Scouted Wedding Planners You Should Know About

For many couples, hiring a wedding planner is one of the first (and wisest) decisions they make as a newly engaged duo. After all, while there are many fun details involved in the wedding planning process (wedding cake tasting, anyone?), when it comes to an event that many have dreamed about for years, there is much that’s best left in the hands of a seasoned professional. For those ready to start planning their nuptials, we asked The Scout Guide editors across the country to recommend their favorite local wedding experts, many of whom will travel anywhere in the U.S. or abroad. Here, they introduce scouted wedding planners who are ready to help clients design their dream celebration. Looking for a wedding planner in your area? Find one in The Scout Guide Directory.

Photography by Krysta Norman Photography.

WEDDING PLANNER: Lauren Jones of Lauren Bliss Events
LOCATION: Richmond, Virginia
WHAT THEY DO: Lauren Bliss Events offers high-touch, design-forward event planning.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Lauren is highly organized, has a great eye, and is incredibly calm, which is crucial in high-stress situations,” says Cheney Edmunds, editor of The Scout Guide Richmond.

Photography courtesy of Mariée Ami.

WEDDING PLANNER: Neillie Butler of Mariée Ami
LOCATION: Birmingham, Alabama
WHAT THEY DO: Neillie Butler of Mariée Ami is known for her full service destination weddings. The firm has an in-house production division and an in-house lighting and drapery division, so they are able to offer one-of-a-kind tents, production elements, fabric treatments, and lighting for any indoor or outdoor venue. 
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “The name, Mariée Ami, is French for ‘bride’s friend’ and that is exactly who Neillie Butler is,” says Rebecca Todd, editor of The Scout Guide Birmingham. “She has the best relationships with each of her brides, which is evident in her work. No one works harder than her to create stunning, custom wedding days for each of her clients that are seamless from start to finish. There is no one better to have by your side on one of life’s most special days!”

Photography by Jennifer Tesker Photography. 

WEDDING PLANNER: Ness McGovern Events
LOCATION: Bergen County, New Jersey
WHAT THEY DO: Ness works with busy couples and helps them break down their wedding planning in a way that allows them to enjoy the process.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Ness is a problem-solver who understands that the details of planning a wedding can be stressful and steal the joy of the engagement,” says Eileen Sweeney, co-editor of The Scout Guide Bergen County. “She offers many levels of packages, from full organization and event design to wedding day management.”

Photography by Kismet Visuals & Co. Natasha Churches, far left. 

WEDDING PLANNER: Natasha Churches of Aisle & Co.
LOCATION: Columbus, Ohio
WHAT THEY DO: Luxury wedding planning, styling services, and day-of coordination.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “From first-hand experience, I know how exceptional an experience it is having Aisle & Co. as a part of your big day (or in our case, our launch party),” says Abigail Fredelake, editor of The Scout Guide Columbus. “They truly take all the big and small details on and create a stress-free day for you to actually enjoy.”

Photography by White Rabbit Studios.

WEDDING PLANNER: Anna Wynn of Anna Wynn Event Designs
LOCATION: Huntsville, Alabama
WHAT THEY DO: Anna Wynn has a beautiful eye for event decor. Her style is fresh and young while tapping into the timeless beauty of a quintessential southern wedding.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Anna Wynn pulls on her experience coming from other cities and large events to bring a freshness to Huntsville,” says Dawn Pumpelly, editor of The Scout Guide Huntsville. “She has access to items that are new and exciting for the Huntsville events scene.”

Photography by Laura Ladd.

WEDDING PLANNER: MW Events
LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee
WHAT THEY DO: MW Events is known for their attention to detail and willingness to please.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Co-owners Rachael and Julie come to party and make sure everyone has a great time and the bride has everything she could want or need,” says Frances King, editor of The Scout Guide Knoxville.

Photography by Krysta Norman Photography. 

