Amber Lee, the owner and lead planner of Once Upon a Wedding, brings an undeniable passion to her role as a Dallas Fort Worth wedding planner. Since moving to Texas in October 2020, Amber has swiftly established herself as a trusted planner and officiant, having coordinated her first Texas wedding in April 2021. With a client-first approach and a focus on relationship building, Amber has created a business rooted in genuine care, community, and an unwavering commitment to her clients.
About Once Upon a Wedding
At Once Upon a Wedding, Amber and her team offer a range of services, from full and partial planning to month-of and day-of coordination, officiant services, and even a photo booth option. Her flexibility and variety of offerings allow her to cater to the unique needs of each couple, ensuring that every wedding is a perfect reflection of their personalities and love story. With a focus on Partial Planning and Month-of Coordination, Amber has designed her services around couples seeking just the right level of support.
The Planning Process
Amber’s process is structured yet personalized, ensuring that each couple feels prepared and cared for from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of how she guides her clients through their journey:
1. Preparation (60-90 Days Out)
The planning begins 60 to 90 days before the wedding, with Amber gathering vendor contracts and creating a timeline template. Her team will be collecting information to compile into their Day-of Planner so they can get ready for the Development Phase.
2. Development
During the development stage, Amber and her team maps out every detail, ensuring everyone is on the same page for a flawless wedding day. From the photography timeline to the floor plan, Amber’s meticulous approach allows her team to execute each aspect precisely.
3. Production (Wedding Day)
On the wedding day, Amber and her team are hands-on from setup through the reception. Coordinating vendor arrivals, overseeing the ceremony, and handling cocktail hour and reception transitions are all part of her dedicated approach. The goal? To let couples enjoy their day without a worry.
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
One thing that sets Amber apart as a Dallas Fort Worth wedding planner is her love for challenges. Rather than shy away from unexpected issues, she thrives on solving them. Whether it’s a cake arriving at the wrong venue or a cake tilting mid-ceremony, Amber’s creative problem-solving skills and calm demeanor ensure that every detail is handled with grace. Her deep network with Dallas Fort Worth venues and vendors speaks to her commitment to community and collaboration. She frequently works at The Springs Venues in Alvarado, Weatherford, and Aubrey/Denton, as well as Union House TX, which is conveniently close to her home. The Loft at Rustic Creek Ranch is another favorite, offering a big, beautiful space that she’s excited to work with. By maintaining strong partnerships, Amber can bring a well-coordinated and seamless experience to her clients’ weddings.
Tips for Couples Planning a Dallas Fort Worth Wedding
For couples planning their big day in DFW, Amber offers practical advice. The weather in Texas can be unpredictable, so having a plan B for outdoor events is essential. For summer weddings, she suggests providing plenty of water for guests. She also advises checking for local events that could impact traffic on the wedding day. Above all, Amber reminds couples that it’s their day. She encourages them to make decisions that reflect their wishes, even if family, friends, or vendors have other opinions. As a true advocate, Amber ensures that her couples feel supported and empowered to create the day of their dreams.
Amber’s pricing structure is straightforward, with full planning starting at 10% of the event budget and a minimum rate of $5,000. This transparency helps couples understand the value they’re getting with Once Upon a Wedding. Amber’s packages are flexible, allowing her to tailor services to fit each couple’s needs without unnecessary upselling.
Amber isn’t just a planner; she’s an advocate. Her couples trust her to communicate with vendors, mediate family discussions, and handle any challenging interactions. Vendors love working with Amber, too, thanks to her friendly and collaborative nature. Unlike some planners who take a more transactional approach, Amber brings snacks, drinks, and cake for her vendors, ensuring everyone feels appreciated and ready to give their best on the big day.
With plans to expand her team in 2025, Amber aims to shift from working in her business to working on her business. By focusing on sales and building her team, she’ll be able to bring her expertise to even more couples. She’s also excited to begin coordinating summer weddings in Colorado, broadening her reach while still providing the top-notch service she’s known for in DFW.
Amber’s commitment to community is clear. She collaborates with local coordinators and prioritizes inclusivity in her business approach. Once Upon a Wedding values community over competition, creating a space where each client and vendor feels appreciated. Amber’s team proudly manages events for the Vendor Alliance Association, founded by local industry leaders, DFW Bartending and Alliance Entertainment.
For couples wanting a devoted Dallas Fort Worth wedding planner, Amber Lee’s team delivers a caring, complete planning experience. As one of Amber’s preferred photo and video vendors, I’m excited to partner with her in serving couples. If you’re searching for a wedding photographer or videographer, reach out. I’d love to chat and see if I’m the right fit for your big day.
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