TrendingWedding DesignersCreativity. Innovation. Inspiration. We went looking for top trending wedding designers—and just look who we found! Today's top pros exhibit skill, fresh perspective, and outside-of-the-box inspiration in their designs.Jack London said, ”You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” The top wedding industry designers we found certainly aren't sitting around waiting. As a result, they inspire us with their passion. They inspire us to go a little deeper, seek inspiration in unusual places, and be better at what we do each day. When Wedding Planner Magazine went looking for the top trending designers, we looked for those who had only been in the industry for 10 years or less. With special thanks to those who made recommendations as well as to our Advisory Board for helping us narrow the field, we present to you three of today’s Trending Wedding Designers! Andrea EppolitoAndrea Eppolito Events, Las Vegaswww.AndreaEppolitoEvents.comandrea@EpppolitoEvents.comWho is she? Andrea Eppolito, a Las Vegas wedding planner and event designer, is known for creating weddings that entice the senses and come to life with soul, passion, personal touches, and impeccable service. Touted as one of the best wedding planners world-wide, her work can be found in the New York Times, The LA Times, Junebug Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Style Me Pretty, and more. Eppolito is based in Las Vegas and creates weddings and events world-wide.How does she do it? “Everything I do comes from my couples—always my couples. The entire event begins and ends with them, and while I pull inspiration from nearly everything around me, I am constantly testing my ideas against who the two people getting married are. Does this color speak to them? Is this a comfortable set up for their guests? Are we being authentic? As long as the thing in front of us connects with the couple, it stays in. Anything that feels forced is ruthlessly edited and discarded. Sometimes, a design element will come to me before the right client arrives. In those times, I sit down and sketch out the broad strokes, write a narrative, and fill in as many of the blanks as I can. Then I file the design away until the couple arrives. I held back one idea for three years, and when the right clients appeared, it was magic!”What was her favorite challenge? “Recently, I was tasked with installing a wedding in a client’s home. While a large estate, the space wasn’t built to accommodate a ceremony, a reception, and dancing for 100 guests. To make this happen, and to make it happen beautifully, we needed to remove all of the furniture in the home, have the space cleaned and detailed, load in all florals and rentals, and then flip the space in under 90 minutes while the guests remained in the house. We turned the rooms a total of three times in a six-hour period, and with each turn, we added or removed something, changing the environment and the feeling of the space so that the evening was progressive— moving from ceremony to cocktails, from cocktails to dinner, and from dinner to dancing. We ensured that nothing felt ‘undone’ or rushed by creating experiences for the guests in other areas of the house, which allowed us to work without disrupting the guest experience.Any and all success I have is due to the team. My greatest gift is pulling together the right people, and inspiring them to move beyond their perceived limits so that we can create something new together. With this particular client, my décor partners and I visited the estate no less than five times. We taped and roped off the placement of tables and chairs in a mock set up, and then invited the catering team to move around it to make certain that it was functional. On a wedding day, there are no egos. No one team is more important than another, and my singular focus is getting it done right and well, and in a timely manner. Working with stellar partners who share a vision and who connect with one another is of the utmost importance, and I am so proud to have access to the teams of creatives that I do.”Who are her design heroes? “I adore Ed Libby for his grandeur, the theatrics he brings, and the heart he has. Sharon Sacks is just glamorous and elegant, and Marcy Blum’s irreverence and love of opulent displays are forever inspiring.”What is her secret? “My kids are an endless source of inspiration. I get to see the world through smaller eyes, and they are constantly exposing me to new color combinations, patterns, textures, and ideas. Their obsessions become my inspiration, whether it’s the romantic woodland environments found in Maleficent or the retro cool of The Peanut’s Movie, I find that I pull a lot of ideas from them and translate it into something elevated and ‘all grown up’ for my clients.” Matthew OliverMatthew Oliver, International Wedding Planner,United Kingdomwww.matthewoliver.co.uk>matthew@matthewoliver.co.ukWho is he? “My journey has been remarkable, and I’m very honored to be where I am today. I started my career nine years ago as a local wedding planner in Cyprus, and since then, I’ve set up Matthew Oliver, which is now just over four years old, in the U.K.”How does he do it? “I like to get to know each of my clients personally so I can understand their style, likes, and dislikes. When I’m confident with what I’ve learned and discussed, then we’ll start pulling together inspiration from the web, wedding blogs, magazines, google, Pinterest, or other places that show our ideas and what we can create. A lot of it is trust, as most of the designs we create have not been done before or are very different from the visuals we put together.”What was his favorite