Triple B Presents: 15 Minutes With...Summer McLane

This year, BlackBridalBliss.com is launching an exciting “column” called 15 Minutes With… This fun post will feature a new wedding planner that has a history of working with Black brides and will appear on Triple B the last Thursday of every month. We’re kicking things off with the woman who helped make my own Charlotte, NC wedding day pretty freakin’ awesome. (Why wouldn’t I start with her?) Drumroll please…

Name Summer McLane
Homebase: Atlanta, GA
How long have you been planning weddings: 7 years
What’s one thing you wished more couples did on their wedding day?
I wish more couples would eat on their wedding day. They spend time at tastings and paying for this food [but] they don’t really sit down and enjoy it. There is time to talk to your guests…eat!
Name a bridal trend you’re over.
I’m over people “branding” their weddings. I understand the desire to have a running theme but [when I] look on wedding blogs and magazines nowadays, I’m not sure if I’m looking at an ad for a paper, company or someone’s wedding.
Name a bridal trend you’re excited about.
I love a good “first look”! I hope this trend never dies. Some couples are reluctant but depending on the time of your ceremony, a first look is necessary. They’re always my favorite photos.
I never work a wedding without my trusty…
Binder! It holds everything. My binder is my security blanket. I’ll always have a safety pin or an extra program, etc. in it. 
What’s the most memorable thing to happen at one of your weddings?
Honestly, it is was when the sun came out as you and your brother walked down the aisle. It had been raining off and on all day. I knew you wanted the ceremony outdoors. When you and your brother began walking toward aisle and the sun came out, I rolled my eyes like, “Thanks, Weather Gods!” Then it hit me that it was your father “walking” you down the aisle and I lost it. I had to go into another room for a few minutes to get myself back together. I’ll never forget that moment. 
The best part of being a wedding planner is…
My favorite thing about being a wedding planner is the relationships I make with my clients. I’m actually sitting next to one of my brides who got stranded in the ice storm down here [in Atlanta]. She couldn’t make it home. When I found out where she was, I told her to come to my house. My job never ends but I wouldn’t have it any other way.


You can also find Summer on Instagram here!

[Photo credit: Catherine Ritchie Park of My Life Photography]