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.
As a young man, Wood makes an attempt at college but finds it uninspiring and unfulfilling. On his way home from dropping out, he stops at Dan Martin Flowers in Buckhead, a serendipitous event that marks the beginning of his journey into the world of floral design. The experience at Dan Martin Flowers ignites his passion, setting him on a path that will soon intersect with some of the most iconic names in the design world.
Wood’s career takes a significant leap when he apprentices with the esteemed Master Gardener Ryan Gainey. This mentorship shapes 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. If you’ve attended a wedding that radiated sophistication, tradition and warm hospitality, there’s a good chance BW Designs was behind it.
As the lead designer of BW Designs Inc., Wood’s ventures include The Studio, a floral warehouse 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 love for family stories is evident in his work. He recounts a touching anecdote about one of his weddings. “For one bride, I found out her grandfather wrote the song Jingle Bells,” Wood says. “Her father was facing some health issues and couldn’t walk her down the aisle, but he was waiting at the end. I had an idea to sew little bells in the petticoat of her dress with blue velvet ribbon so when she walked, she jingled. It created a joyous experience for the bride and her guests. It made everyone smile and added some much-needed levity to the moment!”
This personal touch is a hallmark of the designer’s approach. His 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.”
Abrams emphasizes Wood’s unique ability to bond with brides and their families. “They say they go through Britt withdrawals after the wedding,” Abrams says. “It doesn’t matter how large a wedding is or its budget, he listens to her, he gets it, and he and the team are going to deliver her dream no matter what! It’s why he’s outstanding at what he does.”
“And we have fun! It’s very important that the whole journey is fun!” Wood adds.
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. “Sometimes brides come in, and they might want to be a little sexy or bohemian, but their mother is pushing them in a different direction,” Abrams says. “They could just get a white slip dress off the rack for those styles. But Britt will put them into a gown that has boning or a corset, zip them up, and they’ll look in the mirror and almost start crying. They have no idea how beautiful they could be and are so grateful for the experience he makes sure they have.”
For Wood, 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’s philosophy centers on finding the most flattering silhouette for each bride, considering how she will photograph since these images will become cherished family heirlooms. The BW Designs boutique caters to women of all sizes, from zero to 24, ensuring that every bride feels confident and beautiful. “Brides come in, and they’re nervous—we know they’re nervous, but we’re ready for them,” he says.
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 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.
