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I Believed Love Meant Staying I believe in love. I always have. It’s why I stayed far longer than I should have in a marriage that wasn’t safe. It’s why I excused things I shouldn’t have excused. And it’s why walking away wasn’t just painful—it felt like tearing away a piece of myself. I used to think strength meant enduring. Staying. Keeping a straight face. Protecting an image. I told myself that the hard moments were just part of marriage, that love was worth fighting for—even if it meant fighting alone. But the truth is, there’s a difference between hard and harmful. The Moment Everything Changed And one night, I saw that difference through the eyes of my daughter. She was just shy of two years old when she watched her father yell at me—loud, angry, and unrelenting. I was backed into a corner, frozen. But she wasn’t. With a voice far too small for the moment, she shouted, “Daddy, stop yelling at Mama.” It wrecked me. I realized she wasn’t just witnessing this—she was absorbing it. She was learning what love looked like. What marriage sounded like. And I couldn’t let her grow up believing that this was normal. That this was love. Choosing to Leave That night, I made a silent decision. And the very next day, I left. Leaving wasn’t a clean break. It wasn’t glamorous or easy or even fully confident. It was terrifying. But it was necessary. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was fighting for something real—peace, safety, and the example I wanted to set for my children. What Strength and Surrender Really Mean Strength, I’ve learned, isn’t about hiding your pain. It’s about acknowledging it. It’s about drawing boundaries. It’s about choosing truth over image. This is what strength and surrender have come to mean for me. Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s clarity. It’s realizing you cannot change someone else. That you can grieve a dream and still build a new one. That you can let go without giving up on love itself. I Still Believe in Love I still believe in love. Not the kind that traps or tears down—but the kind that chooses, that protects, that sees, and that stays. I believe in it enough to protect it for others, even when mine didn’t look the way I hoped. If You’re in Your Own Season of Letting Go If you’re reading this and you feel stuck—please know that surrendering doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re letting yourself breathe. And that… is where the healing begins. You are not alone. And you are not broken. If you're navigating your own reset—whether in life, love, or business—I see you. And I’m cheering you on. 🕊 Follow along at @next_chapter_weddings and @brandiswansonRESET 🌿 Ready to plan a love-filled day with someone who believes in the sacredness of your story? I’d be honored to walk with you. 📍Based in Houston, TX — and happy to travel.

By Brandi Swanson, Next Chapter Weddings | Houston, TX — Sharing the real journey behind the dream Starting a new business is exciting, but it’s also scary. Doubt and fear are almost guaranteed to show up — sometimes as whispers, sometimes as loud voices in your head. When I began my wedding planning journey, I wasn’t immune to these feelings. I questioned if I was good enough, if I could balance motherhood and entrepreneurship, and if I was truly cut out for this path. Like many entrepreneurs, I quickly realized that overcoming fear in business was going to be part of the journey. But over time, I learned that doubt and fear don’t have to stop you. They can teach you, challenge you, and ultimately, make you stronger. What Doubt and Fear Taught Me 1. They reveal what matters most. Fear often shows up around what we truly care about. For me, it was my family, my reputation, and my desire to serve couples well. 2. They push you to prepare and grow. When I felt unsure, I used that energy to learn more, get organized, and improve my skills. 3. They remind you that growth isn’t comfortable. Stepping into something new means leaving your comfort zone — and that’s where real transformation happens. How I Learned to Move Forward Despite Fear I talked openly about my fears. Sharing my doubts with trusted friends and mentors helped me feel less alone. I took small steps. Rather than trying to do everything at once, I focused on manageable goals. I celebrated progress. Every successful event, every happy client, was a reminder I was on the right path. I practiced self-compassion. I gave myself permission to be imperfect and to learn as I went. Encouragement for You If you’re facing fear or doubt in your journey, know this: it’s normal, and it’s okay. Don’t let those feelings keep you stuck. Use them as fuel to move forward, learn more, and grow stronger. The path of overcoming fear in business isn’t about eliminating fear completely — it’s about learning to keep moving forward despite it. You are capable of more than you realize, especially when you keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Final Thought: Overcoming Fear in Business Doubt and fear aren’t signs that you should stop — they’re signs that you’re growing. Embrace them, learn from them, and keep pushing toward the life and business you dream of. Sometimes overcoming fear in business simply means taking the next brave step, even when you’re unsure. With courage and hope, Brandi Founder + Lead Planner, Next Chapter Weddings 📍 Houston, TX — Helping entrepreneurs overcome and thrive Connect with me → @next_chapter_weddings

