Events of Q1
Photos in order of appearance: 1. TMAA entrance (c/o Panacea Collective’s instagram) 2. Tablescape design for TMAA gala dinner 3. Congo line = wedding success 4. Sweetest young couple at the Woodbine Mansion 5 & 6. BTW of wedding guests giving their “confessional” 7-16. Various photos of the style shoot at Ma Mansion in Dripping Springs // Note all photos taken by me unless otherwise specified.
I dove back into the world of events this year and it felt very familar. It’s satisfying to see an event come together in real-time—the energy, the details, the moments of connection. I recapped the events I was apart of in January, February, and March, with many more lined up this year!
1. Texas Medal of the Arts Awards Gala
I kicked off my return to events by working registration with The Panacea Collective at the prestigious Texas Medal of the Arts Awards Gala. This annual event celebrates the creative excellence, exemplary talents, and outstanding contributions of Texans in various artistic disciplines. Being part of this celebration of Texas culture and creativity was both inspiring and energizing. The gala brings together artists, patrons, and cultural leaders from across the state, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Helping to manage the registration process allowed me to witness the excitement of attendees while ensuring a smooth entry experience—a first impression that sets the tone for the entire event.
Once registration slowed down, I assisted in detailing the gala dinner space, which was flipped from a reception to 70+ tables in less than 2 hours. The candle-filled room was a gorgeous—my hands were sore from lighting so many candles!
2. Garden Party Wedding
I joined Kristen and her team at Hype Woman Productions and worked a wedding at the historic Woodbine Mansion in Round Rock, a stunning venue with its 1900s Victorian architecture and elegant gardens.
The day flowed seamlessly from ceremony to reception. My favorite wedding activity was a reality-TV style “Confessional” set up for guests to share a memory, a sentimental moment or hilarous story for the bride and groom. The HWP team was tasked with ensuring all wedding party participated. The couple was delightful and so obviously in love, it was such a happy day. Weddings are special; the joy is palpable, and the reward of seeing everything come together is unmatched.
I won’t be planning weddings full-time, so if your are in Texas and happen to be stumbling upon this, look up HWP!
3. Style Shoot at MaMansion
Possibly the most creatively fulfilling event this quarter was participating in a collaborative style shoot at Ma Mansion in Dripping Springs. This event brought together a dream team of wedding vendors—planner (HWP), rental companies, dress boutiques, bartenders, DJs, musicians, photographers, videographers, and florists—all contributing their expertise to create magazine-worthy wedding scenes.
I love a well-thought-out logistical plan as much as I appreciate aesthetics, so it was great to be apart of making that flow happen for all the creatives. Everyone left with portfolio of content captured by five different photographers, content creators, and videographers on site. It was also a perfect opportunity for me to connect with other local wedding vendors.
Check out this reel the videographer put together or this gallery sneak peek by the main photographer Amairani—they capture the beauty and freshness of this event.
✨ Vendors ✨ 🎥 Photography & Videography: @unityreel.ur.wedding / 💡 Planning Concept & Design: @amairanithomasonphoto / 📋 Planning & Content Creation: @hype.woman.productions / 🏰 Venue: @themamaison / 💄 Hair & Makeup: @valiandcobridal / 🌿 Florals: @tiffanylarsondesignco_atx / 🪑 Rentals: @wildvioletrentals / 🎧 DJ: @complete.atx / 🍸 Bartender: @drinkslingersatx / 👗 Bridal Shop: @unbridaledaustin / 🍰 Cake & Desserts: @sugarshakerbakery / 🎻 Strings: @sirenstringstx / 🎨 Live Artist: @dashasarty / 🚘 Classic Vehicle: @scottclassiccarrentals / 📸 Content Creator: @momentsbygabby / 🤵 Tux Shop: @sigstagmidland / 💌 Stationery: @wild.rose.stationery / 💎 Jewelry: @zafirofinejewellers / 📰 Publisher: @hype.and.hitched
✨ Featured Models ✨ 💍 Ceremony Couple #1: Lexi & Sam – @lexibruce21 / 💑 Engagement Couple: Breanna & Donovan – @rasloth_ / 👰 Solo Bride: Breanna – @feminine_modeling_ / 👰 Solo Bride: Grace
What’s next in Q2..
Coming back to event work after focusing on other aspects of my career is both refreshing and affirming. These experiences have reinforced these insights:
The power of presence: There's simply no substitute for being physically present at an event, feeling the energy, and responding to needs in real-time.
The value of versatility: Each event required different skills—from the corporate professionalism of the gala to the emotional intelligence needed for weddings to the creative collaboration of the style shoot.
The importance of networks: The events industry thrives on relationships and recommendations. Connecting with industry colleagues has been as rewarding as the events themselves.
The joy of creation: Whether it's creating a seamless guest experience or a beautiful styled vignette, there's profound satisfaction in bringing visions to life.
As I continue building Nat's Eye, these event experiences will inform my approach to creative consulting across all service areas. The attention to detail, timeline management, and collaborative spirit that events demand are transferable skills that enhance every project I undertake.
If you're planning an event and looking for support—whether it's pre-production, planning or day-of coordination—I'd love to discuss how Nat's Eye can help bring your vision to life. Check out my event experience.