The wedding vendor search can be overwhelming. There’s so much talent out there to compare, and you’re trusting them with one of the most joyous and delicate days of your life.

Where do you even begin?

Having been in the wedding industry for 10 years now, I’ve met and collaborated with countless wedding vendors in the 100’s of events I’ve documented. In an effort to make your vendor search easier, and in order to lift up other small businesses I love, I’ve collected my favorite wedding vendors (aka “friendors”) in this exhaustive list.

Here you’ll find professional, experienced vendors vetted and curated by me, with an emphasis on those who are not normally centered in the wedding industry, including queer & BIPOC-owned businesses, and those who are values-driven and prioritize eco-friendly practices in their businesses.

Note: I have no business agreement with these folks, just support and love. 💛

Happy Booking!

My “Friendors

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Twelve Month Aura Photography

“I’m Stephanie – a musician, writer, and aura photographer based in Brooklyn, New York. I travel around the East Coast taking aura photographs with my business, Twelve Month Aura.

Aura photography is a type of instant photography that reads and interprets your energy using handplates. The camera captures your physical image and the frequencies you emit are projected as the colors of your aura.

As I move into my 5th year as an aura photographer, the continuous awe and excitement it brings me shows me that I’m on the right path. If you’ve ever taken a photo with me, you’ve seen firsthand how I geek out and get so excited to talk about your aura. Each photograph is so unique and I absolutely love seeing how readings validate the energy people are experiencing.”

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entertainment, LGBTQ-owned UX BEX entertainment, LGBTQ-owned UX BEX

Marti G Cummings

“Marti Gould Cummings is a NYC Drag staple. Their 16 year long career has expanded the realms of nightlife, cabaret, theatre, film, and television.

Marti made history as the first openly non binary candidate to run for office in New York City when they ran for City Council in 2021 to represent District 7.  Their campaign journey is featured in the documentary "Queen of New York", currently streaming on The Advocate Channel.

Marti also served as an advisor to both former NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio and the New York City Council as part of their role on the NYC Nightlife Advisory Board, while congruently serving as a member of Community Board 9, having been appointed by former Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brewer.

Activism and politics has long been a part of Martis work leading them to do a TedTalk about cyber bullying and why drag is safe for kids. They serve on the Board of Directors for The Ali Forney Center for Homeless LGBTQ Youth, The Advisory Board Drag Story Hour NY, as a National Co Chair of Drag Out the Vote, and work as a Project Specialist for Equality NY.”

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entertainment, woman-owned UX BEX entertainment, woman-owned UX BEX

Deanna Kei

“Deanna Kei is a NYC based fashion and beauty illustrator, specializing in live event art and detailed fashion branding, blending luxury fashion with New York street style.

Deanna collaborates with luxury fashion and beauty brands to create elevated, storytelling-driven illustrations and imagery that inspire customer engagement while honoring each brand’s identity. She is also known for her live guest sketching at NY Fashion Week events, brand activations, luxury retail experiences, galas, corporate events, private parties, and weddings. Her live sketches celebrate guests’ unique personal style, capturing the details that make each look memorable.

Since her first live sketching event in 2018, Deanna has illustrated thousands of guests. Her work is deeply influenced by her background in fashion design and her upbringing in New York City. She is a Fashion Institute of Technology alumna with over a decade of experience across women’s contemporary sportswear, outerwear, athleisure and performance, juniors, childrenswear, and menswear design categories, as well as professional styling roles.

Through her art, Deanna aims to encourage confidence, individuality, and positivity—celebrating personal style as a powerful form of nonverbal communication, always with a distinct New York edge.”

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entertainment, woman-owned UX BEX entertainment, woman-owned UX BEX

ARS Poetica

“Poet, polyglot, and multi-talented people-connector Lisa Ann (LAMARKS) Markuson is the owner and founder of Ars Poetica.

In November 2012, a Washington, DC restauranteur tapped LAMARKS to create an immersive experience for the opening of his new sushi restaurant. Writing custom haiku on the spot on her vintage typewriter, Lisa Ann cracked the code on a way to help strangers bond over what we call "empathic intelligence." Long before the age of artificial intelligence, we were already living in a time where terms like "engagement" and "experiential entertainment" were already rising in importance and recognition. Fast forward over ten years, and we're proud to say we've become the go-to creative curators for conscientious event planners and clients around the world.

Typewriter haiku was how we got our start, and still remains a powerful activation for events of all kinds. But we're pushing the boundaries of creative entertainment to new heights with partners like Google, Twitter (pre-Elon), the Chilean Embassy, the City of Sacramento, FENDI, the Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce, Tiffany, the NY Public Library and NY History Museum, Van Cleef Arpel, and perhaps soon, your event too.”

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Yes Etc

“We are a collective of artists, strategists, designers, producers, innovators, directors, fabricators, entertainers, nightlife experts, visionaries and ambassadors of joy. 

