Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Knight.
Hi Shelby, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Originally from Brentwood, my journey into events began with a deep-rooted love for hospitality and beautifully designed experiences. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Hospitality Management and Event Planning, and spent over a decade working in operations and event coordination at luxury Marriott and Hilton properties. That background gave me a strong foundation in five-star service and elevated event design—skills that seamlessly translated into the weddings I was coordinating on the side.
A respected industry professional— who at the time was working at The Hermitage Hotel and formerly with the Four Seasons—told me I should be planning weddings full time. With the encouragement of my husband, who’s been one of my biggest supporters, I finally took the leap. Since then, I’ve been planning weddings for a wide range of clients throughout the Southeast—from those with a clear vision and a few personal touches in mind, to those planning a large-scale luxury celebration with every detail inspired.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building a reputation in the wedding industry doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a steady climb defined by long hours, word-of-mouth wins, and plenty of lessons learned. I’ve had the privilege of partnering with every kind of couple you can imagine: from detail-driven visionaries who arrive with mood boards in hand to those who hand me a blank canvas and ask for magic. Each personality brings its own rhythm, and meeting them where they are—while still guiding the process with calm, professional clarity—has sharpened my craft more than any textbook ever could.
At the heart of my work is intentional hospitality: the belief that every touchpoint, from the first email to the last dance, should feel purposeful and genuinely welcoming. Whether we’re curating luxury details or elevating heartfelt personal elements, that ethos keeps the focus on people rather than just pretty things. The challenges—tight timelines, unexpected hiccups, diverse expectations—are all part of the story, and every solved problem adds another layer of expertise I can pour back into future celebrations.
What began as a dream is now a reality I get to live every day, collaborating closely with clients and venues to create events that feel like a warm embrace wrapped in unforgettable design. The learning never stops, and that’s exactly why I love it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We specialize in wedding and event planning across the Southeast – with a focus on blending southern hospitality with inspired vision. To me, hospitality is more than just service—it’s the art of making people feel seen, valued, and completely at ease. When that level of care is paired with thoughtful design, it becomes something powerful: an experience that’s not only visually stunning, but deeply personal.
The intersection of creativity and connection is where Southern hospitality meets intentional design to create meaningful, memorable experiences. I’m known for translating stories into tangible moments—whether it’s the way a ceremony space feels when guests arrive, the curated flow of the evening, or the tiny, meaningful details that reflect who someone is. No two weddings should ever feel the same, because no two people are the same. That philosophy shapes everything that is The Southern Planner.
Design is my medium, but emotion is the end goal. I don’t just create beautiful events—I think about how the space makes people feel, how guests will move through it, and how each element serves the overall experience. I’m proud to create weddings that not only look incredible, but feel effortless and heartfelt. That balance between creativity and intentionality is what sets my work apart, and what I believe makes an event unforgettable.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, one of my biggest goals is to build a team across the Southeast that shares my passion for intentional hospitality, creativity, and high-level service. I want to create a collective of planners who can take what I’ve learned over the years and apply it with the same level of care, personalization, and professionalism—so that every event, no matter the budget, still feels like a luxury experience. Teaching and mentoring have always come naturally to me, and building this team is a way to spread that knowledge and approach to as many clients as possible. From hands-on training and shadowing to creative retreats and ongoing education, the process will be rooted in high standards and heart. Each team member will learn how to approach planning not just as logistics, but as storytelling—infused with artistry and emotional impact. It’s also incredibly important to me that we continue making great events accessible, without sacrificing the warmth and polish that define a truly memorable celebration. Beyond planning, I’m also looking into launching a podcast that dives into all things weddings—everything from horror stories and behind-the-scenes moments to trade secrets and tips for both professionals and newly engaged folks. It’ll be a space for education, humor, and honest conversation about what really goes into these once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Pricing:
- Coordination Starting investment- $2000
- Partial Planning Starting investment- $4000
- Full-Service Planning Starting investment- $8000
- All pricing is subject to event and client needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thesouthernplanner.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_southern_planner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561397602223
