If you’ve checked out our recent blog post, Instagram feed, or even the latest issue of Brides of North Texas, you’re already familiar with Lauren + Jack. Their original wedding day (and what turned out to be their “marriage day”) was set for March 21st, 2020 – literally the first weekend that the country shut down due to the coronavirus – and it took two more tries to get to finally host their reception(check out all those different Save the Dates!). But as you can see, it was WELL worth the wait.
Planning (and re-planning, and then re-planning again) Lauren + Jack’s wedding came with a rollercoaster of emotions that lasted well over a year, but through it all, they kept their sense of humor, their excitement for the wedding, and – most importantly – their devotion to each other. While their original wedding day didn’t turn out quite how they’d imagined, they were happy just to get married and to start their lives together, no matter what the circumstances were. And with the extra year of craziness and quarantine, it just made their guests that much more excited to party – and let me tell you: it was a PARTY.
From an amazing DJ to a huge spread of Heim BBQ to a chic little reception dress to a 90s cover band to a stunning sparkler exit, the dance floor stayed packed, the bar stayed busy, and Lauren + Jack’s loved ones stayed happy beyond words that we were all finally getting to celebrate this amazing couple. It was truly a night that no one will forget!
Like what you see? Check out or amazing vendor team below:
Venue: Brik Venue
Photo: Laning Photography
Video: Silver Bear Creative
Florals: Alba Dahlia Floral
Band: The Dick Beldings
Catering: Heim BBQ
Cake + Desserts: Creme de la Creme
Rentals: Taylor’s Rentals
When Covid started to shut things down across the Dallas/Fort Worth area, one of the first venues to close was Hannah + Rodrigo’s: the city-owned Botanic Gardens. We’d been planning their intimate April wedding for nearly a year at that point, and we were under major time constraints: Hannah, a recent graduate of medical school, had just been assigned to a residency program in Florida and was moving out of state at the beginning of May. Basically, we didn’t have time to scramble to make a new plan; we only had a few weeks to make her wedding happen – or it wouldn’t happen at all.
While Hannah + Rodrigo packed up their lives and got ready to move, their incredible vendor team and I came up with a new plan and design, with the venue being Hannah’s mother’s beautiful home. Instead of the 30 or so guests they’d counted on, we cut the guest count to only 6, with some of their closest friends and family – including Rodrigo’s parents in South America – following along on Zoom.
Hannah had spent nearly a year planning each and every detail of the day, and we kept the spirit of her design even with the smaller scale of the wedding. Everything was so special and beautifully designed, from the custom coffee sleeves provided by Rockwell’s Coffee to the stunning stationery created by one of our very favorites, Brown Fox Creative. Coupled with the vibrant florals from Dr. Delphinium, the entire day felt warm and bright and inviting – exactly as Hannah had dreamed.
The wedding was a small one – the very first of our “micro-weddings” – but there was so much love that the house felt full enough to burst. Every moment was bright and joy-filled, with laughter and smiles in spite of the state of the outside world – and the bride and groom’s impending cross-country move. For a few beautiful, happy hours, the only thing that mattered was Hannah + Rodrigo and the new family they had built. The day was lovely beyond words, and we felt so lucky to get to be a part of it all.
Like what you see? Check out our amazing vendor team below!
Photo: Lightly Photography
Floral: Dr. Delphinium
Rentals: POSH Couture Rentals and Taylor’s Rentals
Catering: Local Foods Kitchen
Cake: Creme de la Creme
Desserts: Black Rooster Bakery
Stationery: Brown Fox Creative
Coffee Cart: Rockwell’s Coffee Cart
Planning: Julep Events
I’ll never forget the way it played out. Sunday, March 15th, my husband and I were celebrating his birthday with beers and BBQ at Wild Acre in Fort Worth, talking about the year ahead and this crazy new virus that was starting to spread in cities like Seattle and NYC. I remember telling him that I was worried about all the people flying in from out of state for Lauren + Jack’s wedding at Brik in only six short days, but he reassured me that even if a few people had to drop out, it would still be a great party (and, knowing Lauren + Jack, I knew it was true!). Honestly, I really wasn’t that worried – we were at a bar right then, surrounded by strangers, after all – but then, between that day and the next, absolutely everything changed.
