Where real love

meets real talk.

You’re building a life together—and it all starts here.

Planning a wedding is exciting—but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming. And what about planning for your marriage? That part matters, too. 

At Ever After Academy, we bring top wedding and relationship experts together in one place to help you navigate both. From photography to finances, prenups to planning, from zeal to zen, we host honest, real-talk events where you can learn, ask questions, and feel totally seen. Whether you're planning your wedding, your marriage, or just trying to keep your sanity—this is where the prep gets real.

Think of it as your one-stop confidence boost for the journey ahead. Once you attend a panel or a workshop, you will be ready for your next steps.

You're newly engaged? That's awesome! Now what?

Are you looking for some advice on how to start planning your wedding? Great! We’ve got you.

Don’t stop there. Your marriage deserves planning, too.

OUR SIGNATURE

Wedding & Marriage Panels

Ever After Academy brings NYC’s top pros into one room—for panel discussions that cut the fluff and give you what you actually need: advice, insight, and a no-judgment space to ask all the questions.

All Wedding 101 Panels will include those vendors usually contacted at the beginning of your wedding planning journey.

  • Wedding Planner or Coordinator

  • Venue Manager or Head of Sales

  • Caterer

  • Photographer

Founder Hope Mirlis will moderate and offer the Officiant perspective.

All Marriage 101 Panels will include professionals that couples may need as they plan their marriage-to-be. Yes, we are looking at the “taboo” topics!

  • Sex Therapist

  • Financial Advisor

  • Matrimonial Attorney

  • Home Organizer

Founder Hope Mirlis will guide the discussion as a Premarital Counselor.

THE NEXT PANEL IS:

Wedding 101

Thursday, June 24th
6-8pm
Zoom

Are you going through bridal anxiety?

Would it be nice to have some camaraderie as you plan your wedding?

OUR POPULAR

The Zen Bride

Hey ladies, along with your partner, you are planning one of the biggest days of your life! Things are going to get emotional.

You are going through a life-changing experience, therefore you need to be PRESENT for it. Allow yourself to step back and take a breath. Heck, take three. Put on your comfy pants, embrace your feminine power, cue the calming music and get ready to not only accept, but CELEBRATE the amazing changes going on in your life!

The Zen Bride gives brides-to-be an opportunity to breathe and recognize the amazing rite of passage from engagement day to wedding day. Together we will:

  • De-stress with mediation and yoga

  • Share our stories

  • Validate our feelings and emotions

  • Discuss our changes of identity

With strength and confidence, we will then create and perform a meaningful ritual leaving you relaxed and refreshed and ready to complete the journey towards wedded bliss.

Founder Hope Mirlis will guide you through the session, either one-on-one or with your bridesmaids or close friends, virtual or in-person in the New York area. It’s a time to celebrate YOU.

There is also a Quarterly In-person Workshop where brides-to-be can share and celebrate with a group of women going through the exact same thing at the exact same time!

It’s time to embrace calm and build community. Over 4 hours, you’ll share your stories with other women, validate the vast range of emotions we’re all experiencing, witness others and be witnessed and celebrate wherever you are on the journey. Let’s get excited for the road ahead… uncertainty and all!

*While this workshop is called The Zen Bride and was originally created with brides in mind, you don’t have to identify as a bride in order to participate. Whether you’re non-binary, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, or simply don’t identify with the label “bride,” you are still absolutely welcome!

THE NEXT QUARTERLY WORKSHOP IS:

The Zen Bride Workshop

Sunday, August 17th
10am - 2pm
FiDi, NYC

  • Wedding 101

    Whether you're navigating the world of weddings for the first time or looking to enhance your existing plans, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Register now and get ready to say "I do" in style!

    In 2 hours, you feel enpowered and knowledgeable about the road ahead. You will get tips and tricks, plus there will be plenty of time for questions.

