Today we’d like to introduce you to McKinley Witbrodt.
Hi McKinley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into the wedding industry started in high school when I worked at a local bridal and prom shop. I quickly fell in love with helping people celebrate some of life’s biggest milestones, and that passion only grew from there.
In college, I served as the event planner for my sorority, where I discovered how much I enjoyed organizing events and creating memorable experiences. During the summer before my senior year, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York, the bridal salon featured on *Say Yes to the Dress*, where I gained firsthand experience in one of the most well known bridal stores in the country.
After graduating, I moved to St. Louis and continued building my experience by working at a bridal boutique while also joining a local wedding planning company. I later became the Event Coordinator at Forest Park Golf Course, where I planned and managed weddings and special events, giving me an even deeper understanding of what it takes to create a seamless wedding day.
As my experience grew, I launched my own wedding planning business, Elegant Impressions, where I had the privilege of working with couples for nearly a decade. Over time, I recognized that many couples did not necessarily need a full service planner. They simply needed expert guidance, organization, and someone to help them navigate the process with confidence. That realization led to the creation of The Wedding Prep Co.
Today, The Wedding Prep Co. focuses on helping engaged couples feel prepared, organized, and excited throughout the planning process through personalized planning sessions, practical resources, and expert advice. My mission is to make wedding planning feel less overwhelming so couples can enjoy every step leading up to their big day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. Like most entrepreneurial journeys, there have been plenty of ups and downs along the way. There were seasons when business was thriving and seasons when I questioned whether I would have enough bookings to keep going. Building a business often means navigating uncertainty, and that can be challenging.
One of my biggest struggles has been dealing with imposter syndrome. Even with years of experience in the wedding industry, there were times when I questioned whether I was qualified enough or whether I deserved to be in the rooms I was in. Looking back, I realize those feelings are incredibly common for business owners, especially when you’re constantly putting yourself out there and trying something new.
I’ve also learned that success is rarely a straight line. Every challenge, slow season, and setback has taught me something valuable and helped shape both my business and my confidence. Those experiences ultimately led me to create The Wedding Prep Co., a business that feels deeply aligned with my strengths, my experience, and the way I truly want to serve couples.
We’ve been impressed with The Wedding Prep Co., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Wedding Prep Co. is designed for couples who want expert guidance without hiring a full service wedding planner. We fill the gap between planning completely on your own and investing in full service planning by providing personalized planning sessions, practical resources, and professional advice tailored to each couple’s unique wedding.
What sets us apart is that we focus on preparing couples to plan their own wedding with confidence. Rather than taking over the planning process, we teach couples what they need to know, help them avoid common mistakes, answer their questions, and create a clear plan they can actually follow. Our goal is to help couples save time, reduce stress, and make informed decisions throughout their engagement.
One of the things I am most proud of is creating a business that makes professional wedding planning expertise more accessible and affordable. I believe every couple deserves access to experienced guidance, regardless of their budget. Not every couple needs or can afford a full service planner, but that does not mean they should have to navigate the wedding planning process alone. Through personalized planning sessions, digital guides, checklists, and educational resources, we provide couples with the tools and confidence they need without the full service price tag.
At the heart of The Wedding Prep Co. is the belief that wedding planning should feel exciting, not exhausting. We want every couple to feel confident, organized, and fully prepared for one of the biggest days of their lives while still being able to enjoy the journey along the way.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is making couples feel welcomed, supported, and confident throughout their wedding planning journey, regardless of their budget. I truly believe that every couple deserves to have a beautiful and meaningful wedding experience, and that quality guidance should not only be available to those who can afford a full service planner.
I have always been passionate about helping couples save money while still creating a day that feels personal and special. Wedding planning can come with a lot of pressure to spend more, upgrade everything, or follow trends that may not actually matter to the couple. I love helping couples focus on what is most important to them, make intentional decisions, and find ways to create the wedding they envision without unnecessary stress or expenses.
A big part of The Wedding Prep Co. is removing the idea that you have to spend a certain amount of money to have a meaningful wedding or to deserve professional guidance. Whether a couple is planning an intimate celebration or a larger event, I want them to feel welcomed, valued, and supported. My goal is to provide the knowledge, tools, and confidence couples need to make smart decisions, stay within their budget, and truly enjoy the process of getting married.
Pricing:
- Wedding Prep Session – $300
- Wedding Prep Follow Up Session – $150
- Guidebooks range from $0 to $30
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theweddingprepco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweddingprep.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theweddingprepco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweddingprepco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-wedding-prep-co-saint-louis-2
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@theweddingprepco
