It’s been almost a year since Samm and Joseph got married, and somehow this has become the hardest wedding I’ve ever tried to put into words. Not because there isn’t enough to say, but because there might be too much.

When your best friend marries the love of her life, and you get to be both the maid of honor and the wedding planner, it’s impossible to separate the memories from the work. Every timeline tweak, every design decision, every late-night text message and every happy tear lives together in one giant, beautiful blur. This wasn’t just another wedding on my calendar. It was their wedding. And I needed every single moment to feel exactly like them.

If you’ve spent any time around me, you know I have a soft spot for couples who aren’t interested in checking boxes. Samm and Joseph never wanted a wedding that could belong to anyone else. They wanted something that felt like the intersection of pop-punk playlists, Mexican heritage, gothic romance, darkwave aesthetics, and the kind of love story that makes you believe soulmates might actually exist. So that’s exactly what we built.

Some vendors are selected after careful consideration, others are simply non-negotiable.For me, calling Janelle from Green Petal Design was one of the easiest decisions of the entire planning process. When a couple asks for dark, romantic, slightly haunting floral design without sacrificing elegance, she’s one of the first people I think of. Somehow she always finds the perfect balance between moody and breathtaking, creating arrangements that feel less like flowers and more like living works of art.

DJ Nick from Sinclair Sound was another immediate phone call.Because incredible parties aren’t built on playlists—they’re built on reading a room. Despite navigating a strict sound ordinance, Nick somehow managed to keep the dance floor exactly where it belonged all night long. EDM. Throwback hits. Alternative rock worthy of the couple. Every transition felt effortless, and every song felt intentional. Exactly as it should.

Long before guests ever stepped onto the property, though, the story had already begun. Through Velvet & Veil Paperie, we designed custom tarot-inspired save the dates that hinted at what was coming before unveiling rich red velvet invitations layered with gothic romance, dramatic textures, and enough “Till Death” energy to make every guest immediately understand that this wasn’t going to be a traditional wedding.

Of course every single vendor was chosen with all the care in the world, but it was the easiest time I’ve ever had curating a vendor list. The cocktails however, these took the whole time we were planning for the couple to perfectly create their signature cocktails – and it was absolutely worth it. (Read all about their thoughts and epic details on Rock N Roll Bride!)

I will forever be grateful to the trust these two put in me to plan this day, the incredible team that made it so I could party through it, and most importantly to my besties for being the true magic in the weekend.

Thank you to the dream team!

Planning and Design: Something Blue Productions

Photography: Cammy Marie Photo

Florals: Green Petal Designs

DJ: Sinclair Sound

Stationery: Velvet & Veil Paperie

Rentals: Standard Event Rentals

Bakery: Goddess Noir Cakes

Hair: Hair by Rach S

Officiant: Graceful Ceremonies

Dress: J’aime Bridal // Essense of Australia

Suit: Indochino

Groom’s Hat: Coup de Tete