Mariée Ami's Neillie Butler on Planning with Purpose and Designing with Impact

For Neillie Butler, Founder and President of Mariée Ami, wedding planning is both an art and a deeply personal journey. With a commitment to timeless style and exceptional service, Neillie has built a brand known for creating celebrations that feel elegant, intentional, and enduring. The Mariée Ami team crafts weddings rooted in thoughtful detail and elevated Southern hospitality.

In this edition of The Expert Instinct, Neillie shares her approach to design, the value of investing in quality over quantity, and why understanding people is just as important as understanding aesthetics.

What is your signature style?

Style that is relevant today but will remain elegant and appealing for years to come.

How do you describe your creative approach?

Deeply understanding the client's style and establishing a vision rich with detail and creativity that is uniquely custom to them.

Where do you search for new inspiration?

Restaurants, hotels, interior design and fashion.

What do you recommend investing most in?

Quality design pieces over quantity. Make an impact that stands out!

Team big or small: What type of events do you prefer?

Team "southern" small which means not tiny but small enough to focus on the detail!!

How far in advance should people hire a planner?

One year out. It gives your vendors enough time to be creative and not rushed.

Best advice for a bride-to-be?

Hire professionals and let them run with your style. They know best.

What do you wish more people understood about what you do?

Wedding planning is so much more than managing vendors and picking out pretty things. There is a true art to understanding people and bringing a vision to life in both a beautiful and seamless way. Without a perfectly executed event and unreasonable hospitality for the guest, the pretty will not be appreciated. It all matters!