the journal

Let’s be honest—everyone loves a beautiful ceremony and a swoon-worthy reception, but it’s the late night wedding snacks that have your guests talking long after the sparkler send-off.Whether they’ve been on the dance floor for hours or need something to soak up the signature cocktails, late night snacks are the perfect blend of surprise, comfort, […]

If you’re planning a wedding across time zones, first—take a deep breath. Whether your heart is set on a destination wedding or you and your fiancé live in different states (or countries!), it’s absolutely possible to plan something beautiful without the chaos.As a luxury wedding planner, I’ve worked with couples coordinating from opposite sides of […]

There’s a moment at every wedding—right before the ceremony begins—when everything goes still.A hush falls over the space. A deep breath is taken. A glance is exchanged that says “this is it.”It’s in that quiet moment that the reason why you hire a wedding planner becomes clear. Not Just a Timeline—A Touchstone Anyone can build […]

Welcome to Shuman Koutory Event and Design. I’m Ashli Shuman — mom of four, wife, and your personal guide on this incredible journey. From Early Dreams to Real Life Before I ever dreamed of crafting unforgettable weddings, I watched wedding shows by mentors like David Tutera and Cowie. I imagined myself not just as a […]

When you’re planning a multicultural wedding, you’re not just choosing a venue or a color palette—you’re curating a meaningful experience that tells a deeper story. One that speaks to who you are, where you come from, and where you’re going—together. Whether you’re blending two cultures or highlighting a single heritage, there’s something powerful about honoring […]

The Must-Know Wedding Terms Guide: Speak the Language of Weddings with Confidence Planning a wedding is an exciting whirlwind! One moment, you’re dreaming of the perfect dress, and the next, you’re surrounded by unfamiliar lingo—boutonnieres, bustles, and mood boards galore. The wedding industry has its own language, and understanding it can make all the difference […]

Let’s Set the Scene The moment your partner has been dreaming about—the one they’ll replay a thousand times in their head—needs to be flawless.The perfect location, the right ambiance, a little magic in the air. And lucky for you, Atlanta is a city that knows how to set the mood. Whether you’re dreaming of a […]

Planning a wedding in Georgia or New York? You’ve got the dream venue, the stunning dress, and the Pinterest board bursting with inspiration—but who’s making sure it all comes together flawlessly? That’s where a wedding stylist comes in. And just like that, your wedding goes from beautiful to breathtaking. What Does a Wedding Stylist Actually […]

We all know that planning a wedding can be a whirlwind of emotions, details, and sometimes even the dreaded “where do I start?” moment. But let’s talk about something that might be missing from your dream day: cohesion. Yep, that’s right—creating a seamless flow between your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception is key to […]

Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator, Wedding Designer, Wedding Stylist, or Creative Director? Let’s Break It Down Hey, wedding bestie! Let’s sip on something fabulous and get real about wedding lingo. Ever found yourself asking, “What’s the difference between a planner, coordinator, designer, stylist, and creative director?” You’re not alone. Planning your big day can already feel […]