Women Shaping the Wedding Industry: Journeys, Lessons and Inspiration
This International Women’s Day, we’re shining a spotlight on some of the incredible women working across the wedding industry. From founders who built their venues from the ground up, to leaders guiding teams behind the scenes. These women share their journeys, the lessons they’ve learned along the way and the women who inspire them.
Their stories reflect not only the talent within the sector, but also the power of women supporting one another while building businesses and helping couples celebrate one of life’s most meaningful moments.
Meet the Women Shaping the Wedding Industry
Kylie Christie
Operations & Marketing Manager, The Old Kent Barn
Photo © The Old Kent Barn | See their Bridebook profile
Kylie has spent over a decade building an impressive career becoming a recognised expert within the Kent wedding industry. Over the past 11 years, she has helped grow The Old Kent Barn into a county-leading, award-winning venue, while also consulting with other venues on how to strengthen and develop their businesses. Her expertise is widely recognised and she also serves as a judge for the Kent Wedding Awards.
Her Journey
“My journey began from entry-level positions in hospitality, waitressing for hotels and restaurants as a teenager, to later bar supervisor and management roles (and even a short stint in the travel industry), before returning to hospitality where my heart lies. I took a leap of faith after a job role ended to create my own path in the wedding industry as an independent planner. After establishing myself as a planner and stylist, another female industry professional recommended me to my now Director, Claire.
I joined their established business at The Old Kent Barn back in 2014 as a wedding coordinator. Together we’ve grown over the last 11 years. The barn has given me so many opportunities to grow and develop, from looking after wedding days to now overseeing aspects of the venue, marketing, and development.”
The Most Valuable Lesson She’s Learned
“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned building my career is to always help, champion and support others. You’ll be thankful for the friendships and support that follows.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
“I’m so incredibly fortunate to have an amazing network of strong women surrounding and inspiring me every day within our team, past and present. I’ll be forever thankful for the friendships and support I’ve had along the way and how much I love working alongside them every day.”
Lisi & Kate
Founders, Barns & Yard
Photo © Barns & Yard | See their Bridebook profile
Sisters Lisi and Kate are the founders behind Barns & Yard, a beautiful wedding venue in Worcestershire. Their positive energy, strong bond and shared passion for weddings shine through in everything they do, creating a place where couples can celebrate their day in a way that feels truly personal.
Their Journey
“We are two sisters who have always dreamed of working together, combining our complementary skills to create something meaningful. After careers as a Chartered Surveyor and a Graphic Designer, it was a lovely and exciting change for both of us to build something together.
We share a deep love of detail and precision, along with a genuine appreciation for the beautiful buildings that are part of Lisi’s family home. With a passion for weddings, hospitality, and thoughtful luxury, we love creating memorable experiences and welcoming people to enjoy these special spaces with us.”
The Most Valuable Lesson They’ve Learned
“One of the most valuable lessons we learned while overseeing the renovation and creation of Barns & Yard was the importance of truly understanding the spaces and experiences we are helping to create. We know the barns intimately – their history, character, and the small details that make them so special.
Launching the business during the COVID period was both challenging and formative; it forced us to be resilient, adaptable, and deeply focused on the details. That time shaped the way we work today, encouraging us to carefully consider every element of the guest experience and approach hospitality with creativity, precision, and a commitment to thoughtful luxury.”
The Women Who Inspire Them
“Many of the women who inspire us most are the incredible small business owners we have the privilege of working alongside; the florists, cake makers, photographers, designers and creatives who often run their businesses single-handedly.
They pour so much heart, creativity and care into their work, often going far beyond what they are paid for simply because they are so passionate about their craft. Their dedication, resilience and quiet hard work behind the scenes is truly inspiring, and we feel very lucky to collaborate with women who bring so much talent and generosity to the weddings and celebrations we help create.”