By Brandi Swanson, Founder of Next Chapter Weddings The Barn at Bonner Creek, Texas - Historic Wedding Venue When I first started Next Chapter Weddings, I knew I didn’t just want to plan beautiful events—I wanted to build something meaningful. Something rooted in heart, purpose, and a deep belief in the why behind the celebration. Over the years as a wedding planner based in Houston, as our team has grown and our client list has expanded, I've come back again and again to a single truth: What we do matters. But how we do it matters even more. That’s why our team isn’t just made up of skilled professionals. It’s made up of people who share the same heartbeat. People who believe in joy, integrity, authenticity, and love—not just as concepts, but as guiding values in everything we do. So today, I want to take you behind the scenes—not into a wedding, but into the soul of Next Chapter Weddings. This is the first in a series of blog posts where I’ll share the core values that drive us, shape our culture, and help us serve couples with meaning and care. Our Core Values at a Glance as a Houston Wedding Planner Over the next few weeks, we’ll be unpacking each of these values in depth, but here’s a quick look at what we believe: We Lead with Heart – We care deeply and serve with compassion. We Keep It Real – We show up authentically, without the pressure to be perfect. We Bring the Joy – We choose peace and positivity—even when things get messy. We Work with Purpose and Excellence – We care about the details because they reflect our mission. We Take Care of Each Other – We create a team culture rooted in support, grace, and rest. We Believe in Marriage – We honor the sacredness of the commitment our couples are making. We’re Better Together – We value collaboration over competition, and community over ego. These aren’t just words on paper. They’re lived out in every email we send, every rehearsal we run, every bouquet we pin, and every conversation we have. They’re what make Next Chapter Weddings more than just a business. They make us us. Why Values Matter Anyone can plan a wedding. But what makes an experience unforgettable isn’t just the timeline—it’s the way people feel throughout the process. When our couples walk away from their wedding day, I want them to remember more than pretty florals or a packed dance floor (though we love those, too). I want them to remember feeling seen, safe, and celebrated. That’s the power of values lived out in action. What’s Next In the next post, I’ll be diving into the first value: We Lead with Heart. I’ll share what that means to me as a business owner, how it shows up in our work, and why compassion is one of the most powerful tools in the wedding industry. If you’re a couple looking for a planning team that will walk alongside you with care, or a fellow wedding pro trying to build a meaningful business—this series is for you. Let’s keep growing with heart, Brandi. Stay Connected Follow us on Instagram @next_chapter_weddings for daily inspiration, behind-the-scenes moments, and real talk from a team that truly loves love. 📅 Ready to start planning your wedding with heart and intention? Schedule a discovery call with us here.

Our FAQs page at Next Chapter Weddings, your go-to Wedding Planners, have the answers! Whether you're curious about our wedding planner services, need details on our wedding coordinator packages, or want to understand how our designers bring your vision to life, we've got you covered. Explore common questions about our process, pricing, and timelines to help you navigate your wedding planning journey with confidence. Let us simplify the planning process so you can enjoy every moment. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions from Brides and Grooms 1 What Type of Packages Do You Offer? We offer packages from Coordination to Full Service Wedding Planning. We also offer an amazing Décor Service Package to any of our Coordination and Planning Clients. Want a cute Brunch Set-up on the morning of your Wedding? We can do that too! 2 What is the Difference Between a Planning Package and a Coordination Package? Which Should I Choose? When you hire our team for any of our Wedding Planning Packages, we are hands on throughout the process of planning your event. That means that we help you find your vendors, design the over all aesthetic of your event, manage your budget, etc. If you book us for Coordination, you do all the planning. We step in after you have secured your Vendors and execute what you have planned on your own. (All Planning Packages also include Coordination.) 