About the UK Wedding Association

Anshika Arora is a leading expert on Gen Z client expectations, South Asian and fusion weddings. She uses her deep understanding of emerging trends to develop technology to help wedding businesses operate efficiently.

Anshika Arora is the founder of Eternity, a next-gen CRM specifically designed for wedding and event businesses, showcasing her expertise in tech innovation for the industry. Her background uniquely bridges advanced software solutions with deep cultural insight, making her a crucial resource for businesses adapting to modern wedding trends.

Anshika’s authority and relevance to wedding businesses is evident through her specialised knowledge and active contributions. She is a recognised Wedding Expert on all aspects of Gen Z clients and the complexities of South Asian and fusion weddings. She regularly speaks at prominent industry events and symposiums, including the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, Revive, and WedCon, where she shares data-led insights on emerging planning trends. Her passion is dedicated to shaping a more transparent, intuitive, and culturally-aware wedding industry for the next generation of business owners and couples. Anshika also hosts two podcasts, “The Bae HQ” and “Love, Laughs & Logistics,” further amplifying her insights across the industry. Her previous experience includes a tenure as a Relationship Manager and Graduate Analyst at HSBC, providing a strong foundation in business ownership, financial analysis, and client relations.

Areas of Expertise
Gen Z Behaviour Data
South Asian and Fusion Weddings
Technology and Business Efficiency
Emerging Industry Trends and Market Adaptation

Siobhan Craven-Robins is an award-winning wedding industry leader and educator, widely acknowledged as the UK’s first wedding planner and an authority on professional standards within the wedding sector.

Since establishing the UK’s initial wedding coordination service in 1995, Siobhan has become one of the UK’s leading wedding coordinators, with accolades including Lux Life’s Global Wedding Award for London’s Leading Wedding Coordinator of the Year and Luxury Travel Guide’s UK Wedding Coordinator of the Year.

Siobhan is a sought-after speaker for industry seminars, and a consultant for wedding-related TV and radio shows. From 2002 to 2006, she served as GMTV’s resident wedding expert. She contributes to various wedding magazines, has penned forewords for industry books, and appeared regularly on national and international TV and radio, providing expert commentary on wedding news items, including Royal weddings.

In 2013, Siobhan co-founded the National Association of Wedding Professionals (NAWP), and in 2020, she was elected Chairperson of the Legacy & Representation Working Group for the UK Wedding TaskForce. She has an extensive professional network and is uniquely positioned to advise on integrity and high standards within the sector.

As a leading authority on education, Siobhan is a lecturer at The Event School London. She delivers their CPD-approved Certificate in Wedding Planning, Diploma in Wedding Planning, and the Advanced Diploma in Professional Wedding Planning – the UK’s first full-time qualification in the field.

Areas of Expertise
Wedding Planning Best Practices
Industry Standards and Professionalism
Education and Training Pathways
Media and Industry Relations

Richard Kidner is a highly experienced General Manager in the hotel venues market, bringing over two decades of leadership and a proven track record in wedding and event venue management to the Advisory Board.

With over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Richard has built a distinguished career marked by his expertise in business turnaround, opening, rebranding, and repositioning venues and hotels. He excels at driving significant top-line growth and bottom-line profitability, enhancing EBITDA multiples for venue owners. His comprehensive understanding of business strategy and venue financial management underpins his success in delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Richard holds a degree in Hospitality Management, completed the prestigious Marriott International Graduate Scheme, and is a Master Innholder and St Julians Scholar. He has held senior roles with renowned luxury brands in the country house hotel market, including Exclusive Collection, Brocket Hall Estate, The Vineyard Group, and Countrywide Hotels. His experience spans various facets of hospitality, including hotel operations, event management, food and beverage, sales and marketing, team leadership, and service delivery.

Currently, Richard is the General Manager of Mulberry House, a family-owned wedding and event venue in Essex. Under his leadership, the venue has earned multiple accolades, including being a triple National Award winner at The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA).

