about me

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About Anita

Hi Friends! I am Anita Casano Kanellis, owner and principal planner at AK Brides. I started my company over two decades ago and after that first wedding, I never looked back.. I fell completely in love with this industry! Born in New York and raised in Southern California, I have always been drawn to production and design, quickly learning my comfort zone is definately being behind the scenes, not in front. I want to know how the magic is 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 the key players together, watching it all come to life is what creates that excitement and spark for me.

My world is made complete by my two sons whom I absolutely adore and of course, my family is everything to me. I love being a mom of boys but I am completely a girly girl. Love all the pink tones all 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. It can become a bit chaotic during the production process but when I have my tea in hand… I feel like I can handle all things…. so bring it! A lot of my clients tell me I bring this peaceful and calm atmosphere to the day and if I can do that for you, well.. that’s just the icing on the cake! 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 journey 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 experience that is real, relaxed and relational. You and I together will create a beautiful day that is not only flawlessly planned, designed and executed but also creates lasting memories etched in your heart forever. I really want you to have a stress free journey and enjoy this process!

02

Philosophy

AKB is driven to planning joyful and gorgeous weddings with a very personal endeavor to making all the moments and memories created with the most calm and peaceful presence! Take advantage of all this knowledge acquired over the past 20 plus years of being totally immersed in the wedding industry, and allow AKB to take you by the hand and lead 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. Anita feels continuing education is essential in the event business, keeping up with design trends and learning from top professionals known worldwide.

Having extensive knowledge on wedding etiquette and tea and social etiquette, Anita has had several opportunities to educate her brides, business owners and others on etiquette including written articles and etiquette seminars.