WHO WE ARE
THE AGGIE OWNED + OPERATED WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN COLLECTIVE OF TEXAS SERVING CLIENTS GLOBALLY
HEATHER ALANA
Founder + Principal Planner and Designer
Do traditional ivory weddings set your heart aflutter? Then I may not be your cup of te-quila. If you’re looking for an against-the-grain experience exploding with color - then I’m your girl!
First, pop the champs because I do believe that a toast is in order. You’ve found the ying to your yang, the noodles to your pad thai, the snap to your crackle-pop, and you’re ready to get hitched.
Take a sip and a deep breath, and know that you don’t have to tackle the most epic bash of your life alone. You are exactly where you need to be.
I’m Heather Alana, the founder of Epoch Co+, and I’m here not only as your wedding planner but also as a friend, confidant, advocate, cheerleader, mood board maven, and wedding day aficionado.
While my career into wedding design and production was not planned (how ironic), I can’t imagine my life anywhere else. Epoch Co+ was founded on a dire need and intense passion. My love affair with the wedding industry began a short lifetime ago with event rentals and styling. But after passing tissues to one too many weepy brides shedding tears for all the wrong reasons, I decided that I could no longer just show up and make things look pretty for other wedding planners. I needed to have my hands in all the details to prevent these wedding-day calamities from happening. I was not going to witness another monsoon-soaked reception tent, friend vendor (aka “friendor”) cancellation, or anything like the Great Cake Meltdown of 2014 … oh no, not on my watch. In fact, as your wedding planner I vow to protect your day and your sanity.
Before the big day even rolls around, comes my absolute favorite part of the job: getting to know our wondrous couples (yea, I’m talking to you) during such a notable time. My main goal is that you have one hell of a party! And with months of prep and check-lists leading to it all, I think it’s important (and necessary) to have some fun with it.
Although I’m THE don of design and a lover of logistics, with the patience of a zen master, I wouldn’t be able to call this dream my job, or have nearly as much fun, without my stellar creative collective. Our mutual love of artistic design, list making, organization and epic parties have earned us features in BRIDES, Carats & Cake, Green Wedding Shows, Style me Pretty, Martha Stewart Weddings, INSIDE, Bridal Guide, Southern Weddings, Brides of Houston, COWGIRL Magazine, Junebug Weddings, and 100 Layer Cake—But more importantly, a Texas-sized list of happy couples.
ASHLEY MICHELLE
Austin Wedding Planner and DEsigner
I developed my sense of hospitality while studying my dad in the kitchen. I’d perch on a stool, and with one dash and dollop at a time, help him create massive meals for our 30-person family. To watch something come to life, whether it be a recipe or a fabulous fête, gives me a great sense of accomplishment, but watching others enjoy what I’ve had a hand in creating, truly gives me goose bumps (in the best possible way).
Since then I’ve loved cooking, baking, creating, and people. So, naturally when it was time for me to pick a major at A & M University, I chose… chemical engineering (did you just raise your eyebrow in confusion? Not surprised). Needless to say, it wasn’t for me. Working toward a degree in hospitality and a certificate in professional event management was much more my thing. I now focus on creative design and contagious joy. I have an (unofficial) minor in reception toasts, should anyone need a coach. And I’m all about the customer service and minimizing any
stress
I want to be helpful in every way—even if that means sharing my own dancing shoes when you quickly regret your sky-high wedding pumps (story based on actual events)—because watching newlyweds enjoy their seamless day unfold truly fills my heart to the brim.
While I value tradition (that’s the Aggie in me speaking), I believe that it is way more fun to be unexpected and unique. If what’s expected of you doesn’t bring you joy, then ditch it (like I did) and head for the road less traveled. I can guarantee there is one hell of a party waiting for you.
Faves + Fun Facts:
Calligraphy Connoisseur
Would live off of espresso martinis and spicy mango margaritas, if I could
Self-proclaimed “mom” personality
Aspires to appear on the Food Network
Could style a dessert table for days
Internet Search Master
LEAD WEDDING COORDINATORS + PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS
SHELBY LEIGH
COLLEGE STATION WEDDING PLANNER
Looking for a wedding planner in College Station? Look no further than our Shelby Leigh.
Constantly dreaming about my future hobby farm
Never turns down a good meal, especially if Mexican food is involved
My Southern accent gradually gets a little thicker after each drink
My worst habit is buying new houseplants when I get even remotely stressed, but can you ever really have too many houseplants?
My favorite place is a packed Kyle Field whoop! … you just can’t beat it
EMI grace
DALLAS WEDDING PLANNER
Looking for a wedding planner in Dallas? Emi is your girl!
INTERNS
Looking to get your feet wet in the wedding planning and coordination industry?
Epoch Co+ offers six-month unpaid internships. These are perfect for those looking for a hands-on approach to learn the ins and outs of the wedding biz. Get a sneak peek of our programs, processes, and workflows.
Are we a match made in heaven? To learn more, email Heather.