Together, we are a powerhouse dream team that embraces the art of collaboration to help our clients think big, express excellence and bring brilliance into existence.

Over the years, we have organically expanded to create aligned partnerships with brands who truly understand the value of collaborating with those who are the source of culture itself to develop authentic concepts and transform ideas into successful brand strategies.

We believe in creating spaces for self-expression and sharing stories that feed the soul. We believe in celebrating the weird, wild, and wonderful spark in all of us. We believe in making a positive impact on people, places and our planet.”

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empanadamn

“Hi, my name is Brent Fierro / empanadamn. I am a club, radio, special events, and wedding DJ in Brooklyn, New York City. I enjoy all kinds of music and take an inclusive approach when sharing it with others. Whether it's premiering new global rhythms on FM airwaves Uptown in Harlem, grooving an all-R&B set at Fat Buddha in the East Village, or rifling through generations of hits at a rural chic wedding in a barn Upstate, I play for my crowd who is present - listening with open ears and dancing feet.

I pride myself in playing a wide mix across genres, tailoring one-of-a-kind playlists to fit the needs of brands and clients (mini and major) for their momentous affair where everyone's a VIP. To the right is running list of select names I've had the privilege of working alongside to help build lasting impressions.”

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Mon Amie Events

“Mon Amie Events NYC is a Brooklyn based, WOC business, booking talented and knowledgable DJs in NY and beyond.  We offer an alternative to the 'typical' DJ agency: no wacky announcements, no banners, no line-dances just good music.

Each DJ has different style and genre specialties, but they all have one common goal - to create bespoke soundtracks particular to each event.  Let us help you create the perfect party, specifically catered to YOUR vision.

All our DJs have high musical IQs and know how to keep a varied demographic on the dance-floor without relying on the same songs you hear at every celebration. We blend many genres and eras seamlessly, while also mixing up hits with deeper cuts.  Simply put, we offer cool DJs playing good music.“

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Bonita Sound

“Bonita Sound is a music entertainment agency offering professional DJs and Musicians for weddings and events in East Coast Cities & romantic destinations.

Founder Jordan aka DJ Royale has always been fueled by curiosity, creativity, and desire to connect more deeply with others. This early passion for music paired with a zest to throw parties when his parents vacationed set the foundation for his future vocation as DJ & Experience Curator.

Jordan dedicated his entire life to the mastery and artform of DJing and curating culture-niche events in Philadelphia, New York, and beyond. His talent elevated him to perform in places like Colombia & Cuba and alongside stars like Lil Jon, Questlove, Diplo, & more. His approachable personality helped him to forge relationships with some of the best DJs and musicians in the tri-state area.”

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DJ Mariko

“With over 200 events under her belt, DJ Mariko brings a no-ego, musician's ear to every event—whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, or night club. She has played at top venues like The Standard Hotel, The Bell House, and City Winery, and worked with major brands including Google, Snapchat, and BlackRock. When not spinning, she produces and writes music alongside Grammy and Tony award-winning talent. Named one of Go Magazine's Women We Love, DJ Mariko proudly represents multicultural, LGBTQ+, and AAPI communities.

Book DJ Mariko for non-traditional weddings, multicultural celebrations, and queer weddings. Serving couples in NYC, NJ, MA, CT, and PA who want authentic, personalized musical experiences.”

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Beat Train Productions

“For the last 20 years, Beat Train Productions has brought the music and the party to thousands of events and weddings in the Northeast. But it’s no mystery why we’re as successful as we are. It all comes down to caring about the music and (most importantly) caring about our couples and clients.

We’re DJs because we love what we do. We’re dedicated, talented, and insanely passionate about creating the absolute best experiences. And combining those factors leads to one thing: the best DJ company.

Unlike most other DJ companies, we help you hand-pick your DJ based on your preferences and personality. Rather than being assigned to someone unknown a month before your big day, you’ll get to know who you are working with from day one. This way, you can rest easy that you have a partner in your corner to help execute your vision, pack your dance floor, and make the whole process easy from start to finish.”

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James Mulry

“From an early age, I was consuming music in all of its forms.  My parents swear I was pulling records off shelves and bopping around the apartment as a toddler. Growing up in Queens, I commuted daily to the Bronx for high school and would make detours downtown on my way home - going to all-ages shows, digging through record stores’ dollar bins and making and sharing mix tapes with friends.

I purchased my first pair of turntables and DJ mixer as a college freshman in Brooklyn, and soon met DJs Porkchop and Dirtyfinger, combining forces to work all kinds of bars, clubs, lounges as well as warehouse and block parties. Our events were written up in The New York Times and Paper Magazine, and we three became known for our free-form, mixed-genre format. In January 2011, a series of themed warehouse parties with the the artist Swoon’s Swimming Cities project were named #1 in the city in Time Out New York’s “5 Best Parties” feature.

I’ve appeared on WNYU and WFMU radio. I’ve held residencies at high end cocktail lounges as well as dive bars. I still DJ public events when I can, but private event work at weddings and corporate events makes up the bulk of my calendar these days.”

