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

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Festive Florals: Julian looked to Nathan for his day-of floral design. To create the couple’s desired moody and romantic look, Nathan filled the venue with a cadre of spotted orchids, violet calla lilies, and blush garden roses.

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Space to Relax: Though one might expect a professional wedding planner to be involved in every bit of his own nuptials’ planning process, Julian chose to let his trusted colleague and friend, Sarah, take charge. “I was almost getting too close,” Julian laughs. “Letting Sarah take the lead allowed me to relax and enjoy the process, like we try to do for our clients.”

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Frosted and Floating: Francisco’s idea for the cake to have a floating layer was brought to life by Lauren Kitchens of Fancy Cakes by Lauren. The sugar-paper-covered confection contained three flavors: strawberries and cream, double chocolate, and champagne cake with raspberry filling.

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Charcuterie Cuties: Bite-size charcuterie boards plated in miniature bell jars served as the escort card display. “Sarah knew that the one thing you could count on when coming to our home is that you will be served some type of charcuterie,” Julian laughs. “That’s just our thing.”

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

Dark Magic: Wedding planner and designer Sarah Kane of Julian Leaver Events took inspiration from a chic, modern restaurant and Francisco’s hometown of Mexico City, Mexico, to create the day-of design. “Julian and Francisco both love a clean, contemporary look with some drama,” she says. “While the overall aesthetic was dark and moody, lots of personalized touches made it feel warm and inviting.”

Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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

Credits

  • Ceremony/Reception Site

    Hall of Lights

  • Photographer

    Abby Jiu Photography

  • Hair & Makeup

    Maitee Miles

  • Groom’s Attire

    Q Clothier; Christian Louboutin; Dior; Seigo New York (ceremony); Suitsupply; Dior (reception)

  • Groomsmen’s Attire

    The Black Tux

  • Flower Girl Dress Designer

    Childrensalon

  • Flowers

    GRO Designs

  • Stationery

    Southern Fried Paper

  • Cake

    Fancy Cakes by Lauren

  • Catering

    Blue Fire Total Catering

  • Music

    Justin Cash; Garrett McGrew (ceremony); Jordan Kahn Orchestra; Mariachi Fiesta USA; DJ Hooligan (reception)

  • Lighting

    Jacob Co Creative

  • Videographer

    Candlelight Films

  • Getaway Car

    DFW Vintage Cars

  • Transportation

    Premier Transportation

  • Wedding Rentals

    Bella Flora; Center Stage Floors; Nüage Designs; Party! Dallas; Perch Decor; Sandone Productions; Top Tier Event Rentals

  • Wedding Planner/Designer

    Sarah Kane, Julian Leaver Events

  • Additional Vendors

    The Pictsy Booth

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