Lauren Higgins
Marketing Manager & Senior Wedding Coordinator, The Italian Villa at Compton Acres
Photo © The Italian Villa at Compton Acres | See their Bridebook profile
Lauren is part of the team behind the success of The Italian Villa at Compton Acres, a beautiful and unique wedding venue. Her industry knowledge and passion for weddings come to light in the way the venue continues to grow, supported by a fantastic team who help create unforgettable celebrations for couples.
Her Journey
“My path into the wedding industry wasn’t entirely traditional. I originally studied Criminal Investigation with Psychology at university and even joined the police during COVID, but I realised quite quickly that it wasn’t the right path for me. I’ve always been the organiser among my friends and family, so a career in events and weddings felt like a much more natural fit.
I joined a hotel chain in 2022 as a Junior Wedding Coordinator and worked my way up to Senior Coordinator before joining The Italian Villa at Compton Acres in July 2024. My role has since grown to include marketing across the venue and the wider Compton Acres site.
It’s been incredibly rewarding to help evolve such a unique venue, from developing new spaces like the Florence Suite, our new getting-ready room and the release of our onsite accommodation, The Summer House, to growing our online presence and helping more couples discover what really is a little slice of Italy here in the UK. I’ve also had the opportunity to lead our applications for several wedding industry awards, which has been a lovely way to showcase the venue and the team behind it.”
The Most Valuable Lesson She’s Learned
“The biggest lesson for me has been the importance of listening and attention to detail. Weddings are such personal celebrations, so taking the time to really listen to couples, colleagues and suppliers is essential. At the same time, it’s often the smallest details that create the most memorable experiences. Whether it’s refining a process behind the scenes or designing new spaces within the venue, those thoughtful touches can transform how couples experience their wedding day.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
“My mum has always been a huge inspiration to me. She’s a strong and independent woman who taught me to believe in myself and that I can achieve anything I truly put my mind to – advice that has shaped my career and mindset.
I’m also incredibly inspired by the women I work alongside. For example, our Venue Manager, Shannon, began working at The Italian Villa while she was still at university, running events front of house, and has worked her way up to Venue Manager. Seeing that journey within the same venue is really motivating and shows the passion and dedication that goes into creating such a special place for couples.”
Amy Applegarth
Venue Manager, Stockton House
Photo © Stockton House | See their Bridebook profile
As Venue Manager at Stockton House, Amy oversees the weddings that take place at this elegant Shropshire venue. Working closely with couples and suppliers, she helps ensure each celebration runs smoothly from start to finish. Her dedication and care are reflected in the success of Stockton House, a multi-award-winning venue known for the exceptional experiences it creates for couples.
Her Journey
“I have always worked in hospitality, whether managing restaurants and pubs or my many years as airline cabin crew. My journey in the wedding industry started 14 years ago now, working with a high-end caterer looking after large marquee weddings and it was there, I fell in love with the industry. I have been managing venues now for 10 years and Stockton House has definitely been my favourite as we are able to really connect with our couples and create a family approach.”
The Most Valuable Lesson She’s Learned
“To always learn more and challenge yourself. The wedding industry is hugely supportive and making sure you surround yourself with like-minded people ensures great success and collaboration.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
“A great industry friend of mine taught me so much early on to not just see the pretty on the day wedding things, but the bigger picture of how we get to that wedding day. The science behind why we do everything we do to help our team and our couples.
I am always inspired daily by my wonderful team around me. We are a female led team who are proactive, solution focused and genuinely love what we do.”
Chelsea Croft
Founder & Director, The Old Vicarage
Photo © The Old Vicarage | See their Bridebook profile
Chelsea Croft is the founder and director of The Old Vicarage, an award-winning, female-founded and family-owned boutique wedding venue in Southwell. Working alongside a talented women-led team, she has created a space where couples can celebrate their weddings in a truly special setting.
Her Journey
“Our journey really began long before we ever imagined working in weddings. The Old Vicarage was purchased at auction in 2005 when it was in a very poor state and had previously been used as a care home. What started as a family restoration project slowly became something much bigger.
