Welcome to the star-studded cast behind the scenes at Southern Bash! We're not just a team; we're a squad of dream-makers and celebration enthusiasts. Think of us as your personal entourage, ready to turn your wedding dreams into an epic reality. We're here to make sure your big day is as fun and fabulous as you are. So grab your confetti and get ready to meet the crew that's going to make your wedding dreams come true!
Hello Southern friends! My name is Kari (or Kari Lu as my family calls me). I started my career in event planning in Community Affairs at EDS in the dark ages (1993) where I planned large-scale mega-events for the company. I loved coordinating recognition and awards ceremonies, banquets, and volunteer lunches with EDS executives. In my spare time, I planned friend's and families' dream weddings. Well, here comes 1999 and it was time to start a family. I scaled back on work and changed course. However, I couldn't get rid of that event planning bug and continued to utilize my skills coordinating school and charity events. Once all three kiddos were out of the house and attending Texas A&M (Whoop!), I got to focus my efforts full-time on making my brides' big day the Southern Bash it was meant to be. When you meet me, you will be able to tell that I am passionate about your wedding day. I am trained and certified through AACWP. I value my Christian ideals - don't be surprised if you hear an "amen" when I agree with your officiant or start your rehearsal with a prayer. I always remember that in the long run, this is about the MARRIAGE, not just the WEDDING. Call me to start the planning!
Cindy got the wedding bug when she planned her daughter's wedding. It was "I Do" for bride, Ryleigh, and "I Do" to the wedding business for mom. We welcome her to Southern Bash. Cindy loves traveling with her family, studying God's word, baking, and celebrating the big and little (and everything in between) pieces of life. Cindy's favorite part of the wedding is watching the bride and groom's first dance....it just makes her heart happy. Cindy brings organization to the team from her years of corralling her numerous kiddos (5 and one grandbaby!). She also brings a sweet spirit and dedication to each bride. Everyone will be calling her "mom" by the time the big day rolls around.
Ashlee was a newly-wed who fell in love with the wedding planning process when planning her own big day. She’s a 2018 graduate of Texas A&M University, and loves all things crafting and fighting Texas Aggie football. She’s a Fort Worth resident and a proud golden retriever mom. Ashlee's favorite part of the wedding is the first dance! She is such a softie and always cries happy tears! (Dont' we all?!)
Caroline, a caring, thoughtful, multi-tasker, loves the beach, peanut M&M's, and shopping (who doesn't?). Her favorite part of the big day is watching the bride and groom leave the wedding with friends and family gathered around them.
Tami has experience planning weddings both large and small as well as corporate events and even dabbles in catering. Her attention to the smallest of details helps the bride and groom leave their focus where it should be on their special day – each other. Tami is a true green-thumb and some call her “the Zookeeper” for caring for many babies big and small. A resident of McKinney for over 25 years, she is blessed with three children and a husband of 30 years!
Charis graduated from Baylor University and is a local teacher. She loves country dancing and sports. She finds the most meaningful aspect of a wedding day is witnessing individuals make a commitment that extends beyond themselves and reflects their faith.
Ally enjoys spending quality time with my friends and family and her two dogs. Ally and her hubby are big foodies and love going out into the community and trying new restaurants. Her favorite part of the wedding day is watching the bride and groom see their visions come to life and being able to enjoy their reception with their friends and family.
Gabrielle, a work-a-holic, organized, enthusiatic soul, loves Jesus, Texas A&M (a girl after my own heart), traveling and ice cream. Her favorite part of the wedding day is watching the groom's face as the bride walks down the aisle.
Kristin enjoys volunteering in the community, coffee and walks with friends, snuggling with her Goldendoodle, playing board games with her boys, date nights with the hubby and watching sunsets. Her favorite part of the wedding day is watching the bride walk down the aisle with her loved one.
Courtney, a vivacious, empathetic, intelligent bass guitar player, graduated from Texas A&M and then UTMB nursing school. Southern Bash is helping her with her upcoming wedding to her college sweetheart in fall 2024. Courtney loves Mexican food, beaches, friends, and classic rock. Her favorite part of the wedding is the first dance as hubby and wife.
Native of Long Island, NY, Emma embraced Texas after finishing a bachelor's degree in Special Education at UNT and she stepped into full-time ministry with Valley Creek Church. There she realized how much she loved pouring into people and was reawakened to the mission of God being about loving His people well. While not working weddings, Emma is cooking or baking, serving with Valley Creek Kids, reading 4 books at once, or rewatching Psych.
Heidi is a passionate, crafty gal who loves baking, hanging out with her sisters, all things Disney, and reading whatever she can get her hands on! She is a Texas girl who understands things are always bigger in Texas (including weddings and events!) Her favorite part of a wedding is when the Bride's loved ones see her for the first time before walking down the aisle.
Megan, a transpant from Idaho, loves the ocean, Shania Twain, anything chocolate, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of the wedding day is when the bride walks down the aisle. Don't we all get chills every time we get to witness such a special moment?
Nina is an energetic and loving girl. She enjoys traveling and spending time with family. Her favorite part of the wedding is when the bride has her first looks with the bridesmaids, father and groom. What a special moment!
Chrissa brings organization, friendliness, and a sweet personality to every wedding. Chrissa loves bible study, queso and traveling. She is having fun planning her own nupitals with Southern Bash in early 2025. Her favorite part of a wedding is the send off, especially when it involves sparklers (I love me some sparklers too)!
Molly is a junior at the University of Arkansas, where she majors in Marketing. She loves spending time with friends and family, as well as cycling and traveling. Her favorite part of the wedding is the father-daughter dance. Molly will be working with Southern Bash along with her studies to help with content creation, blogs, social media and other fun items!