the black community. At Wedding Style, our entire platform has been built upon showcasing luxury weddings from around the world, with couples of all colors, faiths, and cultures. Weddings, however, aren’t only about the couples; they also reflect the people who work hard to bring those weddings to life. And sadly, it’s those individuals who often go overlooked and underrepresented. We have been using this time to reflect, listen, learn, and take a mindful look at how we can better support our fellow artists and colleagues. After hearing heartbreaking testimonies from so many black wedding professionals in the industry, it’s clear that these talented designers, planners, and artists deserve to be seen and heard. In honor of the black community – not to mention, Juneteenth! – we have curated a list of 50 black luxury wedding professionals who cater to high-end celebrations and A-List clients. Keep in mind that this list is only the tip of the iceberg; and we urge you to do your own research, follow these vendors on social media, ask for recommendations, and take the initiative to learn more about how you can support black-owned businesses while putting together your own dream wedding.
Wedding Planners & Event Designers
1. Erganic – New York
Founded by Sojourner Auguste, Erganic is a luxury wedding planning and design firm based in New York City. With an award-winning team of industrial designers, graphic artists, and architects, clients will attest to Erganic’s motto of being “makers of magic.”
2. Nouveau Events – North Carolina
Based in Raleigh, NC, Nouveau Events is available throughout the state and is known for bringing luxury and sophistication to weddings in the South.
3. Joy Proctor Design – Oregon
Joy Proctor is a leader amongst black luxury wedding professionals, embodying editorial design, world-class style, and social consciousness.
4. K. Barner Events – New Jersey
Kisha A. Barner brings luxury weddings to life, executing flawless events in New Jersey, New York, and worldwide.
5. Lily V Events – Pennsylvania
Lily V may be based in Philly, but her services are in high demand far beyond the borders of PA. From her exquisite tabletops to the caring, genuine connection she forms with her clients, she’s a master at curating the perfect celebration.
6. Guerdy Abraira – Florida & New York
The fabulous Guerdy Abraira is a luxury wedding professional whose talent, creativity, and impeccable attention to detail is matched only by her own personal style.
7. Kesh Events – Illinois
As the owner of Kesh Events, Akeshi Akinseye is a pillar of the luxury wedding industry. Along with heading up her planning and design studio in Chicago, she is also an author, speaker, and can be heard on her podcast, “Let’s Talk About It with Akeshi Akinseye.”
8. Precious the Planner – South Africa
Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko is a black luxury wedding professional based in South Africa, whose work simply exudes beauty, joy, and romance.
9. Mabel M. Florals – South Africa
Hailing from Cape Town, Mabel M. is a master of floral artistry who travels around the world and offers online classes.
10. Afmena Events – United Kingdom
Afia Bayayi is the creator of Afmena Events, specializing in luxury floral and event design for high-end couples and corporate clients.
11. Kate Wren Flowers – United Kingdom
Based in Bedford, Kate Kashiri of Kate Wren Flowers creates exquisite floral designs with all the charm and elegance of a luxurious country estate.
12. Denise Lillie Engagements – Northern California
Denise Lillie O’Neal opened Denise Lillie Engagements in 2008 and has since become a specialist in luxury destination and cultural weddings. She is also the founder of Fusion Nclusion, which is a collective of luxury, multicultural event professionals.
13. Exquisitely Dunn – Texas
Under the direction of founder and creative director Kayla Marie Dunn, this planning and design company specializes in luxury weddings and events filled with color, culture, and class.
14. RAE Affairs – Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia
Shile Bello is the founder and lead planner at RAE Affairs (which stands for “relax and enjoy”), where high-end couples and corporate clients go to bring their dream events to fruition.
15. MasterPlan Events – Washington, D.C.
Lola Akingbade, the lead planner and designer of MasterPlan Events, brings the perfect combination of leadership, professionalism, and creativity to every celebration she creates.
