Today we’d like to introduce you to Bria Jordan.
Hi Bria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always enjoyed watching shows like Four Weddings and Say Yes to the Dress, but if you had told me years ago that I would have my own wedding planning business, I would have laughed. It all started when I was living in my hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. At that time, I thought I had everything figured out—I was in school earning my Bachelor’s degree, working part-time jobs that didn’t quite feel right, and in a relationship with someone I thought I would marry.
I tried working at a doctor’s office, in work-study programs, and other odd jobs, but nothing seemed to stick. I just felt like I didn’t belong, and I dreaded going to work. One day, while driving around, I saw a formal and wedding dress store, and something about it caught my eye. I called the store, found out they were hiring, and applied. A couple of weeks later, I was working as a Bridal Consultant at a well-known Bridal/ Formal store in Nashville.
I remember feeling so excited and eager to learn from all the amazing women I worked with. They were so kind and willing to share their knowledge about fabrics, designers, and tips on styling brides. But I quickly discovered that it was much harder than it seemed! It took me three months to sell my first wedding dress on my own, and I almost quit. I felt like I was doing everything right, but it just wasn’t translating into sales.
Thank God I hung on! Once I sold my first dress, it kept going! I genuinely loved talking to brides about their special day, and everything started to click. But while my professional life was on the rise, my personal life was struggling. I went through a very hard breakup, and it left me feeling hopeless. It also meant it was time to leave the bridal shop and head back to Texas. Here I was, helping brides find their perfect dress for their forever person, yet I was dealing with heartbreak myself. There were days when I struggled and wondered why this was happening at such a tough time in my life.
Fast forward a few months, and I moved back home to Houston with my family to regroup. I graduated from Prairie View A&M University Magna Cum Laude just as Covid hit its peak. Even during my time of redirection, I always knew weddings were in my heart. Scared to jump in and seriously doubting if I plan someone’s big day, I started small with my own Etsy shop making centerpieces for weddings. I’ll never forget telling my Dad about my passion, and he helped me by spray-painting all the vases while I made a mess of glitter and Mod Podge in my room.
Eventually, I realized I was dreaming too small and was scared to take the leap into doing what that small voice in my head had been telling me all along: to plan weddings. I dove into researching wedding venues, timelines, and everything about being a wedding planner. I joined wedding groups on Facebook and, to my surprise, booked my first four brides just from that! Since then, I’ve learned so much.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that there are no shortcuts to being an entrepreneur. It takes hard work, consistency, and most importantly, investing in yourself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small business has not been easy. Some days, you find yourself making tough decisions that make you question whether this is the right path for you.
When I started coordinating weddings in 2021, there weren’t many Black women receiving the recognition they deserved in the wedding industry. I’ve been in situations where I was the only Black person there, and it’s been difficult. Being a minority in any profession, you often hear you have to work twice as hard to earn the recognition and pay you deserve. Having worked in corporate America while also running my small business, I can say that this is true. But I also believe this challenge has pushed me to become better with each wedding I take on.
Over time, I’ve learned to focus on running my own race. It’s been key to not questioning myself or my business. I’ve shifted from feelings of frustration and self-doubt to understanding that what is meant for me is truly for me. I’ve been blessed to work with amazing couples from all walks of life, and their trust in me is what keeps me going.
Don’t let the opinions or stereotypes from others make you feel you don’t belong or question your worth. The right clients and opportunities will gravitate towards you.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Jordan and Co offers three wedding packages: Month-of Coordination, Partial Planning & Design, and Full Planning & Design, along with a selection of à la carte services. Among these, our Month-of Coordination package is the most requested.
What sets Jordan and Co apart from other wedding planning vendors is our signature “Jordan Experience.” I believe every bride deserves to feel truly special and to have the wedding of her dreams. But our services go beyond the bride— we focus on creating memorable experiences for families and guests as well. One of the most common compliments I receive is how much guests enjoyed the flow of the wedding and how involved they felt throughout the day.
I work tirelessly to ensure that every wedding day is unforgettable, leaving guests with the impression that it was the best wedding they’ve ever attended.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was always extremely outgoing! In middle school, I was a cheerleader, ran track, was student council president, and even did the morning announcements. I always wanted to use my voice and try new things. I even had my own mini show that aired in middle school, where I interviewed student-athletes! I knew I loved being around people and meeting new friends.
During high school, I became more focused on academics and spending quality time with my family. I have three siblings, two of whom are entrepreneurs as well. My youngest brother, LJ, offers personalized one-on-one coaching to help clients transform their bodies through his platform, Train with LJ. My sister is a published author of a 30-day devotional titled Rediscovering Joy: Seeking God’s Presence in Every Moment, which is available on all major platforms. Having siblings who share the same entrepreneurial spirit has been an incredible support system. We motivate, encourage, and celebrate one another every step of the way.
They all thought I’d either become a lawyer—because I loved to argue—or a news anchor, since I continued doing morning announcements throughout high school.My mom always pushed me to go to do my very best and trust in myself and the gifts God has given to me.
If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: don’t feel like you have to fit in. You are exactly who God made you to be. Never feel the need to dim your light for anyone or anything that is meant to be in your life. And always be willing to bet on yourself!
Pricing:
- Month of Coordination – $1400
- Partial Planning & Design – $2400
- Full Planning & Design – $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jordanandcoweddings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanandcoweddings/
- Other: https://www.zola.com/wedding-vendors/wedding-planners/jordan-co
Image Credits
Image 1- Kory Sebastian (@ksebastianphoto)
Image 2 and 3 Studio H Town (@studiohtown)
Image 4 and 5-Justin Williams (@boulevard.photography)
Image 5 and the feature image- Roy Harvey (@thomasphoenixii)