For the first few years it operated as a hotel and restaurant, which taught us a huge amount about hospitality and what it means to truly look after people. Weddings actually came quite organically. A couple asked if they could celebrate their wedding here and something about the intimacy of the house, the atmosphere and the way people naturally gathered in the space just worked.
From that moment, it slowly evolved into what it is today – an exclusive-use wedding and events venue run by a small, dedicated team.
For us personally, it’s also been a journey of working as a mother and daughter. What began as Suzie’s vision has become something we now build together. Over the years we’ve shaped the house into a place that feels calm, thoughtful and personal – somewhere couples can celebrate in a way that feels true to them.
It’s incredibly special to see how far the house has come and to know that each year we’re still learning, refining and growing.”
The Most Valuable Lesson She’s Learned
“One of the biggest lessons has been trusting our instinct and staying true to the kind of experience we want to create.
In the wedding industry there can be pressure to constantly add more, do more or follow trends, but we’ve learned that clarity and intention are far more valuable. When you know what you stand for, the right people naturally find you.
Another important lesson has been the power of relationships. This industry is built on people – the couples we work with, the creatives we collaborate with, and the team who help bring everything together behind the scenes.
Taking the time to nurture those relationships and lead with kindness has been one of the most important parts of building something that lasts.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
“For us, the answer is very simple – each other.
Running a business together as mother and daughter has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Suzie had the original vision and the courage to take on a huge restoration project when many people would have walked away from it. That determination laid the foundation for everything that exists today.
Over the years we’ve supported each other through the challenges of running a small business, navigating growth, raising families and building something meaningful together.
Beyond that, we’ve also been incredibly lucky to be surrounded by many talented and inspiring women in the wedding industry – planners, stylists, photographers and creatives who support one another and bring so much passion to what they do.
Being part of a community of women who uplift and encourage each other has been one of the most special parts of this industry.”
Andrea Harker
Founder & Director, Eden Barn
Photo © Eden Barn | See their Bridebook profile
Andrea is one of two sisters behind Eden Barn, a family-run venue she established alongside her sister and parents. Interestingly, Andrea’s path into the wedding industry wasn’t always part of the plan.
After hosting her own wedding at the family barn, friends began asking if they too could celebrate their weddings there. What started as a few enquiries soon sparked a bigger idea, and the sisters set about transforming the barn into a beautiful wedding venue.
A decade later, Eden Barn has become a much-loved destination for couples, rooted in family values and a shared passion for creating truly wonderful celebrations.
Her Journey
“Eden Barn started with one family wedding. It was such a lovely relaxed vibe, and friends of friends started to ask if they could get married there too. Fast forward 10 years and we’ve been able to host so many beautiful family weddings. The barn has enabled us all to work together. Initially, we did this alongside our jobs, Carolyn (mum) was an Advertising Director and then Property Developer, Andrea was a Fashion Design Manager and Julia a Copywriter. We’ve definitely used all of our skill set but at the core of it all is how passionate we are about hosting couples’ days and giving them the support to make it unique to them.”
The Most Valuable Lesson She’s Learned
“To not stand still! Each year we set ourselves a new goal. This year it is creating on-site lodges which we are super excited about and feel alongside our hotel, The Wilding, will give couples that multi-day experience.”
The Women Who Inspire Her
“Our Nana Kathleen! She’s 94 and so we have 3 generations of strong women at the barn! 4 generations if we count our own little girls too! Nana Kathleen is always on hand with her words of wisdom!”
Celebrating Women in Weddings This International Women’s Day
The wedding industry has long been powered by passionate and determined women who bring celebrations to life.
Success rarely happens alone. Across the industry, mentorship, encouragement and support from other women often play a vital role in shaping careers, from family members to colleagues and peers.
International Women’s Day offers a moment to recognise these achievements and celebrate the women who continue to inspire those following in their footsteps.
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