Trailblazers of the Alabama wedding industry. 
Here in Alabama, three women have shaped decades of celebration, creativity, and hospitality. Susan Mason of B&A Warehouse, Kathy G. Mezrano of Kathy G. and Company, and Dorothy McDaniel of Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market have each charted a path defined by a deep commitment to the couples they serve. Their stories are different, yet their influence is collectively woven into Alabama’s wedding landscape.
Susan Mason: Hosting with Southern Hospitality
At B&A Warehouse, Susan Mason found her calling in a place where hospitality and creativity collide. Her introduction to the wedding world came unexpectedly when the late Art Durkee recognized her potential and encouraged her to step into a broader role.
“Walking in the doors of B&A Warehouse and having Art Durkee see something in me that changed my life and the direction of this venue,” Mason said. “His trust and faith gave me the opportunity to be creative and take risks.”
Those risks included investing in equipment, linens, and staff to elevate both the catering and the event experience. Mason wanted clients to feel cared for, supported, and celebrated. “We feel that it is an honor and privilege to be trusted as the caterer and sometimes the venue for their special day,” she said.
As a self-described dream maker, Mason believes her role is to help couples bring their vision to life. She considers budget, taste, personality, and priorities, then works to shape an event that feels both meaningful and achievable.
One of her most memorable stories involves a groom who proposed to his future bride in B&A’s Bottle Room, the same space where they first met. Mason later hosted their wedding and reception, completing a full-circle celebration that still brings her joy.
Her advice to those entering the field is direct and heartfelt.
“Never think of the wedding industry as a job,” she said. “Being part of this industry in any capacity should be a calling. You must be passionate about meeting the needs of others, and above all, listen to their dreams.”
Kathy G. Mezrano: Culinary Artistry with Purpose
As one of Alabama’s premier caterers, Kathy G. Mezrano has long believed that food is a foundational part of celebration. Her company, Kathy G. and Company, is known for combining excellent hospitality with elevated culinary presentation, and her guiding philosophy has always centered on honor and service.
For Mezrano, weddings are never routine. Each event offers a chance to innovate, refine, and celebrate. “It is a challenge that never grows old,” she said.
Her success has been shaped not only by talent but by strong relationships. Vendors, venues, and clients form an extended network that supports creativity and consistency. To stay ahead in an ever-evolving field, Mezrano and her team attend educational workshops and industry conferences, keeping up with shifts in food trends and presentation styles.
From visually striking displays to menus tailored to region, heritage, or personal taste, Mezrano has turned catering into a form of storytelling. Her work reflects a deep understanding of how food enhances the celebration.
“The opportunity to bring together delicious cuisine with beautiful presentation that reflects the couple’s personality and style is a most gratifying experience,” said Mezrano. “It’s the challenge that never grows old. Witnessing the joy and satisfaction of clients on their wedding day can be incredibly rewarding and keeps the passion for catering and designing weddings alive.”
Dorothy McDaniel: A Life in Flowers
For more than four decades, Dorothy McDaniel has been synonymous with floral artistry in Birmingham. Her career began more casually than the business that bloomed later. “My friends frequently asked me to make arrangements for them and I did so happily. However, as the numbers grew, I decided I would have to go into business or out of friends,” McDaniel said.
She opened her first shop in a tiny 12-by-12 room inside a house on Linden Avenue in Homewood. She bought a Pepsi-Cola cooler, painted flowers over the logo, and set up for business. Within months, she moved to Homewood’s main street, and soon after, a friend asked her to design her daughter’s wedding flowers. McDaniel agreed, unaware that this one event would spark a career in weddings.
“I had not really thought about doing weddings, but after the first one my business kept growing,” McDaniel said. “The fact that every wedding is different and challenging has sustained my interest, and the heartfelt thanks from brides and their families has sustained my passion.”
McDaniel has witnessed the evolution of the wedding industry firsthand. Early in her career, ceremonies and receptions were usually held in churches or private clubs. With no wedding planners in Birmingham at the time, florists often handled not only flowers but tablecloths, display items, and various décor elements.
“Today, however, there are a large number of services including furniture rentals, draping, and lighting to mention a few,” she said. “Execution has changed dramatically because of the diversity of vendors and what they bring to the table.”
Throughout her career, McDaniel has emphasized professionalism and integrity. “First, always return calls promptly. People feel slighted if they have to call you several times,” she said. She also stresses transparency, consistency, and personal connection. “Email and Zoom are good ways to communicate, but I think in-person meetings build a relationship and enable the trust that is so important to brides.”
Her approach remains steadfast: be prompt, be kind, and always add a personal touch.
A Collective Impact
Mason, Mezrano, and McDaniel have shaped Alabama weddings with a blend of creativity and purpose. They’ve guided countless couples with steady expertise and genuine care. Through their work, they’ve created lasting memories, inspired those entering the field, and helped strengthen the industry as a whole.
Their stories remind us that weddings are more than events. They reflect community and kindness, shaped by women who devote themselves to turning dreams into reality for couples across Alabama.
Photography: Piper Vine
