The Calm in the Chaos: Haylee Handly on Crafting Intentional Weddings
When it comes to wedding planning, having someone calm, grounded, and detail-driven in your corner can make all the difference - and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Haylee Handly of Water to Wine Events. Known for her thoughtful approach, heart-led planning style, and seamless event execution, Haylee brings a refreshing sense of ease to what can often feel like a whirlwind season. We talk with Haylee about what inspires her, how she helps couples focus on what truly matters, and why she believes intentionality is the secret to a wedding day that feels as good as it looks.
Golden Fable Studio
How did Water to Wine Events come to life? What inspired you to start your planning business?
I launched Water to Wine in 2017 after nearly a decade working behind the scenes in the Houston and Galveston wedding market. I’d always known I wanted to build something of my own—something rooted in integrity, creativity, and calm leadership. Over time, I saw a gap between what couples were being offered and what they actually needed: not just someone to manage logistics, but someone who could bring clarity, artistry, and emotional steadiness to an incredibly personal process. I built this business to be both an anchor and a compass for the couples I serve.
As a mom and business owner, how do you balance wedding season with family life?
Let’s be honest—I don’t always balance it well. I think “balance” is more of a myth than a goal. What I do strive for is presence: being where I am, when I’m there, and staying honest about what needs my attention most. Some seasons are heavier in work, others in motherhood. Structure helps. So does flexibility. I set clear boundaries, but I’ve learned to adapt quickly—and give myself a lot of grace.
How would you describe your planning style or approach?
Calm is a strategy. I lead with clarity and design with intention. That means structured planning, open and honest communication, and creative direction that’s as personal as it is beautiful. I’m not here to simply execute a checklist—I’m here to translate your story into something elevated, grounded, and deeply felt.
Where do you find inspiration when designing a wedding day experience for a couple?
The couple always comes first. I listen carefully to what they care about—both aesthetically and emotionally—and then build a design that reflects that. I pull inspiration from architecture, interior spaces, fashion, texture, tone, and the natural character of the venue. But design is never just about what looks good. It has to feel aligned.
How do you help couples prioritize when they're feeling overwhelmed by the planning process?
We pause. We zoom out. We revisit what matters most. So often, the overwhelm comes from trying to make too many decisions without a clear filter. I help couples articulate their values and vision, then guide them in making choices that support that. Planning doesn’t have to be chaotic. With a little clarity, it can actually be empowering.
What's one wedding-day moment you always look forward to?
The shift. That quiet beat after the ceremony when everything softens and the couple finally exhales. There’s something sacred about that moment. It’s when it all becomes real—and they get to just be together.
How do you tailor each event to reflect the couple's personalities and story?
No copy-paste weddings here. Every element, from the design to the flow of the day, is filtered through the lens of who the couple is and what they value. I ask intentional questions early on, build a creative partnership, and make sure every vendor is aligned around the same vision. When that happens, the event feels less like a production and more like a reflection of the people at the center of it.
Can you walk us through one of your favorite weddings you've planned on Galveston Island?
I don’t know that I have one favorite—but there are certainly some standout memories. Like the full planning + design wedding we executed in just 66 days at the Galvez for 150 guests. Or the mid-century modern wedding that came to life in the middle of a literal hurricane. Or the editorial inspired and culturally-infused wedding at The Bryan Museum with a fashion-forward and bold design. Each of these weddings looked completely different, but they’re favorites because of the memories they hold and the trust those couples gave us to create something meaningful—and memorable—for them.
What do you love most about planning weddings on Galveston Island?
Galveston has this layered charm that’s hard to replicate—historic architecture, a relaxed pace, and salt air that adds a bit of wildness to even the most polished event. It offers visually interesting venues, great food, and an easy way to host a full weekend of events without requiring a plane ticket. And while we don’t plan beach weddings, we love the island energy that shows up no matter where you’re marrying. There are definitely nuances to planning here, and we thrive on navigating them well.
Do you have a favorite Galveston venue or hidden gem you love recommending to couples?
The Bryan Museum Conservatory and Grand Galvez are where we work most often—and for good reason. Both offer a sense of place that’s hard to match. I also love the Galveston City National Bank Museum. It’s stunning for smaller guest counts when you still want a setting that feels grand and unique.
What do you wish every couple understood about the value of hiring a planner?
It’s not about whether you can plan a wedding on your own—it’s about whether you want to spend your engagement trying to figure it all out and potentially settling for a visual reproduction of something you've seen on IG or Pinterest. A great planner protects your energy, distills your vision, and curates a team that fits your values and style. We give you the freedom to be present and the structure to feel at ease—so you’re not spending hours researching florals or sorting rentals the week of your wedding. We hold space, solve problems, and ensure the day feels like you.
What advice would you give to couples planning a destination wedding in Galveston?
Don’t feel boxed in by the word “island.” Galveston can host everything from garden elegance to editorial minimalism—tropical isn’t a requirement. Hire vendors who understand the city’s quirks (whether local or just experienced) and trust your planner to guide the process. Oh—and please don’t put escort cards outside. The Gulf breeze will have other plans.
How do you approach managing big personalities or tricky family dynamics during the planning process?
With empathy, boundaries, and a steady hand. My job isn’t to mediate family drama—it’s to keep the couple at the center and ensure the planning experience stays aligned with their values. We’ve built strong systems that offer protection, not just production. I’ll step in when needed, stay calm under pressure, and always keep things moving forward with professionalism and care.
Are there any wedding trends you're loving—or ready to leave behind?
I’m loving deep, rich color palettes and the use of unexpected mediums—like food or sculptural elements—as part of the design. There’s something special about details that feel tactile and a little lived-in. I call it “lived-in luxury.” As for trends I’m ready to retire? Bows and disco balls had a great run, but we’re at the tail end of that chapter.
What legacy do you hope Water to Wine leaves with each couple you work with?
That they felt seen, supported, and celebrated. That their wedding wasn’t just beautiful, but intentional. And that they got to be present for it. We’re here to create something with them—not just for them—and that collaboration is what makes it last.
Whether it’s an intimate ceremony, a grand ballroom reception, or something beautifully in between, Haylee’s ability to bring clarity and calm to the planning process is what sets her apart. Her dedication to intentionality ensures that each couple’s story shines through - not just in the details, but in the feeling of the day itself.
As Galveston continues to grow as a sought-after destination for weddings, it’s vendors like Haylee who remind us that island weddings can be both stunning and soul centered. With Water to Wine Events at the helm, you’re in steady, thoughtful hands - right here on the Gulf.