Areas of Expertise
Hospitality
Venue Management and Operations
Client Experience and Service Excellence
Team Leadership and Development

Sam McKnight brings a unique blend of technology expertise and deep insight into the Northern Ireland wedding industry to the UK Wedding Association Advisory Board. As co-founder of The NI Wedding Directory alongside his wife Rebecca, he has built Northern Ireland’s leading online wedding directory, launched in 2023. Together, they also run The NI Wedding Fair, a sell-out event held up to six times per year at exclusive venues, and are preparing to launch The NI Wedding Directory wedding magazine in January 2026.

With over 10 years of experience in software engineering, Sam has worked with billion-dollar multinationals in fintech & hardware, and across consumer behaviour and agri-tech. His background in building and analysing data-driven systems provides valuable perspective on how technology can empower the wedding industry.

Sam is passionate about representing Northern Ireland within the wider UK wedding landscape. His expertise in technology, media representation, event management, and data analysis ensures that the voices of regional suppliers and couples are amplified, while helping the Association embrace innovation and adapt to the evolving digital era.

Advocating greater professionalism, transparency, and sustainability within the Northern Ireland wedding market, he is committed to setting higher standards across the industry, supporting suppliers in building trust with couples, and encouraging practices that promote long-term growth and responsibility.

Areas of Expertise
Northern Ireland Wedding Industry
Directory and Media Representation
Event Management
Data Analysis

Michelle Miles is a leading Sustainability Expert for the wedding and events industry, and the founder of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, dedicated to guiding businesses towards ethical and environmentally conscious practices.

Michelle brings two decades of experience in event management, wedding planning, and sustainable consultancy, focusing on helping businesses create memorable experiences that are also kind to our planet. Her career demonstrates a profound commitment to integrating sustainability into every facet of business operations.

Michelle’s authority and relevance to wedding businesses are underpinned by her practical expertise and pioneering initiatives. As the Founder of the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, she works directly with business owners to develop and implement long-term sustainable strategies. This includes providing education, support, and accreditation, and she is a certified Carbon Literacy Facilitator and an Associate of the Institute for Environmental Management & Assessment. She runs the annual Sustainable Wedding Summit and is a regular speaker at industry events on sustainability, sharing vital insights and fostering a more environmentally conscious sector. She has had direct experience working with couples in her capacity as Owner & Director of Fusion Events and Weddings since 2009. This has shown her the growing demand for sustainable and ethical suppliers, emphasising the urgent need for industry adaptation.

Areas of Expertise
Sustainable Business Strategy
Environmental Best Practices for Events
Carbon Literacy Training and Accreditation
Ethical Supply Chain and Sourcing

Becca Pountney is a dynamic wedding marketing expert, business consultant, podcaster,and published author, widely recognised for helping wedding professionals achieve sustainable growth and profitability.
Becca has built a successful career by helping transform ambitious visions into actionable strategies for wedding professionals. Her proactive approach to career development, honed through a media background at the BBC and Global Radio, led her to establishing her own consultancy, where she uses her dynamic and down-to-earth approach to support wedding businesses on their growth journeys. In 2020 she won a Luxlife Global Award for her online directory which sought to showcase talent and creativity within the wedding industry.

Becca is known for her wedding industry podcast ‘Wedding Pros who are Ready to Grow’ and her debut book ‘Done is Better than Perfect – building a profitable wedding business’. She is a highly sought-after speaker, delivering valuable, actionable tips to audiences worldwide at wedding conferences, events, and online memberships.

Becca advocates that anyone can start a business from their passion and is known for her easy to follow, down to earth teaching methods that are accessible to even the smallest and newest wedding industry businesses.

Areas of Expertise
Independent Business Start-Up and Growth
Business Operations and Efficiency
Media and Marketing
Digital Presence and Visibility

Ellie Sanderson brings nearly two decades of unparalleled expertise in bridal retail excellence to the Advisory Board, She is a business coach and the acclaimed owner of the UK’s longest-standing bridal boutique.
Ellie’s deep understanding of the bridal retail landscape stems from launching her own highly successful brand in 2007, now operating two prominent stores. Her nearly two decades of experience have been dedicated to cultivating exceptional customer experiences and developing effective operational strategies within the luxury retail environment.

