Every small choice counts, and choosing local helps strengthen Edmond’s business community for future couples, families, and visitors
In August 2025, I received the surprise of my life when Isaac asked me to marry him. I was completely overwhelmed in the very best way. I was over the moon, full of joy, and for once, almost at a loss for words. If you know me personally, you know how rare that is.
When the excitement settled and we caught our breath, Isaac and I found ourselves delving into what really mattered to us as we looked to plan our wedding. We landed on three simple but meaningful decisions: getting married in March 2026, getting married in Edmond with our closest family and friends, and intentionally choosing local Edmond vendors to help us bring our special day to life.
That last choice came straight from the heart. As small business owners of Creative Financial Strategies, a boutique financial planning firm, we understand what it means to pour yourself into your work and your community. After relocating from New Mexico to Edmond in 2021, this city quickly became home—not just where we live, but where our life truly took shape. It’s where we continue to expand our business, form deep friendships, and imagine our future together long before there was a ring involved.
Our connection to Edmond runs deeper than geography. We are proud members of the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, actively involved with local nonprofits, and I have had the honor of serving on a City of Edmond Board & Commission. This is the community that shows up, supports one another, and celebrates together. It felt only right that our wedding reflects that same spirit.
Choosing local was never about being exclusive or getting everything “perfect.” It was about leading with intention. Before placing an order or heading to a big-box store, we paused to ask ourselves: Is there someone in Edmond or nearby who does this? Is there a fellow Chamber member we can support? That question became a meaningful part of our planning journey.
Of course, national brands and large retailers have an important place in the business landscape. They offer convenience and accessibility, especially when time or availability is limited. Supporting local does not mean turning your back on those options. It means being thoughtful about where your first dollar goes.
On the flipside, local businesses are more than vendors. They are families, dreamers, volunteers, and your neighbors. When you choose a local florist or baker, for example, you are investing in someone who lives here, raises their family here, and reinvests right back into the community we all share.
What surprised me most was how deeply personal the experience became. Our vendors and partners did not just deliver services - they cared. They celebrated with us. They treated our wedding not as another event, but as something meaningful because it belonged to their community too. Along the way, many of them became trusted referrals and even friends.
For us, our wedding is about more than a beautiful day or a new chapter. It is a reflection of the values we want our marriage to stand on: intention, community, gratitude, and whole lot of love. By choosing local, we were not only planning a wedding. We were honoring the place that impacted us and the life we are building together, now and forever.
Our Wedding Partners:
For the Bride & Bridesmaids
Prescott Bridal E
Makeup by Raven E
Birdy Grey
Katie Perdew Makeup/House of Color**
Boudoir no. 5 E
Bella Strada Salon, Spa, & Boutique/ Natalie Courson E
HaleStorm Aesthetics and Wellness/ Cassidy Payne, MSN APRN-CNP **
For the Groom & Groomsmen
Allton’s Clothiers E *
Men’s Warehouse
For the Ceremony & Reception
Designs By Tammy E
OKC Balloon Bar E
Sweet Friends Bakery E*
Frenzy Brewing Co. E*
Vignola’s E*
Hilton Garden Inn Edmond E*
Sarah Keys Photography**
JRay Productions**
Social Selfie E
Unity In Glass
Parcel Goods + Gifts E*
Clean As A Mother E
Two Hearts Inn E
E denotes local Edmond business
*denotes Edmond Chamber Member business
**Non-Edmond, local business