    Hear from local professionals:
    • Photographer 
    • Event Planner
    • Caterer
    • Venue
    + our Founder & Facilitator - offering the officiant perspective

    SEE UPCOMING DATES

  • Marriage 101

     The future is full of unknowns and our relationships require more than love and good intentions. Unlike couples therapy, premarital counseling aims to prevent potential challenges down the line. The folks sitting on this panel are the ones Hope refers the most.

    In 2 hours, you feel enpowered and knowledgeable about the road ahead. You will get tips and tricks, plus there will be plenty of time for questions.

    Gain insights from:
    • Matrimonial attorney
    • Financial advisor
    • Sex therapist
    • Home Organizer
    + our Founder & Facilitator - offering the premarital counselor perspective

    SEE UPCOMING DATES

  • The Zen Bride

    Women have gathered in ceremonious circles based on the cycles of the moon and during periods of transition since ancient times. These circles were a ritual to connect with the natural world, each other, and celebrate the feminine.

    Why not feel inspired for the road ahead? There is so much uncertainly on the road to marriage. Why not gather with your community or join a community of brides going through exactly what you are experiencing?

    Together we will:
    • De-stress with meditation and yoga 
    • Share your stories
    • Validate feelings and emotions
    • Discuss changes of identity

    SEE UPCOMING DATES

Up Next:

VIRTUAL

Wedding 101

Tuesday, June 24
6:00-8:00pm

This panel will be on Zoom.

  • Erica Casner (she/her) is the founder of One 15 Events, a boutique wedding and event planning company that brings calm, creativity, and joy to every celebration. With over a decade of experience in weddings, mitzvahs, and large-scale events, she’s known for her inclusive approach and ability to make even the most complex days feel effortless. From vendor wrangling to timeline magic, Erica and her team keep the vibe fun and the day flowing smoothly. When she’s not planning events, she’s a boy mom, book lover, and big fan of late-night french fries.

  • Peter is a professional photographer based in New York City, known for his technical ability to get sharp and well lit shots especially at receptions and concert halls. He's shot both Grammy & Oscar award winners, professional athletes, Olympic Gold medalists, and more. You can find his work in newspapers, magazines, and around the city.

  • Jalisa Miller is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 12 years of experience in sales and events. Although a native New Yorker, she began her professional career in Philadelphia at The Ritz-Carlton, Hotel. After the start of the pandemic, she moved back to New York where she joined the Carroll Hall team as their Events Manager and will be celebrating 4 years in August 2025.

  • Kendra's 15+ years in the hospitality industry began as a server and bartender during college before transitioning to a successful career in event management. After five years as a corporate event planner in the Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Chicago areas, she pivoted to event sales, serving as the Director of Catering & Special Events for a startup and later, Sales Manager at a Washington, DC-based winery. At Purslane, Kendra has consistently increased sales year-over-year, managing over $30M in event revenue while developing strong client relationships and providing expert guidance on achieving event goals within budget. Outside of work, Kendra enjoys Peloton classes, snowboarding trips, and spending time with family in the Outer Banks.

  • Hope Mirlis is a registered Wedding Officiant, an Ordained Non-Denominational Minister, and a Certified Yoga Instructor with a focus on pre-wedding mental health and mindfulness. A native New Yorker, Hope discovered a deeper sense of calm and balance during her years living in Atlanta and the Bay Area—experiences that continue to influence her grounded, holistic approach.

    After returning to New York, she founded A More Perfect Union in 2012, where she has guided hundreds of couples as both a counselor and officiant. Through her work, Hope helps couples not only create meaningful wedding ceremonies but also build strong, lasting relationships rooted in intention, communication, and connection. She founded Ever After Academy in 2025.

QUARTERLY WORKSHOP

The Zen Bride

It’s time to embrace calm and build community. Over 4 hours, you’ll share your stories with other women, validate the vast range of emotions we’re all experiencing, witness others and be witnessed and celebrate wherever you are on the journey. Let’s get excited for the road ahead… uncertainty and all!

Sunday, August 17th
10am-2pm

FiDi, NYC

“Hope is a treasure trove of information, tools, and resources for successful marriages, which is exactly what we were looking for.”

— Kristyn B.

