Today we’d like to introduce you to Shenedria Duporte.
Hi Shenedria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi, I’m the founder of Besties of Honor, and here’s a little about how this dream came to life.
My journey into wedding planning wasn’t a straight line—but looking back, every step led me here. I joined the United States Air Force in 2011 and was stationed in Alaska and North Dakota. After separating from the military in 2015, I continued my commitment to public service as a federal employee working in Human Resources. I was drawn to HR because I’ve always loved helping people—guiding and supporting employees through some of the most meaningful moments in their lives, whether it was welcoming a baby, planning a retirement, or getting married.
Then, in 2023, I got engaged to the love of my life—and everything changed. I dove into planning my own wedding while working full time and raising a child, and let me tell you—doing it all over the course of 18 months taught me so much. From endless research to countless hours spent trying to find credible, reliable vendors, I realized how overwhelming and time-consuming the process can be. Not all couples have the luxury of that time—and many, like me, can’t afford the top-tier celebrity planners.
As a little girl, I was already in love with weddings. I grew up watching My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, Say Yes to the Dress, and Bridezillas, completely fascinated by the magic, the romance, and all the behind-the-scenes action. So when I finally planned my own, that passion reignited something inside me.
That’s when I decided to create Besties of Honor—a wedding planning and coordination service built for real couples with real lives and real budgets. Our motto, “Your dream wedding, guided by your bestie,” speaks to exactly what I offer: a hands-on, supportive, and personal experience that’s warm, organized, and stress-free. I built this business with intention—to make professional wedding planning accessible, affordable, and full of heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to launching Besties of Honor wasn’t without its challenges—most of which, I’ve come to realize, were internal. As an overthinker and perfectionist, I was genuinely afraid of entrepreneurship at first. The idea of stepping away from the comfort and structure of a traditional career into something so uncertain was intimidating. I had to come to terms with the fact that running a business isn’t just about doing the “fun stuff” like designing beautiful weddings—it also means wearing every hat: accountant, marketer, social media manager, admin, and more. I quickly realized how much I needed to learn, so I poured myself into months of research, signing up for business courses and earning as many certifications as I could to prepare. Then came the financial side. Like many new business owners, I didn’t have external funding, so I took a leap of faith and used my personal savings to bring my vision to life. It was scary, but also empowering—and I’ve learned that growth always lives on the other side of fear.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Besties of Honor – Wedding Planning and Coordination?
Besties of Honor is a wedding planning and coordination company created with one goal in mind: to give couples a planning experience that feels like it’s being guided by their best friend. We specialize in day-of coordination and full-service planning, and we’re known for creating seamless, personalized wedding experiences that feel warm, stress-free, and deeply intentional.
What truly sets Besties of Honor apart is our heart-centered approach. I’ve been the bride juggling life, work, motherhood, and a wedding budget—so I built this business with real couples in mind. I know firsthand how overwhelming the planning process can be, especially when time, resources, or access to high-end vendors are limited. That’s why I focus on being relatable, reliable, and affordable without sacrificing quality or care.
I’m most proud of how the brand reflects everything I stand for: support, authenticity, and celebration. From our motto—“Your dream wedding, guided by your bestie”—to the way I approach every client relationship, Besties of Honor is about more than logistics. It’s about connection. My services are designed to meet couples where they are and help them bring their vision to life in a way that feels fun, exciting, and totally stress-free.
Whether you need full planning support or just someone to take the reins on your big day, I’ve got you. I want your wedding to be as joyful and magical as you’ve always imagined—and I’m honored to be the one to help make it happen.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to work with, collaborate with, or support Besties of Honor! If you’re a couple planning your wedding and looking for a planner or day-of coordinator who truly cares, I’d love to connect with you. You can reach out through my website or social media to schedule a free consultation—we’ll chat like besties and see how I can help bring your dream day to life.
I also love collaborating with other wedding professionals! If you’re a vendor—photographer, florist, venue, DJ, or anything in between—and you’re passionate about creating amazing experiences for couples, let’s link up. I’m always looking to build strong vendor relationships and grow a trusted network that makes wedding days run smoothly and joyfully for everyone involved.
And if you just want to support the brand, sharing my content, referring a friend, or even just following and engaging on social media means the world to me. Every little bit of support helps more couples discover Besties of Honor and feel confident that they don’t have to plan alone.
No matter how you connect, I’m grateful—and always excited to work with people who value love, joy, and genuine connection as much as I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bestiesofhonor.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/bestiesofhonor
Image Credits
Cardinal Photography
Katia G Photography
Andrea Isabel Photography
Photos by Katie Elizabeth
