While struggling to find the perfect name for her company, Tanya turned to her hubby, Kenny for advice. Kenny hit the nail on the head when he told her she stood out from the rest because of her Southern Charm. Tanya, with the help from her “Mr. Wonderful”, started her company in 2006 with a focus on family, Southern style and above all else, quality customer service.
Since then, Southern Charm Events has grown from a mom and pop company to a small network of employees creating a small family full of Southern Charm! Our team brings many years of experience in multiple areas to include wedding coordination and planning, event design and décor and wedding venue management. We are proud of our team and invite you to meet each of them personally.
Tanya Hendricks
CEO | Certified Wedding Planner | Professional Wedding Consultant
Tanya’s unmatched attention to detail and her love for timeless design blend seamlessly, making her the perfect balance of creative vision and organized precision. With a background in Interior Design and Legal Administration, she brings both artistry and structure to every event she touches — qualities that have made her stand out in the wedding and event industry for nearly two decades.
Affectionately known as The Wedding Mama, Tanya is loved and respected by her couples for her caring heart, calming presence, and no-nonsense approach. She wears the title as a badge of honor, treating every client (and their family) like part of her own Southern Charm family — offering both peace of mind and a little “mama wisdom” along the way.
Tanya is a Certified Wedding Planner through the Certified Wedding Planner Society, and has earned the designation of Professional Wedding Consultant through the Association of Bridal Consultants, where she also serves as a member of the local Board of Directors. Her work has been featured in both print and online publications, including some of the industry’s most respected blogs and media outlets.
When she’s not designing dream weddings, you’ll find Tanya spoiling her grandbabies, cuddling with her shop pup Sophie, or discovering new local gems — though her all-time favorite spot remains Orsay (extra points if you know her favorite dish!).
Follow Tanya on Instagram at @sceweddingmama for a peek into her world of love stories, design inspiration, and a touch of Southern sass.
In Tanya’s words:
“Cheers, y’all!” 🥂
Our Amazing Team
Ashley Smith
Senior Associate
Wedding & Event Manager
Hi! I’m Ashley and I’m very excited to be one of the associate planners here at Southern Charm. I entered into the wedding industry through catering and have also been a venue manager in town for over 7 years. I love the excitement and energy of the wedding industry and how every day is different. I’m ready to take my planning experience to a new level with Southern Charm and help every bride make their day better than they could ever imagine. I can’t wait to meet you!
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Champagne
Favorite Drink: Coffee or Champagne
Haley Tinkle
Associate
Wedding & Event Manager
Hi, I’m Haley! I was born and raised in northeast Florida and I’m proud to call it my home. I’ve been in the industry for almost 6 years—starting with my photography business, then managing a gorgeous venue, and now joining the team at Southern Charm. I love cultivating relationships with my couples and making their dreams come to life. I can’t wait to watch your love story unfold.
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Lemon
Favorite Drink: Coke Zero
Aly Woodlee
Associate
Wedding & Event Manager
Hello, I am Aly! I was born and raised in Tampa, FL and moved to Jacksonville in 2019. I have been in the industry for 6 years – starting with a catering company, then managing events for a high-end sports bar, to wedding planning and event management. I have been a wedding planner since 2017 and what I love most is building a trusting relationship with my clients and being their advocate for their big day. I am overjoyed and honored to be a part of the Southern Charm team and am looking forward to meeting you and your Pinterest board!
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Funfetti, duh!
Favorite Drink: Sparkling Water
Andie Smith
Office Manager/Administrative Assistant
Hey! My name is Andie and I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. I have been working in the hospitality industry for 5 years. I am joining the Southern Charm team as Tanya’s right hand gal! My favorite part of an event is seeing all the details come together.
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: I don't like cake, but love tiramisu!
Favorite Drink: Tequila
Jess Kress
Associate
Wedding & Event Manager
Hey there, I’m Jess Kress! Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, I made the move to Jacksonville in 2010 and haven’t looked back. My love for weddings came about when I interned with Southern Charm eight years ago! Since then, I’ve been passionate about producing memorable weddings and events. Every client dreams of their special day in a unique and exquisite way. I love nothing more than to bring these concepts to fruition for each wedding. I look forward to meeting you and hearing about your big day!
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Red Velvet
Favorite drink: The 3 C’s: Coffee, Coke Zero, Champagne
Sophie Hendricks
Hostess Emeritus 🐾
Enchanté! I’m Sophie — the original Southern Charm sweetheart and proud 15-year-old poodle. For years, I greeted couples and vendors with tail wags and charm, but these days, I’ve traded showroom duty for soft blankets, sunshine naps, and endless cuddles.
I still keep my mama and daddy (Tanya & Kenny) on their toes — and yes, my nails are always polished to perfection. I may have slowed down a little, but I still rule the house with grace, sass, and just a hint of Chanel.
Favorite Wedding Cake Flavor: Anything that accidentally falls on the floor 🍰
Favorite Drink: Water — served chilled, of course 💧