Celebrating Black Businesses in the Wedding Industry: 12 Inspiring Supplier Stories

Francesca Lee
Last updated: 1st Nov 2024

In honour of Black History Month, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of Black-owned wedding suppliers who are reshaping the industry with creativity and a deep commitment to inclusivity here in the UK. Each of these business owners has had a unique journey, fuelled by their passion for their craft and the desire to make weddings truly reflective of the diverse love stories they have the privilege to be part of. These individuals don’t just plan, decorate, or cater weddings—they embody a vision that transcends cultural, societal, and personal barriers.

Joyce Connor – Mastering Make-up for Every Skin Tone

Joyce, of Joyce Connor Make-Up, started her business with a mission to make every bride feel their best, especially those with darker skin tones who are often overlooked in the mainstream beauty industry in the UK. Joyce’s ability to embrace her clients’ traditions, cultures, and personal styles ensures that each bride feels uniquely beautiful. Her calm professionalism, even in some challenging and sometimes racially insensitive scenarios, has made her a trusted figure in the industry, bringing grace and beauty to every wedding. 

Instagram: @joyceconnormakeup

Reece – Gold Tier Events: Bespoke Experiences for Every Couple

Reece, of Gold Tier Events, identified a gap in the events market and took the leap to start his own business, driven by a passion for creating bespoke experiences for his clients. His approach celebrates love in all its forms, whether recalibrating games for wheelchair users or adapting to other different needs. Reece’s commitment to tailoring every detail ensures that each wedding reflects the couple’s vision, no matter their background or needs.

Instagram: @GoldTierEvents

Mercedes – Sustainable Wedding Décor with Heart

Mercedes, founder of 4YaParty Weddings and Events, turned her battle with disability and depression into a thriving eco-conscious wedding décor business. Mercedes decorates stunning weddings across South London and Kent, with a focus on sustainability. Whether reflecting the couple’s culture through their food choices or transforming spaces to align with traditional or modern aesthetics, Mercedes pours her heart into every event. Despite having faced challenges with prejudice, she remains determined, creating opportunities for herself and using her success to continue inspiring others.

Instagram: @4YaParty

AFMENA – Culturally Inspired Floral Designs 

Afia, of AMFENA, specialises in creating stunning modern floral designs for weddings, events, and brands. Afia’s journey began with a DIY wedding project that uncovered her creative talent. Now, as a founder of AFMENA, she brings modern and personalised floral arrangements to weddings, often incorporating cultural symbols like African prints for table runners or utilising orchids with  symbolic meaning to Chinese culture to honour her clients’ backgrounds. Known for her warm, professional approach, Afia’s floral designs celebrate cultures, beautifully tailoring each arrangement to reflect the unique story and heritage of her clients. 

Instagram: @byafmena

Shalana Serafina – The Wedding Singer with a Personal Touch

Shalana Serafina, a talented wedding singer, believes in celebrating the diversity of love through music. Whether performing in Icelandic or adapting her repertoire to embrace a couple’s cultural traditions, Shalana ensures each wedding is as personal as it is beautiful. Her journey from stage performer to wedding singer was driven by a desire to share her passion for music in the most intimate of settings—weddings, where love and joy shine brightest.

Instagram: @shalana.serafina.weddings

China – The Fusion Wedding Specialist

China, of The Wedding Society, is an expert in creating breathtaking fusion weddings. Blending cultural traditions in a way that honours both families, China has perfected the art of showcasing the unique heritages of her couples. China’s approach brings two worlds together in a celebration of love, food, and culture.

Instagram: @weddingsocietyuk

Selina – Sweet Sils Cakes: Where Creativity Meets Culture

With a background in fashion and a love for cake design, Selina, of Sweet Sils Cakes, brings her creative talents to the wedding industry. She customises her cakes to meet the dietary and cultural needs of her clients, ensuring that everyone—from those needing gluten-free options to lovers of traditional Caribbean fruit cakes—has a delicious and personalised experience. 

Instagram: @sweet_silswedding

Chloe Mykel – Embracing Identity Through Make-up

Chloe, of Chloe Mykel Make-Up, turned her love for beauty into a flourishing career. Recognising her talent for make-up artistry and being of mixed white and black Caribbean heritage herself, Chloe understands the significance of make-up that honours each bride’s unique identity. She takes pride in ensuring every client feels incredible in their own skin, overcoming past negative experiences with other artists. Chloe’s approach is all about ensuring her brides shine on their special day, both inside and out, as a true reflection of who they are.

Instagram: @chloemykel

Rebecca – Telling Stories Through Art

Rebecca, of Splendid Swan Wedding Stationery, is a master of turning personal stories into beautiful illustrated stationery. Whether it is incorporating national symbols like the English Rose and South African King Protea, or creating detailed Indian wedding programmes, Rebecca’s bespoke designs reflect each couple’s unique heritage and style. Her ability to adapt her processes to meet clients’ needs, such as offering additional support to those with dyslexia or ADHD, speaks volumes about her dedication to inclusivity.

Instagram: @splendidswan

Anesha – Artistry in Cakes, Rooted in Culture

Anesha, of Anesha’s Art of Cakes, blends the rich culinary traditions of her East Indian Trinidadian roots with her passion for artistry. From creating gourmet global flavours to designing cakes that reflect a couple’s love for both culture and rock music, Anesha’s creations are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. She has even gone the extra mile to learn sign language to ensure a couple with hearing impairments could communicate their vision fully, showcasing her dedication to inclusivity and personalised service.

Instagram: @aneshasartofcakes

Dionne – Award-Winning Wedding Singer

Dionne, of Dionne Clark Music, is a celebrated wedding vocalist, known for her moving performances at over 100 weddings annually. Her journey started from a young age where she fell in love with performing and ultimately led to her dedicating her career to making each wedding day memorable. At each event, she aims to honour her couples authentically, making her inclusion on their wedding day truly something that represents them, whatever that may be. Being a musician, she implements this through the incorporations of musical genres that the couples choose and love, creating a soundtrack to the day that resonates deeply with her clients. 

Instagram: @dionneclarke

Tessa – Luxury Wedding Planner 

Tessa, of A Touch of Nevaeh, is renowned for her luxury wedding and event planning. She enjoys curating multicultural weddings, one of her fondest memories being an event where an Afghan bride and Nigerian groom honoured both their heritages with multiple outfit changes and a blend of cultural traditions. Tessa values inclusivity and ensures that all voices—especially those of elders as well—are heard in the wedding planning process, creating meaningful and harmonious celebrations.

Instagram: @atouchofnevaeh

Celebrate Black History Month with us

These exceptional suppliers are not only talented in their respective fields, but they are also advocates for inclusivity and diversity in the UK. Their commitment to celebrating love in all its forms, while overcoming personal and societal challenges, showcases the beauty of Black businesses in the wedding industry. Let us continue to support, uplift, and celebrate these voices, not only during Black History Month but every day and all throughout the year.

You Might Also Like…

Happy Planning!

Francesca Lee
Last updated: 1st Nov 2024