3 Do I really need a Wedding Planner/ Coordinator? Yesssss!!! Whether it is us or another company, you absolutely should have a Wedding Planner (or at least a Wedding Coordinator). Before launching my company, I dipped my toes into the industry by working for a Wedding Venue where I observed MANY weddings. Many had Planners/Coordinators and many did not, but I am telling you it was like night and day when you compared the weddings that hired Planners/Coordinators from the ones that did not. The amount of things that went wrong and stress levels were massly different. It's an investment that you will not regret. Enjoy the day know you have Professionals on your side! 4 Why Should We Choose Next Chapter Weddings? We love what we do and we are 100% your advocate. We genuinely care about your Wedding Day as much as you do. Plus, we are Certified and Insured with ample experience in the Industry! 5 When Should We Officially Book? It's never too early to book. I take that back...get engaged first! ;) As soon as you're ready to booking your Venue or Vendors, we are ready to help you. TIP: It's extremely helpful to have a budget in mind to build off of. 6 What Forms of Payment Do You Accept? Zelle, ApplePay, Venmo, CashApp and Credit Card 7 How Do I Book You? Use the below link to schedule a Complimentary Initial Consultation to discuss your event. CLICK HERE. Then request a contract, sign and send your Down Payment, BOOM! That's it. 8 What is the Difference between a Venue Coordinator and a Wedding Coordinator? Simply put: A Venue Coordinator's top priority is the venue. They ensure the rules are being followed. A Wedding Coordinator's top priority is their Client, YOU. A Wedding Coordinator executes your Wedding Day vision. 9 Do You Have a Team? Yes- NCW has the BEST TEAM in Houston! From Associate Coordinators, Assistants and Staffers to the Décor and Floral Set-Up/Take-Down Crew, we have the staff to meet your Wedding Day needs. 10 Will You Work With Vendors We Select? Yes, buuuuut let's chat first! One of the perks of hiring a Wedding Planner or Coordinator is to have a Professional on your side that knows the best of the best Vendors. Working with our Recommended Vendors will be the best way to ensure that your day runs smoothly. 11 What is the best form of Communicating? Email. It keeps everything in one place. We are open to calls and texts, but highly encourage email. 12 Do You Offer Payment Plans? 50% of your Package is due at the time of signing your contract. This allows us to put your event on our calendar and start the work of bringing your wedding day dreams to life. (This portion in nonrefundable.) 25% is due midway 25% is due one month prior to your event. Get in Touch Do you have question that we did not answer? Contact us.

My name is Brandi Swanson. I am a Houston Wedding Planner and the owner of Next Chapter Weddings. My company specializes in turning wedding planning into a peaceful and joyful experience. Making your Wedding Day Dreams Come True! MEET THE DREAM TEAM Brandi Swanson Senior Planner + Designer Hello, my name is Brandi. I am the owner of Next Chapter Weddings. I am also an ordained wedding officiant, and am serving (for my 4th year) on the 2026 Board for the Association of Wedding Planners- Houston. I believe your wedding day should feel like more than just a whirlwind of to-do lists and timelines. It should be a day you’re fully present for—a day you can truly feel. My passion is helping couples experience the joy, meaning, and connection that brought them to this moment, while my team and I handle the behind-the-scenes work that makes it all happen smoothly. I know how powerful it is to look back on your wedding day and remember not just how it looked, but how it felt. That moment you locked eyes walking down the aisle. The sound of your people cheering you on. The quiet breath you finally took when everything came together. I’m here to protect those moments for you —to clear the distractions, manage the chaos, and create a space where your love story takes center stage. Because one day, when life gets real (as it always does), I want you to have this day to hold onto. A day that reminds you why you started and what really matters. At Next Chapter Weddings, we don’t just plan weddings. We help you start your next chapter with peace, purpose, and presence. So get in touch with me … Let's get started planning your unforgettable day. Brandi's Favorite Things: Holding My Husband's Hand, Cuddling with my kids on the couch, The Office, Candles, Margaritas and Evening Walks and a Clean House! Sierra Harralson Associate Coordinator Sierra is an Art Institute Graduate with a keen eye for design. Sierra is based in San Antonio and serves most of our clientele in the hill country area, but you may see her every once in a while in the Houston area, as we love to see her as much as possible! Sierra has a passion for creating unforgettable moments, and brings a unique blend of creativity and professionalism to every celebration. As a devoted mom of two energetic boys and happily married to her high school sweetheart, Sierra understands the importance of family and love in every event. Fun Fact: Brandi introduced Sierra and her husband years ago!! Sierra has many skills, but she shines when it comes to handling the chaos. She is calm, collected and incisive when needed. You cannot go wrong with Sierra on your vendor team. Let her turn your vision into reality, crafting a wedding that's as beautiful and memorable as the love story you and your partner have created. Favorite Quote: "May the flowers remind us why the rain was so necessary."