We recently had the chance to connect with Abi Cook and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Abi, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ince breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up, brew a cup of coffee, and settle onto my porch to read my Bible. I intentionally begin my mornings slowly and serenely—my work is fast-paced, travel-heavy, and often unpredictable, so I make mental health and rest a priority by creating this calm, steady rhythm at the start of each day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Abi Cook, the founder and creative force behind Cooks Bridal, a Nashville and Charleston-based wedding content creation team launched in spring 2023. What sets us apart is our mission to tell real, candid stories—capturing your wedding in a way that feels authentic, personal, and timeless.
As a 2023 bride myself, I wanted something different: a way to relive every moment—large or small—within 24 hours. So, I created Cooks Bridal to fill that gap, offering rapid-turnaround content that brings the emotions of your day straight back to you, almost instantly
We serve couples both locally in Nashville and Charleston as well as at destination weddings, combining candid iPhone photos, behind‑the‑scenes videos, and custom short reels. Our package options range from shorter “A Glimpse” coverage to full “Forever” day‑of storytelling, all delivered within one day of your wedding.
I’m proud to lead a small, energetic team—including Kiley, Kaylei, and Caitlin, —who share a passion for celebrating love and capturing the unscripted moments that make each wedding unique.
We’re not just another vendor; we’re part of your story. Whether you’re eager to share your big day on social, relive it yourself, or both, we’re here to ensure every laugh, tear, and dance move is beautifully preserved.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
It was my parents who saw me clearly before I saw myself. Growing up, they were my biggest cheerleaders—always backing my dreams and believing in my potential, even when I doubted myself. Their constant encouragement shaped my confidence and kept me moving toward my goals.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
For years, the fear of failure—and worse, the embarrassment that comes with it—held me back. I was so afraid of falling short or looking foolish that I often hesitated to try at all.
But through my years I have learned that failure isn’t the real fear—it’s the thought of not trying that’s far more damaging.
That shift in mindset transformed everything. Once I started treating failure not as an endpoint but as a stepping-stone—a valuable lesson—I stopped being paralyzed by the idea of messing up. Every misstep became feedback, every stumble taught resilience, and every setback fueled my next attempt.
Now, instead of letting fear hold me back, I use it as motivation.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely—yes, the public version of me is the real me. I don’t dim my light or tone myself down depending on who I’m around. I make a conscious choice to show up just as I am—fully myself—in every setting. When you never dim your light, you give others permission to do the same. Being fully you helps create real connection and inspires those around you to live authentically too.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing?
Not prioritizing my own well-being—and not carving out time to nurture relationships with family and friends. In this fast-paced industry, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget what really matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cooksbridal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooksbridal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YhVSknHre/?mibextid=wwXlfr
Image Credits
Taken by the Cooks Bridal team
