about me

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About Anita

Hi Friends! I am Anita Casano Kanellis, owner and principal planner at AK Brides. I have been involved in the wedding industry since 1999 when I took on my very first wedding. Learned a lot planning that first wedding and I still learn something new after every single wedding that I plan. I was raised in Southern California and have always been drawn to production and design, quickly learning I feel most comfortable being behind the camera, definitely not in front. Behind the scenes is what always fascinates me. I want to know how the magic was created that leads to that finished product. I never knew this would be so important as a wedding planner but this is one of the reasons why I love my job so much. Putting all this magic and key players together and watching it all come to life surrounded by so much love from families coming together is what creates that excitement and spark that keeps me going day after day.

My world is made complete by my two sons whom I absolutely adore and my little fur baby named Jewels. I love being a mom of boys but I am completely a girly girl. Love all the pink tones in everything around me, love all the Hallmark Christmas movies I can watch and love to cook and bake in my kitchen with of course, my pink Kitchen Aid and spatula!

Tea is also a passion of mine. I discovered the art of tea several years ago and found the experience of having tea to be so grounding and calming. You will always find me with a cup of tea in my hand, especially on wedding days and I will post about my tea blends on social media often. A wedding day can become a bit chaotic during the production process but I have my tea in hand… I feel like I can handle all things…. so bring it! I’m so happy you joined me and can’t wait to meet you over a cup of tea!! Cheers to a happy and joyful wedding day ahead!

years in business

weddings planned

cups of tea

happy brides

01

Values

My close Italian family ties and hospitality roots influence the AKB approach to create a beautiful wedding planning experience that is real, relaxed and relational. An experience that is not only flawlessly planned, designed and executed but also creates lasting memories etched in your heart forever. I really want you to enjoy the planning process just as much as the actual wedding day and soak in all the cherished moments you are about to experience over the next several months.

02

Philosophy

AKB is not just a business of planning joyful and gorgeous weddings but a very personal endeavor in making all the moments and memories savored and cherished forever in your soul. AKB is driven to guiding our brides with all the knowledge acquired over the past 20 years of being totally immersed in wedding planning, leading you straight through the planning process to the most flawless and absolute joyful day of your entire life!

03

Mission

AK Brides has a sincere mission to create stunning weddings reflecting the clients’ own personal style. Impeccable attention to detail, organization and design is essential leaving a gorgeous lasting impression you and your guests will talk about for years to come. It is my heartfelt wish to allow you to experience an incredibly memorable and emotional day, resting easily knowing all the behind the scene details are absolutely handled on your behalf.

a few of my favorite things!

I have two wonderful sons and love being a mom of boys although I am a complete girly girl. So I get all my pretty things working with my brides and then love being with my boys and their friends, BMX tracks and football games – ROLL TIDE!

I have a passion for tea – Love the experience of having tea, love to explore tea rooms, tea etiquette and tasting all the different tea flavors and infusions. You will always find me with my tea on wedding days and while working everyday!

Love to be at the beach… sunsets, walks on the sand, listening to the waves, the smell of the ocean…. It’s definitely my “happy” place

Flower – Lillies although a David Austin rose and Peonies are top picks as well

Favorite part of a wedding day – I lost my dad in 2005 and although I love all the moments on wedding days, the “daddy/daughter” moments are still my faves.

Designated “Professional Bridal Consultant” with the Association of Bridal Consultants is the result of yearly continuing education, attending seminars and educational workshops held throughout the country including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Nashville and Birmingham. Anita feels continuing education is essential in the wedding planning business, keeping up with design trends and learning from top wedding planning professionals known worldwide.

Having extensive knowledge on wedding etiquette and tea and social etiquette has given Anita several opportunities to educate her brides and others on etiquette including written articles in the Tea Time Gazette, a question and answer article for I Do Magazine and etiquette seminars at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham Alabama on behalf of Elegant Bride Magazine.

In addition to planning weddings in the Southern California and Birmingham, Anita has also planned gorgeous weddings in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Fairhope and New York City New York.