Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandee Crawford.
Hi Brandee, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved weddings—the beauty, the details, the joy that radiates throughout the day. There’s just something magical about seeing two people surrounded by love, beginning their forever together. For years, being a wedding planner was just a pipe dream tucked away in my heart, something I admired from afar but never imagined myself actually doing.
That changed when one of my daughter’s former babysitters asked me to coordinate her wedding. I’ll be honest—I was terrified. I had absolutely no experience, and the thought of being responsible for such a special day scared me to my core. What if something went wrong? What if I wasn’t enough? With so many of our friends in attendance, I worried about failing in front of everyone. In the end, I said no.
Fast forward to last fall, when another babysitter asked me the same question: “Would you coordinate my wedding?” By then, people had seen how much I love planning events and the way I throw over-the-top, themed parties for my kids. They saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet allowed myself to embrace.
This time, instead of running from the idea, I leaned in. I reached out to a local wedding planner and asked if I could shadow her for a day. I had a general sense of what a coordinator did, but I wanted to learn firsthand. Watching her work, I was in awe. The way she orchestrated the details so the bride and groom could simply soak in the joy of their day was incredible. And when I realized I had even a tiny hand in making that moment possible, something inside me clicked.
After that experience, I knew it was time to stop doubting myself and finally say yes. That sitter’s wedding became the first official step in launching my business. And with that, Southern Joy was born.
The name comes straight from my heart, “Southern” as a nod to my Louisiana roots, and “Joy” because it’s my daughter’s middle name. More than that, it’s the essence of what I want to bring to every bride and every wedding: a touch of southern warmth, hospitality, and joy that makes the day as unforgettable as the love being celebrated.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, once I finally believed in myself, the road has been surprisingly smooth. The hardest part was taking that very first step and trusting that I was capable. For a long time, I let fear and self-doubt hold me back. But once I shifted my mindset, doors began to open and everything seemed to fall into place.
Of course, every wedding has its unique challenges—it’s the nature of events—but I wouldn’t call them struggles. I see them as opportunities to problem-solve and to make sure my couples never feel the stress of what’s happening behind the scenes. For me, the journey has truly been joyful, and I think that comes from leading with passion and leaning into the gifts that were already there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Southern Joy, my heart is in the details—but more than that, my heart is with the couple. I specialize in wedding coordination, making sure that all the moving parts come together seamlessly so that brides and grooms can truly be present and enjoy their day.
What I’m most proud of is my ability to listen. Every couple has a vision, and my job is to understand it fully and carry it out in a way that feels true to them. I approach each wedding with a calm and steady presence, always with the goal of lifting as much stress and anxiety off their shoulders as possible.
I think what sets me apart is that I genuinely see myself as a partner in the process, not just someone checking boxes on a timeline. I want my couples to feel cared for, supported, and confident that they can fully soak in their wedding day without worrying about what’s happening behind the scenes.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Yes! By day, I’m actually a kindergarten teacher. Teaching little ones has taught me patience, flexibility, and the ability to stay calm no matter what unfolds—skills that transfer beautifully into wedding coordination. Both roles bring me so much joy because they’re about nurturing, guiding, and creating a safe, happy space for big moments, whether it’s a child’s first day of school or a couple’s first day of forever.
Pricing:
- The Signature Package – $650
- The Heirloom Package – $1,200
- The Estate Package – $1,600
- Several add ons available as well
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southernjoyevents.com/
- Instagram: @southernjoyevents
Image Credits
@mck.findleyphoto
@simplycatephoto
@lilyofthevalley.photo
