We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Blake Herrera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Blake, thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, my vision was clear and personal. I wanted to create magical weddings, crafting unforgettable moments for couples on their special day. Thus, “Weddings by Blake” was born, a name that carried my personal touch and dedication to every wedding I planned.
In the beginning, it was just me, Blake, pouring my heart and soul into each detail. My passion for weddings fueled my creativity and drive, and I found immense joy in transforming my clients’ dreams into reality. As word spread about the unique and personal touch of Weddings by Blake, the demand for my services grew.
Over the years, my business evolved. What started as a solo endeavor blossomed into a small team of talented individuals who shared my passion and commitment to excellence. Together, we took on more clients, expanded our offerings, and ventured into planning not just weddings, but a variety of events. It became evident that our scope had broadened beyond the confines of weddings alone.
As we expanded, I began to reflect on our identity as a company. I realized that the name “Weddings by Blake” no longer encapsulated the essence of what we were creating. It wasn’t just about me, Blake, anymore. It was about the collective effort, creativity, and dedication of my team. More importantly, it was about the unforgettable moments we were crafting for all types of occasions, not just weddings.
After much contemplation, I decided it was time for a change—a rebranding that would reflect our growth and the comprehensive nature of our services. This led to the birth of “Occasions Events & Design DFW.” The new name embodied our belief that every occasion is an event, and every event is an occasion worth celebrating. It represented our commitment to designing unique, memorable experiences for our clients, whether they were planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a private celebration.
“Occasions Events & Design” wasn’t just a name change; it was a declaration of our evolved identity. We wanted our clients to know that we were more than just wedding planners. We were creators of experiences, designers of memories, and curators of joy. The addition of “DFW” highlighted our deep roots and dedication to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where we had established our reputation for excellence.
The journey from Weddings by Blake to Occasions Events & Design DFW has been one of growth, transformation, and unwavering commitment to our clients. We have embraced the diversity of occasions we get to celebrate, and our name now reflects the breadth of our expertise and passion.
As we continue to create unforgettable moments, we remain dedicated to the core values that have guided us from the beginning: personal attention, creative design, and a genuine love for making every event a cherished memory. Our name may have changed, but our heart remains the same, driven by the joy of crafting perfect occasions for every client we serve.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I embarked on my journey into the world of weddings and events quite unexpectedly. What started as a side hustle officiating weddings around the Dallas-Fort Worth area quickly transformed into a full-blown passion. I loved being part of such a pivotal moment in people’s lives, but it wasn’t until I saw a wedding planner in action that I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Interestingly, that wedding planner was the very same one who planned my own wedding—a detail that makes my story even more special.
With a deep-seated passion for love and a genuine appreciation for every kind of celebration, I started “Weddings by Blake.” Initially, it was a one-person operation, focused solely on weddings. My aim was to craft unforgettable moments for couples on their special day, and I poured my heart into every detail.
Over time, the business grew, and so did our capabilities. It was clear that our name no longer reflected the breadth of services we offered. We were no longer just about weddings; we were about creating memorable events of all kinds. Hence, we evolved into “Occasions Events & Design DFW.” This new name encapsulated our belief that every occasion is an event and every event is an occasion worth celebrating.
Our brand stands out for many reasons, but most notably for our unwavering commitment to excellence. We never back down from a challenge and always go the extra mile to ensure every event goes off perfectly and everyone involved is happy. This commitment has become the hallmark of Occasions Events & Design DFW. Whether it’s a 500-person wedding in a massive ballroom, a private celebration for two, or an 80th birthday party, we approach every event with the same level of dedication and love.
What sets us apart is our ability to embrace the diversity of events and the unique stories behind each one. Every event we do revolves around love, and I absolutely adore that aspect of my work. It’s a privilege to be a part of these special moments, and it’s a responsibility we take very seriously.
I am incredibly grateful for my team, who have embodied the same core values that I hold dear. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in building our reputation. Together, we strive for perfection in everything we do, ensuring that each event is not only memorable but also a true reflection of our client’s vision.
In summary, Occasions Events & Design DFW is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of love, dedication, and excellence. I am proud of what we have built and excited for the many celebrations yet to come. Our journey from Weddings by Blake to Occasions Events & Design DFW is a testament to our growth, passion, and unwavering commitment to making every event special.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Starting a business is never easy, and my journey is a testament to that. At 23 years old, I had a mere twenty dollars to my name and a notebook full of dreams. Armed with my ordination and a deep desire to help couples say “I do,” I launched Weddings by Blake. My mission was clear: to provide unforgettable wedding experiences without the exorbitant price tag that often accompanies such services.