When I turned on the news the next morning, the world as we knew it had turned upside-down. There were press conferences, statements issued, new rules and regulations popping up that differed from city to city and county to county. Everything was shutting down – including wedding venues. Including Brik. On the surface, business ground to a halt… but when you’re a wedding planner, there’s never a stopping point. Suddenly I was scrambling. Just in the next two months, we had six weddings, and I knew that all of them were going to be completely and totally upended in every possible way, but my first thought was of Lauren + Jack – and their wedding that was only five days away.
It was devastating to have to call Lauren and have the discussion about how to choose a new date, what to say to their 150 guests, and what our next steps should be. We spent many teary-eyed hours on the phone that week, figuring out how to proceed. I was heartbroken for her and I felt awful because, for the first time in my professional life, I didn’t have the answers. Every single hour brought a new wave of “unprecedented,” and all I could do was be there for her and try to help her navigate the difficult circumstances of postponing a wedding.
But through it all, Lauren + Jack stayed undeterred. They were still going to get married on March 21st. And they did – in the backyard of their beautiful home, surrounded by only their very closest family and their incredible photography team, Laning Photography, which captured the deep emotions of the day.
Lauren + Jack are a perfect reminder that love overcomes absolutely everything that this world can throw at us. They were devastated by the way it all happened – I remember Lauren saying, “If we had only scheduled our wedding for one week earlier” – but in the end, their joy from becoming husband and wife was able to carry them through.
Like what you see? Check out our amazing vendor team below!
Photo: Laning Photography
Floral: Alba Dahlia Floral
Lauren’s Dress: Lulu’s
Casey + Woody had dreams of eloping to a Canadian mountainside, but when Covid took that option out of play, they started looking closer to their Florida home – and found the Emerson. It was the perfect setting for their boho-inspired fall micro-wedding.
Working with Casey was a dream. She was confident in her vision and completely trusted her vendor team to bring it to life; in fact, she was so trusting that she booked every vendor (including the venue!) without ever seeing them in person. As we navigated the challenges of planning a wedding from afar (especially in the time of Covid!), her strength and resilience were so inspiring, and it was such a joy to see her vision come to life.
Surrounded by fourteen of their closest loved ones, Casey + Woody tied the knot in the Emerson’s beautiful chapel, and then headed into the farmhouse for a beautiful dinner provided by Vestals Catering. They kept things simple and low-key in a chic, intimate way, and every detail was thoughtfully curated, from the place settings to the florals to the reception playlist (hello, Phoebe Bridgers, MorMor, and Alvvays!). After dinner, dances, and cake cutting – plus a surprise FaceTime from Woody’s best friend, who’s currently deployed overseas, that left everyone in happy tears – Casey + Woody were happy to sit and talk with their guests all evening long.
Like what you see? Check out our amazing vendor team below!
Venue: Emerson Venue
Photo: Madeline Shea Photography
Florals: Haute Floral
Catering: Vestals Catering
Cake: Crumb & Kettle
MUAH: Brite Beauty
Rentals: Coral Lane Event Rentals
Coordination: Julep Events
It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.
With many venues reducing or eliminating dance floors altogether, couples are getting more creative with their entertainment. Whether it’s hiring a band to provide a show instead of just some dance hits or introducing a more interactive performer like a magician, celebrity impersonator, or tarot reader, our clients are looking outside of the box for vendors who will keep their guests engaged – even without the Cha Cha Slide.
Hosting a Zoom call for faraway guests has become a major element of Covid weddings this year, but we foresee it continuing into future celebrations, too. So many couples have far-flung guest lists these days, and why should we forget about guests who can’t travel for the occasion when we could so easily Zoom them into the party too – and send a bottle of champagne and a party popper to them so they can enjoy the festivities with us?
One of our top new trends in favors: welcome baskets! Instead of having koozies at the bar, programs at the sign-in table, and sparklers outside the back door for send-off, couples are looking more toward curated gift boxes that encapsulate the entire wedding experience – from hand sanitizer to custom masks to fun wedding-centric items – in a more personalized way. Why spread interactive elements out across the venue when you can package them together in a beautiful box for each guests that also includes favors and heartfelt Thank You cards?
Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:
Photo credits: (1) Brides, (2) Wedfully, (3) Martha Stewart
It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.