challenge? “My favorite wedding design was what we created for an Omani princess at the Mandarin Oriental in London. They wanted us to transform the space to look more natural than ornate. We brought in everything from trees, furniture, linen, flowers, tablescapes, a rustic bar—everything! The highlight of the event was working with the Mandarin and creating something so different but that worked within the space. It was challenging as [the couple was] supposed to have their celebration in Oman, but decided three months before the wedding that they wanted to get married in London!”Who are his design heroes? “I would be lying if I said I had design heroes who I looked up to, as all my peers have different styles and have created remarkable designs. Everyone is so different, so I take inspiration from each and create something more me and unique to the design, client, or shoot. I like to think I’m very different and on my own path/journey than others. I look at a lot of home styles to see what is new that season, that is where I draw a lot of inspiration from, and all my wonderful suppliers that work alongside me, as we bounce ideas off each other! In terms of idols, I look up to Madonna, David Attenborough, and Peter Pan, who all have shaped who I am today!”What is his secret? “We love the challenge and commitment that comes with planning a wedding or event, as you’re fashioning someone’s lifetime dream into a day. The feeling is remarkable when walking away from a wedding knowing that you were the person that made it all happen—turning a client’s ideal day into reality. We travel the world creating incredible events and work with a lot of international clients who are looking at getting married in their desired destinations! Nothing is impossible for us!” Darryl Wilson, Jr.D’Concierge Wedding Planning, Houston and Los Angeleswww.dconcierge.netdwilson@dconcierge.net Who is he? Darryl Wilson, Jr., is a certified American Academy of Wedding Professionals wedding planner. Driven by passion, purpose and precision, the East Saint Louis, Ill., native strives to create and bring love stories to life for couples around the globe. Wilson is a graduate of LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, where he studied Business Management. His love for weddings spawned from planning his first wedding between his mother and stepfather. He opened his business in January 2007. Wilson prides himself in being a man of color in the wedding and events industry. He wants nothing more than for the world to be aware of the rising male presence in the profession. He has been featured in various publications including People Magazine, MunaLuchi, YBF Magazine, Rolling Out, and in Black Enterprise as one of their BE Modern Man Recipients. He has also been featured on NBC and CBS. His long-term goal is to plan weddings around the world.How does he do it? “I’m inspired by literally everything I see, eat, and read! I’ve designed entire weddings and dinner parties from pieces of china, stemware, or a painting in a beautiful hotel lobby. I am blessed to be a part of an industry that honors and celebrates love everyday.”What was his favorite challenge? “My favorite design challenge to date was convincing a bride and client to completely change their wedding colors based on my thoughts after hearing their love story and how God joining them together played a major role in their relationship. Originally, the colors were navy, coral, and gold, which we’ve seen time and time again. I was boarding a flight home to Los Angeles, sitting on the plane, and this lady walked by in this amazing white sundress—that inspired me to design an all-white wedding for this couple. The all-white was pure, pristine, and the couple loved it when I presented the tablescape to them.”Who are his design heroes? “I’ve been so blessed to meet and work with so many iconic design mavens in the wedding/event industry—my beautiful mother Linda Randall,  Diann Valentine, Andre Wells, Kathy Romeo, and Eliana Baucicault, just to name a few. I’ve learned from these individuals how not to be afraid of being the best you can be and that it’s okay to color outside the lines.”What is his secret? Wilson has learned to make what his competitors call an “upgrade” to his standard practice. “Be who you are, be wise, and be smart. Don’t be afraid of failure, and be willing to showcase your individuality. Challenge yourself, always. I’ve become successful because I genuinely love what I do, and I surround myself with peers and mentors from different backgrounds.” Wilson believes that it is his intangible traits of being an honest spirit with a daring mind that separates him from the rest. Ask the ExpertsQ: “What advice would you offer to semi-seasoned professionals for keeping their services, offerings, and business models innovative and fresh as each new year approaches and as we are inundated with newly-engaged couples?”- Paula Marrero, Marrero Events, Danvers, Mass.Stay engaged. Whether that means attending conferences, joining your local wedding or event association, or participating in a styled shoot, get involved. I’d also highly recommend looking outside of the wedding world for inspiration; both for business applications and décor ideas. Go to a meet-up for entrepreneurs or take an afternoon at the museum. When you shift your attention to observing the world around you and expecting inspiration and connection, I’m a firm believer that you’ll find both—everywhere!”- ToniaKeep an eye on the latest trends through major sites and blogs—but, don’t follow every new trend. Your customers may not be asking for it. You have to learn what today’s couples are looking for, and update that every year.”