In the early days, I was driven by passion and determination. Securing my first couple was a milestone, and from there, word of mouth brought me my next client, and then the next. I prided myself on being different from my competitors, offering high standards and exceptional service at extremely affordable prices. It was a model that attracted many clients, but eventually, it became apparent that it wasn’t sustainable. Despite the satisfaction of creating beautiful weddings, the business wasn’t profitable.
Recognizing the need for a change, I decided to pivot. We began offering coordination and planning services, which not only increased our revenue but also brought immense joy to our work. We were no longer just about officiating weddings; we were crafting entire experiences from start to finish. This expansion marked the beginning of a new chapter for our company.
However, nothing could have prepared us for the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Weddings came to a standstill, and like many businesses in the industry, we struggled to stay afloat. Faced with the possibility of shutting down, we had to think creatively and act swiftly. We reached out to a company we had worked closely with and initiated discussions about merging our businesses. This collaboration proved to be a lifeline, allowing both companies to navigate through the pandemic together.
The resilience of Occasions Events & Design DFW has been tested time and time again. There have been moments when we came perilously close to closing our doors. But each time, we found a way to persevere. Our incredible clients and the unwavering dedication of our team have been our saving grace. They believe in our vision and in the value of what we create, which fuels our determination to continue, no matter the obstacles.
Our journey from Weddings by Blake to Occasions Events & Design DFW has been marked by growth, reinvention, and resilience. We’ve learned to adapt, to pivot when necessary, and to always keep our clients at the heart of everything we do. Our brand is built on a foundation of excellence and affordability, and we take immense pride in every event we create.
Today, Occasions Events & Design DFW stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of flexibility in business. We are more than just a company; we are a team of passionate individuals committed to making every event special. Our story is one of resilience, and it serves as a reminder that with determination and a supportive community, anything is possible.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
In the world of event planning, where the stakes are high and the details are paramount, the best source of new clients often isn’t flashy advertising or social media campaigns—it’s something much more personal and profound. For Occasions Events & Design DFW, word of mouth has been our most powerful and cherished source of new business.
Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working at many beautiful venues and collaborating with an array of talented vendors. These partnerships are not just professional connections; they are relationships built on trust, respect, and a shared commitment to excellence. There’s no greater compliment than when a vendor or venue recommends us to a couple. When a few months after an event, we receive an inquiry from a couple who was referred by a vendor we’ve worked with, it truly means the world to us. It signifies that our dedication to creating unforgettable moments has made a lasting impression.
Our clients are also a tremendous source of referrals. We’ve had the honor of planning weddings for the daughters of previous clients, as well as for their cousins, close friends, and even colleagues. It’s incredibly rewarding to see familiar faces at different celebrations, knowing that our work has resonated so deeply with them that they trust us to bring their loved ones’ dreams to life. There’s something magical about being part of these interconnected stories of love, where we see our couples in the same room over and over again, celebrating life’s most significant moments together.
Every referral is a testament to the hard work and heart we put into each event. It’s more than just business for us; it’s a reflection of the relationships we build and the joy we bring to our clients’ lives. When someone refers us, they’re not just passing along our contact information—they’re sharing their trust and confidence in our ability to create something truly special.
At Occasions Events & Design DFW, we believe that a referral is the highest compliment we can ever receive. It speaks volumes about our reputation and the positive experiences our clients and partners have had with us. It’s a powerful reminder that our commitment to excellence, affordability, and personalized service resonates with those we serve.
In an industry where every detail matters and every moment counts, the trust and support of our clients and partners are invaluable. Their referrals not only help us grow but also reinforce our mission to create unforgettable events that celebrate love and connection. We are deeply grateful for every recommendation, as it fuels our passion and drives us to continually exceed expectations.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain dedicated to fostering these meaningful relationships and delivering exceptional experiences. The power of word of mouth is immeasurable, and it is through these personal connections that we find our greatest success. Thank you to everyone who has referred us and to those who will in the future—you are the heart and soul of Occasions Events & Design DFW.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oedtx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oedtx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occasionsdfw
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oedtx
Image Credits
– Brittany Barclay Photography
– CJS Photography