Set the Tone: The couple’s black-on-black stationery suite set the tone for what they were envisioning for their big day. “I tell our clients all the time that stationery is the keystone,” Julian says. “It’s what you can see and feel long before your guests see your actual wedding day.” The invitations by Southern Fried Paper featured a pattern created by artisans in Mexico that was based on a rendering of a door at the couple’s venue.

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Local Wedding Planner Julian Leaver Ties the Knot Himself in a Moody and Romantic Affair

By Lydia Brooks

Julian Leaver & Francisco Diaz
November 12, 2022

“The timing was never right,” says wedding planner Julian Leaver of his on-again, off-again start with Francisco Diaz. “And then all of a sudden, it was.” Five years into their relationship, Julian proposed on a boat tour in St. Barts. Francisco had a hunch about what was in store but became doubtful, he says, “because there wasn’t a photographer on board, and we all know Julian would have a photographer at the ready.” Julian got down on one knee as the shutterbug—disguised as a deckhand—snapped away. A delightfully surprised Francisco said yes, and the newly engaged duo sailed off into the sunset. On November 12, 2022, the pair said “I do” in a moody and romantic affair that celebrated their love story many years in the making. —Lydia Brooks

Mix and Match

The grooms chose matching Q Clothier tuxedos styled with Seigo bow ties for their ceremony ensemble. Later, at the reception, they changed into grey dinner jackets and Dior sneakers—Julian in high-tops and Francisco in a low-slung style. 

Grand Ideas

The pièce de résistance of GRO Designs’ flowerscape was a set of floating florals that welcomed guests to the reception. Of GRO’s creative director, Nathan Johnson, Julian says, “Nathan is just a genius. He was relentless in wanting to do something cool in that space, and it more than paid off.”

Guests: 220

First Dance: “Over and Over Again” by Nathan Sykes

Signature Cocktails: A mocktail Mambo Taxi and the “Pixie-rita”—a spicy margarita named after the couple’s dog

Honeymoon: The Maldives

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