The most successful businesses are built on strong foundations, and at Wed Society, we have created a blueprint for growth, connection, and lasting impact. Recently named our Franchisee of the Year and co-owners of Wed Society Iowa, Kerri and Taylor Ackerman are living proof of the potential that lies within the brand. The inspiring journey of this mother-daughter team speaks to the heart of what it means to build a thriving business together. In this Q&A, Kerri and Taylor share the keys to their success and offer insight into how becoming a Wed Society franchise owner has changed their lives.
Owning a business together had always been a dream, so when we discovered that Wed Society was offering franchise opportunities in late 2023, it immediately caught our attention. After following the success of Wed Society Oklahoma, we saw the potential and decided to take the next step by inquiring in January 2024. The timing couldn’t have been better–Taylor was preparing to graduate and Kerri was ready for a full-time venture. Everything aligned perfectly, and since then, it has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Our success wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of the entire Wed Society team—at headquarters and within every franchise market. The headquarters team provides invaluable guidance, equipping us with best practices and a proven business model. We strive to follow their lead while adding our own style. Their encouragement, guidance, and shared passion for this industry push us to be better every single day. Connecting with other franchise owners has also been incredibly valuable, allowing us to share insights exchange ideas, and continuously learn from one another.
Over the past year, we’ve focused on truly listening to our members and identifying ways to serve them better. We make it a point to remind potential clients that they are more than just a listing on our site. Our commitment to them extends beyond signing on, and we strive to show that dedication every step of the way. This approach includes offering six-month check-ins for analytics, touchpoints, staying engaged with their social media, and attending member events whenever we can. While we welcome all forms of communication, we prioritize face-to-face meetings, as they demonstrate our genuine investment in their businesses. If a vendor doesn’t have an office, we are more than happy to meet for coffee or lunch, fostering deeper connections built on understanding and support.
We feel incredibly blessed about what Wed Society Iowa has brought into our lives. One of the most rewarding aspects has been building this business together as a family. Getting to work side by side has been an incredible experience, and with the other two Ackerman girls now getting involved in some capacity, it has become even more meaningful.
One of the most delightful surprises has been the relationships we’ve built along the way. The support from co-founders Ashley and Kami, along with the entire headquarters team, has been truly invaluable. They genuinely care about our success and have been there for us every step of the way. Our franchise coach, Kelsey Moody, has been more than incredible. From day one, our team has had countless questions, and Kelsey has always ensured we receive the answers they need. The support we have been given has exceeded my expectations.
The Iowa vendor community has been amazing! We are amazed at our state’s talent and have enjoyed getting to know them. We are thankful for each one who has taken the time to listen to us, and even if they haven’t joined us yet, we appreciate their time and attention. Both personally and professionally, Wed Society has been an incredible blessing, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
1) There hasn’t been a single day our team regretted our decision to move forward with Wed Society. Even on those tough days of feeling worn out from the demands of starting a new business, we’ve never doubted our decision. Following Wed Society’s success for years, we entered this opportunity with a genuine admiration for the brand. When the opportunity to join came along, we knew it was the right move.
2) Kami and Ashley have built something extraordinary from the ground up. With their support and guidance, we were confident Wed Society Iowa had the potential to succeed. So far, our family has planned one wedding, and the experience has deepened our love for the wedding industry. You have to believe in the service you’re providing, and the enthusiasm will be contagious. I get excited every time a market releases a new Book of weddings and am so excited about producing Iowa’s first! Wed Society’s service is incredibly valuable to couples seeking trusted vendors and the curated professionals we represent.
3) If you’re considering becoming a Wed Society franchisee owner, my advice is to commit fully. It is a rewarding journey that requires hard work, belief in your business, and a genuine passion for the wedding industry. When those things drive you, success will follow.
Kerri: As a stay-at-home mom for 28 years, transitioning to owning and operating a media franchise was a big adjustment for me. Before starting Wed Society Iowa, I never imagined I’d be cold-calling vendors to educate them about our brand. But through repetition and the support from headquarters, I gradually grew more comfortable with it. Balancing my time between building the business and serving our members was another challenge, but we are learning to manage it with time and experience. I know we’re just going to keep improving in every area. Above all, the unwavering support of my family has been crucial in helping me overcome any obstacles.
There’s so much to look forward to this year that it’s hard to choose just one thing! One of the biggest highlights will undoubtedly be the launch of our very first Iowa Book of Weddings. Every page is filled with incredible detail, and it will be so rewarding to finally see these stunning Iowa weddings in print, celebrating the incredible talent of our vendors.
Beyond that, we’re excited to see Wed Society Iowa continue to grow and expand across the state. As our digital and social platforms gain more traction, we look forward to connecting even more couples with the amazing wedding professionals in our community.
Most importantly, we’re eager to deepen our relationships with each of our members—learning, growing, and finding new ways to better serve and support them. This next year is going to be an exciting one, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead. We’re excited to continue learning from Wed Society and our fellow franchisees, who constantly inspire and challenge us to grow.
Being named Franchisee of the Year is truly an honor, and honestly, it’s hard to put into words how much this recognition means to us. It’s incredibly humbling and rewarding, especially considering the dedication and passion of the other Wed Society franchises that have grown alongside us. To be part of the fastest-growing wedding media brand is something we are already immensely proud of, but being acknowledged for all the behind-the-scenes work makes this moment even more meaningful. Our hearts are full of gratitude, and this award is a beautiful milestone, allowing us to reflect on how far we’ve come. It has been an incredible journey, and we’re beyond thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing brand.
As Kerri and Taylor have proven, Wed Society is more than just a franchise—it’s a platform for ambitious entrepreneurs to thrive. With a strong foundation, unmatched industry support, and a rapidly growing brand, there has never been a better time to join the Wed Society family. Take the first step toward franchise ownership and learn more about what’s possible with Wed Society in your local community. Let’s build something extraordinary together!
