READING TIME: 4 min 6 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 11/14/2024
UPDATED: 11/14/2024
Every wedding tells a story, and for A Southern Soirée, crafting these stories is more than just a job—it’s a heartfelt calling. Led by a passion for elegance, personal touches, and seamless celebration, A Southern Soirée has become synonymous with exceptional, unforgettable wedding experiences. Guided by a deep-rooted love for creating meaningful moments, the creative director of A Southern Soirée brings a unique perspective to wedding planning. From her earliest experiences in her family’s catering business to her rise as owner and creative director, she has perfected the art of merging tradition with creativity, turning each event into a cherished memory. Dive into her journey, her philosophy, and the inspiring process that makes each celebration extraordinary.
For A Southern Soirée, planning a wedding goes beyond coordinating details—crafting a unique narrative that intertwines elegance with deeply personal touches. “I love crafting unforgettable experiences that weave together the elegance of tradition with personal touches that reflect each couple and their families,” says the creative director behind A Southern Soirée. Each event is designed to be a meaningful celebration, with every detail meticulously perfected to ensure that every moment is treasured.
Their philosophy is grounded in storytelling, blending creativity with precision to produce events that feel authentic to each couple. “Our approach is rooted in story weaving through impactful details and thoughtful entertaining while upholding the highest standards of hospitality.”
From an early age, the director behind A Southern Soirée felt a deep-seated passion for creating beautiful celebrations. This journey began at home, helping with her family’s small wedding catering business and eagerly observing every aspect—from the color palettes to the florals and table settings. “I am an event creative at heart and have always found immense joy in creating beautiful celebrations,” she recalls.
The transition to professional wedding planning felt natural. “Because I never jump into anything halfway, my first wedding was a private estate tented wedding in North Carolina,” she says. Despite unexpected spring snow, the event was a defining moment that solidified her path. Since then, she has embraced each challenge with dedication, eventually joining A Southern Soirée in 2019, and stepping into the role of owner and creative director in 2022.
For A Southern Soirée, a wedding should be more than just a beautiful day; it should be an extraordinary experience that captivates and engages. “We believe every celebration should be marked with an extraordinary and memorable occasion by engaging your guests through meaningful and exclusive experiences,” she shares. Specializing in scenic tented events, particularly in the mountains, they also have a distinct love for festive holiday weddings. Their unique blend of elegance and authenticity allows them to turn every wedding into a one-of-a-kind celebration.
A Southern Soirée’s commitment to personalization is evident in their full-service planning and design experiences, which they often extend to multi-day celebrations. They understand that every couple has unique needs, and they offer custom packages to accommodate this. “We offer full-service planning and design experiences while often partnering with clients on multi-day celebrations,” the creative director explains.
Reflecting on the weddings she’s planned, one stands out above the rest—her own. In 2021, she and her husband hosted a Dorothy Draper-inspired holiday wedding after their original plans were postponed due to the pandemic. “The result was the most festive, merry, and magical celebration my husband and I have experienced,” she reminisces, adding, “We joke that it was the best Monday we and our guests would ever have!” This event was not only a personal milestone but also marked her first major publication as a planner, making it all the more memorable.
Every client relationship at A Southern Soirée is approached with the same dedication to excellence. As she explains, “We consider ourselves executive producers, managing countless logistical responsibilities while collaborating with clients on milestone decisions, design concepts, and personal touches.” Through trusted partnerships with industry leaders who share their values, they achieve the highest standards of quality and creativity in every celebration.
In the age of digital inspiration, clients are often bombarded with ideas and trends that may not align with their style or budget. “There is an overwhelming amount of inspiration and (mis)information at our clients' fingertips,” she notes, adding that it’s crucial to educate clients on realistic expectations. Moreover, as many of their weddings are tented events in the Southeast, unpredictable weather adds a layer of complexity. Yet, these challenges only add to the uniqueness of each wedding.
One of the cornerstones of a successful event is a well-defined budget from the start. “Start the budget detailing process before booking a venue or any vendors!” she advises. By establishing clear expectations early on, A Southern Soirée empowers clients to make informed choices and ensures the planning process remains seamless and enjoyable.
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but A Southern Soirée has sage advice for couples embarking on this journey: “Trust your planner and lean into their professional expertise — the true magic happens when you allow them creative freedom.” Couples should avoid the pressure to follow trends or compare their wedding to others. Instead, “follow your instincts and keep your priorities at the forefront,” she encourages, reminding couples that the most memorable celebrations are those that feel genuine.
With a love for scenic landscapes and bespoke tented settings, A Southern Soirée dreams of planning events at unique venues that offer a breathtaking backdrop. “Our favorite venues are private residences or any location with scenic views where we can build a custom tent and create from the ground up,” she shares, with dream destinations including the romantic Chateau de Villette and one of the Historic Royal Palaces.
For A Southern Soirée, each wedding is more than a celebration; it's a story, crafted with care and attention to detail. Their commitment to creating unforgettable moments and meaningful experiences is a testament to the art and heart of wedding planning.