16. By Chenai – United Kingdom
Chenai Bukutu, owner and “planner-in-chief” of By Chenai, has only been in the industry for two-and-a-half years, yet is already creating beautiful experiences for couples throughout the UK.
17. C’est Belle Events – Washington, D.C. & New York
The beautiful team at C’est Belle Events is led by Mahalia Jessup, whose style and personality is evident in her portfolio of luxury weddings and events.
18. Designs by Oochay – Maryland & Washington, D.C.
Uche, owner and creative director of Designs by Oochay, is a black luxury wedding professional whose floral designs create the ultimate “WOW” factor for couples and guests alike.
19. Sensational Soirees – Washington, D.C.
Founded by Shalyce Tyson, Sensational Soirees brings luxury style and sophistication to the masses, along with an endless stream of expert advice for both clients and fellow wedding planners.
Photographers
20. Chi Chi Ari Love – New York
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Chi-Chi Ari’s photography. Her work is pure poetry.
21. Joshua Dwain – New York & Washington, D.C.
Bold and beautiful, wedding photographs by Joshua Dwain always tell an epic love story.
22. Elizabeth Austin Photography – Georgia
There’s an ethereal quality to Elizabeth Austin’s photography that captures love, romance, and a world-class sense of style.
23. Alakija Studios – New York & Washington, D.C.
Jide Alakija is a black luxury wedding photographer whose client list includes celebrities like J.Cole and former Chelsea F.C. player, Didier Drogba. When he isn’t capturing exquisite wedding day moments, he is managing his co-owned private dealership in London that specializes in African art.
24. Anee Atelier – New York & Worldwide
Owned by real-life besties, Sheena Meekins and Gina Esposito, the Anee Atelier photography brand is synonymous with storytelling, globetrotting, and all things luxe.
25. Amy Anaiz Photography – New York
Amy Anaiz captures black luxury weddings to perfection, always paying attention to the slightest details.
26. Andre Brown Photography – Georgia & Worldwide
Andre Brown is a talented wedding photographer and videographer, documenting luxury weddings (and maternity shoots!) in Atlanta and beyond.
27. Bedge Pictures – Nigeria & Worldwide
Nigerian-born photographer, Emeka Amafor, is known for his stunning photojournalism and distinct approach to photographing luxury weddings in Africa and around the world.
28. YNOT iMages – Alabama & Worldwide
Tony Minifield of YNOT iMages photographs gorgeous couples and weddings with a sophisticated, editorial edge.
29. Dotun Ayodeji Photography – Washington, D.C.
Dotun Ayodeji excels in capturing his clients’ personalities and style throughout their wedding day.
30. Adibe Photography – Washington, D.C.
As a wedding photographer, speaker, and educator, Kanayo Adibe brings an exceptionally artistic and cinematic quality to his work, which ranges from high-end weddings to street photography.
31. Terri Baskin – Washington, D.C.
The lovely Terri Baskin is a leader among black luxury wedding professionals, as she serves as a speaker and educator when she isn’t photographing high-end, fashion-forward clients on their special day.
32. Iris Mannings – Washington, D.C. & Worldwide
From DC to New Orleans, Iris Mannings produces the most timelessly beautiful wedding photos filled with joy, romance, and priceless candid moments.
Fashion
33. Oui Madam Bridal Atelier – United Kingdom
This black-owned bridal shop in London was founded by Cynthia Grafton-Holt, who hails from the Midlands and is now one of London’s most skilled dressmakers and designers. All dresses are made to order with impeccable tailoring and bespoke options for the ultimate couture bridal gown.
34. Mark Ingram Atelier – New York
To put it simply, Mark Ingram is an icon in the luxury wedding industry. NYC’s most discerning brides-to-be flock to Mark Ingram Atelier, as this gorgeous shop and wonderful staff makes finding the perfect bridal gown an unforgettable experience.
35. Andrea Iyamah Bride – Canada, Nigeria & Worldwide
Andrea Iyamah stands out among the world’s top bridal designers with exquisite wedding gowns that exude femininity, confidence, and modern sophistication.
