Emi and Greg are a couple one can’t help but want to be around. Not only are they completely charming, kind and fun, but they are genuinely good people.

Tzahhia was the lead planner for their wedding and really wanted to throw in all sorts of design elements that were unique to the couple, that they would look back on fondly for years to come.

Chances are, if you have seen images of events at The Nasher Sculpture Center, you’re likely to have seen beautiful receptions on their perfectly manicured garden. The initial plan was to have Emi + Greg’s wedding outdoors as well. Texas weather, however, had another plan in mind. It decided to pour rain and Plan B had to be executed instead.

Although this was not the original concept, The Nasher has multiple spaces for events. It was just a matter of getting creative and finding alternatives that would make the most sense logistically.

Scroll on below to see images of this wedding, and learn more about the couple in their own words.

 

Tell us about your love story – how did you meet?

We met during what seemed like an optimistic moment from COVID, in May 2020. The pandemic was far, far from over, so we got to know each other by finding a mutual love of the outdoors — hiking, stand-up paddle boarding and running. We clicked instantly as we found so much in common. On New Years Day 2021, Greg popped the question on a trip to Gruene, Texas and of course Emi said yes!

What was your vision for the wedding?

Our love of the outdoors, culture and Emi’s love of Dallas drew us immediately to the Nasher Sculpture Center. We wanted our wedding to feel elevated but also approachable with warm colors and meaningful elements to showcase our personalities. Early in the planning, Emi listened to an interview with Priya Parker talk about her book, The Art of Gathering. It served a large part of our vision by focusing on the environment we want to create to give a glimpse to our values and interests and to share this experience with our guests.

What advice do you have for other couples/brides-to-be?

From a practical standpoint, our advice would be to hire a wedding planner if you are able. Emi has planned many events through her work and knew the level of effort required for an event like this. Because we had such a wonderful planner and vendors who made the most sense for our wedding, we were able to focus more of our creative juices on the smaller details to make the event especially personal and unique to us. Plus, there will always be circumstances beyond your control so it’s a much more enjoyable experience surrounded by experts.

 

 

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

We each brought pets into our relationship, Greg’s dog Tilac and Emi’s cats Penny Lane and Sgt. Pepper. While the animals were not able to join our special day, they were incorporated throughout. First was with an illustrated family portrait with our pets that served as our guest book. Next, we commemorated them with custom, embossed cocktail napkins — one version with Tilac telling folks to wipe their paws and another with Penny, Pepper and a message to purr me another.

Also, rather than a garter or bouquet toss, we tossed a stuffed animal dog and cat into a crowd of animal-loving guests. The people who caught the bouquet would be the next one to get a pet! We also had a stunning seating chart that became a marquee element of our wedding layout! The sign was backlit and included greenery and florals. On the other side we hung a custom neon sign with our initials. It fit perfectly into the lobby, like it was part of the Nasher’s installations.

What was your favorite part of the day?

We both love karaoke but due to the pandemic hadn’t sung karaoke together in public. To remedy this, we created a surprise karaoke performance as part of our first dance. We sang an adapted version of “Marry You” from Bruno Mars with choreography and had the best time performing together.

Were there any sentimental moments/items incorporated to the wedding?

Emi’s late grandmother taught ikebana flower arrangement classes in Japan for many years. As a nod to her memory, our florist created ikebana-style center pieces on our guest tables. Instead of a groom’s cake, Greg’s dessert table included an assortment of his favorite desserts including a variety of mini-cheesecakes and a mini-pecan pie.

 

Emi also left Tzahhia the nicest review:

We had the best experience with Tzahhia and the Keestone team. Her design aesthetic is what initially drew me to her and then realized her organization, encouragement and experience made the process a breeze! We had the full planning package and it was worth every penny. And in true Texas fashion the weather did not cooperate during set up on our wedding day. Not to fear, Tzahhia already had contingency plans in place so our special day went out without a hitch. I highly recommend Keestone for your special event!

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You can view other weddings that Tzahhia has planned for below:

• Claudia + Ben at A Tasteful Place and Rosine Hall
• Kala + Will at The Olana
• Paige + Mike at First Presbyterian of Dallas and  The Adolphus
• Brittany + Reid at Christ the King + Park Cities Club
• Halley + Nick at Marie Gabrielle