Revolutionizing Wedding Education: The Women Behind Aisle for All
In the ever-changing world of weddings, wedding education has traditionally focused on trends, logistics, and execution. But a group of three trailblazing women—Becca Mai of Wed 2 You, Sarandon Smith of Sarandon Smith Photography, and Diane Kolanović-Šolaja of Dee Kay Events—is shifting the paradigm. Their initiative, Aisle for All, isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement to redefine inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity in the luxury wedding industry.
Together, these women are on a mission to educate and empower wedding vendors to elevate their services, ensuring that every celebration honors the individuality of couples and their guests. In this blog, we’ll dive into the inspiring stories of these women, how they joined forces, and their vision for a wedding industry where everyone has a seat at the table.
The Start of a New Era in Wedding Education for Vendors
Every great movement starts with a spark. For Diane and Becca, that spark came during a continuing education class for speakers led by Meghan Ely of OFD Consulting. The course, focused on helping wedding professionals refine their public speaking skills, turned out to be the meeting ground for two minds passionate about changing the industry.
Through the course, they connected over shared experiences: running successful businesses, navigating the challenges of inclusivity, and striving for excellence in their work. After the class ended, the two began co-working virtually, exchanging ideas, strategies, and encouragement. During these sessions, Becca introduced Diane to the idea of collaborating on an inclusive styled shoot—a project that would soon grow into something much bigger.
Diane was immediately on board. Her own experiences as an immigrant and a wedding planner with a neurodivergent diagnosis had given her a deep understanding of the importance of accessibility and representation in weddings. When they later met Sarandon Smith, a talented photographer with a shared vision for inclusivity, the trio clicked instantly. Together, they decided to embark on a journey that would lead to the creation of Aisle for All.
Meet the Women Redefining Wedding Education
At the heart of Aisle for All are three remarkable women whose diverse backgrounds, talents, and passions make them uniquely qualified to lead this charge.
Becca Mai: From Strategist to Disabled Wedding Planner
Becca Mai, founder of Wed 2 You, is a strategist and educator with more than a decade of experience in the events and hospitality industry. Her work is rooted in accessibility, a value shaped by her personal journey. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Becca gained firsthand insight into the importance of inclusivity—not just in weddings but in every aspect of life.
Wed 2 You specializes in helping wedding professionals streamline their businesses with efficient systems and processes. Becca’s approach is as practical as it is visionary. She doesn’t just talk about accessibility; she integrates it into everything she does, offering vendors actionable ways to make their services more inclusive.
Becca’s commitment to inclusivity goes beyond her professional expertise. As a disability wedding planner, she believes accessibility isn’t a luxury—it’s a right. Through her work with Aisle for All, she’s helping the industry recognize that inclusivity benefits everyone, from couples to vendors, and ultimately strengthens the fabric of the wedding community.
Sarandon Smith: Inclusive Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire (H3)
Sarandon Smith is a fine artist and wedding photographer based in Maryland, whose work is rooted in celebrating love in all its forms. With a background in fine arts, she brings a painter’s eye to her photography, creating timeless, emotive images that reflect each couple’s individuality.
As an inclusive wedding photographer, Sarandon is deeply affirming of her LGBTQIA+ clients and is passionate about serving diverse communities, including clients of all abilities, races, ages, and gender expressions. Her ability to capture love stories authentically makes her a vital voice in the wedding industry’s shift toward inclusivity.
Sarandon’s work with Aisle for All is not just about showcasing diverse couples—it’s about changing the narrative of who belongs in wedding spaces. Through her photography and advocacy, she’s redefining what representation looks like in the wedding industry.
Diane Kolanović-Šolaja: The Inclusive Wedding Planner You Need (H3)
Diane Kolanović-Šolaja is the owner of Dee Kay Events, a luxury boutique agency specializing in bespoke wedding planning. With over a decade of experience, Diane has made a name for herself as an inclusive wedding planner, crafting celebrations that reflect her clients’ unique styles, values, and personalities.
Her path to wedding planning is anything but conventional. Diane started her career in law and technology before realizing her passion for events. As a first-generation Croatian-American, she brings a global perspective to her work, combining creativity, cultural understanding, and a commitment to inclusivity.
Diane’s personal experiences have also shaped her approach. Living with ADHD has taught her the importance of creating systems that work for everyone, including neurodivergent individuals. She’s passionate about ensuring weddings are not just beautiful but also stress-free, accessible, and meaningful for all involved.
What Sets Aisle for All Apart in Wedding Education for Vendors
When Diane, Becca, and Sarandon joined forces, their shared mission was clear: to revolutionize wedding education for vendors by making inclusivity and accessibility central to the conversation. They understood that many wedding professionals wanted to be more inclusive but didn’t know where to start. That’s where Aisle for All comes in.
A Hands-On Approach to Change (H3)
Styled Shoots That Teach
Styled shoots are at the heart of Aisle for All. These events demonstrate how accessibility and luxury can coexist, from sensory-friendly environments to adaptive wedding fashion.Workshops That Empower
By offering actionable education, the team equips vendors with tools to create inclusive weddings, from ADA-compliant layouts to inclusive language in contracts and marketing.Stories That Inspire
Through storytelling and real-life examples, Aisle for All highlights the importance of inclusivity, showing how thoughtful planning can transform a wedding experience.
Luxury Meets Inclusivity: The Future of Wedding Planning
Some vendors fear that prioritizing accessibility may dilute their brand’s luxury appeal. Diane, Becca, and Sarandon are proving the opposite: luxury and inclusivity amplify one another.
From high-end adaptive fashion to sensory-friendly lounges, Aisle for All showcases how thoughtful inclusivity elevates the guest experience. These practices not only serve couples with disabilities but also enhance the experience for all guests, demonstrating that true luxury is thoughtful, creative, and inclusive.
Why Every Vendor Should Care About Wedding Education for Vendors
Inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a business opportunity. Today’s couples are looking for vendors who align with their values, and inclusivity is a growing priority. By adopting the principles taught by Aisle for All, vendors can set themselves apart in a competitive market while making a meaningful difference in their clients’ lives.
Whether you’re a planner, photographer, or florist, there’s always more to learn. Through Aisle for All, you can expand your skills, grow your business, and become a leader in creating the inclusive weddings of the future.
Join the Movement and Redefine Wedding Education
Aisle for All is more than an initiative—it’s a call to action. By joining this movement, you’re not only elevating your own business but also contributing to a wedding industry that celebrates love in all its forms.
Are you ready to make inclusivity a part of your story? Together, we can ensure that every couple feels seen, celebrated, and supported. The aisle is for all of us.