Upcoming panels:

Marriage 101

Tuesday, July 15
6:00-8:00pm

This panel will be on Zoom.

  • Dr Stephen Snyder is a sex and relationship therapist in Manhattan and a frequent guest on major media including NBCToday, The Times of London, Bride’s Magazine, New York Magazine, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Elle, Vogue, and Goop. In 2018 Dr Snyder was awarded the Nautilus Gold Book Award for Relationships and Communication for his first book, Love Worth Making - How to Have Ridiculously Great Sex in a Long-Lasting Relationship. Women’s health guru Christiane Northrup called it, “Hands down, the most practical, fun, and empowering book I’ve ever read on how to have a fabulous sex life in a committed relationship.” Dr Jennifer Ashton from ABC’s Good Morning America wrote, “Love Worth Making does for sex therapy what Hamilton did for the Broadway musical. This playful yet profound book reminds us that sex should be easy – and can be, once we learn to get out of our own way.”

  • Danielle has been working in matrimonial and family law since she attended law school. There, Danielle volunteered with the Sanctuary for Families, helping low-income, domestic abuse victims navigate the divorce process. Her work with the pro bono organization forged her interest in domestic relations law and a passion for providing efficient and empathetic legal services to clients faced with emotionally heavy legal matters.

    Prior to graduating law school, Danielle held internships with two private Manhattan-based matrimonial law firms, where she honed her knowledge of the practice. Upon her admission to the New York State Bar, First Department, Danielle worked as an associate matrimonial and family law attorney in private practice for ten years before hanging her shingle in February of 2020.

  • Hope Mirlis is a registered Wedding Officiant, an Ordained Non-Denominational Minister, and a Certified Yoga Instructor with a focus on pre-wedding mental health and mindfulness. A native New Yorker, Hope discovered a deeper sense of community and balance during her years living in Atlanta and the Bay Area—experiences that continue to influence her grounded, holistic approach.

    After returning to New York, she founded A More Perfect Union in 2012, where she has guided hundreds of couples as both a counselor and officiant. Through her work, Hope helps couples not only create meaningful wedding ceremonies but also build strong, lasting relationships rooted in intention, communication, and connection. She founded Ever After Academy in 2025.

  • Florence has worked for more than twenty years in France, the United-States and the Middle East. Through her connections and exceptional organizational skills, she has succeeded in building a diverse network of talented and gifted individuals.

Wedding 101

Tuesday, September 16
6:00-8:00pm

This panel will be on Zoom.

  • Sheavonne has always been the go-to person for weddings and events among her family and friends. In 2004, she decided to merge her passion with her expertise in impeccable event planning, leading to the creation of Events by Sheavonne.

    Her clients appreciate her impeccable style, keen attention to detail, and unwavering work ethic. Sheavonne is fortunate to have an exceptional team that any planner would admire. Together, they consistently surpass expectations to provide their couples with the ultimate wedding planning experience. Her journey as a wedding planner has allowed her the privilege of connecting with wonderful couples, and she genuinely enjoys uncovering their love stories and understanding their dreams for their wedding day.

    Sheavonne has built a network of top-tier vendors and has experience with some of the most unique venues. The primary objective of Events by Sheavonne is to ensure their couples enjoy an event filled with love, laughter, and steadfast support.

  • Justin McCallum (he/they) is a photographer for vibrant people and joyful events in New York City and beyond. His goal is to affirm clients' love, make folks feel like total rockstars, bust a move on the dance floor — and take so many fabulous photos of y’all, obviously. Focusing on a truly personal approach to wedding photography, Justin believes the experience in front of the camera is as valuable as the photos he takes, making sure subjects feel seen, gorgeous and like themselves.