- AlanThe best way to keep your offerings fresh is to continually fill the proverbial well with inspiration via museum visits, movies, reading décor and travel magazines, traveling, etc. You can post about these things too! As regards your business model, it is important to look at it yearly, and be certain that you are heading down the path that you want to be on. You can always pivot when you see an opportunity to do things in a new or better way. It is this kind of change that keeps us relevant, inspired, and fresh.”>- MerrylThis industry changes constantly. You need to be ahead of that curve. Attend local industry events showcasing new venues and vendors. Read everything you have time for: magazines, blogs, articles. Know what is happening in the wedding market. Attend trade shows: bridal markets, stationery shows, gift shows to name a few. Attend industry conferences, such as the Association of Bridal Consultant’s Business of Brides, The Special Event, Wedding MBA, and others to learn from your peers as well as see the latest in everything wedding. Yes, this all costs money and time, but you are investing in yourself. Knowledge is power!”- FrankAll business owners need to invest in their professional development and stay current with the trends—not just wedding trends—but all trends.”- ShelbyI believe it’s important to review and make changes as necessary every year (and, sometimes, throughout the year). Look back on the demographics of your couples, and see if you need to change your marketing. If you are looking to grow your business in another direction, then changes may need to be made in your service offerings and business model. I enjoy speaking with fellow Association of Bridal Consultant members and colleagues about what is working and not working for them. In some cases, I’ve made changes that have benefited me after these talks (with their blessings, of course).”- CarmenQ: “We often read about the experts ‘walking away’ from a potential client that they identify is not the right fit for their agencies. Can you share how you walk away and what words you use to avoid offending/disappointing and generally delivering a bad enquiry experience for the potential client?”- Melina Nicholson, Cinque Terre Weddings, Monterosso al Mare, ItalyIt’s not an easy thing, and to this day, I still get butterflies in my stomach before ‘the talk.’ The simplest and kindest way I’ve found is to be very open and direct. Make it about you for the connection and about them getting what they really want—and help them get it. For example: ‘It seems like our visions/aesthetic/fill-in-the-blank aren’t compatible; I don’t think I’m the best fit for you or your wedding—and I want you to have the experience you’re envisioning. Another colleague specializes in ‘fill-in-the-blank;’ here’s his/her email address.’”- ToniaYou need to tell them, ‘From what I’m hearing from you, you have a very specific vision for your wedding, and I’m not feeling that I’m the best person to bring that to life. Your wedding day is too important to leave to chance, so I think it would be best for you to find someone who aligns more closely with what you want. I wish you lots of luck.’ Or refer them to someone who you know will be a better fit.”- AlanThis is one of the things that I dislike most about what we do. Sometimes, you just know when a client will be a nightmare. They micromanage, are impolite, bossy, or arrogant. Once you have worked with a few people like this, you can see them from a mile away. Making the break can be a painful experience if you, like me, genuinely want to see the best in people. The best thing to do is say that you just booked another event on the same day, or say that you have a family event that day, and you simply can’t do both. The best option is a little white lie to allow all parties to save face. Sometimes, you cannot do that, and then you must just tell the truth—they are not a fit for your company. They may argue and try to convince you otherwise, but you must stay the course, and tell them that your team simply will not be able to do their event. Do it firmly but thoughtfully, and don’t look back.”- MerrylThe first thing I do is NOT ask for the business as I usually do. I don’t follow up, but do send a thank you note. I thank them for their time and say it was nice to meet them, but I don’t tell them, ‘I’d love the opportunity to work with you.’ If they do call and ask to retain your services, putting the onus on yourself works best. A simple, ‘I don’t think that I am going to be able to meet and exceed the expectations that you are asking for. I don’t think that I am a good match for you and will have to decline. I know that there is someone out there who will do a great job for you.’ Simple, classy, respectful.”- FrankI’m always honest without offending anyone by telling them that while we may not be able to offer the services they need, I can refer them to someone else who may be exactly who they are seeking. I then refer them to someone I know will be able to work with them. This way, I’ve provided good customer service and a referral to someone who may better fit their needs.”- ShelbyWhen I speak with a potential client, the ‘interview’ process is a two-way street. If for any reason, I feel we are not a good fit, I tell them. I am always polite, explain why we are not the ‘right fit,’ and try to refer them elsewhere, if possible. There must always be trust and honesty between the professional and the client. If you get the feeling that you can’t or shouldn’t work with someone and be able to provide the best possible services for them, then don’t take them as a client!”- Carmen