What do you like to be called?
Soph. Being called Sophie takes me back to getting a stern talking to from my parents when I was five. haha.
What’s your business name?
Hello May
What do you do at Hello May?
We are an online blog, directory and print magazine dedicated to supporting and promoting the many talented businesses that make up the Australian and New Zealand Wedding Industries and connecting those businesses with couples planning a wedding day that is unique to them.
Where is Hello May based?
The team is dotted up and down the South Coast of NSW
What is Hello May’s ethos?
Don’t be an arsehole. haha. No seriously at Hello May we strive to just be as ethical and sustainable as we can be across all facets of our business.
Were there moments in your formative years that might have indicated an interest in your line of
work/?
Being a Graphic Designer by trade I was always hit up to design my friends’ wedding invitations. It was my introduction to the wonderful world of weddings that I’ll be forever grateful for.
Why did you start up Hello May?
To provide a home for all the folk in the wedding world that were bucking trends and shaking up the wedding industry from the sometimes cheesy and always super traditional norm. Hello May is a home for vendors and couples alike who are doing things their own way, trends be damned.
A stand-out moment since starting Hello May?
Every day is a great day. We get to work with so many talented vendors and proudly display their work across our print and digital pages.
Worst moment?
I could do without having to pay tax! haha!
Have there been any mistakes you’ve made that you feel you have grown/learnt from?
I’ve been working in magazines for 20 years now so Hello May is a well-oiled machine.
Where are you at with your Hello May currently and are there any plans on the horizon?
We celebrated our 10th birthday last year so in 2023 we’re really aiming to shake things up rather than continue to do things the way we’ve always done them. We’re excited about all of the changes to come. Watch this space!
What trends are you seeing in the wedding industry?
Forget trends. If you love something and it resonates with you as a couple and warms your heart to include it in your wedding day, then go nuts I say.
Other hobbies/interests
Photography and painting. I love my Pentax ME Super K1000 and I’m legit obsessed with single-line drawings and abstract expressionism – I can get lost in painting all day long. I post my paintings to my highlights on my personal insta.
Tell us about some of your favourite vendors
The Rebel Union of course! But every single one of the vendors listed beside you on the Hello May directory is a fave. They would not be on our directory otherwise. Yes, we’re a paid directory, there is no hiding that, but we won’t take money off anyone. Vendors need to have amazing reviews from past couples, be great at what they do, and take pride in their branding and photos. We only recommended the best of the best.
Favourite food
Buratta is my fancy answer. Hot chippies if Im hungover though.
Favourite song
Anything by Tom Petty. Friend of The Devil is a great one. Square One is also a goodie. I was lucky enough to see him live at the Hollywood Bowl nine day before he died. It’s almost embarrassing how big of a Tom Petty fan I am.
Your spirit animal and why?
My Fox Red Labrador Bernice. She’s got the sauciest paws.
If you had one piece of advice to share with couples, what would it be?
Sign up for the Hello May newsletter. Scroll our directory for amazing vendors. Buy our magazine for loads of advice and inspiration. We’ve been doing this for over a decade and we know all the good peeps!