WEDDING PLANNER: Megan Lentz of Vida Events
LOCATION: Purcellville, Virginia
WHAT THEY DO: Offering luxury planning with a relaxed mindset, Vida helps engaged couples get organized, navigate budgets, and communicate with vendors so they can feel confident and truly enjoy their engagement. They provide unforgettable planning, design, and coordination services all across the world.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Megan is a horse girl at heart, meaning she works tirelessly yet has a relaxed and calm leadership style, so you feel confident that everything is being handled and can actually enjoy your day,” says Nelina Loiselle, editor of The Scout Guide Hunt Country.

Photography courtesy of Taylor Bible Weddings.

WEDDING PLANNER: Taylor Bible of Taylor Bible Weddings
LOCATION: Fredericksburg, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Taylor is known for being a full-service wedding planner, specializing in event coordination and design. Taylor also offers custom floral designs.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love that Taylor is able to take care of all the details,” says Francie Mannix, editor of The Scout Guide Hill Country. “She is incredibly organized and creates beautiful weddings. I also recommend using her floral design company.”

Photography courtesy of WED.

WEDDING PLANNER: Ellen Robinson of WED
LOCATION: Charleston, South Carolina
WHAT THEY DO: WED is known for creating amazing and over-the-top yet classic weddings in South Carolina, Charlotte, Savannah, New York, and St. John USVI.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Ellen has impeccable taste and her attention to detail is unparalleled. Her creativity in bringing an event to life is reflected in her incredible and unique work,” says Jennifer McKian, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charleston. “She is a joy to work with and truly the best in town!”

Photography by Angela Zion.

WEDDING PLANNER: K. Elizabeth & Co.
LOCATION: Greenville, South Carolina
WHAT THEY DO: This award-winning planning and design team creates luxury weddings and events.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Katie and her team go above and beyond to make your event perfect. Offering a concierge-style approach to weddings and events, their attention to detail and knowledge of the event world creates perfectly executed, and impeccably styled events,” says Amanda Arscott, editor of The Scout Guide Greenville. “Before I used K. Elizabeth & Co. for an event I was a fan from afar, they are absolutely creating the most unique and beautifully styled events in the Upstate.”

Photography courtesy of Shannon Duggan Photography.

WEDDING PLANNER: Maureen Renée of Maureen Renée Events
LOCATION: Saint Louis, Missouri
WHAT THEY DO: Maureen Renée Events focuses on designing weddings with intention.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Maureen loves hospitality, details, and providing five-star service,” says Stacey Goltermann, editor of The Scout Guide Saint Louis.

Photography by Jen Fariello.

WEDDING PLANNER: Easton Events
LOCATION: Charlottesville, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina
WHAT THEY DO: With understated elegance and flawless ease, Easton Events designs distinctive global events for the discerning client.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Every Easton event is one-of-a-kind, and they are truly a dream come true,” says Christy Ford, editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville.

Photography by Sélavie Photography.

WEDDING PLANNER: Sheril Greenstein of Shindigs By Sheril
LOCATION: Memphis, Tennessee
WHAT THEY DO: Sheril Greenstein is well-known in the Memphis area for her creative, unforgettable execution and attention to detail in events ranging from dream weddings and Bar/Bat mitzvahs to toddler birthday parties and anniversary dinners.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Sheril is my go-to when it comes to anything and everything event-related. But if you or a loved one is planning a wedding, you need Sheril on your side,” says Stephanie Stephens, editor of The Scout Guide Memphis. “She is a no-fuss wedding planner. She just gets it done, no questions asked—anything you need, she does it. She planned my own wedding, as well as my sister’s, and they were both everything we could have imagined!”

Photography courtesy of George Abrams.

WEDDING PLANNER: George Abrams of George Abrams Events
LOCATION: Phoenix, Arizona
WHAT THEY DO: George Abrams Events has unmatched experience across all channels of event creations. If you can dream it, they can execute it.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “George brings a level of detailed planning to his weddings that are so personalized it allows the couple to focus on the significance of their wedding, rather than managing all the details that go into planning the event,” says Sasha Clements. editor of The Scout Guide Phoenix & Scottsdale. “He partners with the families to host their friends and guests without question or concern that every element will be seamlessly executed.”