She has been recognised with over 25 National awards for excellence, including being named the UK’s top longest-standing bridal retailer in 2020/21. She is a respected industry voice, a regular contributor for Wedding Trader Magazine and The Wedding Industry News, and a judge for prestigious industry accolades, including The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA). Prior to founding her own brand, Ellie accumulated over 20 years of corporate retail leadership experience with major companies such as Marks and Spencer, TKMaxx, and Sainsburys, spanning roles from store management to retail operations and store design, developing a comprehensive perspective on retail success.

Ellie also champions professional development within the broader small business community. She has been a business coach for over 10 years, including with The Prince’s Trust, and recently launched a social media company specifically to assist small independent businesses with their digital presence.

Areas of Expertise
Bridal Retail Operations and Profitability
Customer Experience Excellence
Business Growth and Scalability for Retailers
Effective Marketing and Brand Positioning

Lee Sansom is the Managing Director of Sarah Haywood Exceptional Celebrations, the UK’s most respected brand for luxury and international wedding planning and design, bringing extensive operational and strategic leadership expertise to the board.

As the Managing Director of the UK’s preeminent brand in luxury and international wedding planning and design, Lee’s role since 2022 encompasses comprehensive oversight of financial accounting, account management, HR, and project control, ensuring the seamless execution of high-profile international events.

His authority and deep operational acumen are built upon a distinguished career spanning over two decades in high-end retail and luxury service sectors. Prior to his current role, Lee served as Chief Operating Officer and General Manager at McQueens Flowers, where he honed his skills in retail sales, inventory management, and business operations, including mergers and acquisitions. His experience also includes senior leadership positions at Kurt Geiger within Harrods, Selfridges, Reiss (Area Manager, Central London), Victoria’s Secret (Brand Delivery Manager), and AllSaints (Flagship Store Manager). This diverse background has equipped him with robust expertise in HR management, sales operations, and strategic problem-solving across large-scale, high-value environments.

Areas of Expertise
Business Strategy and Financial Management
Team Leadership and Human Resources
Scalability and Growth for Wedding Businesses
Operational Excellence in Luxury Events
Legal and Regulatory

Georgina Shryane is the Sales Director at Blue Strawberry, one of London’s most celebrated names in luxury catering and event design. With more than a decade’s experience shaping unforgettable weddings and landmark events at the UK’s most prestigious venues and private estates, Georgina has become known for her rare ability to balance creative flair with commercial acumen.

At Blue Strawberry, Georgina leads the charge on wedding and event strategy, marketing, venue partnerships and high-profile tenders, while remaining hands-on in ensuring clients enjoy a seamless journey. This personal commitment to continuity has secured enduring relationships with heritage venues, global brands and private families who trust her to deliver excellence every time.

However, it is Georgina’s people-first ethos that truly defines her leadership. She has created clear training and career pathways for her team, championed sustainability and ethical practices, and consistently used her platform to drive standards across the wider industry. On the Board of the UK Wedding Association, Georgina brings not only her operational and commercial insight, but also a collaborative spirit – positioning herself as both an advocate and a sounding board for her peers. She is passionate about ensuring the industry continues to thrive, innovate and nurture talent for the next generation.

Georgina’s peers describe her as creative, insightful and approachable – someone who can challenge thinking while always keeping clients and people at the heart of every decision.

Areas of Expertise
Luxury weddings & bespoke catering 
Strategic sales growth 
Venue partnerships & tenders 
Client relationship development 
Sustainable practices in events 
Team leadership & talent development

Michelle Taylor is a preeminent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI / EDI) within the wedding sector. She is known as a multi-award-winning Independent Celebrant, and a leading trainer and mentor.

With nearly 15 years as a practicing celebrant, Michelle has established herself as a pivotal figure in the wedding industry and has earned significant accolades, including TWIA National Celebrant of the Year. She was named a Small Business Saturday top 100 UK business owner in 2019 and featured in the Entrepreneur 100 female-led businesses list in 2023. Michelle’s extensive background, including over 30 years in the police, provided her with invaluable skills in observation and interpersonal connection.