It goes without saying that weddings have become smaller and more intimate out of the necessity of social distancing and keeping our loved ones safe. With that shift, though, has come a new and, quite frankly lovely, change in focus – namely, from the Instagrammable to the truly special and meaningful. We’re seeing such a change in priority, and the result is that more and more couples are forgoing the elaborate and Pinterest-inspired for the details that make their days personal, comfortable, and guest-oriented. There’s been a definite turn toward nostalgic details (think custom paperie, comfort food on the menu, and playlists full of the classics) and elements meant to make guests feel at home – like comfy lounges, which are just as much a design element as they are a way to ensure the comfort of your guests.
While guest counts are dropping, budgets largely aren’t, so we’re seeing much more flexibility in spending than hat we often had before. After all, a budget of $50k looks very different for a 150-person wedding than it does for a 20-person wedding! With all the extra money left in our clients’ budgets, we’ve been seeing lots more custom pieces and major design statements, like high-dollar floral installations and gourmet dinners that may have been unattainable before.
Some of the old stand-bys are still holding for 2021 – jewel tones in winter, pastels in spring, soft dusty blues in summer, and earth tones in fall – but we’re also seeing a major rise in bright, cheery colors. Vibrant pinks, oranges, and yellows are striking, eye-catching, and celebratory, and couples who have been through 2020 are wanting to celebrate in the biggest ways.
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in the planning process is in the way couples are choosing their vendors. It’s no longer enough to see good reviews and a gorgeous Instagram feed; couples want to know that their vendors share their values. Whether it’s support of marriage equality, inclusive and accepting content on websites, or a Black Lives Matter sign in the office window, couples are more in-tune with vendor values than ever before.
(And, just so we’re as clear as can be, Julep Events loves, supports, and celebrates ALL couples.)
We’ve also seen a major shift toward nostalgia in our clients’ designs. More than ever, our brides are having their dresses heirloomed and their bouquets pressed, and grooms are picking out cuff links and ties with timeless designs that they can pass down to their sons for their wedding days. We love to remind our couples that a wedding is a celebration for the whole family, and it’s so special to be able to pass pieces of it down to future generations as heirlooms.
Overall, 2021 is showing us that traditions are being upended. Couples are wanting to create designs and experiences that are unique to them and that reflect their love stories instead of recreating what they love on Pinterest, and they’re focusing more than ever on celebrating their guests and loved ones, too. Everything has a more personal touch to it – and, quite frankly, we’re here for it.
Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:
Photo credits: (1) Kelsey LeNae Photography, (2) Lightly Photography, (3) Lightly Photography, (4) kikki.K
It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.
With elopements and courthouse weddings on the rise and so many couples looking to buck the old traditions, it’s no wonder that brides are thinking outside the white, lacey box for their wedding dresses. Modern looks like jumpsuits and colorful dresses have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and we expect to see a lot more of them in 2021. I mean, who wouldn’t want to look as chic as Lily Allen in her vintage Dior?
For the brides who do still want to hold onto tradition, though, we’re expecting them to go all-in. We’re seeing so many brides who are embracing the nostalgia and classic looks of vintage wedding styles – specifically, the styles of their mothers and grandmothers! Whether they’re wearing their loved ones’ dresses as-is, updating them for the modern era, or just incorporating details like veils and shoes, we love the sentimentality of it all. For some inspiration, check out the dress Princess Beatrice chose for her summer micro-wedding: a vintage one that her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, wore in the 60s.
We’ve seen a lot of soft, dewy, understated makeup and boho braids lately, but we’re also seeing a return to Hollywood glam – and after nearly a year of not having much to get dressed up for, we’re not surprised! Brides and their bridesmaids are getting excited about bold, dramatic makeup looks and classic, striking updos that will have all eyes on them. On your biggest day, there’s no better time to go big with your style, too – and if you need inspiration, look no further than Lizzo’s gorgeous look from this year’s Grammys.
Let’s not forget our guys! One trend that we’ve started to see recently that we expect to just keep getting bigger is the idea of grooms and their groomsmen wearing statement suits. Whether it’s a jewel-tone look for a fall wedding (like our client Kyle, pictured below in purple for his vineyard nuptials) or a rust-colored option for an elopement in the wilderness, we simply love to see grooms getting creative and letting their own personal styles show through.