- Xan Oku Sierra's Favorite Things: Thriller Novels, Family Vacations and Blueberry Coffee! Landry Warren Decor + Associate Coordinator Meet Landry Warren, our talented Decor Coordinator and Associate Coordinator at Next Chapter Weddings! Born and raised in the Lake Jackson area, Landry brings a keen eye for design and a passion for creating stunning wedding spaces. She oversees Next Chapter Weddings' In-House Decor , ensuring every detail is thoughtfully curated to bring each couple’s vision to life. As our dedicated Decor Coordinator and a trusted Associate Coordinator, Landry plays a pivotal role in both designing breathtaking spaces and assisting with the overall coordination of wedding days. Whether she’s styling tablescapes or marking off her checklist, Landry helps ensure everything flows smoothly and beautifully. Onsite for almost every decor booking, Landry coordinates the logistics of our decor inventory with precision, ensuring that each piece enhances your celebration exactly as envisioned. Her commitment to excellence and her passion for creating stunning, personalized spaces mean you can trust Landry to make your wedding day beautifully unforgettable. A true lover of all things pink, Landry enjoys boutique shopping and discovering fun new restaurants in her free time. She’s also an avid TLC binge-watcher and a proud dog mom to her sheepdog, Ellie. When she’s not designing dreamy wedding setups or assisting on event day, you’ll find her spending time with her boyfriend, Colby, or hunting for the next unique piece to add to our decor collection. Landry is excited to help couples transform their wedding day with beautiful, personalized decor and stress-free coordination that make every celebration unforgettable! Landry's Favorite Things: Pink, TLC and Ellie- her pup! Tiffany Barzilla Assistant Coordinator Fueled by hot coffee, a love for audiobooks, and an eye for the little things, Tiffany brings both heart and precision to every celebration she helps bring to life. With a background at one of the area’s top wedding venues, she’s no stranger to the fast-paced world of “I dos” and “we need this done yesterday.” Tiffany thrives on creating moments that matter. Her hands-on experience means she knows how to anticipate needs before they arise, smooth out last-minute hiccups, and keep everything (and everyone) calm, cool, and collected. Clients love her not just for her attention to detail, but for how much she genuinely cares. Whether she's fluffing a veil, triple-checking the timeline, or making sure Grandma has the best seat in the house, Tiffany is all in—always. Her approach is equal parts thoughtful and creative, grounded in a deep respect for what weddings truly represent. She’s not just here to coordinate; she’s here to help you feel taken care of. Tiffany's favorite things? Audiobooks on long drives, sketching in the quiet moments, and—of course—hot coffee that’s still hot. Tiffany's Favorite Things: Family, Friends and enjoying matcha. ;) Want to know More about the Owner? Southern born – Texan raised, entrepreneur since birth, and massive Marvel Franchise fan! In my younger years: yearbook editor, newspaper advice columnist, class treasurer, crime stoppers president, pageant director… notice a pattern? Leadership, organization, and planning from childhood- it just comes natural! I make checklists for my checklists, and take great satisfaction from crossing items off! I can't wait to hear about YOUR Love Story! Check Out my Interview with Voyage Houston Magazine! READ INTERVIEW Get to know Brandi deeper with more Interviews: VOYAGE HOUSTON | DECEMBER 2021 | Community Highlights: Meet Brandi Swanson of Next Chapter Weddings CANVAS REBEL | August 16, 2022 | Meet Brandi Swanson CAVAS REBEL | August 16, 2022 | Challenging Industry Norms BOLD JOURNEY |September 8, 2023 | Meet Brandi Swanson VOYAGE HOUSTON | May 28, 2024 | Exploring Life & Business with Brandi Swanson of Next Chapter Weddings THE FACTS | August 6, 2025 | Brandi Swanson writes her own chapter with the Passion and Purpose Workshop VOYAGE HOUSTON | September 3, 2025 | Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Brandi Swanson

What an honor it is to be a part of so many amazing events as Houston's most sought Wedding Planner! Check out our gallery to get a sense of what we help create for our very special clients. From Vision to Reality — See the Weddings We’ve Brought to Life.