From Attendees to Award-Winning Exhibitors: Design by Faith

Little did they know that within three years they would leap from first-time attendees to award-winning AWE exhibitors.

“We were blown away when we went to the show,” Aniqua recalled. “We found it was more personal than we imagined. It wasn’t about finding products or services; it was about connecting with the people who were committed to you having the wedding of your dreams. It really made an impression." She fell in love with a cake designer, a 360-degree photo booth, and a wedding gown. She learned about rental options for tableware and was dazzled by honeymoon vacation ideas and elegant tablescapes.

Fast forward to Aniqua and Leo’s first baby shower, where the former marketing executive used her eye for detail and design to DIY her own signage and decor. The compliments soon became requests from family and friends for bespoke event signage and tablescapes for their own parties. By March 2023, Design by Faith Co. was born. The family- and faith-centered business started with a mission to elevate every kind of celebration. They create bespoke welcome signs, pillar seating charts, bar signage, table number displays, and so much more!

Their motto, to love God and love people, paired with their unique and high-quality designs earned them a large and dedicated following. On Instagram, their work earned lots of traction as they went viral for their flower box welcome sign that has now been replicated across the globe.

The Paskells also found a way to blend their talents with their passion for giving back. They regularly host monthly giveaways, offering event décor or services to a family in need, whether it be for a wedding, funeral, or other important life milestone.

Becoming Exhibitors

In 2024, the Design by Faith Co. team decided to participate in its first wedding show. Of course, they chose the Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza for their first outing as exhibitors.

“We wanted to showcase our skills in a way that invited couples to touch, see, and feel our work in person, “Aniqua explained. We loved the energy of the show and how it feels so special.”

Design by Faith Co.’s booth at the August 2024 Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza was nothing short of a showstopper! Their goal was simple: create an immersive, wedding-worthy experience that made couples feel like they had walked into their own dream celebration. They wanted their space to feel personal and grand, blending the intimate with the elegant.

“We thought a lot about the shows we’d been to as attendees—what made us feel invited and excited. That’s what we wanted to bring to life in our booth,” says Aniqua. “Our 8-foot seating chart really grabbed people’s attention. It was the kind of ‘wow’ factor we wanted, and it drew people in to experience everything we had to offer.”

The booth was a rich display of dramatic blacks and golds, showcasing how dark tones can be both elegant and grand—a look that many couples commented on as being exactly what they envisioned for their own weddings. Aniqua said, “People kept telling us they wanted the exact setup, from the place settings to the seating chart!”

Award-Winning Design and New Connections

Their hard work paid off in more ways than one. Design by Faith Co. took home the Couples’ Choice Award for Best Booth, an honor that recognizes exhibitors who create an outstanding experience for attendees. “Winning that award was an incredible moment for us,” Aniqua says. “It showed us that the effort we put into our design really resonated with people.”

But it wasn’t just about the accolades. The couple made new connections with other wedding professionals and scheduled consultations with couples who fell in love with their style. “It was so rewarding to see that our booth sparked real interest.”

Beyond meeting couples, the Paskells found themselves inspired by other vendors.

The Planner Power Hour was a chance for them to network with wedding planners who were excited to learn about their expertise. Viewing the work and passion of other wedding professionals sparked ideas for how they might expand their services. A bounce house made them think about how to incorporate more childlike fun into their designs. A mobile bar vendor started them thinking about mobile displays and additional service possibilities.

Designing The Future

Looking back on their journey from attendees to award-winning exhibitors, Aniqua and Leo are grateful for the inspiration and connections they found at Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza and plan to exhibit at the show again. “Just a couple of years ago, we were the ones walking the show floor, looking for ideas. Now, we’re here, sharing our own vision and making connections with couples who are ready to create joyful, beautiful moments. We’ll be there for them!”

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Visit Design by Faith to see what the team can create for memorable wedding weekends.

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