We had the good fortune of connecting with Lei Lydle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lei, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
When I got engaged in 1997, I immediately started searching online for resources related to planning weddings in Atlanta. At that time, there was very little information online, very few wedding businesses had websites, etc. Some of the big wedding website brands that we know of now didn’t even exist back then or were just getting started. So, since I was a web designer, I decided to build a website dedicated to planning weddings in Atlanta through which I would share my own wedding planning research. AtlantaBridal launched in February of 1998.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our unique approach of being entirely local sets us apart from national competitors because we know Georgia like the back of our hand. As lifelong Georgia residents, we have the inside scoop on everything from Atlanta neighborhoods to regional wedding venues.

But it’s not just our local expertise that makes us special – it’s our commitment to staying at the forefront of online search. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve learned that Google is king when it comes to helping couples find the perfect wedding resources. That’s why we work tirelessly to keep AtlantaBridal at the top of search results, ensuring that couples can find AtlantaBridal and then find the best local vendors and venues with ease.

We also know how important it is for wedding professionals to market their services effectively, which is why we offer a proven platform for advertising. Our affordable sponsorship options make it easy for local vendors to reach their target customers and make meaningful connections. And with thousands of local couples of all styles and budgets using our site every month, there’s no better way to get the word out about your business.

But what really sets AtlantaBridal apart is our family-owned and operated approach. As a mother-daughter team born and raised in Georgia, we treat everyone who visits our site like family. We’re always accessible and eager to help in any way we can. And we’re not afraid to take risks and try new things – because we know that perseverance is the key to success in the world of small business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If it was a nice day, I would head over to Ponce City Market for lunch and maybe a little shopping and rooftop fun and then head out on the Beltline for a walk or scooter ride down to Park Tavern for a beer and people watching. On the way back I would hit up Two Urban Licks for dinner or go all the way down to Inman Park or Krog Street Market.

On a rainy day I would head out to any one of our cool museums – Illuminarium Atlanta, The High Museum, The College Football Hall of Fame and Fernbank are all awesome choices.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
AtlantaBridal is free for engaged couples to use but the platform costs a lot to maintain, secure, backup, market, etc. The platform could not survive without the support of the hundreds of Georgia wedding professionals that have been paying sponsors of the site and who have contributed to the website by submitting informational articles, real weddings, etc. Many of these wedding pros have sponsored AtlantaBridal for more than 10 years. Two businesses in particular have continued to sponsor the site year after year after year without fail and deserve a special shoutout – Vecoma at the Yellow River (25 years of sponsorship) and Amati Chamber Music (24 years of sponsorship). I would also like to give a shoutout to my children who have been extremely supportive of the business and who have worked with me in the business from time-to-time. And finally, I would like to give a shoutout to all of the thousands of couples who have used AtlantaBridal over the years to plan their weddings in Georgia – the platform would be non-existent without them!

Website: https://www.atlantabridal.com

Instagram: @atlantabridal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlantabridal/

Twitter: @atlantabridal

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantabridalweddings

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.