Wedding Planning

This list of experts will inspire your Big Day. Day-of event coordination by Tiffany Chalk Events, a renowned black-owned Philly-area wedding planner. Photo by Winnie Dora There are numerous ways to show support for the black community here in Philadelphia, and one of them is by intentionally investing in the vendors with whom you choose to work for your Big Day. This list of black-owned Philly-area wedding planners and event designers, florists and decor companies showcases a selection of the professionals who can help you create beautiful celebrations. This by no means is a comprehensive list of all of the talents, but it’s one that we will continue to add to and expand to include experts in hair and makeup, photography, food, entertainment, fashion, paper goods, wellness and fitness, and more. (Please email suggestions to kschott@phillymag.com .) BackDroppers

Husband-and-wife duo Kevin and Lee Bunch run this floral wall company. The backdrops (which are more like art) are handmade here, too, and have brought flower power to events put on by the likes of Neiman Marcus. The eight-foot-by-eight-foot creations are free-standing and can be customized with design or lettering. (Bigger sizes are available upon request.) There are paper blooms (made from premium card stock), high-quality silk iterations and boxwood walls, with petals in a range of hues — red, ivory, multicolored and more. If that’s not enough, BackDroppers also has a digital social booth for selfie-worthy snaps. Owner and lead event planner Donielle Warren has a story that sounds like a wedding dream come true: She started as an intern with Elegant Events’s former owner. She later purchased the firm and has been running the show ever since. Located in Northeast Philly and Newark, Delaware, the brand’s reach extends through the region (plus far-off destinations). The packages are broken down from Silver (day of) to Platinum (full service); the team also can outfit your soiree with floral design, invitations and related paper goods. Interested? All you have to do is text via the website. Enchanted Allure Events

The East Brunswick-based boutique wedding planning and design firm focuses on creating a stress-free experience for couples throughout the Philly region and New Jersey (as well as New York). Founder and principal planner Melissa Brooks and her team are driven by creative and modern designs, but ultimately dream up a day (and related celebrations) that is unique to you and your love. Custom packages range from à la carte options to full-service planning and design; engagements, day-after brunches and unions of all sizes (elopements, micro-weddings or large bashes) are among the events they skillfully guide. Even virtual consultations via Zoom or teleconference are on offer. Event Loft

Eilena Mercier-Ehmann’s full-service floral and event design studio plants a veritable garden for your Big Day in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware (and beyond). The firm partners with fellow vendors on exclusive, eye-catching experiences, using blooms, texture and lighting to achieve a look that carries through each aspect of your event. The […]