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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.


Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: My Journey
Being a mom and running a business isn’t always graceful — it’s messy, magical, and deeply personal. In this blog, I share my journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, including the struggles, lessons, and small wins that keep me grounded. If you’re a mom chasing a big dream, I hope this reminds you: you’re not alone, and you’re more capable than you think.

Brandi Swanson
Dec 19, 20252 min read


9 Mistakes I’ve Made as a Wedding Planner (And What They Taught Me)
Being a wedding planner means learning on the job... and yes, that includes making mistakes. From undercharging to overworking, I’ve made my fair share. But each one taught me something invaluable. In this post, I’m sharing the 9 biggest lessons I’ve learned so you can plan smarter, grow stronger, and sidestep the stress.

Brandi Swanson
Dec 5, 20254 min read


10 Wedding Planning Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
Think wedding planning has to be stressful? Not on our watch. We’re breaking down the top 10 wedding planning mistakes couples regret—plus how to avoid them like a pro. From timeline chaos to guest experience misses, here’s what actually matters (and what doesn’t) when planning your day.
Klen Ibale
Nov 14, 20254 min read


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 12, 20255 min read


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 5, 20252 min read


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 22, 20253 min read


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 8, 20253 min read


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 4, 20253 min read


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 6, 20256 min read


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 9, 20254 min read


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 25, 20257 min read


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 28, 20255 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Being a Bridesmaid
Everything a bridesmaid needs to know—duties, dresses, bachelorette tips & more! Be the best bridesmaid ever with this ultimate guide!

Brandi Swanson
Feb 14, 20255 min read


Deciding Between A Child-Friendly or Adults-Only Wedding
Wondering if a child-friendly or adult-only wedding is right for you? Here's what to consider to make your big day seamless & stress-free!

Brandi Swanson
Jan 10, 20256 min read


My Week as a Wedding Planner
Have you ever wondered what a week in the life of a Wedding Planner looks like?
Spoiler alert: It’s never the same, and not as glamorous

Brandi Swanson
Dec 28, 20244 min read


Planning a Holiday Wedding
Plan the holiday wedding of your dreams with festive themes, seasonal menus, and magical decor ideas to create cherished memories!

Brandi Swanson
Dec 13, 20245 min read


Wedding Package Selection: Planner vs Coordinator
Planner vs. coordinator: Planners design and manage every detail from start to finish, while coordinators focus on flawless day-of execution

Brandi Swanson
Nov 29, 20247 min read


Unique Wedding Themes: 10 Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless
Explore 10 unique wedding themes, from vintage romance to modern chic, to make your wedding day truly unforgettable!

Brandi Swanson
Nov 11, 20248 min read


Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Planner
Choosing the right Wedding Planner is crucial to ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. Here are 10 questions to ask your Wedding Planner.

Brandi Swanson
Oct 3, 20242 min read


How to Craft a Stress-Free Wedding Day Timeline: Tips for Smooth Sailing Down the Aisle
Follow these tips for a stress free wedding day timeline. Book Next Chapter Weddings as your wedding planner! Houston & Hill Country, TX

Brandi Swanson
Sep 20, 20247 min read
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