Michelle is a highly respected trainer and mentor for celebrants. She is a Training Manager for the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants (FPC), and serves as a Peer Mentor for The Savvy Celebrant, guiding experienced professionals in structuring and streamlining their businesses. Her commitment to educational excellence is further highlighted by her Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

Michelle’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive wedding industry is evident through her regular conference speaking engagements and her instrumental role in developing a dedicated Diversity and Inclusivity course for wedding professionals. She was a valued member of the UK Weddings Taskforce, and represents the FPC on the Wedding Celebrancy Commission to advance parity within the sector.

Areas of Expertise
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
LGBTQIA2S+
Neurodiversity
Professional Standards and Industry Parity
Celebrancy Training and Mentorship

Milan Thakrar is a highly accomplished commercial events consultant, bringing over 15 years of strategic leadership experience from top-tier heritage venues and hospitality groups including Royal Historic Palaces. He has built a distinguished career focused on business development and strategic growth, with a reputation grounded in integrity and a commitment to measurable results.

His authority and deep industry knowledge are evident through his comprehensive understanding of the events landscape and his creative approach to unlocking new commercial opportunities. His career includes seven years as Business Development Manager for Commercial Events at Historic Royal Palaces, providing unparalleled insight into the commercialisation of heritage venues, along with roles at Novus Leisure and Bright Event & Production which equipped him with a robust foundation in sales, client management, and large-scale event operations. He has cultivated a strong UK and international network, and his partnerships with industry bodies including London & Partners, Visit England, and Engage! Summits earned him the “One to Watch” title from the Meetings Industry Association. He co-presents The Art of South Asian Weddings; a training course for venues and suppliers wanting to work within the South Asian wedding market.

Milan launched his consultancy, Work With Milan, in 2021, and has become renowned for identifying opportunities, pushing boundaries, and delivering impactful strategies that drive commercial success for a diverse range of businesses.

Areas of Expertise
Strategic Business Development
Sales & Marketing Strategy
Event Management
Luxury & Heritage Venue Commercialisation
South Asian Weddings
LGBTQIA2S+

Nikita Thorne is a leading authority on wedding marketing and consumer behaviour data, adept and experienced at helping venues and suppliers understand and meet the evolving needs of Millennial and Gen Z couples.

As Head of Strategy at Guides for Brides and Big Day Agency, Nikita uniquely combines incisive data analysis with practical industry insight. Her authority as a marketeer is underpinned by her comprehensive understanding of digital visibility, media representation, and brand trust. She is a trusted voice on digital reputation management, guiding businesses on how to operate safely in a digital environment, encompassing reputational risk around social media, reviews, AI-generated content, and copyright. Her lived experience, including navigating wedding planning from a bride’s perspective, provides a distinct dual approach to her insights.

Nikita is a regular contributor to industry publications on wedding data, and is a voice for the industry in mainstream newspapers and consumer magazines, including BBC News, The Mail, The Sun, Hello, OK, Closer and Cosmopolitan. She is an internationally recognised speaker with appearances at The National Wedding Show, The National Hotel Marketing Conference, The UK Wedding Conference, RSVP and Wedding MBA. She is dedicated to aligning businesses with the evolving demands of modern audiences while advocating for responsibility and transparency across the wedding industry.

Areas of Expertise
Consumer Behaviour Data & Demands
Millennial and GenZ Mindset
Directory and Media Representation
Digital Reputation Management
Digital Responsibility including Copyright & AI

If you are a passionate and experienced wedding professional who can help us better understand and serve our diverse industry by joining our Advisory Board, please get in touch. While we aren’t seeking representation from every sub-sector or cultural group, we need voices that cover different operational methods to help promote professionalism, sustainability, and credibility in every corner of our industry. The Advisory Board is a consultative body that will help strategically and efficiently shape the association’s success. We are looking for seasoned professionals who are experts in their specific field, have an established reputation in the industry and can help us make informed, unbiased decisions. 

As an Advisory Board member, you will:
– Provide valuable insights and feedback on strategic planning.
– Offer expert advice on developing best-practice protocols.
– Review and provide guidance on our annual benchmarking questions.
– Help adjudicate any benchmarking appeals that may arise.
– Help us make informed decisions with parity and transparency.

This is an unpaid role to ensure authenticity, but we hope you’ll find the experience genuinely rewarding by helping us build a more robust, trustworthy, and vibrant industry for everyone.