Photography by Justin DeMutiis Photography.

WEDDING PLANNER: Nicole Kaney of  NK Productions
LOCATION: Boca Grande, Florida
WHAT THEY DO: NK Productions has the most sought-after team on the Suncoast. Nicole has been featured on TLC and is a regular guest expert on ABC. Her work has been published in countless publications and she is at the top of her field.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Nicole and her NK Productions team truly create magic! From intimate ceremonies to luxurious weddings, they take the time to make every client feel heard and celebrated,” says Nikki Logan Curran, editor of The Scout Guide Sarasota. “Their customized approach to planning and unmatched execution is what keeps NK Productions at the top of their field.”

Photography by Caraman Photography.

WEDDING PLANNER: Julia Nicole of Julia Nicole Weddings & Events
LOCATION: Asheville, North Carolina
WHAT THEY DO: As a full-service wedding and event company in Asheville, North Carolina, Julia Nicole Weddings & Events specializes in creating seamless and unique wedding and event experiences all over the east coast and beyond.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Known for being the creative force behind Julia Nicole Weddings & Events, Julia began her passion for events as a young girl. Born and raised in Asheville, with her love for weddings and events, it’s no surprise Julia Nicole Weddings & Events came along,” says Meagan Harris, editor of The Scout Guide Asheville. “Her favorite part about her job is creating a magical love story for her couples to never forget and throwing spectacular events.”

Photography courtesy of Gilbert + May Events.

WEDDING PLANNER: Gilbert + May Events
LOCATION: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
WHAT THEY DO: Gilbert + May Events offers a variety of event planning packages, from full-service to day-of management.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love that with Gilbert + May you can be involved in planning as much as you like. If you have a florist you love or even all of your vendors selected, they can coordinate bringing it all together,” says Kerry Goldstein, editor of The Scout Guide Oklahoma City. “If you choose to be hands off and solely share your vision, they will make your dreams a reality.”

Photography courtesy of EKS Events.

WEDDING PLANNER: ESK EVENTS
LOCATION: Aspen, Colorado
WHAT THEY DO: EKS Events can plan your event or wedding worldwide, whether it is for 400 people or 40.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Owner Elizabeth Slossberg and her team can elevate any event with their attention to detail, leveling up unique touches, and high energy,” says Amy Groom, co-editor of The Scout Guide Aspen.

Photography by Annie Heath.

WEDDING PLANNER: Fran Grote of Fran Grote Events
LOCATION: Nashville, Tennessee
WHAT THEY DO: Fran is a jack of all trades, specializing in stunning weddings in Nashville, Tennessee. From the florals to the dance floor to the signature cocktails, she has wedding planning down to an art.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “We once saw Fran spring into action at an outdoor tented wedding in the middle of a tornado and historic flood,” says Ann Whitten Reynaud, editor of The Scout Guide Nashville & Franklin. “She never lost the vibe, all while keeping everyone safe. She has an all-weather execution with a sunshine mentality no matter the forecast!”

Photography by We are the Crawfords.

WEDDING PLANNER: Caroline Broussard of Iris and Oak Events
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Caroline is known for her amazing organizational skills and contacts in the wedding industry, which she utilizes to create a flawless day for her brides. She also has three different types of packages for brides, so they can choose how much they need her for their wedding events.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Caroline excels at making weddings and wedding-related events all about the relationship of her clients. This translates into genuine events where the love really shines through,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.

Photography courtesy of Greg Boulus Events.

WEDDING PLANNER: Greg Boulus of Greg Boulus Events
LOCATION: Augusta, Georgia
WHAT THEY DO: Greg Boulus Events is known for their classic, timeless approach. Their goal is to consistently create weddings that will stand the test of time.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Greg and his team make the event planning process so enjoyable and their attention to detail brings every vision to life,” says Ann Knox, editor of The Scout Guide Augusta.