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June Events

As a Sound Stylist, DJ June’s mission is to be a curator of beauty, fashion, and good vibes for all. She brings individuality through her sharp outfits and thoughtful soundtracks that reflect the music DNA of her clients. June approaches each Stylist on her team, every client she works with, and every vendor with the utmost respect and humility. Her drive for creating a beautiful atmosphere, storytelling through sound, and bringing joy to others fuels her passion to keep elevating June Events.

“One thing I love about our team is we’re all New Yorkers at heart. We love and support our diversities of people, cultures, music and artistic expressions. We are LGBTQ{ proud and affirming, inclusivity and acceptance are values we hold dear at June Events. Regardless of how traditional or not your celebration may be, we’re always ready to find the best way to provide an unforgettable experience. - DJ June”

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Stylus

“Music is one element in a wedding that can truly be as unique as you are. Whether your tastes are mainstream or offbeat, general or specific, Stylus DJs take the time to listen, to ask questions and to make suggestions while curating a custom soundtrack to one of the most important days of your life.

If the musical goal of your event is to reflect your personalities, to please your guests, to make a great dance party, or all of the above, we put the energy and focus into getting the balance right.

Our reliable, professional DJs keep the party flowing with great music – no gimmicks, over-the-top hype, earsplitting volume or excessive talking. We are music lovers with a diverse digital library – if we don’t already have it, we are happy to buy it. We are never cookie cutter – every set is customized, even with minimal direction from the client. You can trust that we will pay close attention to your Must Plays, Do Not Plays, and openness to guest requests. Most of our clients are looking for an alternative to the typical cheesy DJ – someone who really “gets” them and their musical goal.”

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Cafe Wha Entertainment

“Cafe Wha? is the iconic club founded in 1959 by Manny Roth began as a Greenwich Village coffee house. It has a rich history of hosting legendary talents like Little Richard, Joan Rivers, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and Bruce Springsteen. Today, Cafe Wha? thrives as a landmark in NYC’s music scene, hosting a variety of artists.

Cafe Wha Entertainment is The Club’s sister company offering a diverse range of services, including live bands, DJs, weddings, corporate, and immersive entertainment experiences. Collaborating with clients, Cafe Wha Entertainment strives to customize performances and emerge as a premier choice for events and music. Our versatile musicians can adapt to the unique atmosphere and requirements of your specific event.”

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Catbus Collective

“Catbus Collective is a Brooklyn-based seven-piece jazz ensemble founded by Jasper Dutz that specializes in anime soundtracks, Studio Ghibli, and City Pop jazz covers. Active since fall 2023, they have become a premier NYC Nerd Culture band, performing at venues like Umbra and The Red Pavilion, featuring trombonist Peter Lin. Catbus is a truly unique musical choice for wedding parties who are fans of high-energy performances, cosplay and jam sessions.”

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Brass Queens

Brass Queens is a female-led, New York-based brass band that has been dominating the brass band scene since 2019.

Finding that they shared similar frustrations about the emerging brass band scene in New York City, co-founders Alex Harris and Ally Chapel came together to form a group dedicated to showcasing the talents of female musicians in a landscape that was dominated by male musicians and bandleaders. After debuting in March 2019, Brass Queens grew to be a fixture in the local music scene and was dubbed "the hardest working band in town" by their peers. The Queens gained a dedicated following through outdoor performances on the streets of Brooklyn and playing pop-up events in their community through the pandemic. Now, a core value of the band is to play for as many audiences as possible to increase the visibility of female musicians.

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Honey + Vinyl

Honey+Vinyl is a Brooklyn-based boutique music agency and multi-piece band founded by Sonic Sommelier Keanna O'Quinn, specializing in highly curated, live music experiences for NYC events. They offer a unique blend of jazz, soul, R&B, and pop, designed to create soundscapes for events.

The band provides custom music experiences for weddings, special events, and high-end collaborations while specializing in creating a "soundtrack" to the event's story. Keanna believes strongly in

using the science of sound to align music with the atmosphere, ensuring a curated experience.

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The Revisionists

“Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists are “today’s premier swing band” (Broadway World) from the heart of New York City. With the spirit of the Savoy Ballroom, their vibrant performances have quickly made The Revisionists one of the top-tier dance bands where they have filled dance floors across NYC. Fueled by an unwavering love of dancing, their music has been described as “smile-inducing” (DownBeat) as well as “crisp, clean, and refreshingly joyful” (Syncopated Times).

Their latest album, Together Again (2022), was released following their headlining performance at Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City Festival. In 2020, they were unanimously named the WINNERS of the inaugural Count Basie Great American Swing Contest for their virtual performance of “One O’Clock Jump”. The award-winning track included on the Late Night Basie album, alongside a star-studded roster of artists paying tribute to the great Count Basie. They have performed live with special guests including Grammy award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell.”

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Recommended Wedding Vendors