About The wedding academy
Established in 2004 by Kylie Carlson
Born out of a desire to provide the industry with a formal education program that would give students the chance to develop their skills via experiential learning, Founder Kylie Carlson launched what was then known as the Australian Academy of Wedding & Event Planning (AAWEP) in 2004 in Melbourne , Australia.
Now known as The Wedding Academy, we are a global online school with over 7,000 Students from all over the world.
Prior to launching AAWEP, Kylie contributed to the Wedding Planning & Event Planning curriculum at TAFE, which is a nationally recognised continued education body in Australia.
Planning or designing a wedding is very different from launching and running a business and takes two different sets of skills, both equally as important as the other.
For many people the planning and designing comes quite naturally and it is the business side of things that leaves them a little hazy.
This is where The Wedding Academy excels. All course materials combine the knowledge and real-to-life training required to be a successful planner or designer with the fundamentals and basics of running a successful business.
The Course Curriculum has been developed over several years with the help of many industry experts. Each year the courses are upgraded to reflect new trends and ideas, as well as to update content that might be out of date. This is so important in an industry which is forever changing and bringing in new concepts.
The Wedding Academy was purchased by new owner Jac Bowie in late 2022 and she now runs the business from her home in Sunshine Coast, Australia.
The Wedding Academy now attracts students from all over the world – with our biggest markets being Europe, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, Australia, India, United Arab Emirates and Asia.
Meet Our General Manager
Mariana Gonzalez
With an impressive track record and extensive experience in the wedding industry, Mariana brings a wealth of expertise and passion to our team.
Mariana’s journey in the world of weddings commenced over a decade ago when she discovered her innate talent for event planning and design. Since then, she has relentlessly pursued excellence, honing her skills in crafting unforgettable experiences for couples on their special day.
Mariana’s career highlights include successfully managing and mentoring teams of skilled wedding professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity. Her commitment to building strong relationships with clients and partners has led to the seamless execution of countless remarkable weddings, earning her widespread acclaim and trust within the industry.
As the General Manager of Wedding Academy Global, Mariana is excited to leverage her expertise and industry insights to elevate the institution to new heights. Her strategic vision involves expanding the curriculum, fostering global partnerships, and empowering aspiring wedding professionals with the knowledge and skills to excel in the dynamic wedding landscape.
Outside of her professional achievements, Mariana’s adventurous spirit has taken her to explore diverse cultures and destinations worldwide, fuelling her creativity and passion for delivering extraordinary wedding experiences.
Regional Mentors
Rest of the World
Europe & United Kingdom
Asia
Africa & Middle East
Head Office
Australia
United States
United Kingdom
Philippines
The Advisory Board
We’ve collaborated with the top industry thought leaders from around the world for the Wedding Academy Advisory Board. Members provide guidance for our students, contribute to the course material and are instrumental in giving our students a practical look at the industry by providing a variety of work experience opportunities. They also give input into our International Wedding Trend Report and take part in our virtual summits.
Please note: Bios & links currently being updated.
Grab the freebie!
2023 Wedding Trend Report
Enjoy our International Wedding Trend Report, written by the industry for the industry. Get the latest trends from experts around the world.
