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Stress-Free Wedding Planning & Design | Houston, Austin, San Antonio + Beyond!
Real Weddings, Expert Tips & the Heart Behind Next Chapter Weddings.
A blend of design inspiration, expert guidance, and the real-life moments that shaped Next Chapter Weddings.


5 Things I’m Most Proud of in My Wedding Planning Journey
Being a wedding planner is more than timelines and checklists... It’s a journey full of lessons, wins, and heart. In this post, I’m opening up about the 5 things I’m most proud of, from creating intentional weddings to building a supportive community. Whether you’re a fellow planner, a vendor, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes, these reflections offer a real look at the purpose and pride that fuel this work.

Brandi Swanson
6 days ago3 min read
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From Dance Recitals to I Do’s: How My Past Led Me to Becoming a Wedding Planner
From ballet slippers to bridal bouquets, my journey to becoming a wedding planner started in a dance studio. The lessons I learned backstage — in leadership, organisation, and creating once-in-a-lifetime moments — now shape every wedding I plan.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 173 min read
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8 Tips for the Night Before Your Wedding
Tomorrow’s the day—here’s how to keep tonight peaceful and stress-free. What to do to feel calm, present, and ready for your big day Okay, deep breath, you’re getting married tomorrow . Whether that feels totally surreal or just wildly exciting (or both), the night before your wedding is a special kind of energy. It’s like Christmas Eve, but with more waterproof mascara. And while it might be tempting to triple-check your seating chart or reply to every “Can’t wait for tomorr
Klen Ibale
Oct 104 min read
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Balancing Family, Passion, and Business Without Losing Yourself
Being a business owner, a mom, and a human all at once? It’s a lot. In this post, Brandi shares real talk and practical tips for finding balance, setting boundaries, and building a life that actually works—for your family and your dreams.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 33 min read
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Planning the Perfect Wedding Send-Off
A wedding send-off is more than just a pretty photo. It’s the emotional finale that turns your celebration into a full-circle experience. From petal tosses to glow stick exits, this guide shares creative wedding send-off ideas, tips for planning a smooth and stylish wedding exit, and ways to make your final moment feel just as meaningful as your first kiss.
Klen Ibale
Sep 263 min read
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How to Trust Your Own Expertise When Starting Your Wedding Planning Business
In this post, Brandi of Next Chapter Weddings shares how she learned to trust her own expertise when starting her wedding planning business. From reflecting on past experience to celebrating small wins, she offers practical ways new planners can build confidence, embrace authenticity, and create a business they truly believe in.

Brandi Swanson
Sep 193 min read
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Year-Round Romance: A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Planning for Every Season
Choosing your wedding season isn’t just about a date — it sets the tone for your entire celebration. From spring blossoms to cozy winter nights, every season brings its own style and magic. In this guide, we’ll share tips to help you plan with confidence, embrace the best parts of your chosen season, and create a wedding that feels like a true reflection of your love story.
Klen Ibale
Sep 125 min read
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Finding Support: The Role of Encouragement in Pursuing Your Passion
Pursuing your passion isn’t a solo journey. This blog explores how encouragement, community, and genuine support can help you stay inspired, push through doubt, and turn your dreams into reality.

Brandi Swanson
Sep 52 min read
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What Should You Do With Your Engagement Ring During the Ceremony?
Wondering what to do with your engagement ring during the ceremony? Explore three thoughtful options to keep it safe, stylish, and stress-free.
Klen Ibale
Aug 293 min read
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5 Lessons I’ve Learned About Leadership Through Healing
Leadership isn’t just about strategy or structure, it’s about heart. In this honest reflection, Brandi shares how healing shaped her into the kind of leader who leads with empathy, presence, and trust. From burnout to breakthroughs, these lessons will resonate with anyone growing through what they’re going through.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 223 min read
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Building a Wedding Planning Business From Scratch as a Single Mom
Starting a wedding planning business as a newly single mom wasn’t easy but it was Brandi’s way of rebuilding. From working late nights in a tiny apartment to booking her first wedding, this is the honest story of how grit, motherhood, and purpose built something beautiful from scratch.

Brandi Swanson
Aug 83 min read
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Why You Should Consider a First Look on Your Wedding Day?
Discover the magic of a first look. Why it might be the emotional, stress-free start your wedding day needs.
Klen Ibale
Aug 14 min read
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Planning Your Personalized Wedding: 5 Ways to Make It Truly Yours
Your wedding should feel like you. From personalized vows to music that tells your story, here are five meaningful ways to create a day that’s true to your love and unlike anyone else’s.
Klen Ibale
Jul 184 min read
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A Bride's Guide to a Stress-Free Wedding Day
Your wedding day should be filled with joy, not stress. These 5 practical, heart-centered tips will help you stay calm, present, and fully in the moment—from your morning coffee to your last dance. Let go of the pressure to control every detail and discover what really makes a stress-free bride glow.
Klen Ibale
Jul 43 min read
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How to Plan the Best Engagement Party: A Step-by-Step Guide for Brides
Planning your first big celebration as a bride-to-be? This fun and practical step-by-step guide breaks down everything you need to throw the perfect engagement party—from choosing the right theme and setting the vibe, to hosting stress-free and making it personal to you and your fiancé.
Klen Ibale
Jun 206 min read
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A Downtown Houston Wedding Story: Serena & Hector's "Speakeasy Love"
Serena and Hector’s downtown Houston wedding brought speakeasy romance to life with moody lighting, Art Deco vibes, and a rooftop ceremony surrounded by skyscrapers. Their day was full of bold style, heartfelt details, and bilingual touches that honored both families. From the custom cocktails to the flawless florals and mariachi serenade, every moment felt like a scene from a modern love story. This celebration proved that when classic elegance meets city edge, the result is
Klen Ibale
Jun 66 min read
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Writing Your Own Wedding Vows: A Personalized Guide to Expressing Your Love
Writing your own wedding vows doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tips, you can craft heartfelt, meaningful promises that reflect your relationship. This guide walks you through how to write wedding vows that feel real, personal, and true to you. No pressure, just love.
Klen Ibale
May 236 min read
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How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Finding the perfect wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. From guest count to budget, this guide will help you choose a space that fits your vision and sets the tone for an unforgettable day.
Klen Ibale
May 94 min read
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Jasmine + TK’s American Wedding at Addison Woods
Jasmine & TK’s American wedding at Addison Woods in Houston was a stunning sequel to their love story. Just days after their Nigerian celebration, they embraced modern elegance with heartfelt traditions, vibrant florals, and joyful dance battles. This unforgettable day perfectly blended culture, romance, and celebration.
Klen Ibale
Apr 257 min read
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Nigerian Wedding at Enoch's Event Center in Houston.
Jasmine & TK’s Nigerian wedding at Enoch’s Event Center in Houston was a joyful blend of tradition, culture, and elegance. From vibrant attire and music to heartfelt customs and stunning décor, every detail reflected their love story. This celebration is full of inspiration for couples planning a cultural wedding.
Klen Ibale
Mar 285 min read
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