In the past, we have admittedly fallen short in our representation of all cultures. While nothing we say can fully rectify past shortcomings, moving forward, it is our goal to inspire, empower and amplify the work of a more inclusive community of vendors. To start, we want to make the access to these vendors more readily available. We have compiled a list of highly esteemed, creative and talented individuals and businesses. And, as a regional, community-based publication, we are taking it a step further. Behind the scenes, we are building new relationships, having thought-provoking discussions with the entrepreneurial individuals behind these brands and planning how to further represent them.
This list is not an end product, it is just the beginning. We are still in the process of updating this as we are reaching out to more vendors everyday, and are excited to continue to add to it as new vendors join the industry. If you or someone you know would like to be a part of this list, please email [email protected].
Photo of local vendors coordinated by Elegant Affairs and Events and taken by ZM Photography.
Wedding Planners
Brittany started planning weddings 7 years ago with the desire to create on a larger scale. Along the way, she has met couples and vendors from all walks of life, which she says have influenced her for the better, and encourage her to constantly change, grow and adapt her business to serve the greater needs of people wanting to commit to one another and their love. Her specialities include creative and colorful designs, planning and coordination for weddings and events alike. She deeply enjoys the ability to experience and participate in the celebration of love from many different cultures as well as seeing client's joy and amazement when their event vision comes to life.
Sese Cadmus is the owner of Elevated Style Events, a Minneapolis-based premier event and wedding planning company. She is reputed in planning, and coordinating contemporary, innovative fun events. Sese enjoys spending time with family, friends and you can always catch her volunteering at her favorite Non-profit organization.Owners Symone and Jamie are backed by a diverse team of creatives and specialize in Pop-Up Weddings, Micro-Weddings, Vow Renewals and Elopements in the Twin Cities.
Josey Stafford is the owner of Sixpence Events and Planning, a Minneapolis based company focusing on day of coordinating for couples who want a no fuss wedding. She likes giving hugs, she's obsessed with her husband and daughter, and loves talking about all things wedding. Check out her podcast Under the Veil available on Apple Podcast.
Faith Folayan is the Owner and Creative Director of This Love Weddings, a planning and design boutique that specializes in creating unforgettable wedding weekends for stylish long-distance and multicultural couples. Check out her educational resource for Twin Cities couples, With Love Workshop (Photo by Whims and Joy).
It’s all in the name: Twinkles! The team at Twinkles Events will put the sparkle in your big day with their commitment to custom decor designs, event planning and day-off event management services.
Whitney Gladden is the owner and creative director of Whitney James Events. She has clients ranging from intimate social events to multi-day destination weddings. Whitney James Events offers full service event design, planning, rentals, and production that feels authentic and reflective of the client. Whitney spends her free time with her husband and three dogs, and you will usually find her laughing and dancing in her kitchen! She is so thankful to be able to help create lasting memories for her clients!
Hair and Beauty
Owned by Melissa, The Beauty Lounge Minneapolis is a multicultural hair salon that provides both in salon and onsite services.
Premier lash studio in the heart of Uptown Minneapolis offering lash extensions and lash lifts.
Pa Da Her has always had a passion for makeup and has been doing it since her early teen years. She graduated from Faces Etc. of MN in 2017 where she learned how to work with all skin types and colors. Pa Da started doing bridal makeup professionally in 2017 and has loved it ever since.
The Nail Bar, located in Uptown Minneapolis, was founded by owner Kiara Ellis, and exists to create genuine connections with guests while doing Kiara and her team love - creating amazing nails! They stand apart from other salons because they focus on guest experience while providing full service nail care from natural nails, pedicures, to nail enhancements.
Owned by Angela Richmond, Plush Beauty is located in Woodbury and specializes in bridal hair and makeup. She also provides other hair, waxing, and lash services.
Decor
Photography
Both a photographer and a DJ, owner Roosevelt Mansfield has over 15 years of experience, and well over 300 events under his belt. He believes that music is the backbone to any event, and appreciates what paying attention to spontaneity can produce when his camera is in hand.
Whims and Joy offers beautiful wedding and lifestyle photography based in the heart of Minnesota. Sammy, owner of Whims and Joy, believes in documenting organic, candid, and natural moments, which represents her aesthetic. She is passionate about storytelling and will create timeless photos that will be forever cherished.
Zelealem Z. Mekuria, owner of ZM Photography, is based in the Twin Cities, and has over 8 years of experience. He specializes in outdoor and indoor weddings, portraits and events, and offers a comprehensive understanding of photography techniques, composition, lighting, and post-production.Videography
Zandolee Media
Zandolee Media has become a trusted brand in Minnesota. They value and understand what it takes to plan a wedding and offer a very unique approach to wedding filmmaking that focuses on the couple and also the entire day. Aiming to create a legacy piece for your family, the cinematography is very classic and the story is built around the moments important enough for you to plan into your wedding.
Music/Entertainment
Anthony DuBose (DJ A-Quil) has worked in the industry for nine years and DJ'd over 500 weddings before starting his own business, ASCEND Entertainment Productions, LLC, in January 2020.
Adrian “DJMV” Perryman has been a DJ in the Twin Cities since his Freshman year in college. He mastered his craft in the nightclubs of downtown Minneapolis and brings that musical environment to today's events. As the owner and sole DJ at Events by MV he has DJ'd over 250 weddings and thousands special occasions over the years. His focus on a personal and professional experience includes music, lighting, reliable equipment, and making sure the clients vision becomes a reality.
Catering and Desserts
B'beri Desserts is an online pastry shop that specializes in making French pastries. Since 2019, they've been creating a wide variety of pastries including fabulous quiches, wedding and birthday cakes, french tarts and various kinds of french desserts in decadent flavors and contemporary designs. They also offer a delivery service to customers throughout the Twin Cities.
Brandi Itman, owner and cake artist, opened Bella Nava Creations in 2013, after becoming a stay at home mom. She fell in love with the artistry that goes into decorating cakes, cookies, and cake pops; so she decided to turn that passion into a career as a licensed home baker.
Joy Marsh Stephens, Owner & Chief Cake Creator, has been baking for about 15 years, but her business is only about four years old. Baking began as a mindfulness activity because she has a demanding and stressful job. She relied upon baking so much (and was producing so much product) that she created the business as a way to finance her self-care. She is particularly passionate about French macarons since there is so much she can do with them, and she has created some incredibly unique flavor combos! She also enjoys making custom orders which allows her to exercise her creativity.
Owner and Executive Pastry Chef, Melanie Lewis, has years of education and experience in baking and fine dining, and three years ago, she branched out and started The Perfect Piece Sweets Co. Her menu boasts a stunning array of beautifully decorated treats.
Chef Annette "Nettie" Colón brings a wide array of experience and international flavor to her culinary offerings, and can cater to small, intimate weddings of up to 50.
Altreisha Foster, owner and baker of Sugarspoon Desserts and Cake Therapy Minnesota, specializes in premium custom cakes and dessert displaysfor all occasions. Sugarspoon will deliver an elegant and flavorful sweet treat experience for your big day!
Started in 2017, Sweet Troo Vi Waffle is fun food truck offering mouthwateringly delicious gourmet Liege waffles in a variety of sweet and savory options. They are a Black, LGBTQ+ and woman-owned business, and they also donate a portion of all proceeds back to the community.
