I'm Anna B.
I'm a mid-west wedding expert, photographer, podcaster, entrepreneur, speaker and educator.
Passionate about friendships, good scotch, Renaissance fairs, and surrounding myself with plants. Empowering women and living life on my own terms are at the heart of everything I do.
And books?
All the books. Always.
Â
BELIEF #1
Weddings are way more stressful than anyone will ever admit.
BELIEF #2
Friendships are hard to make and even harder to keep. Protecting quality friendships should be taken very seriously.
BELIEF #3
Life is to short not to have fun while living it.
How it started
Â
Like many Midwest teens, my first job was detasseling corn—but at just 16, I found myself stepping into a world I never expected to call home: the wedding industry. As a wedding photographer’s assistant, I had no idea that this first glimpse into weddings would turn into a lifelong passion spanning 24 years.
Â
Through twists, turns, and a few detours, I’ve remained deeply rooted in the wedding world. But the biggest lesson I’ve learned isn’t about centerpieces or timelines—it’s about relationships.
Â
I’ve worn many hats: wedding photographer, coordinator, planner, bride, bridesmaid, and Maid of Honor. Each role has given me a front-row seat to the best (and sometimes most stressful) moments of people’s lives. Weddings may be about the big day, but what truly matters is the people standing beside you—and the friendships that last long after the last dance.
How it's going
Â
After witnessing hundreds of weddings, one thing is clear: weddings put immense strain on relationships. Which ones? That depends—but in every wedding, multiple relationships are tested.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve seen how friendships become more precious and sometimes harder to maintain. It breaks my heart to watch a wedding—meant to be a joyful celebration—create tension between a bride and her closest friends. While there are always exceptions, many of these rifts stem from misunderstandings or unmet expectations—problems that could be avoided with the right guidance.
That’s why I created The Maid of Honor Manual—to help brides and their friends not just protect their friendship, but strengthen it through the wedding process. By equipping the Maid of Honor with clear communication strategies, healthy boundaries, and step-by-step guidance, we make the experience smoother, more fun, and far less stressful for both her and the bride. Every piece of The Maid of Honor Manual is designed to support and preserve that all-important friendship.
Weddings are far more stressful than social media lets on—but when your best friend is truly by your side, the journey becomes so much easier.
 A few of the different hats I wear:
Â
Entrepreneur
Growing up with an entrepreneur for a parent, I always knew I’d follow the same path. At just 12 years old, I launched my first business—designing and selling greeting cards—and I’ve been chasing my passion for creating ever since. Entrepreneurship isn’t just what I do; it’s part of who I am.
Speaker
The moment I realized I could channel my extroverted energy and love of talking into public speaking, I was hooked. Whether it’s sharing insights on social media, women’s empowerment, or the wedding industry, I thrive on connecting with audiences and sparking meaningful conversations.
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
Mom
Raising two sons and adopting a third has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has been met with even greater rewards.
Wife
Meeting my husband was one of the luckiest—and most entertaining—moments of my life (ask me about it sometime!). Seven years later, we’re still laughing, still adventuring, and still proving that the best partnerships are built on love, laughter, and a little bit of luck.
Reenactor
This is the one that surprises people most! My love for Renaissance fairs has not only given me a second family but also some unexpected skills—like sword fighting and how to build community! From elaborate costumes to epic battles, it’s a world of adventure that I’m lucky to be part of.
Aspiring Author
Reading has always been my happy place, so writing felt like the natural next step. While I’m not published yet, I’m loving the journey of crafting a historical fiction thriller series for middle-grade readers—blending adventure, mystery, and a touch of the past.
Have you ever been a bridesmaid?
If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, you know firsthand that it’s far more complicated than it seems. On the surface, it sounds simple—buy the dress, attend the bachelorette party, and show up on the wedding day. But in reality? It’s so much more.
There are financial expectations, tricky conversations, and a time commitment that’s often bigger than you anticipated. Yet somehow, we’re just expected to know how to navigate it all—even if we’ve never been in a wedding before!
With decades of experience in the wedding industry—and eight (yes, eight!) times as a bridesmaid—I’ve seen the common pitfalls that can strain friendships during the wedding process. My goal is to help women navigate these challenges, so they can not only enjoy the experience but also keep their friendships strong long after the wedding day.
