Bella Boss: November 2025, The Wedding Issue
By Lynette Barbieri + Jennifer MacLellan
In this year’s Wedding Issue, we spotlight the visionaries who turn love stories into lasting memories. From planners and designers to experience creators, these professionals redefine what it means to lead with passion and purpose. Their journeys remind us that success in the wedding world begins with creativity, care, and the belief that every moment on the aisle, behind the lens, or within the details has the power to inspire.
KRISTEN MEHMEDI
Photography: Katherine Nunez
West Islip, NY
CEO, JMC Photobooths
What first drew you to the wedding industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today? The magic — I never knew I needed it. Weddings are a space where creativity meets emotion, and I love being part of that energy every time.
What is the most common “wedding disaster” you’ve encountered, and how did you handle it? My disasters are minimal compared to what others might face, but sometimes guests get a little too rowdy at the photo booth. When that happens, we simply turn off the light and ask if they’re done. It’s a gentle reminder that this is a celebration, not a playground.
How do you keep your offerings fresh in an ever-evolving industry? We stay consistent yet forever evolving. We offer something others cannot, and our clients know it. So do our fellow vendors.
NOELLE ALFONSO
Photography: Mario W. Valladares, Red Studios
New Jersey and New York City
Owner and Lead Designer, A2 Interior
A2Interior.com
What first drew you to the wedding industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
Early on, I found joy in transforming spaces into warm, welcoming environments that made people feel at home. I realized it’s more than aesthetics — it’s storytelling. Every event tells its own story, and what keeps me passionate is seeing how thoughtful design transforms moments into lasting memories.
What is the most common “wedding disaster” you’ve encountered, and how did you handle it?
The most common challenge is having too much going on at once — too many design elements competing for attention. I make time to step back, identify the focal point, and edit with intention. Less truly is more; the best events have space for their details to shine.
How do you keep your offerings fresh in an ever-evolving industry?
I stay curious — drawing inspiration from decor, fashion, and art, attending workshops and trade shows, and connecting with other creatives. Most importantly, I listen to my clients. Their stories and energy are what inspire every design decision I make.
Photography: Miguel Pichardo
JACQUELINE VAZQUEZ
Photography: Miguel Pichardo
New York, NY
Master Wedding & Event Planner, Lifetime Events by Jacqueline
What first drew you to the wedding industry, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
My passion began with a client whose daughter had a mixed-faith wedding—two ceremonies and two receptions in one day, combining Filipino and Hindu traditions. It was my first experience with a Hindu wedding, and it opened my eyes to the beauty of blending cultures. What keeps me going is the confidence my clients place in me and the satisfaction of seeing everything come together flawlessly.
What is the most common “wedding disaster” you’ve encountered, and how did you handle it?
Limited setup time is one of the biggest challenges, as well as managing vendors who sometimes forget the day is about the couple. I always encourage my clients to secure extra setup time, and I emphasize communication among all wedding professionals — before and during the event — to ensure a seamless experience. Outdoor weddings add another variable, so having a solid Plan B for weather is a must.
How do you keep your offerings fresh in an ever-evolving industry?
Knowledge and solid connections. Staying educated and nurturing professional relationships are what keep my business relevant and successful.
Photography: William De La Cruz
