Black BeauTEA Talk is a monthly column especially for black brides to find inspiration for bridal hair and makeup hosted by one of the best in the industry, Brittney Taylor.

PHOTO BY MARIAH TYES; MAKEUP BY BRITTNEY TAYLOR

Hi Beauties, did ya miss me? I've certainly missed you all, and I have to start off by saying….Yassssss!!! Thank you all for the support on last month's Black BeauTEA Talk entry; it ended up being received a lot better than I expected! I'm sitting here outside on the porch drinking a cold glass of sweet tea. *pause* Please tell me all of my beauties drink sweet tea, right? You must, because unsweetened tea taste like battery acid. lmao jk *side eye*

One part that really seemed to stand out last month according to the feedback was the story about none of the vendors posting photos of the black bride's wedding. Her story really drove home why I push the phrase, “Go where you are celebrated, not tolerated,” so much. It's very important that on top of realizing these issues, we do our part to support those who truly support us! How many times have you been online and come across a new viral post about yet another business owner coming out as having been racist?! How many of these business owners had you supported in the past? Yea, I know girl, me too, and the worst part is there is no way for us to be able to tell, right?! Well of course there isn't, but we can damn sure look for the businesses that SHOW us that they are here for us. It's really easy to do; if you go to their website and don't see anything close to a representation of you, peace out! You'd be taking a chance with giving this business your support, or in other words, your coins!!

So what I've decided to do is end this post with a vendors list of a few wedding professionals that I know deserve your support!

Woke AF Vendors List!

WEDDING MAGAZINES & MEDIA

EVENT PLANNERS & DESIGNERS

Taylor & Hov (Washington D.C.)
Leah Weinberg, Color Pop Events (New York City)
Nikki Michel (Atlanta)
Tiffany, Style Couture Events (Missouri)
Renee Scott Dalo, Moxie Bright Events (California)
Atosha Bennett, Larger Than Life Events (South Carolina)
Jordan Maney, All the Days Event Co. (Texas)

STATIONERY

Teaira Abston, Dreamcatcher Stationery (Washington, DC)
Loren Chesnut, Captivating Calligraphy (Georgia)
Tasia Graham, Willowskye Designs
Lauren Perry (Virginia)

FLORISTS

Jennifer Pate, Wildly Cultivated (Texas)
Amanda Jewel (Georgia/Louisiana)
Lynn Fosbender, Pollen Floral Design (Illinois)
Kelly, The Crimson Petal (Missouri)

BAKERS

Lameeka Edwards, Cakes by Lameeka (Georgia)
Danetra Delgadillo Richards, Swank Desserts (South Carolina)

BRIDAL BOUTIQUES

Candice Richardson, Blush Bridal (North Carolina
Erika Swift, The Bridal Loft (Arizona)

MAKEUP & HAIR

Latia Curtis (South Carolina)
Maria Bags
Rachel Davis (North Carolina)
Brittney Taylor (North Carolina)

DJs

Ed Stewart (Georgia)

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Elle Golden (Georgia/California)
Syed Yaqeen (New York)
Latoya Dixon (South Carolina)
Raquita Henderson (Missouri)
Jaime Patterson (Virginia/Canada)
Emma Smith (California)
Lauren McGlynn (Scotland)
Elizabeth Mealey (New York)
Elissa Rinehart (Texas)
La’Quita Denson (Deleware/Pennsylvania)
Kanayo Adibe (Washington D.C)
Jourdan Laws (Florida)
Charmi Patel Pena (TX,NJ,NY,PA)
Becca Dilley (Minneapolis)
Amanda Summerlin (Georgia)
Kim Craven (South Carolina)
Shannon Griffin (Florida/Georgia)
Niada Cradle (North Carolina)

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding—or any event, really—please do utilize this list!! Take my word when I tell you they are doing the work and deserve your support and business!! I included locations, but most wedding professionals are willing to travel, so reach out!! Even if you aren't planning currently, check out their websites to follow their social media because their work is bomb, and that's TEA ❤❤

~Peace & Light~

BRITTNEY TAYLOR

I am a freelance makeup artist located in Cameron, North Carolina. I have been working in this area for three years doing event makeup, as well as print and some runway. This year I will be working to build a bridal artistry business that will be fully mobile. I studied makeup artistry at makeup artist studios in Richmond, Virginia, and from there developed my aesthetic. I spend a lot of time studying past artists, as well as trends today. I believe that everyone is beautiful, and my job is to enhance that!