It’s june 10, 1974. four-year-old Britt Wood sits wide-eyed at his Aunt Debbie’s wedding in his grandparents’ house in Opelika, Alabama, captivated by the enchanting atmosphere, the elegant dresses, the sumptuous food and the vibrant flowers. At that moment, young Britt feels a spark of excitement and realization—this is where his future lies. He’s consumed with a sense of purpose that will guide him into an incredible future.
Two early work experiences, at Dan Martin Flowers in Atlanta’s Buckhead district and an apprenticeship with esteemed Master Gardener Ryan Gainey, shape his skills and vision, helping him refine his craft and establish his style. As he immerses himself in the world of weddings, he encounters celebrities and personalities of iconic style, like Audrey Hepburn and Lee Radziwill, further fueling his passion for timeless elegance.
In time, Wood opens his own flower shop in Buckhead, Flowers From the Woods, quickly earning him a reputation for excellence. His innovative designs and impeccable taste make him a sought-after name in the industry.
Today, Wood and BW Designs are synonymous with “Southern Romance” weddings, which are steeped in timeless elegance and heartfelt charm.
As the lead designer of BW Designs, Inc., Wood’s ventures include The Studio, a floral warehouse and studio specializing in weddings and high-end events, and The Salon, a custom wedding gown and mother-of-the-bride/groom boutique. His partner, Tom Abrams, also the company president, brought Bloomingdales to Atlanta and brings more than 30 years of luxury retail experience to the company.
“Britt knows Southern charm and etiquette; it’s in his DNA,” Abrams says. “When it comes to the romance of Southern entertaining, he and his team are the best in the game. Britt interprets and modifies the classics to make everything personal for the bride.”
Wood’s success is not only due to his creative prowess but also to his dedication to his clients. “Every bride wants to be a princess,” he says. “It’s the ultimate dream come to life, and we have one shot to get it right. For me and my team, every bride is the only bride.”
Known for his exceptional listening skills, Wood also has a reputation for reading between the lines to understand what a bride wants, even if she’s not sure herself.
For the designer, a bridal gown is more than a fancy frock. “The bridal gown is not just a dress; it is a gown,” he explains. “Nine out of 10 girls do not walk out with the dress they envisioned; usually, it’s the first one I put on them.”
Wood says designing a custom wedding gown is akin to building a house. “We’re going to choose a frame and style—that’s the silhouette—then we’ll decide on minimal or maximal decoration,” he explains. “Once we find the silhouette, the rest is icing on the cake. With floral design, it’s the same thing. What do you want the wedding to feel like? Formal or more whimsical, or both? We’ll ask about family traditions and past family weddings and get to know the bride’s style and preferences. Some girls have no idea what they want, but they do know what they don’t want. We are very good at pulling things out of them, finding out what they want to be reflected back to their guests. The whole process, whether dress design or floral design, is very easy and that often surprises the bride and her family.”
Abrams highlights Wood’s innate ability to envision the perfect event. “Britt can walk into a room and see exactly what should be there,” Abrams says.
“It’s like I can see every detail of the future event,” Wood adds. “I understand scale, and that’s most important. I know how everything is going to photograph. And my team executes everything to the most exacting detail.”
On the big day, Wood’s excitement remains as palpable as it was when he first fell in love with weddings as a child. “It’s exciting, like putting on a production,” he says. “I don’t get nervous, but I get excited about each one. They’re all so different.”
Wood’s journey from a mesmerized child at his aunt’s wedding to a leading figure in Southern Romance weddings is a testament to his passion, creativity and dedication. Through its floral designs and custom bridal gowns, BW Designs continues to create magical experiences that are steeped in elegance, charm and personal significance.
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