Can’t decide if you want to go classic or modern? Do both! It’s your wedding, and if you want a big, beautiful princess gown for the ceremony and then a fun little dress you can dance the night away in, go for it. Looking for inspiration? Check out Debby Ryan’s style switch below. Grooms can get in on this too: swap out your ceremony tux for a colorful suit, or loosen up by ditching your tie and loafers for a comfortable pair of Chucks. Whatever your style is, embrace it!
Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:
Design + Decor
Photo credits: (1) Brides, (2) People, (3) New York Times, (3) On the Times Photography, (4) Popsugar
It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.
One of our favorite new trends overall is the rise in smaller portions, pre-prepared drinks, and grab-and-go offerings. Displays of individual menu options – whether it’s a display of single-serving soup shooters, a small dessert at each place setting in lieu of a big cake, or rows of pretty pre-mixed cocktails – aren’t just great for reducing crowding around high-traffic areas like the buffet and the bar; they can become a decor element, too! I mean, who wouldn’t want their own mini-charcuterie (which, by the way, doubles as a favor!).
Another way of reducing crowding is by opting for plated dinners rather than the ever-popular buffet. While it is a little more expensive overall, smaller guest counts mean more room in the budget for these “upgrades,” and keeping guests in their seats and presenting them with a beautifully designed meal feels both very luxe and very safe – a total win/win! Who doesn’t want their guests to feel special and taken care of? It also reduces the time that guests spend waiting around for their food so that they can focus on socializing, making memories, and enjoying the evening.
For couples who want a less traditional approach, interactive catering – like mobile bars and food trucks – are perfect for those outdoor weddings! Moving cocktail hour and/or dinner outside means that guests can mix and mingle comfortably, and then put their masks on to go back inside. Plus, mobile vendors become as much a part of the decor as your flowers – and they’re way more fun for your guests!
Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:
Style + Beauty
Photo credits: (1) Enchanting by Mon Cheri, (2) Kate Panza Photography, (3) The Bubble Bus Co
It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.
It’s no secret that venues start booking up over a year in advance, so when 2020 weddings started to postpone, there were very few Saturdays and Sundays to choose from – especially during peak season. Because of this, many couples have chosen to opt for weekday weddings! According to The Knot, one third of weddings are already being held on weekdays, and it’s a trend that we fully support. Choosing a date that falls during the week can be cost-effective, and since vendors are typically all booked up on the weekends well in advance, you’re more likely to get the ones you want if you choose a non-peak day – especially when you’re planning for a shorter engagement.
This can go hand-in-hand with hosting your wedding on a weekday, but we love a good brunch wedding! There’s so much room for creativity when it comes to a morning or afternoon reception; if you’re not locked into the typical “dinner and dancing” format, you can introduce all kinds of alternatives for entertainment. Plus, who doesn’t love a luxe coffee bar or a breakfast buffet, like we arranged for Hannah + Rodrigo’s beautiful at-home celebration?
Tented weddings have always been stunning, but these days they’re becoming a necessity, too. Whether you’re hosting your wedding at home, on the grounds of a venue, or in a non-traditional location like an open field, a wholly outdoor wedding allows for larger guest counts while still maintaining social distancing. When the weather is less than ideal – think summer in Texas – opting for a tent works as well for protecting guests from the elements as it does for providing a stunning design element.
One new trend that we’re seeing a rise in is the concept of a “shift wedding,” where guests rotate in and out of the celebration. For example, think childhood friends for the ceremony, coworkers for cocktail hour, and immediate family for dinner and dancing. It’s definitely an out-of-the-box idea, but with so many traditions being thrown out the window, why not embrace this idea? It’s a great way to keep from cutting your overall guest list, and you get to spend more quality time with each group of guests throughout the day. Another method for this is splitting up the celebration into several different small parties – and who wouldn’t want to stretch out their wedding for as long as possible?
Want to forego the typical traditions altogether and just get married? Elopements are on the rise, whether it’s just a quick visit to the courthouse or a full-blown trip across the world. After all, what could be more socially distanced than you, your partner, your officiant, and your photographer out in the wilderness?
Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:
Catering + Bar
Photo credits: (1) Lightly Photography, (2) Town & Country Magazine, (3) Green Wedding Shoes
