meet the team
Welcome to the team behind Southern Bash — a collective of creative minds, meticulous planners, and passionate celebration experts dedicated to bringing unforgettable weddings to life.
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. Fun fact - all three of those kids decided to get married in a 12-month timeframe!
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!
kari, founder
Caroline grew up in the DFW area and joined the Southern Bash team in 2020 while attending Abilene Christian University, where she also deepened her faith. Starting as a planning assistant and growing into a Lead Wedding Planner, Caroline has loved growing alongside the Southern Bash team.
She enjoys combining organization and creativity to bring each couple's unique vision to life while building meaningful relationships throughout the planning process. Her favorite wedding moment is watching the newly married couple walk back down the aisle and celebrate with their family and friends. Caroline is passionate about serving couples with excellence while keeping God at the center of every celebration.
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 three grandbabies!). 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.
Charis is passionate about creating timeless, meaningful weddings that reflect the unique story of every couple she serves. A proud graduate of Baylor University, she brings a thoughtful, organized, and creative approach to every celebration, believing the most beautiful details are the ones that are intentional and personal.
Charis finds joy in studying Scripture, traveling, watching movies, writing, playing sports, and finding inspiration in the beauty of everyday life. She brings that same curiosity, hospitality, and care into every wedding she creates, crafting celebrations that feel warm, joyful, and effortlessly elegant. Her greatest desire is for couples to be fully present on their wedding day, knowing every detail has been thoughtfully cared for.
Yes, she's from New York. Yes, you're going to see her break it DOWN on the dance floor at your wedding. And yes, she's going to be your biggest fan from the moment she meets you! Emma loves details, Jesus, well-written books, anything chocolate, bio hacks, and the beach. She'll probably crack a few dad jokes on your wedding day to diffuse the tension, so don't forget to laugh and tell her she's hilarious!
When not working weddings, she's going to be at the gym or home with her husband and their dog Bluey rewatching old seasons of The Amazing Race. (If you like TAR too, make sure to ask Emma about her bachelorette trip!!)
Emma
cindy
caroline
charis
Ally, a mom of 2, enjoys spending quality time with her friends, 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.
Barbra is a detail-loving organizer with a heart for helping big moments run smoothly. With decades of experience managing projects, schedules, and vendors, she thrives behind the scenes. She is been married for 31 years and has 4 kids and a daughter-in-law. Barbra's favorite part of a wedding is that quiet or joyful instant when you realize you’re witnessing something meaningful - two people starting a life together and trusting God to sustain them.
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.
Heidi, a flight attendant, 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.
Kaitlyn is a special ed teacher, who loves baking, watching romcoms with her sisters, volunteering at church, and traveling with her family. Her favorite part of the wedding are the toasts to the bride and groom!
Ellie’s passion for wedding planning was inspired by her mom. Growing up around the excitement and behind-the-scenes details of weddings taught her the importance of organization, teamwork, and creating meaningful moments. Ellie brings positive energy and calm confidence to every event. When she’s not assisting on wedding days, she enjoys adventure, baking, and showing off her moves on the dance floor.
Chrissa brings organization, friendliness, and a sweet personality to every wedding. Chrissa loves bible study, queso and traveling. She recently celebrated her own wedding 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)!
Madigan is a senior at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!), majoring in Hospitality and Event Planning. She loves the outdoors, creative projects, and being surrounded by people she loves. She thrives in a fast-paced world and enjoys watching a couple’s dream come to fruition. Faith is her foundation, and she loves sharing the love of the Lord in all she does. Her favorite part of the wedding day is standing at the back of the room and seeing the joy radiating from everyone.
Bella is a senior at Texas A&M University, majoring in Communications with a minor in Business. She loves spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, needlepointing, and creating fun and engaging social media content for brands and companies. Her favorite part of a wedding is helping the couple bring their wedding day vision to life.
ALLY
Ally, a mom of 2, enjoys spending quality time with her friends, 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.
Barbra is a detail-loving organizer with a heart for helping big moments run smoothly. With decades of experience managing projects, schedules, and vendors, she thrives behind the scenes. She is been married for 31 years and has 4 kids and a daughter-in-law. Barbra's favorite part of a wedding is that quiet or joyful instant when you realize you’re witnessing something meaningful - two people starting a life together and trusting God to sustain them.
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.
BARBRA
KRISTIN
HEIDI
ALLY
KAITLYN
ELLIE
MADIGAN
CHRISSA
BELLA
assistants
At Southern Bash, we believe a wedding should be more than a beautiful event — it should feel like you. With a heart for Southern hospitality and a gift for details big and small, we create celebrations that are timeless, joyful, and stress-free.
From the first meeting to the last dance, we’re by your side with warmth, grace, and a deeply personal touch. Our brides choose us because we listen, we care, and we deliver — blending elegance with ease so you can enjoy every moment of your best day ever.
A thoughtful approach to timeless weddings
"My heart was beyond full on my wedding day. Everything was perfectly placed and I wish I could live in my wedding day FOREVER. Thank you Southern Bash. Beyond blessed to have had all the amazing help!!"
-Nicole
"Thank you Kari for helping to make this such a special day and allowing us to truly enjoy the wedding because we knew Southern Bash was there taking care of all the details. It was a perfect day for Haley and Garrett!"
-Connie