    Although Justin and his camera live in Manhattan in NYC, they bring our blend of documentary and editorial style to weddings and events everywhere across the five boroughs, from New England to California, and around the world. His work has been featured by The Knot, The New York Times, BRIDES, A Practical Wedding, Offbeat Wed, Munaluchi Bridal, Kleinfeld Bridal, Men’s Vows, GLAMOUR, TimeOut New York, the Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed, and Reuters. Justin has won The Knot's Best of Weddings 10 years in a row (2016-2025) landing in their Hall of Fame and being selected to appear in The Knot's first ever commercial. Additionally, he has won the WeddingWire Couples Choice and Best of Zola awards, plus was named Thumbtack’s #1 Wedding Photographer in New York City.

  • Jules Miller, has 10 years of experience in the events industry, 8 of which were spent as Production Manager at one of New York City's most popular wedding venues. Her understanding of this niche industry allows her to bring personalized service to her clients and the awareness and skill that comes with overseeing hundreds of events. The Revelry Cooperative is the perfect solution for new venues just starting out, or non-traditional spaces looking to add revenue, who want guidance in how to make the most of their location without the commitment of a full-time employee. 

    Jules was born and raised in the land of Prince, where she caught the hostessing bug while helping her mother prepare for her many dinner parties. This continued throughout college (oh so many themed bashes) and, after working in retail and music, finally  discovered her life's passion in events. She currently lives in Brooklyn and spends her free time snuggling with her Pomeranian, Waffles, going to the beach as much as possible, playing fierce games of celebrity and attempting to give her library card a better workout than her remote control. 

  • Hope Mirlis is a registered Wedding Officiant, an Ordained Non-Denominational Minister, and a Certified Yoga Instructor with a focus on pre-wedding mental health and mindfulness. A native New Yorker, Hope discovered a deeper sense of community and balance during her years living in Atlanta and the Bay Area—experiences that continue to influence her grounded, holistic approach.

    After returning to New York, she founded A More Perfect Union in 2012, where she has guided hundreds of couples as both a counselor and officiant. Through her work, Hope helps couples not only create meaningful wedding ceremonies but also build strong, lasting relationships rooted in intention, communication, and connection. She founded Ever After Academy in 2025.

Meet Hope, our Founder & Facilitator.

Hope Mirlis is a registered NYC Wedding Officiant, an Ordained Interfaith Minister, a Certified Yoga Instructor and has been working with couples across the country since 2009. Her goal is to bring balance and inspiration into marriage preparation as you plan your wedding and not only honor, but strengthen your relationship. It can be a daunting task, but doesn’t have to be – and you certainly don’t need to do it alone.

Hope is an excellent tour guide as you travel from engagement to wedding day. She's also an amazing connector. After years in the industry, she knows a plethora of talented wedding professionals, as well as tons of referral partners.  Hope founded A More Perfect Union in 2012 and Ever After Academy in 2025.

FAQs

  • Ever After Academy offers expert-led panel discussions and interactive workshops designed to help engaged and committed couples prepare for both their wedding day and their marriage. From the Zen Bride series to real-talk panels with wedding pros, we’re here to give you the tools, clarity, and confidence to create your happily ever after.

  • Our events are designed for engaged or committed individual and couples. We know you need more than just Pinterest boards and vendor lists. If you're looking for real advice, calming practices, and expert insight into weddings and marriage, you're in the right place.

  • We host two main types of events:

    • Panel Discussions featuring rotating wedding professionals and experts who guide couples before marriage. Everyone will share advice, stories, and tips - and be prepared to answer your questions live.

    • Zen Bride Workshops, designed to help brides-to-be stay grounded, centered, and joyful leading up to the big day.

  • Both! We offer a mix of in-person events in New York City and virtual experiences so you can join from wherever you are.

  • Tickets are available right here on our website and on Eventbrite. Each event listing includes details on location, format, and pricing.

  • Yes! If you can’t make it live, we’ve got you covered. Registrants receive access to recordings after the event.

  • Our panelists are seasoned wedding and marriage professionals — from planners and photographers to sex therapists and financial advisors. They change from month to month, so each panel offers something new. Scroll back to see who will be featured in upcoming panels.

  • Absolutely! If you're looking for something more tailored — whether it's a one-on-one session, a group experience, or something just for your bridal party — we offer custom workshops, by request.