36. Naomi Deru – United Kingdom
With her custom bridal collection launching soon, Naomi Deru designs and creates handcrafted works of art, straight from her Kent studio in the UK. It doesn’t get any more “bespoke” than walking down the aisle in a one-of-a-kind bridal gown.
37. Brides by Nona – Georgia
When it comes to over-the-top glamour and luxury, everyone knows Brides by Nona. These custom wedding gowns have all the volume, sparkle, and regality any bride could want for her own royal wedding.
Hair & Makeup Artists
38. By Harold James – France & Worldwide
With his work being featured on countless magazine covers and editorial features around the world (including our own Wedding Style website), it’s no wonder why the Paris-based Harold James is in such high demand.
39. YAYABEATSFACE – Georgia & Worldwide
Yanique Downer (known as “YaYa”) is one of Atlanta’s top celebrity makeup artists whose work is regularly seen on MTV, BET, VH1, and print publications.
40. NuEye – Maryland & Worldwide
Brides in the Maryland and DC area love getting “Dolled by NuEye,” who specializes in everything hair related. From sew-ins to custom wigs and extensions, she’s an expert at styling picture-perfect bridal hairdos.
Catering & Wedding Cake Designers
41. Mon Delice – Washington, D.C.
The delectable cake shop, Mon Delice, creates gorgeous cake designs for Maryland and DC area celebrations. Ask about the Cake Room Experience.
42. Cakes by La’Meeka – Georgia
Bespoke wedding cakes by La’Meeka serve as a photo-worthy showstopper for luxury weddings in the South.
43. Berry and Brie – United Kingdom
Grazing tables are a fantastic addition to any wedding, and nobody makes them look as Instagram-worthy as Berry and Brie, founded by Mako Ndoro. Even with quarantine orders putting a halt on weddings and celebrations, Berry and Brie has been delivering exquisitely packaged “grazing boxes” all across London and Surrey.
44. Couture Cakes by Sabrina – Washington, D.C.
Sabrina is a black luxury wedding professional who has been designing decadent wedding cakes under her business name, Couture Cakes by Sabrina, since 2013.
Entertainment
45. DJ Will Gill – California
With a music career that includes seven seasons of The Voice on NBC, plus being the crowd MC for two seasons of the Kelly Clarkson Show, DJ Will Gill is a seasoned DJ, MC, and entertainment professional whose energy and showmanship takes any wedding celebration to a whole new level.
46. Marcia Mitchell Music and Events – Florida
As Florida’s top live band, MMM&E was founded by the talented Marcia Mitchell. Marcia’s own single, “For Love,” has even landed in the #1 spot on the UK Soul Chart.
47. The B-Side Entertainment Group – New Jersey
Based in New Jersey, the B-Side Entertainment Group is a black-owned team of incredible singers and musicians who bring a genuine sense of style and musical magic to East Coast events.
48. DWP Live Factory – New York & Worldwide
As a black-owned business that reaches from New York to the UK, there’s no limit to what DWP Live Factor can bring to the table when it comes to wedding entertainment.
Stationery
49. By Dami Studios – New York
Sending out a little Harlem love to the rest of the world, By Dami Studios specializes in custom stationery and gifts that couples will love incorporating throughout their wedding experience.
50. Papered Wonders – Georgia
Lisa and April of Papered Wonders are “connoisseurs of paper,” designing the most beautiful stationery and paper accoutrements for luxury weddings. Cohesion is a crucial element to any celebration, and this talented duo are masters at branding and adding the perfect final touch to any event.
To all black luxury wedding professionals and up-and-comers, whether you’re included in this list or not, whether we’ve worked with you or not in the past: We invite you to submit your best work to us for editorial consideration as often as you please.
Black lives matter, YOU matter, and you have a voice and seat at the Wedding Style table if you choose.
>Written By: Lauren Malamala (Social Media Editor & Features Writer)